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Jr Pro Rockets undefeated, win in final seconds

QB Quinn Summers

Crittenden County's Junior Pro fifth- and sixth-grade football remains undefeated after beating Union County 8-0 Saturday night at Morganfield in a showdown between the two best teams in the league.

Crittenden quarterback Quinn Summers scored with nine seconds left to cap a two-minute, 80-yard drive that ended with his touchdown.

The young Rockets are 5-0 this season. It was Union County's first loss.

For complete results and individual statistics, see next week's printed edition of The Crittenden Press.

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Rocket offense conspicuously absent in 14-0 loss

Union RB Matthias Ervin is caught by Rockets
Preston Turley and Tyler Boone.

MORGANFIELD, Ky. – Take your pick: Interceptions, penalties, mental mistakes. The list could go on.

Any number of offensive faux pas could be held responsible for the No. 8 Rockets’ misfire at Union County Friday on a night when its defense played well enough to win against a bruising Braves’ rushing attack.

Despite forcing Union County into three fumbles, and Crittenden getting a couple of good kick returns from Preston Morgeson and Xander Tabor, to set up manageable field position a handful of times, the Rocket offense was as cold as a Siberian field mouse.

Union County scored in the second and fourth quarters to win the game 14-0. It was the first time in 38 games that Crittenden has been shut out.

“Offensively we couldn’t get it going,” said CCHS coach Sean Thompson. “Any time we got down the field into good position we made a mistake – mental mistakes from the opening horn to the end.”

Crittenden County hasn't come back to win after trailing at the half since 2006.

Rocket quarterback Hunter Jones threw four interceptions. He completed nine passes for just 38 yards and the running game mustered only 100 yards.

Although the Rockets were whistled for just three penalties, each of them were drive-killers. A personal foul in the first period and holding calls in the second and fourth quarters helped Union stop the Rockets dead in their tracks.

“To beat good teams you can’t do that,” Thompson said. “We have to go back and try to get better and make sure the kids know what to do on every play. We’re too far into the season to be making the mistakes we’re making right now.”

The Rockets were hit with a double-whammy from the Union County backfield. Big running back Matthias Ervin – listed at 5-10, 160 pounds but looks considerably larger – and Elijah Calloway combined for 241 of the Braves’ 270 total yards. Both are seniors and have filled in after Union’s top rusher Corinthian Seales-Portee broke his leg a couple of weeks ago.

Tabor rushed for 77 yards and Preston Turley caught four passes for 30 yards. Otherwise, the Rocket offense was conspicuously absent.

Noah McGowan, Caden McCalister and Turley each recovered Union County fumbles and Dylan Yates and Braxton Winders shared a sack for the defense. Crittenden hadn't lost a game after holding an opponent to 15 or fewer points since 2013.

The Rocket skipper said his team has a great deal of work to do before its hosts another 3A team, Trigg County, next week for homecoming. 

SCORE BY QUARTERS

Crittenden 0 0 0 0

Union Co. 0 7 0 7

SCORING PLAYS

U-Elijah Calloway 38 run (Chris Sabino kick) 4:35, 2nd

U-Matthias Ervin 2 run (Sabino kick) 6:01, 4th

TEAM TOTALS

First Downs: Crittenden 7, Union 13

Penalties: Crittenden 3-35, Union 4-20

Rushing: Crittenden 28-100, Union 43-239

Passing: Crittenden 9-26-4, 38 yds., Union 4-7-0, 31 yds.

Total Yards: Crittenden 138, Union 270

Fumbles/Lost: Crittenden 1-0, Union 4-3.

INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS

Rushing

Crittenden: Xander Tabor 17-77, Tyler Boone 3-(-11), Caden McCalister 3-9, Hunter Jones 5-25. Union: Ervin 20-94, Calloway 16-147, Brant Collins 1-4, Brayden McGraw 2-1, Kale Gaither 1-1, Gabe Adams 6-(-8). 

Passing

Crittenden: Jones 9-24-4, 38 yds., Boone 0-1-0, Preston Turley 0-1-0. Union: Adams 4-7-0, 31 yds.

Receiving

Crittenden: Turley 4-30, Travis Guess 2-(-1), Boone 3-9. Union: McGraw 1-7, Collins 1-2, Solomon Teehan 1-9, Ben Shreve 1-13.
Defense

Jones assist; Boone 8 solos, 5 assists; Easley 4 solos, 3 assists, TFL; McCalister 10 solos, 8 assists, 2 TFLs, 2 caused fumbles, fumble recovery; McGowan 3 solos, assist, fumble recovery, TFL; Perkins 4 solos, 2 assists; Tabor 3 solos, 2 assists; Turley 6 solos, assist, fumble recovery; Winders 5 solos, 2 assists, sack; Bailey solo; Carlson solo, 2 assists; Yates 6 solos, assist, 2 TFLs; Morgeson solo.
Players of the Game
Defense Caden McCalister. Offense Xander Tabor. Special Teams Xander Tabor. Lineman Dylan Yates.

Records: Crittenden 3-2, Union 3-3

Coach's Show: Week 5 Rockets at Union County

Middle School Rockets win for third time

QB Micah Newcom

Crittenden County defeated Browing Springs 8-6 in middle school football action Tuesday night at Rocket Stadium.

