Bruins BATTLE the Trojans!
You could say that the Central Hardin Bruins LOVE the ground game. You might say that their offensive attack could be nicknamed “Ground Chuck!” You could say lots of things and after their 17-10 win over the North Hardin Trojans that they are all true.
After a lackluster first half in which both teams squandered several opportunities to score, Bruin head coach Tim Mattingly decided to focus in on the running game and let the offensive line take over the game. On their first possession of the new half they did just that pounding away at the North Hardin defense on seven straight running plays on a drive that would eventually cover 60-yards and would end on a 5-yard touchdown run by Josh Volentine to put Central Hardin up 10-7 for the first time in the game. The drive was actually set up by a good return by Gavin George on the second half kickoff to set them up at about the Bruin 40-yardline.
North Hardin, who actually led 7-3 at the half thanks to a 1-yard run by junior quarterback Eric Moore got a huge break when the Bruins squab kicked right to a Trojan putting the ball at midfield. The Trojans got a big completion from Moore to Jeremiah Bankhead for 25-yards on third-and- 21 putting North Hardin deep into Bruin territory setting up a 22-yard field goal by Analu Rugerio to tie things up at 10-all.
The Bruins came right back using the running game and a super play by runningback Deonco Wilkerson to put Central Hardin up for good. Wilkerson punched through a hole off left tackle avoiding several would be tacklers and broke into open field and then it was off to the races for a 73-yard scoring run. It was the longest play of the game and it put Central Hardin up for good at 17-10.
There was still 10:45 remaining, but the Trojans flirted with disaster almost immediately on the ensuing kickoff fumbling it away to the Bruins. The defense held them on four straight plays, but North Hardin wasn’t finished yet as they began a drive that would cross midfield as time was winding down. Moore completed three passes and pushed the Trojans to the 14-yardline, but after a run went nowhere, a Moore pass was knocked down, then the junior passer missed his next two passes as North Hardin gave up the ball and Central Hardin ran out the clock to preserve the win.
It was a hard fought win for the Bruins, who have now beaten the Trojans nine straight times. Their last loss to North Hardin was back in 2008. The win also gave the Bruins their fourth straight District title meaning they will host the first round playoff game against Ohio County. North Hardin will still host a playoff game against Daviess County that same week.
