By JON WEBB
GLASGOW — Barren County football’s struggles continued in Grayson County Friday night, losing 38-6.
Head coach Jeff Richey said the game was yet another example of Barren allowing their opponent to build an early lead, forcing them to play from behind and make up ground.
“(Grayson) took it to us early and we never recovered,” Richey said. “Our guys were ready to play, but once again we were back on our heels. We were down too much before we could get it going.”
The Trojans were unable to get their run game going against the Cougars, who held Barren to negative five yards rushing as a team.
Grayson struck first with a field goal in the first quarter, and followed up with a touchdown with two minutes remaining in the first frame.
The game blew open in the second, with Grayson reaching the end zone with 10 minutes, six minutes and two minutes remaining in the quarter, giving them a 31-0 lead going into the half.
Grayson added another touchdown in the third quarter to stretch their lead to 38.
Barren then turned to its passing game, which provided an offensive spark in the second half.
Quarterback Colton Phelps went 9-21 for 121 yards, and found Colby Long on a 33 yard pass play to put Barren on the board with 11:14 left in the game.
Grayson dominated the rushing side, however, outrunning Barren by 281 total yards. Aaron Deviney lead the Cougars with 16 carries for 131 yards and three touchdowns. Gill Thomas, who recovered a fumble representing Grayson’s only turnover of the night, led the Trojans in rushing with three yards.
Jess Hunt provided an offensive bright spot for Barren. The junior caught four passes for 69 yards on the night to continue his stellar season.
Despite the late touchdown, the first half lead was more than Barren could overcome and Grayson handed the Trojans their fourth loss in as many weeks.
The win preserves Grayson’s undefeated son and improves their record to 5-0.
Since their 35-0 win over Metcalfe County in the T.J. Samson Bowl, the Trojans have put up 41 total points in their subsequent four loses. In that span, Barren’s opponents have outscored them 158-41.
Injuries have played a role in Barren’s recent struggles, and the bad news kept coming in the game against Grayson. Brandon Sneed went down with a knee injury, and the sophomore will have to wait for an MRI to know the full extent of the injury.
Running back Tim Sneed is still bothered by a nagging ankle injury, and lineman Willie Steenbergen is out indefinitely with shoulder problems.
“We have more injuries, and then more injuries and then more injuries,” Richey said.
Barren will attempt to change their luck next week when they face 3-2 Pulaski County.
“It’s tough right now,” Richey said. “We’re looking for answers, and trying to stay positive.”
