[inspiron]

I also remember the Sheldon Clark vs LC matchup in the season. The Sheldon Clark defense was a typical hard nosed Jim Matney defense that year. Former junior LC Bulldog Brett Simpkins was one of the leading play makers on that defense.

Sheldon Clark shut down Michael West and the Dawgs all night until Chuke Williams took out the inexperienced Michael West in the 4th quarter and put in Pike Central transfer Larry Paul Thornsberry. Larry Paul drove the ball down field getting 10-15 yards a carry. LC scored and made it 16-18. LC defense held strong. LC drove down the field again and got to around the 10 yard line but time had almost expired. LC lined up to kick the field goal for the win when Sheldon Clark blocks the FG as time expired.

What a great year for mountain football!
This was a great year to watch and following because the teams that are mentioned in the playoff run for Lawrence was a combined 6-8 losses. It shows how much of a mission Lawrence was on in their playoff run. Michael West got cramps late in the game and scored the only 2 touchdowns that Lawrence county had on a punt return and run from scrimmage; he also didn't start a game until his 3 game of the season, played only until halftime in other games and still rushed for 2,700 yds. This team was a thrill to watch, Gerad Parker, Josh Diamond (had over 200 tackles that season I believe), Alan Short, Larry Thornsberry, Dontae Wright, Travis Hughes, Alan Short, excellent line, all the trimmings for one of the mountains greatest teams and talent on the field. I would have loved to see the SC Lawrence rematch in the regional finals but really don't think it would have mattered. Great coaching, players, community, opponents, and ol Bulldog Vanhoose made this one of the greatest times in Louisa but once again as many mountain teams have done, they ran into the Bluebird express. Bell, SC, Whitney, and Rock were really great football teams from watching this run. Also, I believe highlands was ranked nationally with quarterback Gino G. (His last name is tough but he played at Cincinnati). Good times!