CODY LEIST

PDT Sports Writer

Greenup County could not overcome five turnovers Friday night at Pike County Central as the Musketeers fell 35-27 in the season opener for both teams.

“We have to learn how to in,” Greenup County coach Chris Mullins said.

The Hawks (1-0) raced out to a 21-0 lead after the first quarter thanks to two incerceptions that were ran back for touchdowns. The Musketeers got on the board with less than 30 seconds in the first half when Jeffrey Williams caught a 23-yard touchdown pass from Josh Barney to make it 21-7.

After a touchdown in the first series by Pike County Central in the second half made it 28-7, Williams used carries of 34, 4 and 69 yards to bring Greenup County to within one at 28-27 with 4:53 to go. It was the closest the Musketeers would get as Wade Reed’s point after attempt sailed wide right.

The Hawks closed the scoring out with 1:18 left on a 30-yard run. The Musketeers’ last gasp was halted on the next series with a fumble.

“We came so far,” Mullins said.

Williams led Greenup County finished with 230 yards rushing on 12 carries and had a hand in all of the team’s scores.

“He’s in phenominal shape,” Mullins said. “If anyone deserves recognition, it’s him.”

He was also proud of his defense as they held Pike County Central to 235 total yards. In comparison, the Musketeers racked up 375 total yards, 301 coming on the ground.

“We finally learned how to play defense,” Mullins said.

Greenup County returns home next Friday to host Russell.

Pike Co. Central 35, Greenup Co. 27

Greenup Co. 0 7 7 13 — 27

Pike Co. Central 21 0 7 7 — 35

Scoring Summary

First Quarter

PCC — Johnson 64 interception return (kick failed) 8:38

PCC — Johnson 10 run (Justice from Pugh) 3:25

PCC — Pugh 21 interception return (kick good) 3:25

Second Quarter

GC — Williams 23 pass from Barney (Reed kick) 0:27

Third Quarter

PCC — Justice 24 pass from Pugh (kick good) 9:51

GC — Williams 34 run (Reed kick) 8:35

Fourth Quarter

GC — Williams 4 run (Reed kick) 6:24

GC — Williams 69 run (kick failed) 4:53

PCC — Justice 30 run (kick good) 1:18

Team Statistics

GC PCC

Rush Att.-Yds. 26-301 36-159

Passing Yds. 74 76

Pass Att.-Comp.-Int. 17-6-3 19-9-1

Total Yds. 375 235

Turnovers 5 1

Fumbles-Lost 2-2 2-0

Individual Statistics

Rushing — Greenup Co., Williams 12-230, Barney 6-57, Stout 7-13, Lawson 1-1.

Passing — Greenup Co., Barney 17-6-3-74.

Receiving — Greenup Co., Wells 1-26, Williams 2-24, Lawson 1-14, Boggs 1-6, Grubb 1-4.