Brady Atwell rushed for three touchdowns and threw for two more to lead Owensboro Catholic to a 37-14 win at North Hardin, securing an undefeated regular season for the Aces.
Atwell went to work early, connecting with Waryn Ebelhar for a 54-yard touchdown in the first minute of the game.
North Hardin fumbled the ball away on a bad snap on the ensuing drive, and Atwell scored on a 6-yard touchdown moments later.
The Trojans got on the board with 3:40 to play when Shaun Boykins carried it in from 4 yards out.
The Aces (10-0) struck twice more before the quarter ended. Atwell scored on a 46-yard run, and on their next drive he carried it 45 yards on one play to set up a 4-yard rushing touchdown. Catholic led 28-7 at the end of the first quarter.
The second quarter wasn’t pretty for either team.
North Hardin fumbled on the Catholic 2-yard line. Then Atwell threw an interception. The Aces got it back with a pick by Vince Carrico, but turned the ball over on downs just before the half.
Each team scored on their opening drive of the second half before struggling the rest of the way.
The Trojans got within 28-14 with a Jaykylin Kirkland 20-yard touchdown pass to Will Ray, but less than 2 minutes later Atwell hit Tutt Carrico for a 33-yard score and a 35-14 lead. The Aces added 2 more points with a safety with 9:15 to play.
Both teams had true turnovers as well as turnovers on downs throughout the rest of the game.
The Aces will return home to start the playoffs, hosting Caldwell County (1-9) at 7 p.m. this Friday.
