LONDON — North Laurel dug itself an early hole, and fought back the entire game before falling to Southwestern, 23-14, in a crucial district matchup.
The Jaguars (2-3) trailed 16-0 late in the second quarter before they began to rally, cutting their def it to 16-14 before a late pick-six by the Warriors with 32 seconds remaining secured their win.
“Started out slow and we fought hard to get back in the game,” North Laurel coach Steven Nelson said. “We cleaned things up defensively and came out and played great second half. They fought hard and we didn’t have things go our way. Better execution and starting games off better has to be our priority. We had the opportunity to win the football game and it didn’t go our way.”
Southwestern took advantage of a North Laurel miscue early in the game, recording a safety during the opening minutes to take a 2-0 advantage.
The Warriors preceded on their opening drive with a touchdown to push their lead to 9-0 with three minutes remaining in the first quarter.
Southwestern added another touchdown with four minutes remaining in the second quarter to take a 16-0 lead.
A touchdown pass from Hunter Morgan to Carter Kelley with 14 seconds remaining in the first half cut North Laurel’s deficit to 16-8.
The Jaguars made a goal line stand in the second half and then scored thanks to a touchdown run by Cole McWhorter that made the score, 16-14.
Southwestern drive to North Laurel’s 10-yard line before the Jaguars made another stop with 2:45 left in the game.
North Laurel drove to the 42-yard line and had a first and 10 situation with 1:15 left before a pick six sealed the win for the Warriors with 32 seconds remaining in the game.
