Shelby Valley’s high-octane offense put up nearly 700 yards against Letcher Central and the Wildcats still fell short as the Cougars earned a 52-48 season opening win at Cougar Field on Friday night.
Wildcat signal-caller Russ Osborne was unstoppable with 547 yards and four passing touchdowns. He rushed for 59 yards and two scores.
Wide receiver Brady Bentley had 12 catches for 280 yards and a pair of touchdowns. John Fields had six receptions for 113 yards and two touchdowns.
Running back Jayden Newsome finished with 64 yards on 12 carries and one TD.
Letcher Central quarterback Jonah Little was outstanding as well with 210 yards passing and two touchdowns while rushing for 135 yards on 22 attempts and three touchdowns.
Isaac Matthews added a rushing TD and one receiving.
Keaston Branham returned an interception 80 yards to paydirt, the key play of the game.
Both teams return to action this weekend as the Wildcats face Pike County Central (1-0) in the 37th annual Pike County Bowl in Pikeville at 9 pm, on Aug. 27. The Cougars hit the road to David Crockett TN (0-1) at 7 pm, Aug. 26.
At Ermine
SCORE BY QUARTERS
SV (0-1)……12 14 8 14 – 48
LCC (1-0)…..6 8 16 22 – 52
Next up: Shelby Valley (0-1) vs. Pike Central (1-0), 9 pm, Aug. 27, at Pikeville, Pike County Bowl; Letcher Central (1-0) at David Crockett TN (0-1), 7 pm, Aug. 26.