Somerset runs away from Washington County in playoff win

SOMERSET — The Somerset Briar Jumpers ran past a pesky Washington County team on Friday, advancing to the second round of the KHSAA Class 2A State Playoffs courtesy of their 42-6 victory. The Jumpers got on the board early via a Carter Lawless scoop-and-score on a fumble recovery, giving them a quick 7-0 lead following a Julian Carroll PAT. Corban Cimala added to that lead on the next Somerset drive on a rushing touchdown, pushing their lead up to 14-0 with just over eight minutes left in the first quarter. The offense of the Briar Jumpers got stopped on their next few drives as they were forced into back-to-back turnover on downs. Leave it to the defense to reverse the home team’s scoring fortunes, as Carter Lawless scored his second defensive touchdown of the night on another fumble recovery in the end zone to push the Jumpers’ lead up to 21-0. Somerset added to that lead in the final minute of the half and took a 28-0 advantage into the halftime break. Another Cimala touchdown run, this one from three yards out, gave Somerset a 35-0 lead in the ball game. Washington County were able to break the shutout late in the third period after they scored on a 45-yard touchdown to make it 35-6 following a failed two-point conversion. Somerset’s final score of the game came after yet another fumble recovery, this one from Tristen Larcomb. Xavier Wooldridge would score the final touchdown to give the Jumpers a 42-6 lead that went final a bit later. Somerset improves to 10-1 for the season with the first round win. Next up is the second round of the playoffs, with the Jumpers set to host longtime rival Danville this Friday. Kick is set for 7:30 p.m.