RUSSELLVILLE, Ky. -- A see-saw battle had Beechwood had pulling out a great 34-25 road victory in a Class A semifinal at Russellville, sending the Tigers back in the title for the first time since 2008.
Beechwood never trailed, building its biggest lead of 15 points in the fourth quarter.
Brett Slusher, who came into the game with 19 touchdown receptions, had three rushing scores for the victors. He finished the contest with more than 100 yards rushing and more than 50 receiving. Ironically the Tigers ran for five touchdowns but quarterback Kyle Fieger who had 38 scoring tosses heading into the game did not thrown one. Fieger did have his first rushing touchdown of the season.
Beechwood will face Pikeville (14-1) next Thursday night, 7:00 p.m. at Houchens Stadium/L.T. Smith Field, Western Kentucky University.
Pikeville had a streak of eight straight games of 50 or more points snapped with a 42-23 victory over Paintsville Friday night while earning the trip to the finale.
BEECHWOOD 14-7-7-6-34
at RUSSELLVILLE 7-6-6-6-25
B: Slusher 12 run (German kick)
R: Bigbee 58 run (Watkins kick)
B: Fieger 10 run (German kick)
R: McMurry 1 run (Watkins kick)
B: Slusher 4 run (German kick)
R: Bigbee 63 run (run failed)
B: Justice 38 run B: Slusher 12 run (German kick)
B: Slusher 6 run (kick failed)
R: Thomas 6 run (run failed)
Records: Beechwood (13-1); Russellville (11-3)