The team improved to 3-4 overall and it has won three of its last four games.

The young Rockets scored early on a touchdown pass from Micah Newcom to Gabe Keller, then held on defensively to beat the Madisonville school by two. The winning points came on a conversion pass from Newcom to Turner Sharp.

The CCMS Rockets close out their season Tuesday at home against Caldwell County, which has one of the top middle school teams in the region.

For more information, including complete individual statistics, see next week's printed edition of The Crittenden Press, or SUBSCRIBE NOW to the full digit version for just $2.95 a month.

At a Glance: Rockets at Union County Braves

BY ANDY HUNT

2019 Union County 3A (2-3, District 0-0)
Week 1 – Madisonville North Hopkins (4-0, 4A) – LOSS – 0-41
Week 2 – Hopkins County Central (0-4, 4A) – WIN – 42-0
Week 3 – McLean County (1-3, 2A) – WIN – 34-0
Week 4 – Murray (3-1, 2A) – LOSS – 7-21
Week 5 - Caldwell County (4-1) - LOSS - 50-13

Union County has 43 players on its roster, 30 on varsity (36 in 2018).
The Braves have the 10th lowest scoring offense in 3A.

Crittenden vs Union County Series

Season - Location - Score - CC Result
1964 - HOME - 6-30 – Loss
1965 - AWAY - 0-19 – Loss
1966 - HOME - 0-38 – Loss
1967 - AWAY - 0-28 – Loss
1968 - HOME - 0-40 – Loss
1969 - AWAY - 16-54 – Loss
1970 - HOME - 8-38 – Loss
1971 - AWAY - 0-8 – Loss
1972 - HOME - 6-41 – Loss
1973 - AWAY - 0-41 – Loss
1979 - AWAY - 0-42 – Loss
1980 - HOME - 0-42 – Loss
1981 - AWAY - 8-21 – Loss
1982 - HOME - 6-33 – Loss
1985 - HOME - 12-6 – Win
1986 - AWAY - 0-23 – Loss
2001 - AWAY - 13-22 – Loss
2002 - HOME - 41-12 – Win
2003 - AWAY - 6-12 – Loss
2004 - HOME - 49-52 – Loss
2005 - AWAY - 46-40 – Win
2006 - HOME - 7-54 – Loss
2007 - AWAY - 42-22 – Win
2008 - HOME - 25-16 – Win
2011 - AWAY - 16-41 – Loss
2012 - HOME - 35-6 – Win
2013 - AWAY - 6-43 – Loss
2014 - HOME - 12-42 – Loss
2015 - AWAY - 21-42 – Loss
2016 - HOME - 15-56 – Loss
2017 - AWAY - 6-33 – Loss
2018 - HOME - 38-3 – Win

• CC is behind in the series 7-25 (21.9% win pct.).
• Until currently, no team since 1985 had lost/won more than two games in a row.  
• Union County leads the scoring in the series 440-1000.
• The 2004 matchup with Union County had the second highest combined amount of points in a single game, 101, in CC football history.  
• Biggest CC win - 38-3 in 2018
• Biggest UC win - 54-7 in 2006 

Crittenden County Single Game School Records Versus Union County (Some Statistical Categories Unavailable)
Passing Yards: 246, Austin Berry, 2005
Passing Completions: 21 (twice), Nick Castiller, 2015 and Hunter Boone, 2017
Passing Attempts: 38, Nick Castiller, 2015
Passing Touchdowns: 4, Hunter Boone, 2018
Interceptions Thrown: N/A, minimum 3

Rushing Yards: 185, Grant Gardner, 2011
Rushing Touchdowns: 4, Rodney Robertson, 2007
Rushing Attempts: 28, Grant Gardner, 2012

Receiving Yards: N/A, minimum 125
Receptions: 8, Billy Mills, 1981
Receiving Touchdowns: 3, Branen Lamey, 2018

Tackles: 19, Von Summers, 1979 (16 in the second half)
Tackles for Loss: 9, Sean O’Leary, 2018 (School Record)
Interceptions: N/A, minimum 2
Sacks: 4, Sean O’Leary, 2018
Caused Fumbles: N/A, minimum 2
Fumble Recoveries: 2, Lucas Mick, 2001

Longest TD Pass: 54 Yards, Branen Lamey from Hunter Boone, 2018
Longest TD Run: 79 Yards, Hunter Jones, 2016
Longest Interception Return for a TD: 74, Branen Lamey, 2018
Longest Fumble Return for a TD: No Fumbles Returned for a TD against UC by CC ever.
Longest Punt Return for a TD: N/A, minimum 60 yards
Longest Kickoff Return for a TD: 86 Yards, T.K. Guess, 2005
Longest Field Goal: 37 Yards, Parker Johnson, 2018
Most Points Scored: 30, Rodney Robertson, 2007

2019 District 1A, District 1 Review – Week 5- Russellville UNR (0-5) – Logan County beat Russellville 55-28 two weeks ago.  Logan County led 41-7 at the half and started the running clock by scoring on the first play of the second half.  Russellville played Franklin-Simpson (1-4, 4A) this past Friday. Franklin-Simpson won 42-0.  Russellville travels to 4-0 Somerset this week (the Briar Jumpers closest game this season is 28 points).  Expect another blowout this week as Russellville will most likely have their eyes on a very important district game (and potentially their most winnable game of the season so far) with Fulton County in two weeks.

