Quarterback Grayson Stewart receives the snap as the Chester County offense begins a play Friday night at Hardin County. The Eagles suffered their first loss of the season, 22-21, after the Tigers converted a two-point attempt with six seconds remaining. Photo by Brittany Lewis
Chester County had several chances to put Friday night’s game away, but Hardin County stayed within striking distance and rallied for a 22-21 victory.
The Tigers scored with six seconds remaining and converted the two-point try to hand the Eagles their first loss of the season.
Chester County struck first when Grayson Stewart found Jaden Weaver in the flat. Weaver broke a tackle and raced 73 yards for a touchdown, giving the Eagles a 7-0 lead midway through the first quarter.
Hardin County quarterback Aiden Coleman tied the game early in the second quarter, but the Eagles answered quickly. Isaiah Armstrong broke through the line for a 16-yard touchdown, sending Chester County into halftime with a 14-7 lead.
Armstrong scored again in the third quarter after a long Stewart-to-Weaver completion moved the Eagles into the red zone. Brayden Harrison’s extra point extended the lead to 21-7.
The Tigers answered with a long touchdown pass to Gavin Cromwell, cutting the lead to seven. Chester County appeared ready to restore its two-score advantage late in the third quarter, but a fumble inside the Hardin County 15 ended the drive.
The Eagles had another opportunity in the fourth quarter, but a 32-yard field goal attempt was blocked.
Hardin County took over and kept its final drive alive by converting on fourth-and-nine. The Tigers later moved the ball inside the Chester County 5, where Coleman scored with six seconds left.
Rather than kick the tying extra point, Hardin County went for the win. Coleman rolled to his right and connected with Cromwell for the two-point conversion and a 22-21 lead.
Chester County was given one final play following the kickoff, but a pass toward the end zone was intercepted.
“I told them we have to play and coach better if we want to win big games,” Chester County head coach Dewond Johnson said. “We had our opportunities to put the game away and didn’t.”
The Eagles fell to 3-1 and will return home next week to face Lexington for homecoming.
