Jim Mashek

GLASGOW SURVIVES IN OVERTIME AGAINST FRANKLIN-SIMPSON; WARREN CENTRAL BOWS OUT WITH LOSS TO MAROONS

South Warren High School’s football team has toppled one of its early goals, going undefeated in a 10-game regular season on its way to the KHSAA Class 6A playoffs.

The Spartans, competing in Class 6A for the first time in the school’s 15-year history, took control quickly on Thursday night in dismantling a rugged Logan County squad, 49-14, before an enthusiastic crowd braving the plungering temperatures as November approaches.

South Warren quarterbacks Camden Page and Chase Bell, both talented underclassmen, took turns operating behind the Spartans’ big, physical offensive line. Senior Spartans running back Kayden York turned in an outstanding performance, driving through a Logan County defender at the goal line to complete a 15-yard touchdown run in the second quarter.

“Kayden’s the Alpha around here. He plays great every week,” Bell said when it was over.

York said he was aware some college scouts were in the stands or the press box, and he was determined to make the most of the opportunity on the way to the postseason.

“I’d been pumped for this game, since lunch today,” York said. “When I heard about some college scouts being here tonight, that was kind of cool, too.”

South Warren defensive back Isaiah Bridges came up with his fifth interception of the season, and Spartans teammate Takyon Darden followed suit later in the game. The Spartans’ defensive line did a good job of collapsing the pocket, forcing Logan County quarterback Luke Rogers to improvise under pressure.

“They’re big, and physical. Their third-team offensive line was bigger than our guys on defense,” Logan County coach Todd Adler said. “I could have done a much better job getting our team ready to play. One of our kids, Isaac Christian — a really good receiver — didn’t play after the death of his grandfather. We also decided to hold out Tyson (Thomeczek, the Cougars’ leading receiver) with a lingering injury, to get ready for the playoffs.

“We just weren’t ready to play.”

Veteran South Warren coach Brandon Smith had a different message for his team, which reached the KHSAA Class 5A semifinals last year before dropping a 31-28 decision to crosstown rival Bowling Green High School.

“We’ve seen some kids emerge as leaders and they’ve done a good job,” Smith said. “We’ve gained a lot of experience in this regular season, and it’s been fun for the kids and our fans, but the real thing is here, when we start the playoffs.”

South Warren is looking for the fourth KHSAA state championship in school history, and its first since the 2021 season.

“I thought the game went good,” South senior wideout Jake Carter said via text message. “We executed like we did in practice, but to be honest, the regular season doesn’t mean anything now. It’s time to take it to another level.”

There were two other KHSAA football games in South Central Kentucky on Thursday night. Glasgow used a fourth-quarter comeback before slipping past tradition-rich Franklin-Simpson, 27-24, at Mathews Stadium in Franklin. The Scotties completed a 10-0 regular season, and they’ll play host to Webster County next week in first-round play of the KHSAA Class 3A playoffs.

Meanwhile, at Warren Central, the Dragons’ season came to a close against a talented Madisonville-North Hopkins squad. The Maroons defeated Warren Central, 52-12, which means WCHS coach Jeremy Harness’ squad will finish the season with a 3-7 overall record.

I’ll have full coverage of South Warren’s impressive victory on Friday. Thanks for reading jimmashek.com, and have a safe and happy Halloween!