By Stephen Henderson

The Patrick County High School Cougars hosted Bassett Friday night in the final football competition of the season. The Cougars were 1-8 going into the game, and the Bengals were 0-9; however, the Bengals outshone the Cougars and won the game 42-6, giving Bassett’s new coach his first high school victory.

Unfortunately for the Cougars, Bassett scored on the second play of the game on a 39-yard sweep around the left side after just 30 seconds of play. This set up a powerful offensive drive that continued throughout the night.

The Cougars could not move the ball and were forced to punt or give it up on downs in the first quarter.

Fumbles, interceptions and failure to convert on fourth downs continued to plague Patrick County in the second quarter. A melee late in the second quarter forced the ejection of several Cougar players, forcing Coach David Morrison to scramble for replacements at a couple of key positions.

The first half ended with the Bengals leading 28-0.

Bassett continued scoring in the second half on two pass receptions and a 15-yard run, taking a 42-point lead until Patrick County connected on two passes and then handed off the ball to Shemar Hill who trucked 15 yards downfield to score the lone Cougar touchdown. Ethan Harkey’s PAT was blocked, leaving the score a 42-6.

Patrick County attempted one more scoring drive in the closing moments of the game when Shemar Hill connected with Josh Cockram for a 29-yard pass to the 10 yard line; however, the clock ran out to end the game.

The big play was one of the elements of the game that haunted the Cougars—something that has been haunting them the entire season. Patrick County threw three interceptions and the Cougar defensive backs gave up four passing touchdowns against the Bengals. Bassett picked up 391 yards to PC’s 143 yards in the game.

After the game at the end zone huddle with the team, Morrison thanked his players for completing the season—that they stuck with the team for the entire season. He wanted to reassure them that their hard work will carry through with them for the rest of their lives.

He assured the team that work for the next season will start tomorrow. Also, he commended his seniors for their hard work and leadership for the season.

Morrison then looked at the underclassmen and reassured them that hard work pays off and that they will look forward to next season with enthusiasm and hard work.

Offensive rushing statistics on the night were Daeshawn Penn 4/23; Shemar Hill 12/18, TD; Frankie LaComa 8/11; Dakota Helms 1/2; and Logan Hutchens 2/-3.

Passing: Logan Hutchens 3/9 for 54 yards, 3 INTs; Shemar Hill 1/1 for 29 yards; and Frankie LaComa 1/2 for 9 yards.

Receiving: Josh Cockram 2/52; Garrett Worley 1/23; Shemar Hill 2/17

Defensively: tackles–Hunter Kenyon-14, 1 TFL; Shemar Hill-11, 1 TFL; Bryson Fulcher-11, 1 TFL, 1 pass breakup; Carson Merriman-7, 3 TFL; Will Sprowl-5, Josh Baker-4, Garrett Worley-4, 1 pass breakup; Shane Plasters-4, Chase Jessup-3, Josh Cockram-2, 1 pass breakup.