Holmes looked to bounce back after last week’s 34-7 loss at home to Scott, but Lloyd, fresh off a 52-o rout of Dayton, had other plans.
The Juggernauts took the opening and drive in for a score, making it look like another lopsided ending would be in store. However, the Bulldogs blocked the extra point and then returned a Lloyd kickoff to the Juggernauts’ 26-yard line. A 15-yard penalty against Lloyd put the Bulldogs in a threatening position.
But Holmes failed to capitalize and turned the ball over on downs. It was 6-0 at the end of the first quarter.
In the second, Lloyd answered with a 71-yard touchdown run with a two point conversion, making their lead 14-0. With under three minutes left in the half, Holmes again turned the ball over on downs and the Juggernauts ran the ball 58 yards for another touchdown and a 21-0 zero lead.
The last ninety seconds of the half were busy.
Holmes scored its first points on a 67-yard play, cutting the lead to 21-6, but Lloyd returned the ensuing kickoff for a touchdown and headed to the locker room with a 28-6 lead.
The Bulldogs threatened to make things interesting in the third. A 36-yard run by the Bulldogs cut the deficit some and then early in the fourth, the Holmes defense forced Lloyd into the consecutive three-and-outs.
Holmes would get as close as 28-18, but following a fourth quarter fumble that resulted in a Lloyd touchdown, and a wild snap over the quarterback’s head that cost the Bulldogs 22 yards and eventually the ball, Lloyd pulled away and won 42-18.
The Bulldogs fall to 1-2 on the season.
-Story & photos by Brian Frey, RCN contributor
Other NKY River City High School Scores:
Campbell Co. 30, New Cath 17
Bellevue 48, Gallatin Co. 21
Moeller 39, Cov Cath 0
Paris 20, Ludlow 7
Pendleton Co. 39, Dayton 18