- Caverna UNR (1-4) – Caverna was destroyed again two weeks ago by Breckinridge County, 12-48.  Breckinridge is 3-2 and beat Webster County in week three, 30-20.  Todd County Central (#9 AP, 2A), now 5-0, moved through Caverna 57-27.  This is the first time Todd County Central has been 5-0 since 1974.  An interesting week 10 matchup with Todd County Central awaits the Rockets.  Caverna takes on Webster County this week.

- Fulton County #15 (4-1) – Fulton County beat Webster, 69-45, two weeks ago.  Caleb Kimble rushed for 377 yards, 4 TDs on only 18 carries.  All four TDs were of distances greater than 50 yards.  There were 11 total turnovers in the game.  Webster County’s Mason Wilson completed 20 of 44 passes for 311 yards and 3 touchdowns along with three interceptions.  At the half, Fulton County lead 29-13.  72 points combined were scored in the second half.  For reference, there were 79 points scored in the second half of the 2017 Crittenden-Ballard game that ended with a final score of 70-74.  Last week, Fulton County took on Humboldt (TN) (0-5) and won 48-12.  Humboldt has only scored 39 points the entire season.  Caleb Kimble rushed for 149 yards and 2 TDs.  Kimble now has 963 rushing yards on the season.  Fulton County takes on Greenfield (TN) in their final stop of four games played against Tennessee opponents this season.  Greenfield (TN) is undefeated at 5-0 and should win by multiple touchdowns over Fulton County.

Random Notes
During the Caldwell County game, Tyler Boone became the 19^th player to have 225 career tackles.

Tyler Boone is currently tied for 14^th in career tackles with Dylan Clark (235 tackles).  Next up on the career tackles list are Joey Rich (237), Tanner Tabor (239), David Beverly (247) and Dylan Smith (252).

Two weeks ago, Caldwell County scored 21 points in the first quarter.  The Rockets gave up only 19 points in the first quarter in the entire 2018 season (six to Caldwell, seven to Trigg and six to Ballard)

Prior to the Caldwell game, the last time Crittenden gave up more than 16 points in the first quarter was in 2016 versus when Russellville scored 21.

Rockets 9th in preliminary RPI rankings

The KHSAA has released its preliminary RPI (Ratings Power Index) following Week 4 of games.

Crittenden County is ranked No. 9 according to the power rankings.

The KHSAA will use its final-season power rankings to determine the playoffs starting in the third round. The RPI will become official after Week 6 of the regular season, but the KHSAA started posting them this week as part of the standings on its web site. Although website still shows standings for each class based on record, the RPI can be found in the far right hand column. See Standings.

RPI RANKINGS (preliminary)

Class 1A

1. Pikeville

2. Paintsville 

3. Kentucky Country Day

4. Williamsburg 

5. Raceland

6. Holy Cross (Louisville)

7. Eminence

8. Berea

9. Crittenden County

10. Newport Central Catholic

Rockets fall to No. 7 in state poll

Crittenden County dropped two places to No. 7 in the latest Associated Press High School Football Poll.

The Rockets were ranked No. 5 in Class A last week before falling 36-14 to Caldwell County, the fifth-ranked team in Class 2A.

The Tigers stayed at No. 5 in their division in this week's poll, which was released statewide today.

Crittenden County was ranked No. 8 in preseason, but won its first three games to climb higher in the polls.

When Caldwell and Crittenden played Friday at Rocket Stadium it was the first time they'd ever met with both teams ranked in the Top 5 of their respective divisions.

Class A Rankings
KY HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL
ASSOCIATED PRESS
1. Pikeville 4-0
2. Williamsburg 4-0
3. Paintsville 3-1
4. Ky. Country Day 4-0
5. Campbellsville 2-2
6. Raceland 2-2
7. Crittenden County 3-1
8. Newport Cent. Catholic 2-2
9. Pineville 4-0
10. Ludlow 2-1
  Others receiving votes: Eminence, Louisville Holy Cross, hazard, Berea, Bethlehem, Fulton County.

PODCAST: Coach Thompson talks about loss to Caldwell

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Early Tiger Punch Knocks out Rockets 36-14

Rocket RB Xander Tabor looks for running room.

MARION, Ky. – An enormous crowd showed up to see a matchup billed as a monumental clash between two Top 5 teams in the state, but it never materialized as Caldwell County turned the game into a rout in the first half.

The Tigers used great field position early to post five unanswered touchdowns before the Rockets could gather their senses. 

Caldwell’s junior quarterback hadn’t shown a propensity to throw much in three previous games, but divvied it out to five different receivers in the first half, putting three TDs on the board. Russ Beshear finished 14-for-19 for 116 yards in the air with scoring strikes to running back DeEric Hollowell and receivers Tripp Branch and Tate VanHooser. Hollowell rushed for two more first-half touchdowns.

All before the Rockets had gotten their offensive legs underneath them.

Caldwell drove downfield on the opening series on 10 plays, that included four passes for the game’s first score. The Tigers tacked on two more in a hurry thanks to a short field, one courtesy of a Rocket fumble on a fake punt try on fourth down.

