Bullitt East’s Mikey West makes a stunning varsity debut with five rushing touchdowns
In their first game of the season, Bullitt East High School’s football team showcased an impressive performance, securing a 41-28 victory over Woodford County. While the defending Class 6A champions faced some challenges during the game, junior running back Mikey West stole the spotlight by scoring five rushing touchdowns in his varsity debut.
West credited his success to the offensive line, highlighting the importance of teamwork in the sport. Expressing his excitement, he shared, It was amazing, but I’ve got to give it all to my O-line. Football is fun…I was actually pretty nervous about it on the way here, but we had to lock in.
Bullitt East enjoyed an early lead of 13-0 in the first quarter. However, they found themselves trailing behind at halftime with Woodford County leading 21-20. The game took a turn in Bullitt East’s favor when Gabe Henderson executed a blindside sack on Woodford’s quarterback, Andrew Nason, resulting in a fumble that was recovered by Bullitt East’s Isaiah Hare. This critical turnover changed the momentum of the game.
Taking advantage of the turnover, Bullitt East quickly regained the lead, with quarterback Jack Zwernemann’s short-range touchdown putting them ahead 27-21 towards the end of the third quarter. The Chargers further extended their lead in the fourth quarter, capitalizing on Bryce Elder’s interception of Woodford County’s backup quarterback. West continued to shine, scoring his fourth touchdown of the evening, bringing the score to 34-21. The game concluded with a blocked punt that allowed Bullitt East to score once again, with West sealing his sensational varsity debut with his fifth rushing touchdown.
This victory marks an important moment for Bullitt East, signaling their potential as championship contenders despite initial skepticism surrounding their offensive production following the graduation of key players. Coach Keegan Kendrick emphasized the significance of focusing on improving their culture and disregarding external doubts, stating, As long as we stick to improving our culture, do the things we do right, we believe the scoreboards will take care of themselves.
Woodford County demonstrated resilience despite facing setbacks during the game. They rallied in the first half with impressive touchdown runs and showcased determination by continuing to compete. Coach Dennis Johnson acknowledged the team’s room for improvement, emphasizing the importance of refining fundamental skills and alignments in order to compete against strong opponents.
The Fort Harrod Bowl game, held at Mercer County’s Alvis Johnson Field, began with a moment of silence to honor Coach Dennis Johnson’s father, Alvis Johnson, who passed away recently. This event pays tribute to Alvis Johnson, a former Harrodsburg High School coach and the namesake of the field where Mercer County’s team now plays.
In the nightcap of the Fort Harrod Bowl, Mercer County emerged victorious against Taylor County with a 38-22 win. The Titans secured their win with three interceptions in the fourth quarter, solidifying their lead and demonstrating their defensive prowess.
Overall, Bullitt East’s triumph over Woodford County, combined with Mercer County’s victory, sets an exciting tone for the upcoming season. These teams have shown their resilience, determination, and skill, proving themselves as formidable competitors in their respective divisions. Football enthusiasts can look forward to experiencing thrilling matches as the season progresses.
