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By : Rylan Stroub

PARIS, KY — PARIS, KY — After a week of blistering Kentucky heat, which pushed kickoff back to 8 p.m., the Harrison County Thorobreds and Bourbon County Colonels finally took the field under the lights at Claiborne Field in Bourbon County.

The cooler evening air brought some relief, but once the game began, Bourbon County wasted no time making their presence felt.

The home team jumped out to a 42-0 halftime lead, controlling the first half on both sides of the ball and putting the away team, which they like to refer to as “the team up North,” in an early hole that proved difficult to climb out of.

Bourbon County’s offense found success both through the air and on the ground, while its defense repeatedly forced the Breds off schedule. Julius Gregory, Bourbon County’s senior quarterback, helped lead the Colonels’ offensive attack.

Gregory finished with 79 rushing yards and also contributed through the air, including a 31-yard completion early in the game.

Bourbon County continued to find open space as the first half progressed. Another senior, Fred Carson, recorded two receptions for 44 yards, while junior Brandon Smith-Santiago added two catches for 45 yards.

Another junior, Chris Porter, also contributed two receptions for 29 yards. The Colonels’ ground game was equally effective. Senior Tanner Lutz rushed four times for 33 yards, while Julius Gregory and Caleb Shears also helped Bourbon County consistently move the football.

For Harrison County, junior quarterback Carter Curry finished with five completions for 50 yards and carried the ball eight times for one yard. The Thorobreds’ rushing attack was led by senior Karsyn Sumpter, who carried 15 times for 80 yards and emerged as Harrison County’s leading offensive player of the night.

After being held scoreless throughout the first half, Harrison County came out of the locker room looking to change the game’s momentum.

That effort finally paid off in the third quarter, a 24-yard pass from Carter Curry to Karsyn Sumpter found the end zone for the Thorobreds’ lone touchdown of the night, putting six points on the board and preventing the shutout.

Although the hosts maintained control, the second half featured a more competitive Harrison County effort as the visitors continued battling through the final whistle.

Bourbon County’s night was not without mistakes, however.

Bourbon County was penalized nine times for 90 yards throughout the game. The Colonels received a sideline warning, and officials also called penalties for interactions with officials, and contact after plays had moved out of bounds.

Harrison County was penalized six times for 42 yards and also recorded a fumble loss during the contest. Despite the penalties, Bourbon County’s first-half dominance ultimately decided the game.

As the clock wound down beneath the lights at Claiborne Field, the Colonels secured the 48-6 victory.

For Harrison County, Karsyn Sumpter’s performance and third-quarter touchdown provided a bright spot on a difficult night. The Thorobreds (0-3) will now turn their attention toward their next matchup against Anderson County (1-2) to celebrate homecoming and an opportunity to regroup.

The Bourbon County Colonels (2-1) will face Montgomery County (0-3) next week away at Cunningham Field.

Final: Bourbon County 48, Harrison County 6.