Golden Lions Storm Back for Thrilling Overtime Victory Over Bardstown
In what may go down as one of the most exciting games in recent Garrard County history, the Golden Lions defeated the visiting Bardstown Tigers 35-32 in overtime Friday night at home.
The back-and-forth contest featured dramatic momentum swings, blocked punts returned for touchdowns by both teams, and a nail-biting overtime period that had the home crowd on their feet.
Bardstown struck first, marching 65 yards on their opening drive, capped by an 18-yard touchdown pass from junior quarterback Carson Riley. The Tigers took an early 7-0 lead.
The Golden Lions responded with a special teams spark. Freshman Jacob Pendergrast blocked a Bardstown punt, scooped it up, and raced into the end zone to tie the game at 7-7 in the first quarter.
Garrard County's offense found its rhythm late in the first half, using a balanced attack to drive deep into Bardstown territory. Running back R.J. Blair capped the drive with a run to set up Quarterback Justin Parsons to find the endzone to take a 14-7 halftime advantage.
The Lions nearly extended their lead before the break, but a late interception at the Bardstown one-yard line kept it a one-score game.
Bardstown came out aggressive in the third quarter, immediately answering with a scoring drive that cut the lead to 14-13 after a failed extra point attempt.
The fourth quarter turned into an offensive showcase with Garrard's lead extended to 22-19 with 6:38 remaining. But Bardstown's explosive Xavier Thompson had an immediate response, returning the ensuing kickoff 80 yards for a touchdown. With the extra point, the Tigers retook the lead at 26-22.
Facing a four-point deficit with 6:25 left, the Lions mounted a methodical drive. Overcoming a holding penalty that nullified what appeared to be a touchdown run by Blair, Garrard kept its composure. A defensive pass interference call on Bardstown kept the drive alive, and Parsons eventually scored on a one-yard keeper. R.J. Blair's extra point gave the Lions a 29-26 advantage with 50 seconds left.
The Tigers weren't finished. Riley completed a spectacular pass to move into Garrard territory, then scrambled to set up a 26-yard field goal attempt by junior Brayden Butler. His kick was true, sending the game to overtime tied at 29-29.
In overtime, each team gets the ball at the 10-yard line. Bardstown had first possession and drove to the six-yard line, where the Garrard defense stiffened. Butler connected on a 23-yard field goal to put the Tigers up 32-29.
Garrard's offense, which had found success running the ball late in the game, continued that approach. Blair gained six yards on first down to reach the four. After gaining just one yard on second down, the Lions faced third-and-goal from the three.
On the decisive play, Parsons took the handoff and powered through the right side of the line for the game-winning touchdown.
Students rushed the field as the Golden Lions celebrated a dramatic 35-32 victory.
The win represents a significant upset for Garrard County over a Bardstown team ranked among the top programs in Class 3A. The victory should provide major momentum as the Lions continue district play in what has proven to be a challenging region.
For Bardstown, despite the heartbreaking loss, the Tigers showed why they're considered one of the state's elite programs with their speed, athleticism, and ability to make explosive plays.