“Caldwell kind of punched us in mouth early, forced their will on us and made us like it. They didn’t give us time to think about what was going on. It went fast, good teams are going to do that,” Rocket coach Sean Thompson said. “We have to be able to respond.”

Rocket Tyler Boone was bottled up on this play.

The coach said his club finally found its balance just before the half, but by then it was too late.

The Rockets scored on their last possession of the second period on a 43-yard pass from quarterback Hunter Jones to receiver Preston Turley. Their final TD came on the last offensive series of the game when Tyler Boone caught a four-yard Jones' pass.

Both teams came into the contest ranked fifth in Kentucky in their respective classes, Crittenden in 1A and Caldwell in 2A. The Tigers had played much more difficult early-season schedule than Crittenden, which may have been partly responsible for the Rockets being unprepared for a game of such magnitude in the fourth week of the season.

“We came out the second half and even though it was a running clock, we won the second half. We showed some growth within the game, but we have to come out better to start games and believe we can play with good teams.”

Crittenden was also playing without Caden McCalister, a linebacker and running back, who was an all-conference player a year ago and a primary contributor this season. He had been hospitalized with a viral infection all week prior to the game and was unavailable to play. Crittenden also lost a starting member of the secondary in the first half when senior Justin Phillips went out with bruised ribs.

Crittenden will be idle next week then travel to Union County on Sept. 27.

SCORE BY QUARTERS

Caldwell County 21 15 0 0

Crittenden County 0 7 0 7

SCORING PLAYS

Cald-DeEric Hollowell 10 pass from Russ Beshear (Blake Vivrette kick) 8:51, 1st

Cald-Hollowell 2 run (Vivrette kick) 4:02, 1st

Cald-Tripp Branch 10 pas from Beshear (Vivrette kick) 1:46, 1st

Cald-Hollowell 7 run (Vivrette kick) 11:23, 2nd

Cald-Tate VanHooser 6 pass from Beshear (Hollowell run) 6:01, 2nd

Critt-Preston Turley 6 pass from Hunter Jones (Noah Perkins kick) :48, 2nd

Critt-Tyler Boone 4 pass from Jones (Perkins kick) 1:57, 4th

TEAM TOTALS

First Downs: Crittenden 8, Caldwell 13

Penalties: Crittenden 8-90, Caldwell 6-78

Rushing: Crittenden 26-53, Caldwell 24-89

Passing: Crittenden 9-21-1, 116 yds., Caldwell 14-19-1, 116 yds.

Total Yards: Crittenden 169, Caldwell 205

Fumbles/Lost: Crittenden 1-1, Caldwell 1-1

INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS

Rushing

Crittenden: Xander Tabor 12-34, Braxton Winders 2-5, Tyler Boone 4-8, Preston Morgeson 4-8, Jones 4-(-2). Caldwell: Hollowell 11-60, Logan Smiley 6-38, Barren Wells 2-2, Beshear 5-(-11).

Passing

Crittenden: Jones 9-21-1, 116 yds. Caldwell: Beshear 14-19-1, 116 yds.

Receiving

Crittenden: Turley 3-87, Boone 6-34. Caldwell: Branch 6-48, VanHooser 2-25, Wells 1-8, Hollowell 3-17, Smiley 2-16, Max Ashley 1-1.

Defense

Jones solo, 2 assists; Phillips solo, assist; Boone 9 solos, 3 assists, TFL, fumble recovery; Easley 5 solos, 3 assists, TFL, 2 sacks; Ellington 2 solos, sack; McGowan solo, 2 assists; Perkins solo, assist; Tabor 3 solos, interception; Turley assist; Winders 3 solos, 3 assist; Carlson solo; Derrington 2 solos; Stone assist; Yates 2 solos, assist, TFL, C.Gobin assist, Morgeson 5 solos, 2 assists; R.Perkins solo. 

Records: Crittenden 3-1, Caldwell 3-1
Players of the Game
Offense Preston Turley, Defense Tyler Boone, Lineman Ian Ellington, Special Teams Xander Tabor.

Coach Thompson discusses the upcoming Caldwell game

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At a Glance: Rockets host Caldwell County

