It looked as if Allen Mitchell’s South Laurel Cardinals were going to get their first win of the season on Friday against Estill County.
The Cardinals jumped out to a 7-0 advantage but then some miscues led to the Engineers scoring 38 unanswered points before they wrapped up a 38-15 victory on the road.
South Laurel’s defense ignited a hot start for the Cardinals. Brad Elza stripped the ball from an Estill County offensive player, and raced 40 yards to give South Laurel a 7-0 lead with 5:15 remaining in the first quarter.
But then, Estill County began to take over the contest.
The Engineers’ first touchdown came via through the air (a three-yarder) as Estill County led, 8-7, entering the second quarter.
A four-yard touchdown run gave the Engineers a 16-7 lead early in the second quarter before a safety midway through the first half increased Estill County’s edge to 18-7.
The Engineers’ final score of the first half, a two-yard touchdown reception, allowed Estill County to take a 26-7 edge into the locker room at halftime.
With South Laurel’s offense continuing to struggle, Estill County took advantage, scoring on a 10-yard rushing touchdown to take a 32-7 advantage with 6:27 remaining in the third quarter.
The Engineers added another touchdown in the fourth quarter to take a 38-7 lead while the Cardinals’ Hunter Bundy caught an 80-yard touchdown pass to make the final score, 38-15.
