Bracken County came to the MAC Friday night coming off of a winning 6-5 season in 2023 while competing in Class2-A competition.  They owned a sizable win over Walton-Verona, who defeated our Mustangs on Opening night a year ago.  The Polar Bears presented a multi-faceted offense with Junior Daulton Tarter (1,436yards, 144 ypg in 2023), carrying the leather, and classmate, Jackson Whitten, the quarterback, connecting with assorted receivers to pickup sizable yardage, building a 12-0 early game lead. While seemingly being out-played, we trailed only 12-7 with under two minutes to play in the half and in possession of the football. 

Our only varsity touchdown came on a completed pass from Tyler Holtz to Logan Blau, who lost control of the football as he turned to run upfield.  On contact, the ball popped into the air, fielded by Cam Mandel who went on a trophy run to the endzone.  A successful PAT by Max Runge, accounted for our 7 varsity points.   Neither team was able to tack on in the third quarter.  Our JVs won the final period 7-0 with Mason Mckinzie scoring in the fourth quarter.

I’m more concerned about potential injuries to two of our key players than I am the outcome of the match.  We will be back in action next Friday night in Lexington vs Sayre.

I used the Bracken County scrimmage to test my new computer operating system and broadcast streamer.  That’s a lot of change for this old dog, but Mark Whery, my mentor, who operates 859-Sports Radio, tuned in and reported the test went flawlessly.  As Forrest Gump would say, “One Less Thing.”:  Our voiceover on the NFHS video output seemed a bit loud and muffled.  This issue is on he NFHS side, so I will defer to them, whereas the volume and sound quality on the audio broadcast was high quality.