LOG MOUNTAIN — Not many prognosticators gave North Laurel a chance of winning on Log Mountain on Friday, but the Jaguars proved them wrong by pulling out a thrilling 24-22 win over the Bobcats on Friday. The victory came during coach Steven Nelson’s debut game with North Laurel.
“These boys played their tails off,” Nelson said. “I’m super proud of them and the work they put in really showed tonight. No one gave these guys a chance and they came out with a chip on their shoulder and wanted to prove to everybody they can win.
“As a head coach, they make it special and I’m super proud of the effort they put in after a tough week of injuries and battling Covid,” he added. “These kids fought through adversity and showed everyone that they can compete.”
A 44-yard field goal by Cam Anderson gave North Laurel (1-0) an early lead while Bell County answered to take an 8-3 lead in the second quarter.
A touchdown by Jude McWhorter before halftime gave his team a 10-8 advantage.
North Laurel’s lead grew to 17-8 in the third quarter before the Bobcats cut their deficit to 17-16 after a touchdown by Blake Burnett.
North Laurel answered with less than five minutes remaining in the game with two key pass plays from quarterback Hunter Morgan to Carter Kelley that covered 65 yards which included a 25-yard touchdown pass to push their team’s lead to 24-16.
Bell County wasn’t finished, though.
Kaleb Miller’s two-yard rushing touchdown with 59 seconds remaining cut the Jaguars’ lead to 24-22.
The Bobcats decided to go for the two-point conversion, but Cooper Robinson intercepted the pass to secure North Laurel’s win.
It’s only the fourth meeting between the two teams with series now tied at 2-2.
