Using contributions from players all over the field, Owensboro stayed perfect against district competition with a hard-fought 27-8 victory at Graves County.
The defense once again led the way for the Red Devils (7-1, 4-0), forcing three turnovers to go along with a few stops in the red zone.
Head coach Jay Fallin said being able to rely on the defense when the offense is a little off is a big key to success.
“Offensive football is kind of like playing golf,” he said. “Even the best are going to have bad nights. Where you have to really be consistent week in and week out is defense and special teams.”
OHS still found ways to score, largely with help from receiver Treyvon Tinsley and running back Cam Thompson.
Tinsley caught eight passes for 135 yards, taking three receptions for touchdowns. Thompson scored once, finishing with 109 yards on 20 carries. Quarterback Gavin Wimsatt went 17-for-33 with 187 yards.
OHS never trailed, taking a 6-0 lead midway through the first quarter on a 30-yard score by Tinsley. Graves County scored their only touchdown late in the period, but Julius Eberhart blocked the extra point attempt.
Thompson scored on a 34-yard run in the first minute of the second quarter, and the Eagles’ ensuing drive ended with OHS making a stop on 4th-and-goal on the 1-yard line. A high snap on a Red Devil punt attempt went into the end zone for a Graves County safety, cutting their deficit to 13-8.
Owensboro forced two turnovers in the final five minutes of the half, both in the red zone. Thompson recovered a fumble on the 10-yard line, and Eberhart intercepted a pass on the 6. Thompson also recovered a fumble in the closing minutes of the game.
“The defensive line and linebackers did a nice job,” Fallin said. “The offensive line had a really nice night, both protecting Gavin and in the run game, against a really good defensive front. I think it was an overall team effort.”
Tinsley added touchdown catches of 26 and 31 yards in the third quarter to round out the scoring.
Fallin said he knew Graves County (4-4, 3-1) would put up a good fight and not make things easy for Owensboro.
“We knew it would be a tough environment,” he said. “They’re a really good football team despite their record. They were undefeated in the district the same as us. For the most part, the guys played well and overcame the obstacles they had to overcome to get a huge win.”
With their victory, the Red Devils could secure home field advantage for at least the first two rounds of the postseason if they beat Grayson County at home next week.
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