Holmes' James Jackson tackles Bourbon Countyš's Will Hinkle. (Mike Simons photo) | ZOOM |

        COVINGTON - The Holmes Bulldogs consider Friday's 28-12 Class AAA first-round win over Bourbon County a matter of survival.

        Senior Antwan Curry ran for 84 yards and two touchdowns, and senior Simar Rice ran for 48 yards and a score.

        Rice also recovered a fumble midway through the fourth quarter that led to the Bulldogs' final score, which sealed Holmes' rally from a 12-0 deficit.

        “The only change we made was we played harder in the second half,” Curry said.

        Holmes coach John Vander Meer agreed.

        “First, give (Bourbon County) credit,” he said. “We weren't ready to play football. We've got to play better next week.”

        Vander Meer has a point: The Bulldogs gave up 337 yards rushing and gained just 262. Bourbon County's Thomas Gray and Will Hinkle ran for 96 and 95, respectively.

        Bourbon County owned the first quarter.

        The Colonels had the size advantage along the front line. Seniors Shane Buckler, Jason Stamper, Brian Collier and Matt Compton and junior Justin Roe averaged 264 pounds a player.

        As a result, Bourbon County scored first. Hinkle's 1-yard plunge with 3:45 left in the quarter capped a seven-play, 57-yard drive.

        The Colonels got some help from Holmes the next series. Rice had a 7-yard catch from Englemon for a first down at the Holmes 44, but Rice fumbled and Bourbon recovered.

        Six plays later, it was 12-0 Bourbon County.

        Here is where Holmes changed directions. Instead of trying to run up the middle, the Bulldogs ran around the defense.

        Curry started the drive with a 12-yard run and a 29-yard reverse three plays later. Two snaps after that, Rice was in from 17 yards out with 9:51 left in the half.

        Curry and Rice gave Holmes (9-2) the lead for good with 2:04 left in the half. Curry scored on a 6-yard sweep, but Rice's 32-yard run the play before set up the TD.

        “They're a good offensive team, very explosive,” Bourbon County coach Dudley Hilton said. “It's hard to deal with speed.”

        Holmes will play Harrison County next week. The Thorobreds defeated Dixie Heights 35-21.

        Bourbon County ....... 6 6 0 0-12

        Holmes ....... 0 14 0 14-28

        BC-Hinkle 1 run (kick failed)

        BC-Gray 10 run (pass failed)

        H-Rice 17 run (Hughes kick)

        H-Curry 6 run (Hughes kick)

        H-Curry 54 pass from Englemon (Hughes kick)

        H-Curry 2 run (Hughes kick)

        Records: BC 7-4, H 9-2.

        Complete prep football coverage at Enquirer.com/prepfootball

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