Henderson County’s defense held firm late, and a missed field goal at the buzzer sealed a 7-6 win over Daviess County on Friday night.
The Colonels scored the only points of the first half when quarterback Brody Belt powered in from 5 yards out with 2:51 left in the second quarter. Miles Pryor added the extra point for a 7-0 lead.
Daviess County answered midway through the third when Ridge Roberts broke free for a 27-yard touchdown run to cap a six-play, 62-yard drive. The two-point try failed, leaving the Panthers trailing 7-6.
The Panthers had chances late, including a 75-yard march in the fourth quarter that ended with a 30-yard field goal attempt from Asher Hendrix that missed short. Henderson then ran out the clock.
“I have all the confidence in the world in Asher,” Wallace said. “We just have to make sure we have great snaps and great holds. Our special teams is going to continue to improve.”
Despite the loss, Daviess County outgained Henderson 224-180 in total offense and had 13 first downs to the Colonels’ 12. Roberts carried 17 times for 58 yards and the lone score, while quarterback Garrison Barker added 95 yards on 13 rushes and threw for 58 yards on 4-of-13 passing with two interceptions.
Wallace praised his defense, which held Henderson to 41 passing yards and forced a fumble, but said offensive execution needs to improve.
“I told the guys we left too many stones unturned,” Wallace said. “We played really well on defense. Shut them down most of the game, held them to 180 yards total offense. We have to be better on offense. We can’t have penalties and get behind the sticks — we have to find a way to score more points.”
Wallace added that his team’s character and closeness remain a strength.
“I always emphasize character. We have to be a group of guys with great integrity throughout everything that happens to us, good or bad, as well as continuing to give glory to God for all the opportunities he gives us,” Wallace said. “We have a close team. They love one another, they fight for one another. Family is something that I preach as well.”
The Panthers, now 2-3, travel to McLean County next Friday. Henderson improved to 3-2.