BY ANDY HUNT

2019 CALDWELL COUNTY (3A, #5 AP Poll, 2-1 Overall, 0-0 District)

Week 1 – Christian County (5A, 0-3) – Home – 19-14 – WIN

Week 2 – Apollo (6A, 1-2) – Home – 43-21 – WIN

Week 3 – Hopkinsville (4A, 2-1) – Away – 14-42  – LOSS

SERIES RECORD

Marion vs. Caldwell County

Season - Marion Result - Score

1926 - WIN - 14-0

1927 - LOSS - 6-18

1928 - WIN - 13-0

1929 - WIN - 6-0

1930 - LOSS - 6-13

1931 - LOSS - 6-13

1932 - WIN - 13-7

1933 - WIN - 19-7

1934 - LOSS - 6-34

1935 - LOSS - 0-32

1936 - TIE - 13-13

1937 - LOSS - 7-21

1938 - LOSS - 7-7

1939 - WIN - 13-6

1940 - LOSS - 0-6

1941 - WIN - 7-6

1942 - WIN - 12-0

1943 - LOSS - 6-14

1944 - LOSS - 0-0

1945 - WIN - 14-6

1946 - WIN - 33-0

1947 - LOSS - 7-12

1948 - LOSS - 0-20

1949 - LOSS - 6-20

1950 - LOSS - 7-12

1951 - LOSS - 13-19

1952 - WIN - 27-0

1953 - LOSS - 19-28

1954 - LOSS - 0-41

1955 - LOSS - 7-34

1956 - LOSS - 0-31

Crittenden County vs. Caldwell County

Season - Location - Crittenden Result - Score

1957 - HOME - LOSS - 0-32

1958 - HOME - LOSS - 7-41

1959 - AWAY - LOSS - 0-40

1960 - HOME - LOSS - 0-32

1961 - AWAY - LOSS - 0-33

1962 - HOME - LOSS - 6-47

1974 - AWAY - LOSS - 8-18

1975 - HOME - WIN - 19-6

1976 - AWAY - LOSS - 0-40

1977 - HOME - LOSS - 0-47

1978 - AWAY - LOSS - 0-20

1979 - HOME - LOSS - 6-28

1980 - AWAY - LOSS - 20-42

1981 - HOME - LOSS - 6-9

1982 - AWAY - WIN - 7-6

1983 - HOME - WIN - 27-20

1984 - AWAY - LOSS - 7-14

1985 - HOME - LOSS - 0-14

1986 - AWAY - LOSS - 7-32

1987 - HOME - LOSS - 20-47

1988 - AWAY - WIN - 28-7

1989 - HOME - LOSS - 0-20

1990 - AWAY - LOSS - 0-21

1991 - HOME - LOSS - 0-40

1992 - AWAY - LOSS - 0-28

1993 - HOME - LOSS - 0-8

1994 - AWAY - LOSS - 0-44

1995 - HOME - LOSS - 6-45

1996 - AWAY - LOSS - 7-26

1997 - HOME - LOSS - 0-42

1998 - AWAY - LOSS - 0-28

1999 - HOME - WIN - 32-7

2000 - AWAY - LOSS - 7-26

2001 - HOME - WIN - 10-7

2002 - AWAY - WIN - 8-7

2003 - HOME - WIN - 21-20

2004 - AWAY - WIN - 28-26

2005 - HOME - LOSS - 22-32

2006 - AWAY - LOSS - 21-48

2007 - HOME - LOSS - 7-21

2008 - AWAY - LOSS - 7-21

2009 - HOME - WIN - 26-14

2010 - AWAY - LOSS - 7-44

2011 - HOME - LOSS - 16-46

2012 - AWAY - LOSS - 0-49

2013 - HOME - LOSS - 3-50

2014 - AWAY - LOSS - 6-63

2015 - HOME - LOSS - 6-53

2016 - AWAY - LOSS - 0-49

2017 - HOME - LOSS - 21-62

2018 - AWAY - LOSS - 20-32

• Crittenden County trails in the series 10 - 41 (19.6% winning percentage)
• Biggest win in the series for Crittenden County, 32-7 in 1999
• Biggest loss in the series for Caldwell County, 6-63 in 2014
• 18 of Caldwell County's 41 wins have been shutouts.
• Crittenden County has lost nine games straight.  Crittenden County had a 10-game losing streak against Caldwell from 1989-1998.
• Over the nine game losing streak, Crittenden County has been outscored 79-448.
• Crittenden County or Marion has never lost a game against Caldwell County when they have scored at least 23 points.

Crittenden County Single Game School Records Versus Caldwell County

(Some Statistical Categories Unavailable)

Passing Yards: 306, Hunter Boone, 2017

Passing Completions: 15, Hunter Boone, 2017

Passing Attempts: 35, Hunter Boone, 2017

Passing Touchdowns: 3, Hunter Boone, 2017 

Interceptions Thrown: 6, Hunter Boone, 2017 (Tied School Record)

Rushing Yards: 216, Brian Berry, 2009

Rushing Touchdowns: N/A, minimum 4

Rushing Attempts: 27, Devon Nesbitt, 2018

Receiving Yards: 148, T.K. Guess, 2005

Receptions: 6, T.K. Guess, 2005

Receiving Touchdowns: N/A, minimum 3

Tackles: 16, Richard Brantley, 1977

Tackles for Loss: 3 (twice), Aaron Berry, 2008 and Dylan Clark, 2009 

Interceptions: 2 (three times), Chad Perryman, 1992, Todd Turley, 1984, and Mark Hamby, 1975

Sacks: 2, Nicky Brown, 1988

Caused Fumbles: N/A, minimum 2

Fumble Recoveries: 2 (three times), Van Hunt, 1975, Chad Mott, 1988, and Josh Tinsley, 2006

