Apollo was unable to muster up enough offense on Friday night, as their 2022 campaign came to a close with a 33-6 loss to Central Hardin in the first round of the postseason.
Both teams tried to gain momentum offensively in the first quarter, but neither were able to find the endzone and went into the second tied in a scoreless affair. But it was the Bruins that were able to strike first halfway through the quarter, getting a one-yard rushing touchdown from junior Mason Gardner and a two-point conversion to take an 8-0 lead with 6:15 left in the first half.
Central Hardin was able to extend its lead just before halftime, getting a field goal to make it an 11-0 game going into the locker room. The Eagles luck didn’t change much coming out of the locker room, as Gardner added on to the Bruins lead with a 12-yard touchdown to take a 19-0 lead with 9:20 left in the third.
It seemed like Central Hardin would continue to stay hot after getting an interception on the ensuing Apollo drive, but a quick fumble gave the Eagles the ball right back. This led to a screen pass to senior Donte Dixon who scored to put Apollo on the board, but the PAT was missed and the Eagles remained behind the Bruins at 19-6 with 3:55 left in the third.
But that was all that Apollo could find offensively, as Gardner continued his strong play with a pair of touchdowns to close out a 33-6 win and put an end to the Eagles season. Apollo finishes 2022 with a 2-9 overall record, falling to the Bruins for the second time this season.
