By Brayleigh Boggs
Carter County Times
The West Carter Comets came out strong in their first 2A District 6 matchup Friday night, setting the tone early and never letting up in a commanding 51-6 victory over Jackson County.
West Carter wasted no time putting points on the board. After pinning Jackson deep on the opening kickoff, Trip Lemaster (23) broke through for a safety, giving the Comets a quick 2-0 lead. On the ensuing possession, West Carter capitalized on the field position. Starting at the Jackson 22-yard line, Nate Hale (24) punched it in from 28 yards out for the first touchdown of the night. With the extra point good, the Comets led 9-0.
Jackson County struggled to find momentum, starting their next drive deep in their own territory. A false start penalty and a strong defensive stand forced another punt, which Westin Kiser (3) fielded with a fair catch at the 37.
Peyton Walker (22) opened the drive with an 8-yard gain on the ground, but a penalty pushed the Comets back. Despite the setback, Hale broke loose for a big run, only to fumble, giving Jackson County a rare opportunity. That momentum was short-lived, however, as a block in the back penalty pushed the Generals into a 2nd-and-long situation. On the very next play, Walker made up for the earlier penalty by coming up with an interception.
Capitalizing quickly, quarterback Hayden Hall (15) connected with Kadin Thompson (1) for a 25-yard touchdown strike, extending the lead to 16-0.
The Comets’ defense continued to shut down Jackson County’s offense, forcing another punt. Kiser sparked the next series with a big gain, followed by another 15-yard burst on the ground. Hall and Hale each chipped in rushing yards before Hale capped the drive with a 1-yard touchdown run, bringing the score to 24-0.
Jackson County’s struggles continued as Kiser snagged an interception shortly after the kickoff, then followed it up with a 21-yard run and another touchdown carry, making it 30-0.
With time winding down in the first half, West Carter remained relentless. Hall connected with Kiser on a 22-yard screen pass, and after a false start set them back, Hall found Walker for another touchdown through the air. The Comets took a 37-0 lead.
After a Jackson County punt, Hall aired it out once more, finding Landon Callihan (11) deep for a 45-yard touchdown to push the lead to 44-0.
Late in the game, West Carter began rotating in younger players, but the offense didn’t slow down. Weston Kiser hit Eli Hancock (21) on a pass that Hancock turned into an 80-yard gain, marking the final Comet touchdown of the night. The extra point made it 51-0.
Jackson County managed to avoid the shutout with a late touchdown run by Gavin Nolasco (3) as the clock expired, bringing the final score to 51-6.
The win moves the Comets to 1-0 in district play as they look to carry that momentum deeper into the season. They host another district rival, Breathitt County, this Friday in Olive Hill.
Contact the writer at news@cartercountytimes.com
