Woodford County High School wrapped up its district football schedule with a 42-8 win over Anderson County Oct. 23 at Community Stadium. The Yellow Jackets piled up 385 yards of total offense, including 196 through the air and 189 on the ground, while building a 35-0 halftime lead.
For Woodford coach Dennis Johnson, the preparation leading up to the game was just as important as the result. With the postseason approaching, Johnson said his team has begun taking greater ownership of its preparation regardless of the opponent.
“We’ve got one goal,” Johnson said. “It doesn’t matter who the opponent is. We’ve got to prepare like we’re going to win the whole thing, no matter who we’re playing. You’ve got to prepare and do the right thing.”
Johnson said he has noticed a change in how his players approach the week, with more leadership coming from within the team.
“I thought they’re really starting to buy in and get it,” Johnson said. “It’s more team-led than coach-led.”
Woodford established its running game early, pounding the ball up the middle behind several strong runs from Aidyn Powell that kept the chains moving. Quarterback Foxx Coons mixed in completions to Greyson Hodge and David Jones Jr., moving the Jackets to the one-yard line. Ryan Brown finished the opening drive with a one-yard touchdown run to give Woodford a quick 7-0 lead.
Anderson County responded with a promising possession, picking up two first downs before Darrian Tomlin made a leaping interception over the offensive line, giving Woodford excellent field position.
The Jackets wasted little time capitalizing on the turnover. JT Jackson picked up a first down on the ground before Coons connected with Kael Rihtar for a 19-yard gain. Brown followed with a 15-yard run up the middle, and Coons found Omari Jointer for a 15-yard touchdown pass to extend Woodford’s lead to 14-0.
After forcing an Anderson County punt, Woodford struck again through the air. Jace Carroll connected with Hodge for a 53-yard touchdown pass, pushing the Jackets’ advantage to 21-0.
Woodford’s defense continued to frustrate the Bearcats, forcing another turnover on downs and giving the offense another opportunity to add to the lead.
Jackson helped move the ball downfield with two first-down runs before a completion to Hodge put Woodford within scoring range. Coons finished the drive with another touchdown pass to Jointer, giving the Jackets a 28-0 lead midway through the second quarter.
The defensive pressure continued as Anderson County turned the ball over on downs once again. Powell went back to work on the ground, running downhill and finding openings in the Bearcats’ defense.
Tre Jarber capped the drive with a 15-yard touchdown run, sending Woodford into halftime with a 35-0 lead and putting the running-clock rule into effect.
The Jackets continued to find success offensively in the second half. Carroll connected with Zach Fugate for a touchdown in the third quarter, extending Woodford’s lead to 42-0.
Anderson County avoided the shutout with a late touchdown and two-point conversion against Woodford’s third-string defense, accounting for the final 42-8 margin.
Coons completed 10 of 12 passes for 120 yards and two touchdowns, while Carroll finished 3 of 5 for 70 yards and two scores. Braydon Wallis completed his only pass for six yards as the three quarterbacks combined for 196 passing yards and four touchdowns.
Hodge led the receiving corps with five catches for 92 yards and a touchdown, including his 53-yard scoring reception. Jointer caught three passes for 45 yards and two touchdowns, while Fugate added two receptions for 23 yards and a score. Rihtar contributed a 19-yard reception, while Jones, Gage Allen and Jesse Duncan also recorded catches.
Jarber led Woodford’s rushing attack with 51 yards and a touchdown on five carries, averaging 10.2 yards per attempt. Powell added 43 yards on five carries, while Wallis rushed for 38 yards on three attempts, averaging 12.7 yards per carry. Jackson finished with 31 yards on three carries, and Brown added 27 yards and a touchdown on four attempts.
Defensively, Alex Senters led the Jackets with seven total tackles, including five solo stops and two assists. Tomlin finished with five tackles, a tackle for loss and an interception, while Jacobi Liggins added five tackles, including two solo stops.
Jordan Holman recorded four solo tackles and two tackles for loss, while Andy Hawkins finished with four tackles. Elias Tackett and Josiah McKee each recorded three solo tackles and a tackle for loss. Powell and Elijah Huff added three tackles apiece, while Jarber forced a fumble.
The kicking game was also perfect on extra-point attempts. Cash Wolfe converted all five of his attempts, while Brandon Tompkins Jr. made his lone attempt as Woodford finished 6 for 6.
The large halftime lead also allowed Johnson to get his younger players valuable playing time as the Jackets prepare for the postseason.
“Their JV season is over, so it keeps them going because they practice hard,” Johnson said. “They get a chance to get some action, and you never know when I’m going to need one of those guys.”
Carroll, who completed three of five passes for 70 yards and two touchdowns, said making the most of his opportunities is important, particularly while playing behind starting quarterback Coons.
“Very meaningful, just being able to play, especially behind a guy like Foxx. It always means something to me,” Carroll said.
With the postseason approaching, Carroll said the Jackets must continue putting in the work throughout the week to maintain their momentum.
“Consistent work at practice, keeping an effort through the long days and staying focused week by week,” Carroll said.
The Jackets will close out the regular season against Ballard Oct. 30 before turning their attention to postseason play.