Letcher Central’s experience took over against Shelby Valley as the Cougars ran to a 50-13 win in the season opener played at Teco Field on Friday night.
Quarterback Carson Adams rushed for a pair of touchdowns, and Jonah Little added two on the ground and returned a kickoff 85 yards for another. Little finished with 87 yards on just three carries. Adams passed for 94 and ran for 59 yards.
Running back Wyatt Ison added one rushing touchdown. Receiver Trevor Branham hauled in four passes for 76 yards.
Keaton Day had 14 tackles and Koby Johnson followed with 10 as the Central defense was rock solid.
Shelby Valley quarterback Russ Osborne passed for 138 yards and ran for 77 and one touchdown. Running back Jayden Newsome finished with 67 yards and one score on 13 carries.
Brady Bentley had four catches for 77 yards.
Gavin Branham was on nine tackles and Caleb Lovins totaled eight.
Both teams are back in action this weekend. LCC will host David Crockett (Tenn.) on Friday night while Valley will take on Pike Central (1-0) in the Pike County Bowl at Pikeville on Saturday night.