EDINA, Mo. - Paris had closed to within two points in the second quarter when Blayce Howerton helped Knox County take control. Howerton caught an 18-yard touchdown pass and added a one-yard scoring run in the final 27 seconds of the half, giving the Eagles a 16-point halftime lead on their way to a 48–36 win Friday night at Ella Campbell Field in the Class 1 District 8 eight-man football semifinals.
The Eagles had to play from behind after a muffed punt gave Paris the ball at the Knox County 19-yard line. Sawyer Clements found Bryce Wade for a 17-yard touchdown, and the two-point conversion put the Coyotes ahead 8–0. Carrsen Hayes answered with a 13-yard touchdown pass to Isaac Shahan, and Knox County tied the game on the conversion. Howerton put the Eagles ahead with a four-yard run early in the second quarter, but Spencer Minks brought Paris back within 16–14 on a five-yard touchdown run. The Coyotes missed the tying conversion, and Howerton scored twice more before halftime to give Knox County a 30–14 lead.
Howerton caught a 14-yard touchdown pass early in the third quarter for his fourth score of the night. Paris kept pace through the air, getting Wade’s second touchdown catch and a 40-yard scoring reception by Logan Mitchell. Shahan caught a 38-yard touchdown pass between those two Paris scores, and the Eagles took a 42–28 lead into the fourth quarter.
Knox County went to play-action on fourth down with 8:34 remaining, and Hayes found Shahan for his third touchdown to extend the lead to 48–28. Mitchell caught his second touchdown with 2:20 left, and Paris converted the two-point try to cut the margin to 12. The Eagles recovered the ensuing onside kick and ran out the clock.
Hayes threw five touchdown passes and ran for 121 yards. Unofficial broadcast totals had him completing 20 of 26 passes for 257 yards, with Creighton Karhoff leading the Eagles in receiving with 10 catches for 160 yards. Howerton scored twice on the ground and twice through the air, while Shahan added an interception to his three touchdown catches. Knox County forced three turnovers and committed one.
Knox County improved to 8–2 and will visit unbeaten North Shelby at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13, for the district championship. Paris finished 7–3.
(This game recap is presented based upon the coverage of the Hometown Radio Sports Network. Any statistics are unofficial.)
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