MIDDLESBORO, Ky. (WYMT) – In the Crater City, Middlesboro hosted Harlan County for the season opener at Lee Majors Field.

In his debut as head coach, Jacob Saylor and the Harlan County Black Bears defeated the Yellow Jackets 25-7.

In the first quarter, Harlan County applied early pressure on the ball, much to the delight of fullback James Howard, who dominated on the ground.

As the Black Bears methodically worked their way into the red zone, Middlesboro’s defense failed to fall for a fake handoff and the Harlan County rusher was met by a swarm of Yellow Jackets, forcing a fourth down on the first drive of the game.

When Middlesboro took the lead late in the first quarter, quarterback Deakon Partin handed off to running back Vincent Smith, who launched a masterful charge that knocked the pylons down.

Early in the second quarter, Mekhi Young was on a running play and seemed to be making a good run until he dropped the ball.

Harlan County was able to restore it quickly.

On the Black Bears’ ensuing drive, quarterback Brayden Morris broke free. Morris kept his chance and broke free to start a long fight. Later in the drive, Morris rolled left and took off running before being brought down near the goal line. From the two-yard line, Harlan County slammed the ball into the gut and scored the only point of the first half, 7-0.

Late in the second quarter, Colby Lawson answered with a great kickoff return that put the Jackets at the 24-yard line. However, with Middlesboro in the red zone with seconds left in the half, the Yellow Jackets ran out of time at the one-yard line and were unable to score. Harlan County head coach Jacob Saylor and the team went into the break with a one-point lead.

Middlesboro scored one more time in the game, but Harlan County scored two more touchdowns that ultimately gave them the win in week one.

Check out ARH Sports Overtime highlights tonight at 11:20 p.m.

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