Lloyd 34, Carroll County 20

CINCINNATI - The Lloyd Juggernauts used a 13-point second quarter to open a lead that they would not relinquish as they knocked off the Carroll County Panthers 34-20 in the opening round of the Kentucky Class 2A playoffs.

Lloyd (8-3) finished with 255 yards, including 176 yards rushing, and got some key plays on defense to advance. Jared Gabbard finished the night with 72 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries. Dexter Smith added a rushing touchdown of his own and also connected with Dillon Smith for a 34-yard TD pass to get the scoring started. Smith threw a second for a second score later in the game, finding Tomi Mejolagbe from four yards out.

Linebacker Michael Slusher’s 46-yard fumble recovery return for a touchdown in the second quarter helped Lloyd build a 19-7 lead and provided some cushion

Carroll County (7-4) running back Tyshawn Embs had a big night in the loss, finishing with 292 yards and two touchdowns on 36 carries. He finished the regular season as the second-leading rusher in the state with 2,205 yards.

Up next, Lloyd will travel to Walton-Verona to tangle with the Bearcats. The Juggernauts won the playoff matchup here a year ago. Lloyd also won the regular-season meeting between the two schools earlier this year, 33-28.