In what is arguably legendary head coach Philip Haywood’s most gratifying win, Belfry stormed back in the second half to score a stunning 33-28 victory over Paducah-Tilghman, claiming the school’s eighth championship and sixth in the past nine years in the Class 3A title game played on the turf at Kroger Field on Saturday..
The Blue Tornado had no answer in trying to contain Belfry’s electrifying running back Isaac Dixon. He rushed for five touchdowns, including the game-winner on fourth down and seven, racing 62-yards with under five minutes to play.
Dixon carried the football 41 times for 376 yards. Dre Young added 67 yards. Belfry as a team finished with 466. The Pirates did not attempt a pass. In eight titles Belfry has only passed for a combined 14 yards.
Paducah-Tilghman fumbled away the ensuing kickoff after a bone-jarring tackle by Isaiah Stanley.
The Pirates, never gave up the football again, setting off a celebration across the Pond Creek Nation.
The win capped off a season which saw the state champions dropped their first five games, the worst start since 1947, before winning nine of their final 10.
At Lexington
(Class 3A state championship)
SCORE BY QUARTERS:
PT (8-7)…..7 14 0 7 – 28
BF (9-6)…..0 13 8 12 – 33
Scoring:
First Quarter
PT – Camdon Marshall, 12-yard pass from Jack James (Nolan Waller kick), 10:14
Second Quarter
BF – Isaac Dixon, 12-yard run (kick failed), 10:46
BF – Isaac Dixon, 4-yard run (Gideon Ireson kick), 1:49
PT – Camdon Marshall, 9-yard pass from Jack James (kick failed)
PT – Camdon Marshall, 35-yard pass from Jack James (Joemari Starks run), :00
Third Quarter
BF – Isaac Dixon, 22-yard run (Isaac Dixon run), 5:21
Fourth Quarter
BF – Isaac Dixon 37-yard run (kick failed), 11:48
PT – Malachi Rider, 9-yard run (Nolan Waller kick), 7:25
BF – Isaac Dixon, 62-yard run (run failed), 4:58