Marshall County traveled to Owensboro Apollo on Friday for an important Class 5A District 1 game with a chance at post season play on the line for both teams. Each entered the game with a record of 3-5 and 1-3 in the district.
Apollo sealed their spot in the Class 5A playoffs with a 54-27 win, eliminating the Marshals.
Marshall County kicked off to Apollo to open the game and the Eagles wasted no time getting on the board. A 60 yard drive was capped off with a 24 yard touchdown pass from quarterback Maxwell Johnson to Niles Board. Apollo held an early 6-0 lead following a failed point after attempt.
The Marshals answered on their first possession of the game. A 64 yard drive that resulted in a one yard touchdown run by Luke Webber and point after good by Tommy Robertson that put them on top 7-6.
Apollo went right back to work, scoring on back-to-back possessions on a 29 yard quarterback keeper and a 25 yard pass from Johnson to Williams for a 19-7 lead with 3:35 left in the first quarter.
Marshall County’s next possession moved along on a 22 yard gain by Luke Webber and helped by penalties against Apollo. They picked up three more points on a 31 yard field goal by Robertson to trim the Apollo lead to 19-10.
The first quarter ended with Apollo in position to score. They began the second half on a 15 yard touchdown run by John Milburn and with the point after kick good, took a 26-10 lead.
Marshall County scored the next 14 points to trim the Apollo lead to 26-24. The first of the second quarter was set up by a big 65 yard reception by Cash Henson from Neyland Jezik with Webber taking it the final five yards for the touchdown. The second, an 11 yard reception by Dylan Robinson. Robertson converted the point after attempt on both touchdowns.
The second half belonged to Apollo who scored 31 unanswered points with the exception of a 38 yard field goal by Tommy Robertson for the Marshals.
Apollo scored once in the third quarter on a six yard run by Board when facing 4th and 1 to take a 33-24 lead. The third quarter ended for the Marshals on a 65 yard gain by Jake Thomasson that set up the Robertson field goal to start the fourth quarter.
Apollo added 21 points in fourth quarter on an 86 yard drive, a 62 yard drive and with two minutes remaining, scored from 35 yards out following a fumble recovery.
Marshall County will play their final game of the 2024 season next Friday at McLean County.
Marshall 10 14 3 0 – 27
Apollo 19 7 7 14 – 54