Owensboro Catholic continued its undefeated season with a commanding 49-14 victory over Murray High School in the second round of the Class 2A state football playoffs Friday night at Steele Stadium. The Aces (12-0) advance to face Monroe County (7-5) at home next week.
Senior quarterback Brady Atwell led the charge for Catholic, accounting for five total touchdowns – three on the ground and two through the air. Running back Miles Edge also delivered a breakout performance, with multiple explosive long runs that set up scoring opportunities.
“I just give all the credit to the offensive line,” Edge said after the game. “They blocked really well all night, and I was untouched on those big runs. We’re more experienced this year, and it’s showing in these big games.”
Edge’s 65-yard run midway through the second quarter set up a key touchdown pass from Atwell to Xavier Maddox, giving the Aces a 14-0 lead. The Aces gave up a Tiger touchdown late in the second half but wasted no time responding, marching 80 yards in less than a minute, with time nearly expiring in the half as Edge barreled through a defender for a short score.
Edge broke free for another 60-plus-yard run early in the third quarter, setting up Atwell’s 4-yard scoring pass to Waryn Ebelhar. Atwell added a 44-yard strike to Dereon Crowe later in the quarter, extending the Aces’ lead to 35-7.
Head coach Jason Morris credited his team’s preparation and focus during the week.
“It was a great team win,” Morris said. “We had guys stepping up all over the field. Miles Edge filled in for Vince Carrico, and we had younger players like Riley Harville and JP Carrico making big contributions. The kids knew what was at stake tonight, and they wanted to make sure Vince got another chance to play.”
Carrico, a senior running back and linebacker, sat out with a hamstring injury but is expected to return this season. His absence didn’t deter the Aces, whose defense made key stops early, including forcing a nail-in-the-coffin turnover on downs in the fourth quarter followed by Jack Byrne pulling in an interception.
The Aces have outscored their playoff opponents 90-27 through two games and will now turn their attention to Monroe County, which defeated Washington County on Friday to advance.
Morris emphasized the importance of staying focused as the postseason progresses.
“We know what kind of talent we have, but we have to take it day by day,” Morris said. “Our senior leadership has been critical, and I’m confident we’ll stay prepared.”
With two more home games on the horizon if they keep winning, Catholic is in a position to make a deep run toward the state championship at the University of Kentucky’s Kroger Field.
The Aces are set to host Monroe County next Friday at Steele Stadium. Kickoff is at 7 p.m.