Longest TD Pass: 74 Yards, T.K. Guess from Austin Berry, 2005

Longest TD Run: 81 Yards, Charlie Johnson, 2014

Longest Interception Return for a TD: 96 Yards, Ronnie Moss, 1988

Longest Fumble Return for a TD: 80 Yards, Pat Taylor, 1975 

Longest Punt Return for a TD: 85 Yards, J.D. Gray, 2008

Longest Kickoff Return for a TD: 95 Yards, Jim Hall, 1980 

Longest Field Goal: 41 Yards, Micah Hollamon, 2013

Most Points Scored: N/A, minimum 24 points

2019 District 1A, District 1 Round Up – Week 3

- Russellville, UNR (0-3) – After two blowout losses, Russellville played a close one and lost 20-15 to Butler County (1-2).  The win for Butler County snapped a 23-game losing streak dating back to 2016.  Butler County went 8-4 in 2016 but did not win a game the next two seasons.  Russellville takes on intercounty rival Logan County (#8, 3A, 3-0) this week.  Logan County beat Russellville 49-7 in 2018.  Logan County has won 11 games in each of the past two seasons but were blown out in the second round of the playoffs in both seasons.  A common opponent this season between Russellville and Logan County is Warren East.  Russellville lost to Warren East 0-48 and Logan County beat Warren East 35-17.  Logan County should cruise to an easy victory.

- Fulton County, T-15th AP Poll (2-1) – Fulton County pounded Fulton City, 52-14.  Fulton County’s Caleb Kimble who rushed for over 1,600 yards and scored 23 rushing touchdowns last year is on pace for 1,350 rushing yards and 27 touchdowns in 2019.  Fulton County takes on Webster County this week.

- Caverna, UNR (1-2) – Caverna only waited one week to start another losing streak as Berea (UNR, 1A, 3-0) notched a 44-21 over Caverna.  Berea’s three opponents this season are a combined 1-7.  Caverna takes on Breckinridge County (UNR, 5A, 2-1) this week.  Breckinridge beat Webster County last week 30-20.

PLAYER WATCH

Preston Morgeson

This season freshman, Preston Morgeson has 14 rushing attempts, 82 rushing yards, and two rushing touchdowns.  He is currently on pace for 47 rushing attempts, 273 rushing yards, and seven rushing touchdowns for the regular season.  Below are the current freshman records for rushing in a season:

Freshman Record for Rushing Yards in a Season: 226 – Maeson Myers, 2013

Freshman Record for Rushing Touchdowns in a Season: 3 – Brendan Phillips, 2010 and Jeramie Sorina, 2005

Freshman Record for Rushing Attempts in a Season: 48 – J.D. Gray, 2006 and Maeson Myers, 2013

Random Notes

• The two special teams touchdowns last week were only the second time in school history CC had recorded that feat in a game (1987, Ballard Memorial).
• CC is currently on a 7-game home winning streak.  The school record is 11 straight home wins from 1985-1986.
• CC is 10-2 all-time in week 4 games when they are 3-0 to start the season.
• CC has only started a season off with at least three road games four other times in school history (1958, 1966, 1972, 1974).  1972 is the only season the Rockets opened with four or more consecutive road games.
• CC has scored at least 43 points in each of its first 3 games this season.  The only other time that CC team has matched that feat is in 1963.
• CC is averaging 6.0 penalties per game this season.  That is the highest per game average since 2005 when that team average 6.8 penalties per game.
• CC is averaging 220.3 rushing yards per game which is the highest average per game since 2009 when CC averaged 229.6 yards.
• CC has not allowed a point to be scored in the third quarter this season.
• CC has scored 51 points in the first quarter this year.  Since 1994, those 51 points are more than nine teams scored in the first quarter during the stretch of an entire season.
• The 69-yard punt return for a touchdown last week was the longest punt return for a TD ever by a freshman and also set the record for the longest punt return by CC against Ballard Memorial.

Six of the 21 punt returns for touchdowns in school history have come against Ballard Memorial.

69 Yards – Preston Morgeson, 2019

63 Yards – J.D. Gray, 2008

59 Yards – Ronnie Moss, 1987

55 Yards – Denis Hodge, 1985

25 Yards – Caden McCalister, 2019

0* Yards – Steve Thompson, 1999

* Steve Thompson recovered a blocked punt in the end zone.  CC won that game 7-0.

No Ballard PostGame podcast

There will not be a PostGame Podcast on the Crittenden County football game at Ballard.

The show is normally posted on Monday. We apologize for not being able to bring it to you this week. The program will be back on a normal schedule next week.

Our Rocket Football Coach's Show will be on a normal schedule this week. It is posted on Thursday afternoons.

Rockets test weaponry in 50-6 win at Ballard

The defense was stifling at Ballard. Here Tyler Boone
and Justin Phillips smother a ball carrier.

LA CENTER, Ky. – For the fifth-ranked Rockets, the trip to Ballard Memorial Friday night was as much about sharpening their tools as it was about winning what most expected might be a lopsided affair.

Both boiled to fruition as Crittenden County breezed by the Bombers 50-6 in a game that featured a merciful running clock less than three minutes into the second period, and Rocket coach Sean Thompson was able perform a litmus test with some new weapons – namely sophomore receiver Brysen Baker and junior running back Eli Moss. Neither had factored into the Rockets' previous wins, but at Ballard they got some touches and didn’t disappoint. 

Baker, a 6-2 receiver, caught two passes for 60 yards and nearly scored twice. His first reception went for 55 yards before he was tackled at the three-yard line to set up CCHS’s first touchdown. Another would-be TD was called back because of a penalty. Baker was a key player in middle school but sat out last season as a freshman. Moss is the fastest player on the team, but had never played football until this season. The first carry of his career went for a 14-yard touchdown as he turned the right corner and sprinted into the end zone untouched. 

