Mercer County narrowly edged out Garrard County with a late-game field goal, securing a 16-14 victory and ending the Golden Lions' five-game winning streak. With the District Championship title and a top playoff seed on the line, both teams displayed resilience and grit in a hard-fought contest in Harrodsburg.

In the first quarter of action, the  Lions and the Titans showcased their offensive prowess, leaving fans on the edge of their seats. The game kicked off with Mercer County's Daniel Butler sending a deep kickoff, which was fielded by Garrard County's Cam Peak at the goal line. Peak managed to advance the ball to the 15-yard line, setting the stage for Garrard County's first offensive drive.

Garrard County's initial plays saw limited success, with Mercer County's defense holding strong. However, a well-executed screen pass from quarterback Justin Parsons to Nate Daugherty broke the stalemate, resulting in a significant gain and a first down. The momentum continued as Malachi Simmons, nicknamed "Thunder," exploded for a 70-yard touchdown run, bulldozing through defenders and showcasing his speed. Zak Dailey’s successful extra point put Garrard County ahead 7-0.

Mercer County's response was swift and dramatic. After a brief drone-related delay, which momentarily halted the game, the Titans took over on offense. Running back Braidin Baughman, known for his explosive speed, demonstrated his prowess with a series of impressive runs. Despite Garrard County's defensive efforts, Baughman broke free for a 40-yard touchdown run, tying the game at 7-7 following Daniel Butler's extra point.

Garrard County's next possession saw them methodically advancing the ball, with key contributions from  Simmons and  Peak. A crucial third-down conversion came from a well-placed pass from Parsons to Peak, who maneuvered his way into Mercer County territory. As the first quarter concluded, Garrard County was poised to continue their drive, with the score knotted at 7-7.

The first quarter set the tone for what promises to be an exciting and hard-fought contest, with both teams displaying their offensive capabilities and determination to claim victory in this pivotal matchup.

The second quarter showcased a blend of strategic plays, defensive prowess, and a few missed opportunities, leaving the score tied at 7-7 as they headed into halftime.

The second began with Garrard County in possession, following a 29-yard pass from Parsons to Peak, placing them at the Mercer County 34-yard line. The Lions attempted to capitalize on this momentum with a series of runs, including a counter-action play by Peak and a determined run by  Simmons. Despite their efforts, the Lions faced a third-and-manageable situation, which they converted thanks to Simmons' powerful running, earning a first down and pushing deeper into Titan territory.

However, the drive took a turn when Parsons' pass was intercepted in the end zone, nullifying Garrard County's scoring opportunity. Mercer County took over at their own 20-yard line, but the Lions' defense held firm, forcing the Titans to attempt a 31-yard field goal, which was missed, keeping the score level.

Garrard County's next possession saw them advance to their own 42-yard line, but a fumble and subsequent recovery led to a fourth-and-long situation. Opting to punt, the Lions gave the ball back to Mercer County, who started their drive deep in their own territory after a holding penalty negated a potential touchdown return by Baughman.

With time winding down in the half, Mercer County's offense, led by quarterback Cornelius Mapp, made a concerted effort to score. A series of passes and runs, including a notable 19-yard gain by Landon Yates, brought the Titans into Garrard County territory. Despite their progress, the Titans' drive stalled, and they missed another field goal attempt, this time from 38 yards, as the half concluded.

As the teams headed to the locker rooms, the game remained finely poised at 7-7, setting the stage for an exciting second half.

In the third quarter of district championship football, with the district title and a coveted number one seed in the playoffs on the line, both teams showcased their determination and grit.

The second half began with Garrard County kicking off to Mercer County. The Titans, starting from their own 15-yard line, quickly found themselves in a precarious situation when a Garrard County defender, Jaghyr “Hurricane” Wood, stripped the ball. Although Mercer County managed to recover, it set the tone for a hard-fought half.

