LEXINGTON – Johnson Central’s bid to win a second state football championship came up short as the Golden Eagles fell to defending Class 4A champion Franklin-Simpson, 14-12, in a thriller played at Kroger Field Saturday.
The Golden Eagles, who had won 13 straight games coming into the title game, trailed 14-6 with 94 seconds to play and the ball on their own 26-yard line.
Johnson Central put together a quick drive, thanks to quarterback Ryley Preece’s 69-yard pass reception to Zach Russell, setting of running back Joe Jackson’s five-yard run with 57 seconds left. The pass play was the only one completed by Preece.
Following a timeout, Jackson, who suffered an ankle injury in the semifinal-round win over Knox Central, took the pitch around end but was stuffed for a two-yard loss.
The Wildcats, who finished 14-1, ran out the clock.
Jackson finished with 112 yards and both touchdowns. Bryce Tackett also rushed for 112 yards on nine carries.
At Lexington
(Class 4A championship)
SCORE BY QUARTERS:
FS (14-1)………………..7 0 7 0 – 14
JC (13-2)………………..0 6 0 6 – 12
Scoring:
First Quarter
FS – Tre Bass, 88-yard run (Cole Hollingsworth kick), 5:00
Second Quarter
JC – Joe Jackson, 2-yard run (pass failed), 11:01
Third Quarter
FS – Tre Bass, 15-yard run (Cole Hollingsworth kick), 4:02
Fourth Quarter
JC – Joe Jackson, 5-yard run (run failed), :57.
(Photo courtesy of Daily Independent)