The usual characters filled their roles as expected. Junior Caden McCalister, figuring more predominantly in the offense with starting running back Xander Tabor sidelined, scored three times – twice on a pass and he had one of the Rockets’ two punt returns. It was the first time in team history that CCHS had returned two punts for touchdowns in one game. Both came in the first period and freshman Preston Morgeson had the longest at 69 yards.

Freshman Preston Morgeson scored twice at Ballard.

Quarterback Hunter Jones completed more passes in this game than he had the two previous combined, finishing 8-for-12 with three touchdowns. Coach Thompson said he’d have liked to have worked on the passing game a bit more, but the score got lopsided quickly partly because of the two kick returns, forcing him to change those plans.

“With those special teams touchdowns the score kind of got out of hand early and I don’t like to throw it down field when it’s like that,” the coach explained.

Crittenden will need to have all of its weaponry honed to near perfection next week as the Rockets go home for the first time this season to face Caldwell County, the third-ranked team in Class 2A. The Tigers (2-1) lost to Hopkinsville 42-14 Friday.

SCORE BY QUARTERS

Crittenden County 29 14 7 0

Ballard Memorial 0 0 0 6

SCORING PLAYS

C-Preston Morgeson 3 run (Caden McCalister run) 11:31, 1st

C-McCalister 25 punt return (Noah Perkins kick) 9:13, 1st

C-Morgeson 69 punt return (Perkins kick) 4:23, 1st

C-McCalister 9 pass from Hunter Jones (Perkins kick) :00, 1st

C-Travis Guess 44 pass from Jones (Perkins kick) 9:22, 2nd

C-McCalister 6 pass from Jones (Perkins kick) 1:47, 2nd

C-Eli Moss 14 run (Perkins kick) 1:16, 3rd

B-Trenton Howard 20 run (run failed) 5:00, 4th

TEAM TOTALS

First Downs: Crittenden 8, Ballard 6

Penalties: Crittenden 2-10, Ballard 3-30

Rushing: Crittenden 17-109, Ballard 29-113

Passing: Crittenden 10-14-0, 179 yds., Ballard 1-3-0, 11 yds.

Total Yards: Crittenden 288, Ballard 124

Fumbles/Lost: Crittenden 3-2, Ballard 2-2

INDIVDUAL STATISTICS

Rushing

Crittenden: Morgeson 5-42, Keifer Marshall 5-33, Moss 4-29, Jones 2-8, Luke Crider 1-(-3). Ballard: Trenton Howard 5-32, #48 1-0, Logan Hargrove 12-67, Ayden Riley 4-5, Trevor Howard 2-14, Parker Rathman 5-(-5).

Passing

Crittenden: Jones 9-12-0, 173 yds., Crider 1-2-0, 6 yds. Ballard: Rathman 1-2-0, 11 yds., Trevor Howard 0-1-0.

Receiving

Crittenden: Brysen Baker 2-60, Tyler Boone 3-53, McCalister 2-15, Guess 1-44, Preston Turley 1-1, Kaleb Nesbitt 1-6. Ballard: Trenton Howard 1-11.

Defense

Guess 2 solos; Jones 2 solos, assist; Phillips 3 solos, 2 assists, TFL, fumble recovery; Urbanowski solo; Boone 3 solos, 2 assists, TFL; Easley 5 solos, 3 assists, 2 TFL; McCalister 3 solos, 4 assists, caused fumble; McGowan caused fumbled; Turley 3 solos, 2 assists, TFL; Baker assist; Crider solo, 2 assists, fumble recovery; Mundy 5 solos; Stone solo, assist; Yates 2 solos, assist, sack; Burnes assist; Holliman solo, TFL; Morgeson solo, assist; Nesbitt 2 solos, assist.

Players of the Game

Offense Hunter Jones. Defense Lathan Easley. Lineman Ian Ellington.

Records

Crittenden 3-0, Ballard 0-2.

At a Glance: Rockets at Ballard Memorial

BY ANDY HUNT 

Ballard Memorial 

2019 Season Recap, 2A (0-1, 0-0)

Marshall County (1-1, 6A) – Away – 6-37 – Loss

2019 - Ballard Memorial vs. Marshall County Recap

• Ballard Memorial ran for 120 yards and gave up 322 rushing to Marshall County.
• Ballard Memorial passed for 16 yards and Marshall County did not complete a pass.
• Leading rusher for Ballard was Trevor Howard (#3) with 13 attempts, 51 yards, and 1 rushing TD
• Parker Rathman (#15) was 2 of 3 passing for 16 yards.
• Trenton Howard (#17) led Ballard in tackles with eight. Jayden Sullivan (#21) recorded six as well.