Mercer County's offense, led by junior quarterback Cornelius Mapp, methodically moved down the field. Despite Garrard County's stout defense, which had dominated time of possession in the first half, the Titans managed to break through. A key play came when Mapp connected with his big tight end, Jacob Sanford, for a significant gain. However, it was the relentless running of Baughman, who had already racked up impressive yardage in the first half, that ultimately led to a touchdown. Baughman’s run from the four-yard line, following a crucial penalty against Garrard County, put Mercer County ahead 13-7. The extra point attempt was blocked, a play that could later prove pivotal in such a tightly contested game.

Garrard County's offense took the field with 7:22 left in the third quarter, determined to respond. The Golden Lions, led by quarterback Parsons, leaned heavily on their running game. Simmons, known for his punishing running style, and Peak, provided a dynamic one-two punch. The offensive line, featuring standout performances from Billy Godber, Kaiden Murphy, Robert Shults, Ethan Viands, and Wyatt Fielder, created the necessary gaps for their backs to exploit.

A critical moment came on a fourth-and-seven play, where Parsons rolled out and found Jayden Newcomb for a clutch first down, keeping the drive alive. This play exemplified the Golden Lions' resilience and strategic execution. As the quarter progressed, Garrard County continued to pound the ball on the ground, with Simmons and Peak consistently gaining positive yardage.

Despite a setback with an offsides penalty, Garrard County maintained their composure. They methodically advanced the ball, with Simmons bulldozing his way through the Mercer County defense. The Golden Lions' offensive strategy of shifting formations and exploiting mismatches paid off, as they moved deeper into Titans' territory.

As the third quarter drew to a close, Garrard County found themselves in a promising position, trailing by just six points. The stage was set for a dramatic final quarter, with the Golden Lions poised to capitalize on their momentum and potentially secure their fifth district championship in school history.

The final 12 minutes promised to be a test of endurance, strategy, and heart, as Garrard County and Mercer County vied for supremacy in this high-stakes contest.

As the fourth quarter commenced, Garrard County found themselves in a critical situation, facing a third-and-eleven from the Mercer County 25-yard line. With 11 minutes and 28 seconds left on the clock, the Golden Lions needed a big play. Quarterback Parsons, in shotgun formation, attempted a pass to Newcomb, but the ball sailed just beyond his outstretched hands, setting up a daunting fourth-and-eleven. The Golden Lions decided to go for it, but Mercer County's defense held strong, forcing a turnover on downs.

Mercer County took over at their own 21-yard line, leading 13-7. The Titans' running back, Baughman, showcased his talent with a significant run, but a holding penalty brought the play back. Despite the setback, Baughman continued to impress, finding gaps in the defense and pushing the Titans into Garrard County territory. However, a crucial fumble by Baughman, recovered by Garrard County, shifted the momentum back to the Golden Lions.

With 9 minutes and 57 seconds remaining, Garrard County capitalized on the turnover. Simmons broke free for a spectacular 20-yard touchdown run, tying the game at 13-13. Kicker Dailey’s extra point was good, giving the Golden Lions a 14-13 lead with just over eight minutes left.

The Titans, undeterred, began their drive with determination. Baughman continued to be a workhorse, gaining significant yardage and moving the chains. With the clock ticking down, Mercer County methodically advanced the ball, setting up a crucial field goal attempt. The Titans' kicker delivered under pressure, nailing the field goal to put Mercer County back in the lead, 16-14, with 1 minute and 36 seconds remaining.

Garrard County, now trailing, had one last chance to reclaim the lead. Parsons, under center, orchestrated the drive, but an interception by Mercer County's defense dashed the Golden Lions' hopes. Despite a valiant effort to force another turnover, the Titans managed to recover a fumble on the same play and maintain possession.

With no timeouts left for Garrard County, Mercer County ran out the clock, securing a hard-fought 16-14 victory. The Titans celebrated their district championship win, while the Golden Lions held their heads high, knowing they had left everything on the field.