Owensboro wasted no time asserting itself Friday night, scoring early and often in a dominant 62-7 win over Grayson County in the opening round of the Class 5A state playoffs at Rash Stadium.
The Red Devils (9-2) set the tone from the start as senior running back Evan Hampton rushed for 100 yards and three touchdowns on just five carries. Eli Hampton also returned an interception for a score in a performance that highlighted Owensboro’s all-around control.
“We knew we’d come out and take care of business,” head coach DaMarcus Ganaway Sr. said. “It was just about keeping it clean, keeping everybody healthy, and continuing to take care of us so we can advance.”
Owensboro’s offense piled up 307 total yards — 173 through the air and 134 on the ground — while holding Grayson County to just 36 total yards and negative-32 rushing yards. The Red Devils scored on offense, defense, and special teams, capitalizing on Cougar mistakes throughout the night.
“When a team isn’t playing well in that third phase of the game, it hurts everything,” Ganaway said. “We capitalized and scored on those drives quickly, and that’s how games get out of hand.”
Quarterback DaMarcus Ganaway Jr. was efficient, completing 6 of 7 passes for 102 yards and three touchdowns. Sophomore Zeke Beehn added a 71-yard touchdown strike to Khalil Shemwell in the fourth quarter.
Kingston Dillard caught two passes for 43 yards and a touchdown, while JB Bryant added a 5-yard TD reception. Tee Green also found the end zone on a 14-yard run, and Omari Robinson added a 14-yard rushing score.
Defensively, Ty Ashley and Eli Hampton each recorded an interception, with Hampton returning his for a touchdown. Nolan Basham led the team with three tackles, while Owensboro forced three turnovers and limited Grayson County to 0-of-5 on third downs.
With the victory, Owensboro advances to face Greenwood at home next Friday. Greenwood defeated Madisonville 21-18 in its first-round matchup.
“The biggest thing is to keep cleaning things up and focus on what we need to improve,” Ganaway said. “We’re trying to win state.”
