The only thing that slowed down the Bardstown onslaught Friday night was itself.
The Tigers (2-0) routed Washington County (1-1) 41-13 behind nearly 500 yards of total offense and a smothering defense.
Bardstown\'s Kwasi Obeng rushed six times for 87 yards and three touchdowns, including three 20-plus yard runs. His first touchdown, a 32-yard run, came on the third play of the game and set the tone for the rest of the night.
The Tigers led 21-0 at the half, but it could have been more if not for 10 first half penalties and 12 total for the game.
"It could have been a lot worse," Downs said. "We had a lot of penalties to start the game and had a hard time moving the ball. We really couldn\'t get into a rhythm although we scored 21 points in the first half and could do what we wanted."
Washington County could do little against the hard-hitting Bardstown defense, accumulating 135 yards of offense.
Bardstown had several big hits in the first half, including one by Melvo Scott that sent running back Justin Railey to the sidelines for a series.
"The defense is great," Bardstown\'s Vinny Calhoun said. "If we keep playing like this, we are going to the state championship."
The defensive unit was excited about its performance.
"We can\'t be satisfied," Bardstown\'s Patrick Dick said. "We can\'t make any mistakes."
Scott compared the defense to a pack of wolves -- ferocious and tenacious.
"The pack follows the head wolf and works as a team," Scott said. "We all need each other to go get another ring."
Scott said the hard hits by the defense were a message.
"We\'re here," he said.
Bardstown\'s rushing attack was neither here nor there, as the Washington County defense couldn\'t get its hands on the slippery and speedy runners.
Obeng scored on runs of 32 and 4 in the first half and 2 in the second half. Jamehyl Butler added a 1-yard touchdown run and Brian Calhoun had a 9-yard touchdown run.
Calhoun weaved in and out of the defense while Obeng sprinted right passed them, including a 21-yard run in the second quarter in which he was pinned on the right sideline, only to spring across the field and turn it up for a 21-yard gain, when it appeared he had nowhere to go.
"Yes I am. I am very happy," Obeng said about playing football this fall after considering sitting the year out. "My linemen did a great job blocking for me. I want to thank God for my health and that I can run."
Backup quarterback Alex Smith added the final score on a 1-yard sneak.
In all, 15 Tigers carried the ball. Even when the reserves carried the ball, there was little the Commanders could do. Kelvin Scott had runs of 15 and 24 and Jeremy Burba\'s only carry was for 25 yards.
Washington County didn\'t crack the scoreboard until the fourth quarter. Shane Bueter scored on a 22-yard run and Ryan Wolf had a 27-yard touchdown reception with 38 seconds to play.
"I think if we can eliminate some of the mistakes, we can be a pretty special team," Downs said.
The Tigers also displayed a small glimpse into its passing ability. Quarterback Josh Payne relieved Brian Calhoun on several occasions. He connected with Calhoun once for 32 yards and Wenquel Graves, who also had an interception and a 13-yard run, for 27 yards.
"We have five or six guys who can really run, and that\'s unusual for a high school team," Downs said. "He (Payne) really did a good job and I really like the slant he threw. I thought it was beautiful. Of course, Brian made a spectacular catch on the first one. We are going to have to sprinkle him (Payne) in there more."
The Tigers will travel to Nelson County (0-2) Friday.
"It\'s always a huge game," Downs said. "It doesn\'t matter what our records are. We had no business winning last year\'s game."
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