Go to Video

Ballard Head Coach - Mark J. Brooks’

Overall: 11-23 (32.4% winning percentage)

• 2019: 0-1
• 2018: 3-8
• 2017: 3-8
• 2016: 5-6

Crittenden vs Ballard Memorial Series

Season - Result - Score - Location

1975 - WIN - 30-0 – HOME

1976 - LOSS - 6-9 – AWAY

1977 - LOSS - 6-40 – HOME

1978 - LOSS - 0-14 – AWAY

1979 - LOSS - 6-29 – HOME

1980 - LOSS - 12-36 – AWAY

1981 - LOSS - 22-24 – HOME

1982 - WIN - 21-0 – AWAY

1983 - WIN - 12-0 – HOME

1984 - WIN - 22-0 – AWAY

1985 - WIN - 46-0 – HOME

1987 - WIN - 48-6 – HOME

1988 - WIN - 34-8 – AWAY

1989 - WIN - 20-14 – HOME

1990 - WIN - 27-20 – AWAY

1991 - WIN - 27-19 – HOME

1992 - WIN - 19-14 – AWAY

1995 - WIN - 26-6 – AWAY

1996 - WIN - 36-6 – HOME

1996 - WIN - 15-11 – HOME – Playoffs

1997 - WIN - 13-6 – AWAY

1998 - WIN - 27-7 – HOME

1998 - WIN - 19-0 – HOME – Playoffs

1999 - WIN - 7-0 – AWAY

2000 - WIN - 24-20 – HOME

2001 - LOSS - 8-21 – HOME

2001 - LOSS - 6-39 – HOME – Playoffs

2002 - LOSS - 6-25 – AWAY

2007 - WIN - 49-23 – AWAY

2008 - WIN - 41-19 – HOME

2008 - WIN - 48-8 – HOME – Playoffs

2009 - WIN - 27-6 – AWAY

2010 - WIN - 34-18 – HOME

2011 - WIN - 28-14 – AWAY

2012 - LOSS - 6-7 – HOME

2013 - LOSS - 7-40 – AWAY

2014 - LOSS - 21-34 – HOME

2015 - LOSS - 21-55 – AWAY

2016 - LOSS - 7-41 – HOME

2017 - LOSS -70-74 – HOME

2018 - WIN - 58-28 – AWAY

CC leads the series 26 - 15 (63.4% winning percentage)

Biggest win in the series for CC, 46-0 in 1985

Biggest loss in the series for CC, 6-40 in 1977, 21-55 in 2015, and 7-41 in 2016.

2017 is the only time that a CC team has lost to Ballard in a game in which CC scored at least 23 points.

Ballard is 2-7 in their last nine home games.

Most Wins All-Time Against a Single Opponent

Webster County – 32

Ballard Memorial – 26

Fulton City – 26

Fulton County – 25

McLean County – 19

Crittenden County Single Game School Records Versus Ballard Memorial

(Some Statistical Categories Unavailable)

Passing Yards: 445, Hunter Boone, 2017 (School Record)

Passing Completions: 23, Hunter Boone, 2017

Passing Attempts: 43, Hunter Boone, 2017

Passing Touchdowns: 6, Hunter Boone, 2017 (School Record)

Interceptions Thrown: N/A, minimum 3

Rushing Yards: 226, Ronnie Moss, 1988 (11 carries)

Rushing Touchdowns: 6, Rodney Robertson, 2008 Playoff Game - (School Record)

Rushing Attempts: 25, Rodney Robertson, 2008 Regular Season

Receiving Yards: 347, Ethan Dossett, 2017 (2 nd Highest KHSAA Receiving Total)

Receptions: 13, Ethan Dossett, 2017 (School Record)

Receiving Touchdowns: 6, Ethan Dossett, 2017 (Ties KHSAA Record)

Tackles: 17 (twice), David Beverly, 1996 and Tyler Boone, 2017

Tackles for Loss: 3, Aaron Berry, 2008

Interceptions: 2 (twice), Eric Henderson, 1989 and Dylan Hicks, 2015

Sacks: 3 (twice), David Hunt, 2000 and Aaron Berry, 2007

Caused Fumbles: 2, Jeff Riley, 1991

Fumble Recoveries: 2 (twice), Jeff Riley, 1991 and Keith Wilcox, 2000

Longest TD Pass: 82 Yards, Jerry Jessup from Brad Gilbert, 1989

Longest TD Run: 75 Yards, Rodney Robertson, 2008

Longest Interception Return for a TD: 47, Devon Nesbitt, 2017

Longest Fumble Return for a TD: 47 Yards, Al Simmons, 1981

Longest Punt Return for a TD: 63, J.D. Gray, 2008

Longest Kickoff Return for a TD: 88 Yards, Tanner Nix, 2010

Longest Field Goal: 32 Yards, Chad Perryman, 1990

Most Points Scored: 42, Devon Nesbitt, 2018 (School Record)

2019 District 1A, District 1 Round Up – Week 2

- Russellville, #18 (0-2) – Russellville received more AP poll votes this week than points they have scored this

season. Russellville has been shut out by Warren East and Glasgow by a combined score of 104-0. Glasgow

is a much stronger opponent than Warren East as they are ranked #7 in 4A and Warren East did not receive

a vote in the AP poll this week. Russellville will start to determine where they are at this point in the season

when they take on Butler County (0-2) at home this week.

- Fulton County, UNR (1-1) – Fulton County takes on takes on Fulton City this week. Both teams have played

Gleason, TN this season. Fulton County won 42-14 and Fulton City lost 16-40.

- Caverna, UNR (1-1) – Caverna notched a big win against Shawnee (a new opponent for Caverna this

season). Shawnee is now on a 47-game losing streak. The win is the first game Caverna has won on its own

in 36-games. There is a game in the