Trucked!: LCA Runs Over Mayfield 47-7 in War Memorial

Since the KHSAA last realigned teams across the Commonwealth, a rivalry in class 2A has emerged - LCA & Mayfield. And for the third consecutive year, the Eagles took the long journey to stoic War Memorial Stadium for a playoff battle among two contenders to win it all.

For many observers, this one had the makings for another Mayfield win. Another long, miserable drive back to Lexington for the Eagles. Another night of heartache.

But this group of Eagles is built different.

Instead, LCA dominated the Cardinals for 48 minutes, putting a rare running clock on Mayfield in an emphatic, punishing 47-7 beat down. LCA came out swinging and never let up, racking up 378 yards rushing, most coming from the dynamic 1-2 punch of Saxton Howard and Leland Edwards.

“We thought if we took care of business up front, Saxton would have a big game,” LCA coach Doug Charles told the Herald-Leader. “And he balled out. He was great, made great decisions and threw the ball enough to keep them honest. It was quite the performance.”

Howard went off for 176 yards and two touchdowns, while Edwards bullied his way to 130 yards and two more scores. Howard threw for another 144 yards as the Eagles torched Mayfield for 522 yards of total offense and seven touchdowns.

LCA struck lightning fast, scoring on their second play from scrimmage when Howard kept the ball for a 44-yard touchdown. After a Mayfield fumble, Howard scored on the ensuing possession from 35 yards out. Howard then found Tyler King on a sensational lateral for the Eagles' third score in four possessions.

Two big plays by freshman Paxton Gray helped break the dam open for LCA. A 40-yard reception kept a key drive alive. Then a 16-yard touchdown run, paired with an incredible diving catch from Conrad Hard for a 2-point conversion, gave the Eagles a 28-7 lead. Gray turned in his most complete game of the season, coming up huge on special teams as well, totaling three solos on the night.

The second half belonged to the seniors. Leland Edwards found paydirt from 1 and 35 yards out for a pair of scores. Hunter Adams caught another Howard pass, breaking a tackle in the flat before lowering his shoulder through two defenders into the end zone.

Defensively, the Eagles punished Mayfield ball carriers all night long, limiting the Cardinals to a mere 128 yards from scrimmage. Mayfield running back Josiah England entered the game with 1,498 yards, ranking him fifth in all of 2A. But the Eagles held England to a mere 52 yards on 10 carries.

And when Mayfield found itself behind the chains, the defensive line brought incredible pressure. The Eagles defense racked up four sacks, multiple pressures and batted down passes. Two forced fumbles and a defense living in the backfield all night long completely overwhelmed the Cardinals offense. Along with the two fumbles, the Eagles forced Mayfield into three punts and four turnovers on downs.

Sophomore Daven Hood, a transfer from Murray, led the way with 6 solos and 1 assist. As well as Hood played, he provided a signature moment that defined the game. Late in the game with Mayfield threatening to score, Hood lowered the boom on a pass to Ian Williams, one of Mayfield's enforcers, breaking up the play with a monster hit. The Eagles held on defense, as Hood got his lick back–and so did the Eagles–making a statement across the state in the process.

Jamey Lee Patterson turned in his best defensive effort of the season, recording 5 solos and 1 assist. Freshmen Nash Whelan and Thomas Sizemore made plays on the edge. Connor Archer played big all night in the middle. Inside linebackers Adams and Mac Darland completely shut down the inside run.

Jackson Dillow, Hood, Sam Pearson, Jeremiah Burbage and King kept Mayfield's ballyhooed receiver corps from ever making an impact. And up front, a platoon of defensive linemen ate up blocks and stuffed the run all night. Hayes Preston batted down balls. Trefor Thomas pressured the quarterback. Brody Adams traced his steps and made a big tackle on a screen pass.

By every measurable, LCA dominated Mayfield from start to finish in all three phases of the game. The Eagles were more physical, punishing the Cardinals up front in the run game. LCA set the tone from the opening drive; they put their foot on the Cardinals' figurative throat, and they never let it off.

But arguably no individual unit on the Eagles football team turned in a more complete and dominant performance than the offensive line. Preston, Jake Darby, Thomas, Brooks Kerwin and Holden Klaiber were all sensational. Their play set the tone for an offense that moved the ball at will throughout the game against the fifth-ranked rushing defense/seventh in total defense in all of 2A.

“We’ve had some really, really talented football players who have made this trip and just weren’t able to get it done — no discredit to them. This bunch here, a lot of people had written off and written our obituaries when we started 0-2,” Charles told the Herald-Leader. “But our guys accepted coaching and it’s just been a wonderful experience to see them achieve some success.”

LCA advances to the state semi-final with the chance to exercise another demon – 17-time state champion Beechwood. The Eagles fell to the Tigers in consecutive finals appearances in 2020 and 2021, and in heartbreaking fashion. Two extremely talented Eagles teams, two tough losses.

A familiar refrain to be sure. The road to Kroger field continues next Friday at Beechwood.

-Photos by Becky Jones