LONDON — North Laurel was in must-win mode Friday, and when the going got tough, the Jaguars showed out.
Steven Nelson’s squad snapped a six-game win streak by defeating district foe Harlan County, 45-26, while clinching a district playoff berth during the process.
North Laurel improved to 3-6 overall and 1-3 against district opponents, and will now prepare for next week’s regular season finale at home against Wayne County.
“I’m very proud of the boys,” Nelson said. “They bought in this week at practice and took the challenge to run the ball at people and they responded. They have had a tough six weeks and could have easily laid down. I’m really proud of these guys and the resilience they have showed. These guys are like family and they know what they are capable of achieving if they buy in and all play together.”
North Laurel jumped out to a 17-0 lead but had to hold on late due to a Black Bear rally.
Cam Anderson’s 27-yard field goal gave the Jaguars an early lead in the first quarter before Cooper Robinson’s 50-yard touchdown run increased North Laurel’s lead to 10-0 with 6:21 left in the opening quarter.
A 38-yard touchdown pass from Jude McWhorter to Carter Kelley increased the Jaguars’ advantage to 17-0 with 1:46 remaining in the first quarter.
Touchdown runs by Gage Bailey and Jace Brown cut Harlan County’s deficit to 17-14 with 1:02 remaining in the first half but a one-yard touchdown run by McWhorter with 5.7 seconds remaining in the first half pushed the Jaguars’ lead to 24-14.
Harlan County regained momentum right before halftime, returning the ensuing kickoff 76 yards (Luke Kelley) to cut North Laurel’s advantage to 24-20 at halftime.
The Jaguars out the game away in the second half, though.
A five-yard touchdown run by Robinson made the score, 31-20 while Collier Mills returned a fumble 68 yards for a touchdown, giving North Laurel a 37-20 cushion with 2:11 left in the third quarter.
Robinson’s third rushing touchdown of the game, a 35-yarder, with 10:25 remaining in regulation wrapped up the win for North Laurel.
