<body><div><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=2e1EnH_1GvETIbu00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2e1EnH_1GvETIbu00" width="1200" height="630" >Romeo Bartolomei, Braylin McDowell and the LaRue County Hawks made quick and efficient work of the Webster County Trojans Friday night.Bartolomei and McDowell each accounted for two touchdowns and the Hawks scored the first six touchdowns of the night in a 49-12 romp of the Trojans in the opening round of the Class 3A state playoffs.Bartolomei had a pair of rushing touchdowns on three carries and McDowell caught a pair of touchdown passes from quarterback Brady Abell as homestanding LaRue County (11-0) stormed past Webster County (1-10) and into the second round.“I was happy with how the boys came out early and jumped out to the lead they did,” Hawks head coach Clay Hooper said. “We felt that starting fast was something we needed to do in order to jump on this team and try to close it out early.”LaRue County erupted for 28 points in the first quarter against outmanned Webster County.The Hawks got things rolling on their first play of the night, with McDowell and Abell connecting for a 46-yard scoring pass just 8 seconds in.After forcing the Trojans to punt, LaRue County was back at it on the next possession – needing just two plays to go up 14-0 as Bartolomei scored his first touchdown on an 8-yard run with 9:10 left in the first period.Bartolomei’s 2-yard run with 7:10 to go in the first stretched it to 21-0 before Abell connected with McDowell on a 50-yard bomb with 3:54 left before halftime to make it 28-0.The Hawks were focused from the start, taking care of business in their first playoff win since 2021 – when they beat Elizabethtown in the first round.“It is always important to come out focused no matter the opponent, especially this time of the year,” Hooper said. “At this point it is win or go home, and the boys aren't ready for that to happen yet. They came out and executed the way they were supposed to. We need that to continue on the next several weeks if we want to make the run we want to make.”Cole Miller’s 11-yard touchdown catch from Abell made it 35-0, giving the Hawks five touchdowns on just eight plays.Les Colvin’s 16-yard pass from Abell made it 42-0 before Webster County got on the board in the third quarter.The Trojans scored once more in the fourth quarter before the Hawks tacked on their final touchdown from Xavier Cruse to set the final margin.It was yet another strong showing by LaRue County’s defense, which had 13 tackles for a loss. Jackson Edwards led the way with seven tackles, while Matthew Stephens added six. They combined for three tackles for a loss on the night.“The defense had a great performance Friday just like they have all year,” Hooper said. “I don't think they get the credit they deserve. Our front seven did their jobs well all night long and kept Webster County off schedule. The secondary sat back and was able to maintain their pass first responsibility with the play of the guys in the box. The kids on defense have just stepped up all year long and answered the call.”The game was delayed several minutes in the second half after a scary injury to LaRue County junior Dakota Dye, who was taken by ambulance to the hospital with a leg injury.Dye had surgery Sunday morning and was home by that evening. Hooper called it a “tough situation” for everyone on the field and at the stadium.“It was definitely a tough situation to handle as a coach, and I know the players were shaken up after that happened as well,” he said. “You never want that to happen to any kid, especially one who comes and works as hard as Dakota does. He has a great attitude everyday, his teammates and coaches all love him and your heart breaks for a kid when something tragic like that happens. I thought the kids rallied after that happened and I was proud of their response to what was a tragic event.”LaRue County advanced to meet Union County in the second round of the playoffs at home this week. That game will be played at 7:30 p.m. Friday.Union County survived with a 15-12 victory over Butler County in the first round, setting up the rematch with the Hawks. Union County knocked LaRue County out of the postseason last year.“This is a big and physical football team who has kids who have returned from last year's team,” Hooper said. “Those kids have been in situations where they have gone on the road and won playoff games. They went on the road last year and upset an 11-0 Glasgow team in the second round. So we know that we have to come ready to play this week or history will find a way of repeating itself with us being on the wrong side.”The Hawks are determined to not let that happen, especially not after last year’s crushing loss.LaRue County has bigger goals still left to check off, and the players know the road ahead won’t get any easier.“Defensively, we have to limit what their quarterback does. He is a dual-threat kid who has thrown for over 1,000 yards and is their second leading rusher on the team. He has accounted for a total of 20 of their touchdowns this year and makes really good decisions with the ball. We have to make sure we know where he is and try to limit some of the things he does well,” Hooper said.“With our offense, I think you have to be aware of their size up front. They do a great job of eating up blocks and letting linebackers run free,” he added. “We have to make sure we are working to execute and finish blocks up front, we have to take care of the ball, and let the guys go be playmakers with the ball in their hands like they have done all year.”LaRue County isn’t looking for revenge against Union County, Hooper said.That’s now how this team is built, though getting a win and moving onto the state quarterfinals would be another huge step for the program.“We don't focus on things like revenge,” Hooper said. “We don't try to watch the scoreboard. We have bought into just being the best versions of ourselves each and every play. We believe that if we are the best versions of ourselves every play the rest will take care of itself regardless of the opponent. All we can do at this point is play who is lined up across from us and play football.”</div></body>

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Romeo Bartolomei, Braylin McDowell and the LaRue County Hawks made quick and efficient work of the Webster County Trojans Friday night. Bartolomei and McDowell each accounted for two touchdowns and the Hawks scored the first six touchdowns of the night in a 49-12 romp of the Trojans in the opening round of the Class 3A state playoffs.

Bartolomei, McDowell lead LaRue County romp

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Romeo Bartolomei, Braylin McDowell and the LaRue County Hawks made quick and efficient work of the Webster County Trojans Friday night. Bartolomei and McDo

Bartolomei, McDowell lead LaRue County romp

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