Woodford County High School opened the KHSAA playoffs with a 36-6 win over Scott High School on Friday, Nov. 6, at Community Stadium, scoring all 36 points in the first half and keeping the clock running throughout the second.
The Yellow Jackets controlled the game from the opening possession, getting touchdowns on the ground, through the air and on special teams. Despite pleasant weather, the home stands were noticeably sparse for the playoff opener.
Woodford coach Dennis Johnson said his message entering the game was straightforward.
“Let’s go and take care of business,” Johnson said. “We know what it is. Just take care of business.”
A big return by David Jones Jr. set up Woodford’s first possession. Quarterback Foxx Coons connected with Rihtar for a first down before Aidyn Powell broke free for a 22-yard touchdown run. The extra point made it 7-0.
Woodford’s defense forced a three-and-out on Scott’s opening drive. Taking over with a short field, Coons found Omari Jointer for a first down, and a facemask penalty against the Eagles moved the Jackets closer to the end zone. Coons capped the drive with a 20-yard touchdown pass to Rihtar for a 14-0 lead.
After another Scott punt, JT Jackson gained a first down on a run up the middle. Jace Carroll entered at quarterback and completed a pass to Rihtar deep in Eagles territory. Powell added a first-down carry, but the drive stalled and Cash Wolfe’s field goal attempt was blocked.
The Jackets forced another punt, then used runs by Powell and Jackson to move back into scoring position. Coons found Rihtar for his second touchdown reception, and Woodford converted the two-point attempt to extend its lead to 22-0.
Jordan Holman broke up a pass on third down to end Scott’s next possession. Greyson Hodge returned the ensuing punt 70 yards for a touchdown, pushing the advantage to 29-0 in the second quarter.
The Eagles put together their best drive of the half, picking up two first downs before Jackson jumped in front of a receiver for an interception with less than two minutes remaining.
Coons connected with Jointer for two substantial gains before finding Jones for a touchdown pass, giving the Jackets a 36-0 halftime lead.
The second half moved quickly under a running clock. Scott scored its only touchdown against Woodford’s defensive reserves, but never threatened the outcome.
Rihtar, who caught two touchdown passes, said the home field provided a lift.
“It was great, man. Just the atmosphere here, it’s different every time we play at Woodford,” Rihtar said. “It’s just one of five games. That’s our goal. Our goal is to get to Kroger Field. Nothing is stopping us this year. We want it all.”
Senior lineman Josiah McKee said the Jackets wanted their playoff opener to send a message to future opponents.
“Of course, it’s always important to blow a team out, just to put teams on notice, knowing that we’re not someone to play around with,” McKee said. “We’re coming out hot.”
Asked what he had learned about himself during his senior season, McKee said, “I’m capable of doing a lot of things that I used to think I wasn’t.”
Johnson said the lopsided result also allowed reserves to get playing time that could prove valuable as the postseason continues.
“These reps are huge for those guys,” Johnson said. “Everyone knows they have to be ready in case of injury or illness, so spreading out the reps is very important.”
The Jackets will host Collins in the next round. Rihtar said limiting the opponent’s passing attack will be a priority.
“We’ve just got to minimize the passing game,” Rihtar said. “Our offense, we’ve just got to be us. We saw it last time we played them. We’ve just got to be able to stop the quarterback and stop the receivers.”
Johnson said his team understands the challenges ahead.
“They know this four-week stretch is going to be tough, so we’ve got to get ready to go,” Johnson said. “This is a good way to do that. Take care of business.”