BY BOO NEWSOME
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

PRESTONSBURG — Martin County Middle School kicked off the football season Thursday on a high note. The Cardinals caged the Prestonsburg Blackcats 16-14 win in a game at Prestonburg.

The Blackcats remained in control of the football for the entire first quarter before scoring at the 7:23 mark in the second quarter. Martin County scored a touchdown right before halftime and added the 2-point conversion to tie the score 8-8.

With 4:31 to go in the fourth quarter, Prestonsburg struck on a 79-yard touchdown to go up 14-8.

Jeremy Bentley responded for Martin County, running from the 4-yard line to tie the score 14-14. With 20 seconds remaining, the Cardinals secured the victory with a successful 2-point conversion.

Several players stepped up for the Cardinals. Parker Maynard led the charge on offense, tallying 112 rushing yards, one touchdown and a 30-yard reception. Bentley got it done on both sides of the ball, carrying 15 times for 81 yards and a touchdown. Bentley’s contributions extended beyond offense, as he made six tackles and two successful 2-point conversions.

Quarterback Bryson Dials displayed precision with a 3-for-5 completion rate for 63 yards through the air.

Chase Hinkle, Brayden Fannin, Bradley Hatfield and Blake Stacy contributed significantly. Hinkle had one reception for 23 yards, Brayden Fannin hauled in a catch for 11 yards and had four tackles on defense. Bradley Hatfield and Blake Stacy had four tackles and two tackles, respectively, leading to yardage loss.

“I’m super proud of our boys,” Martin County Coach Wesley Hager said. “We could’ve laid down and quit after we fumbled on the half inch line, and then they go 90 yards in three plays to take the lead. They dug deep and showed true grit to march down the field and score with less than a minute to go. For us to have three turnovers and still win, the game was a big positive for us. Our kids are ready to get back to work and get ready for Paintsville this Saturday.”