By Brayleigh Boggs
Carter County Times
The West Carter Comets faced a tall task Friday night when the Russell Red Devils rolled into town. Despite the Comets’ best efforts, Russell’s blend of opportunistic defense and well-executed offense proved too much, as West Carter fell 35–0 in front of a packed home crowd.
The game’s opening minutes set the tone. On West Carter’s first possession, quarterback Hayden Hall (15) dropped back looking to establish rhythm. Still, Russell defensive back Grayson Kiser (5) anticipated the throw and came up with an interception at the Comets’ 37-yard line. Russell wasted little time cashing in. Quarterback Jayden Frasure (8) capped an eight-play drive with a one-yard keeper on fourth down, giving the visitors an early 7–0 edge.
West Carter’s defense forced a punt on the next series, but special teams swung the momentum again. A booming Comet punt was fielded by Jayden Pennington (17), who weaved through traffic for a long return touchdown that extended Russell’s lead to 14–0 late in the first quarter.
The Comets looked to steady themselves, but the Red Devils’ front seven closed lanes quickly. Facing fourth down near midfield, West Carter attempted a fake punt that fell incomplete, giving Russell a short field. Four plays later, Frasure (8) powered in from eight yards out to make it 21–0 with just under three minutes left in the half.
West Carter mounted its best drive before halftime on a slip-screen pass from Hall (15) to senior receiver Kadin Thompson (1), who broke loose into Russell territory. Hopes of points before the break ended abruptly when a high snap derailed the series, followed by a sack from Russell’s defensive line. The Comets trailed 21–0 at the half.
Russell opened the third quarter with another efficient drive. Frasure (8) dumped a screen pass to Jordan Rowe (2), who found daylight and sprinted 51 yards for a touchdown that pushed the score to 28–0.
The Comets, still searching for traction, were forced to punt after another short series. Trouble struck again on the next possession when Russell’s Dameon Williams (67) recovered a high snap deep in their own end. Moments later, Frasure (8) connected on a screen to Lane Osborne (33), who cut through blocks for a 32-yard touchdown. That score, combined with the extra point, extended the lead to 35–0 and brought the mercy rule into effect for the remainder of the night.
Despite the final score, the Comets had flashes of promise, particularly with Hall’s (15) ability to find space on short passes to Thompson (1) and the offensive line’s late-second-quarter push. But miscues, field position, and Russell’s ability to capitalize on turnovers left little room for recovery.
West Carter will need to regroup quickly, with district play looming and opportunities ahead to turn lessons from Friday night into growth. Russell, now unbeaten through three games, showcased the kind of balance that makes them a difficult opponent, but the Comets’ resilience through four quarters was noted by the home crowd. The Comets will travel to Magoffin County to face the Hornets in week four.
Contact the writer at news@cartercountytimes.com
