Powell County’s rushing attack saw great success on Friday night en route to a Pirate victory.
STANTON – September 13, 2020 – Bradley Charles – Bluegrass Sports Nation
Friday night’s matchup against Prestonsburg marked the start of Powell County head coach Mike Jones’ era with the Pirates. In an exciting 22-point comeback, the Pirates defeated the Prestonsburg Blackcats 34-28.
Entering the game, there were multiple storylines at play. Aside from Jones’ debut with Powell County, Prestonsburg’s head coach Brandon Brewer returned to the field where he was once a standout player and later became a very successful head coach. Furthermore, it was also senior night for the Pirates.
Once play began, Prestonsburg jumped out to a 22-0 lead. The Pirates trailed the Blackcats 22-7 at halftime, and Prestonsburg was supposed to get the ball to start the second half. However, the Pirates recovered the kickoff thanks in part to an excellent pooch kick from Brian Baker. On the first play of the drive, senior running back Tyler Charles took it to the house on a 24-yard touchdown run.
On the ensuing kickoff, another pooch kick by Baker led to a Powell County recovery. The Pirates once again capitalized with a touchdown, but still trailed 22-19. Prestonsburg’s ensuing drive ended with an interception by Powell County’s Larry Shifflet. Despite Powell County having the momentum, the Blackcat defense held the Pirates on the following drive.
After a defensive stand, the Pirates’ Stephen Norris gave Powell County the lead on a 48-yard touchdown run. The Pirates had scored 26 unanswered points, and held a 26-22 lead with 7:16 remaining in the game.
A Blackcat touchdown on the following possession made the score 28-26 in favor of Prestonsburg. However, the Pirates responded with a 56-yard touchdown run by Larry Shifflet, which proved to be the game-winning score. After a successful two-point conversion, Powell County led Prestonsburg 34-28. Following a Prestonsburg punt, the Powell County offense ran out the clock to win the game.
Without any doubt, the Pirates’ season began with a thriller. Powell County’s next game is scheduled for Sept. 18 at 7:30 p.m. as the Pirates will host the Breathitt County Bobcats.
