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Holy Cross football storms past Crittenden County to make state semifinals: 3 observations

j.l. kirven, louisville courier journal
·4 min read

The Holy Cross football team marched another step closer towards its first KHSAA state championship appearance in school history.

Led by sophomore wide receiver Jayse Hardesty, the Cougars rattled off 24 straight points after a scoreless first quarter to defeat Crittenden County 24-12 Friday in the KHSAA Class A state quarterfinals at Pleasure Ridge Park High School.

"For us, we've been one of those teams to just feel our way in on stuff, but tonight we just jumped out of the gate," Holy Cross coach Eric Dick said. "All credit goes to these guys, I'm just a lucky one because I get to sit back and have the best seat in the house."

Here are three takeaways from the Cougars' win:

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What can't Jayse Hardesty do?

Holy Cross' Jayse Hardesty celebrates his 36-yard three-point boot to put the Cougars up 17-0 just before halftime of the third round Class A high school football Friday night at Pleasure Ridge Park. Nov. 18, 2022.
Holy Cross' Jayse Hardesty celebrates his 36-yard three-point boot to put the Cougars up 17-0 just before halftime of the third round Class A high school football Friday night at Pleasure Ridge Park. Nov. 18, 2022.

Holy Cross was held scoreless in the first quarter, but the Cougars wasted little time building a halftime lead in the second. A minute into the quarter, Cougars' quarterback Chris Perry hit Hardesty in stride for a 65-yard touchdown.

Hardesty turned on his afterburners to evade the Rockets' defenders chasing him. There wasn't much Crittenden County could do to stop him then, and there was little the Rockets could do to slow him down later.

Hardesty burned Crittenden County less than four minutes later on a simple screen that evolved into a 75-yard footrace down the Rockets' sideline. Hardesty won in a landside.

"[Hardesty's] really fast and adjusts his body to the ball," Perry said. "It's awesome as a quarterback when a receiver's that advanced. I can just throw the ball, he'll adjust his body and make the catch."

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With one second left in the half, Holy Cross hoped it could feed its lead a bit more before heading into the locker room. Instead of sending Hardesty on a seam route towards the end zone, Dick sent him out to attempt a 36-yard field goal. Hardesty lined up the shot and booted into the parking lot nearly 15 yards further.

"I hit a game-winner the second week of the season against North Oldham from that exact same spot," Hardesty said. "I just replayed that moment in my head. I knew I could hit it."

Holy Cross cashes in on turnovers

Holy Cross' Luke McCubbins tackles Crittenden County's Micah Newcom in the first half of the third round Class A high school football Friday night at Pleasure Ridge Park. Nov. 18, 2022.
Holy Cross' Luke McCubbins tackles Crittenden County's Micah Newcom in the first half of the third round Class A high school football Friday night at Pleasure Ridge Park. Nov. 18, 2022.

Holy Cross gave Crittenden County quarterback Micah Newcome and the Rockets' offense issues all night. Whenever Crittenden County did have a shred of momentum, a turnover usually followed. Holy Cross finished the night with three takeaways, starting off with a Joey Foushee interception while the Rockets were driving deep into Cougars' territory.

Holy Cross kept the Rockets grounded for most of the night before conceding two touchdowns late in the game with less than four minutes to play. Outside of that, Dick was ecstatic with the Cougars' defense.

"We've taken our bumps and we've taken our hits with our defense," Dick said. "But the resiliency of these kids in the way they're able to bounce back and figure out what they need to fix and move forward."

One special fan

Holy Cross' Eric Dick, center, celebrates with his team after the 10-3 Cougars beat Crittenden County 24-12 of the third round Class A high school football Friday night at Pleasure Ridge Park. Holy Cross heads to Class 1A state semifinals. Nov. 18, 2022.
Holy Cross' Eric Dick, center, celebrates with his team after the 10-3 Cougars beat Crittenden County 24-12 of the third round Class A high school football Friday night at Pleasure Ridge Park. Holy Cross heads to Class 1A state semifinals. Nov. 18, 2022.

Moments after celebrating the Cougars' regional championship win, Dick trotted over to the stands and gave his father, sitting in a wheelchair, a long hug before letting a few tears shed. Dick shared why it was so special for him to be at the game.

"My dad has been dealing with some health problems and he hasn't really been able to see me coach," Dick said. "To come out here and share that with him, for me it's one of the highlights of my career. I thought I'd never have the day to where he'd be able to see something like this and be here to witness it. For me, it means everything."

Follow Courier Journal reporter J.L. Kirven on Twitter @JL_Kirven for more updates on Louisville prep sports.

Holy Cross 0 17 7 0 24

Crittenden County 0 0 0 12 12

Second quarter

HC - Jayse Hardesty 65-yard reception from Chris Perry (Hardesty kick)

HC - Jayse Hardesty 65-yard reception from Chris Perry (Hardesty kick)

HC - Jayse Hardesty 36-yard field goal

Third quarter

HC - Chris Perry -yard rush (Hardesty kick)

Fourth quarter

CC - Micah Newcome 5-yard rush (2pt conversion was no good)

CC - Caden Howard 61-yard reception from Case Gobin (2pt conversion was no good)

Records: Holy Cross (10-3) , Crittenden County (8-5)

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: KHSAA football: Holy Cross thumps Crittenden County in quarterfinals