GLASGOW — Everything went wrong for Barren County on Friday.

An inept offense, poor tackling and special teams breakdowns added up to a 55-0 home loss to district foe Warren Central.

“We didn’t do anything right,” said Barren coach Jeff Richey after the game. “We couldn’t tackle, we couldn’t move the ball, and heck, we couldn’t even snap a punt. And there (pointing to the scoreboard) is the result of it.”

The special teams miscues started when Barren’s second drive of the game stalled and punter Caleb Bogard dropped a perfect snap handing the Dragons a first down at the Trojan 28. After the gift of spectacular field position, Central’s athletic quarterback, Troy Halcomb, had a dazzling 17-yard touchdown run on a third and six play to put the Dragons on the scoreboard first.

The punting woes continues on the next drive, after another three-and-out series, when Barren snapped the ball 15 feet over the head of Bogard, who recovered the errant snap and did his best Fran Tarkenton impersonation, avoiding several Dragon defenders to no avail as his desperation pass to Matt Jones failed to net a first down.

Halcomb shocked the Trojan defense with another 17-yard touchdown run that was nullified by a holding penalty. Tebarus Mitchell scored on a 12-yard play for the Dragons’ second score and a 14-0 lead.

Richey tried to get something going on the ensuing kickoff by inserting quarterback Colton Phelps deep to return. Phelps flung a lateral 40 yards across the field to Hunter Jones, whose return gave Barren good field position at the Trojan 40. Unfortunately for the Trojans, their offensive nightmare continued as two plays later Phelps’ pass was intercepted by Central’s Cortez Barbour for the first of two interceptions the Dragon defensive back had on the day.

The Trojan defense held tough and was highlighted by Tyler Hughes lighting up Barber on a third down pass to force a three-and-out. Contrary to the Trojan punting woes, Dragon punter Edan Hadzikadunik shot a 56-yard punt into orbit that rolled to rest at the Trojan 4-yard line. Phelps was sacked in the end zone three plays later for a safety, and the Trojans were in a hole to the tune of 16-0.

Bogard’s kickoff rolled through the Dragon return team on the ensuing free kick before Barber picked up the loose ball and returned it 67 yards for a touchdown. That gave Central a 22-0 lead with 8:01 left in the opening half.

Bogard’s next punt netted 32 yards before a 15-yard Barren personal foul penalty gave the Dragons a first and down at the Trojan 17. Mitchell scored again four plays later, this time on a 5-yard run, to give Central a 29-0 lead at the half.

Central added four second half touchdowns to close out the game.

The Dragons outgained the Trojans in yardage – 322 to 93 – and intercepted four Trojan passes on defense. Barren completed just five passes on the night.

The Trojans fell to 2-5 overall and 0-2 in district play with the loss. The Dragons improved to 2-4 and 1-1.

Barren is back in action Friday at Adair County.



Score by quarter

Central 7 22 13 13 - 55

Barren 0 0 0 0 - 0



Rushing

Gill Thomas 6-23, Tyler Hughes 3-17, Colton Phelps 12-14, Tim Sneed 7-8, Brandon Sneed 3-7, Kris Aquino 5-6, Jud Perkins 1-1, Tyler Furlong 1-(-3), Luke Matthews 1-(-4), Caleb Bogard 1-(-9)



Passing

Colton Phelps 2/11, 28 yds., 2 INT

Gill Thomas 2/7, 7 yds., INT

Caleb Bogard 1/1, -2 yds.

Luke Matthews 0/1 0 yds., INT



Receiving

Tyler Hughes 2-22, Hunter Jones 2-7, Tim Sneed 1-4.