Wildcats push Nicholas County before falling, 20-12
No. 11 Connor Jewell makes the tackle on the Nicholas County runner in the first half. The Wildcats played with great heart but penalties and turnovers cost them dearly as they lost to Nicholas 20-12 in their regular season finale. Photos courtesy of Ron Weaver/Bath County School.
OWINGSVILLE - Bath County showed improvement in its regular season finale, pushing Class 1A contender Nicholas County. But visiting Nicholas County wouldn’t be denied. The Bluejackets managed to beat the Wildcats 20-12 in a game which served as a regular finale for each high school football team.
With the loss, Bath County ended the regular season 4-6.
Nicholas County concluded the regular season 9-1 with the win.
Running back Landan Swartz led Bath County offensively, rushing 11 times for 83 yards and one touchdown in the loss.
Ty Rogers and Jake Prater split time at quarterback for the Wildcats. Rogers and Prater combined to complete 11-of-25 passes for 89 yards and one interception.
Rogers provided Bath County’s other touchdown in the regular season finale.
Defensively for the Wildcats, Mason Compton registered a game-high 17 tackles. Directly behind Compton in the Mason County defensive category, Connor Jewell recorded 10 tackles in the setback.
In addition to leading Bath County in rushing, Swartz delivered nine tackles.
Nicholas County rushed for over 200 yards in the victory. The Jackets also fared well on the defensive side, limiting Bath County to only two touchdowns.
Nicholas County’s individual statistics from the game were unavailable at press time. More on the Jackets’ regular season finale - including statistics - will appear in next week’s edition.
Both Bath County and Nicholas are headed to the postseason. Bath County has the tough task of battling reigning state champion Belfry on the road in Pike County in the first round of the Class 3A Russell Athletic/KHSAA Commonwealth Gridiron Bowl on Friday, Nov. 4.
Along with Bath County and perennial powerhouse Belfry, this year’s Class 3A State Playoffs will include Fleming County, Caldwell County, Hart County, Adair County, Union County, Paducah Tilghman, LaRue County, Elizabethtown, Fort Campbell, Central, Garrard County, Boyle County, Moore, Bardstown, Western Hills, Lexington Catholic, Waggener, Pike County Central, West Carter, Russell, Lawrence County, Estill County, Jackson County, Casey County, Powell County, Breathitt County, Bell County, Corbin and Knott County Central.
Nicholas County received a first round bye and won’t make its postseason debut until taking the field for the Class 1A Russell Athletic/KHSAA Commonwealth Gridiron Bowl on Friday, Nov. 11. The Jackets will meet the winner of Raceland/Bishop Brossart.
