As the Purples tried to return to Houchens Smith Stadium for a shot at the State Title, they hosted Fern Creek out of Louisville. This is the first time the two teams have met on the gridiron, as the Tigers recently migrated to Class 5A. Defense would be the key to the contest, as both teams have excelled in that area this season.
Bowling Green’s defense made their presence felt early in the game, swallowing up any run attempts in the first quarter. But BG would struggle to move the ball as well, until the final minute of the opening quarter, with the hitch pitch from Payne to Wilson to Carothers to put the Purples up 7-0 after 1. After stopping Fern Creek on a fake punt try in the second quarter, Clark Payne would find Jacob Yates on a 53 yard pass for the score. The Tigers continued to struggle offensively in the first half, and Bowling Green went to the break up 14-0.
But the Tigers would try to mount a comeback in the third quarter. After forcing a quick three and out for the Purples, Fern Creek would put together their best drive of the game, getting inside the red zone. Looking at first and goal from inside the five, a penalty after the play knocked the Tigers back toward the 20. They would push it back to a fourth and goal at the three, but the Purples would stuff them at the line to force a turnover on downs. From that point on, BG would put together solid, clock milking drives to keep the Tigers at bay. Payne would find Jamale Carothers on a quick out route in the fourth quarter, and Juice would take care of the rest, toting the rock 70 yards for the final score of the game. Final Score: Bowling Green 21, Fern Creek 0.
The Purples head back to Western Kentucky University, looking for a State Title! They will take on Pulaski County, whom they faced in their last title game. We’ll be live on Saturday night on SportingTimesMagazine.com!
