Owensboro wasted little time reminding the Commonwealth why it has been one of the state’s most explosive teams this postseason. In frigid conditions at Rash Stadium, the Red Devils unleashed another overwhelming performance, rolling past Woodford County 49–6 on Friday night to secure a spot in the Class 5A state title game.

The victory pushes Owensboro to 12–2 overall and a clean 9–0 mark against 5A opponents. More importantly, it sends the Red Devils back to Kroger Field for the first time since 2020. Woodford County’s season closes at 12–2.

The night continued a staggering trend: Owensboro has triggered a running clock in every playoff game to this point, flattening all four postseason opponents on its march to Lexington. The Red Devils will now take on Pulaski County (12–2, 7–0) next Saturday at 7 p.m. CT with the championship on the line.

Few players in Kentucky turned in a postseason performance as electric as senior running back Evan Hampton did in this semifinal. Hampton erupted for 266 rushing yards and three touchdowns on eight carries, tacked on 51 receiving yards with another score, and produced explosive play after explosive play while averaging more than 30 yards each time he touched the football.

Owensboro set the tone early. After stuffing a fake punt near midfield, the Red Devils struck instantly—Hampton blasted through the defense for a 44-yard touchdown on the very next snap. Minutes later, a quick-motion pass from quarterback DaMarcus Ganaway turned into another long sprint to the end zone, pushing the lead to 14–0.

The defense, one of the most reliable units in Class 5A all season, matched the offense’s intensity. A first-half interception by Ty Ashley flipped field position and led directly to another Hampton scoring run, this one from 50 yards out, stretching the margin to 21–0 early in the second quarter.

Shortly after, cornerback Tre Shemwell jumped a route and returned it deep into Woodford territory, setting up yet another quick-strike touchdown that effectively put the game out of reach before halftime.

With both sides of the ball operating at championship level, Owensboro never allowed Woodford County to gain traction. The Red Devils controlled the line of scrimmage, dominated the explosive-play battle, and continued a postseason tear that now spans four routs.

Owensboro heads to Lexington playing its best football of the year — fast, physical, and overwhelmingly confident.