Published: November 18, 2008 11:59 pm            

Lions seek to clear second-round hurdle

CANNONSBURG — Boyd County is trying to venture where no Lions football team has gone in 35 years.

Since advancing to the Class 2A state finals in 1973, Boyd County has failed to make it past the second round of the playoffs.

The next chance comes Friday night as the Lions host Knox Central in the Class 4A playoffs.

Boyd County (7-4) is coming off a convincing 34-6 victory over McCreary Central after beating Fairview to end the regular season.

“To be honest, I challenged them last week because we really hadn’t had two games in a row that we played well,’’ said Lions coach Lee Evans.

His players responded by dominating the first-round game.

The defense smothered McCreary Central, allowing only 21 yards in the first half. In all, the gang-tackling Lions made 10 stops behind the line of scrimmage.

Evans likes the way Boyd County defenders are flying to the point of attack.

“In the seven years I’ve been here, this is probably the best group to do that,’’ Evans said. “Running to the ball well will be important again this week. Knox Central has given up some points this season, but they do score.’’

The Panthers from Barbourville registered their first-ever playoff win by cruising past injury-depleted Rowan County 47-0 last week.

“I played here in the ‘80s, so it was pretty special,’’ said Knox Central coach Wayne Mills. “That’s what I wanted to come home and see happen.’’

Knox Central also set a set school record with its eighth victory.

Mills, 37, had high hopes for the 2007 team but quarterback Cory Smith suffered a broken hand midway through his junior season.

As a senior, Smith passed for 1,202 yards and seven touchdowns during the regular season.

“He’s a pretty good little football player and just a great leader,’’ Mills said. “I think the kids all rally behind him. He’s a diabetic, and really a success story.’’

Senior Dexter Carnes leads the Panthers in rushing with about 1,200 yards. Carnes lacks size but makes up for it with toughness.

“Dexter is not 150 pounds, but he’s a shifty little thing,’’ Mills said.

Junior Chad Merida adds quickness to the rushing attack. Sophomore Tyler Bailey and senior Greg Phillips also share in the carries.

“Overall, they have decent team speed,’’ Evans said. “Knox Central is one of those mountain teams that plays physical. They had never won a playoff game until last week, so it was a reward for them. We anticipate them coming in here excited, like our kids are going to be excited.’’

Mills is no stranger to Boyd County’s program. He spent 10 years as an assistant coach at powerhouse Bell County. In 2003, Evans was an assistant on the fourth-seeded Boyd County team that went on the road and knocked off No. 1 Bell County in a first-round playoff game.

“I have a lot of respect for (Evans),’’ Mills said. “I feel like Boyd County is very well coached and I think that is evident on film. (Zac) Wilson brings a lot and their players know their roles. They are a No. 1 seed for a reason.’’

Offensively, Wilson and sophomore Tyler Arthur provide Boyd County present problems for opponents with their ability to effectively share the quarterback position.

Last week, Wilson took the role early and then moved to receiver as Arthur came on and competed his first six passes. Boyd County built a 21-0 halftime lead with Wilson, Arthur and running back Kevin Stewart each rushing for a touchdown.

“I think being able to mix it up like that definitely makes us better,’’ Evans said.

For the second consecutive week, Boyd County has the benefit of playing a team making a four-hour bus trip.

“It may be a factor, but I think our kids travel well,’’ Mills said. “You can’t use that as an excuse.’’

        

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