Belfry put together a fourth quarter drive and running back Isaiah Stanley scored the go-ahead touchdown with less than four minutes to play to lift the Pirates to a thrilling 28-22 win over Owensboro Catholic in the Division 3 Middle School state semifinals played at Taylor County on Saturday.
The victory sends Belfry to the championship game next Saturday against Greenup County, which defeated Breathitt County. The title game will also be played at Taylor County.
Owensboro Catholic had taken a 22-20 lead in the final quarter on a touchdown and conversion. It was their first lead since scoring on the first play of the game.
Belfry tied the game at 8-all on Chase Varney’s touchdown run and Stanley’s conversion run.
The Pirates took a 14-8 first-half lead on Varney’s touchdown pass to Stanley.
After Owensboro Catholic tied the game at halftime, Belfry regained the lead in the third period on Cayden Varney’s touchdown run.