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Perry Central senior Austin Pray (left) and Hazard senior Jordan Olinger recently competed in the 6th Annual Border Bowl, helping the Kentucky all-stars in their 29-27 win over Tennessee.

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Austin Pray and Jordan Olinger have been a huge part of their respective football programs’ success over the past four years. Even though they are cousins, they have spent their entire high school careers on opposing teams.

Pray, a QB/WR for Perry Central High School, and Olinger, a WR/Safety for Hazard High School, are known for the athleticism and leadership, so it was no surprise that this tradition would carry out when they were chosen to play in the 6th National Guard Border bowl, the elite all-star game pitting the best high school players of Kentucky against the best of Tennessee. Chosen from more than 9,000 players across the state, these two Perry County natives would continue to make their town proud before the game was over.

Held at the University of the Cumberlands in Williamsburg, Ky., the 6th Annual Border Bowl turned into one of the most exciting games to date. In the first quarter, Olinger would help Kentucky get their offense rolling by catching two passes for 37 yards, which eventually led to their first touchdown.

Tennessee would tighten up their defense, however, as Kentucky found themselves trailing 20-6 going into the fourth quarter.

Pray, who is no stranger to come-from-behind wins, then rallied Kentucky’s comeback on the one-yard QB keeper and touchdown. A short time later, Kentucky scored on an interception returned for another score.

Tennessee would then tack on six more points for what looked like a game-winning score, but Kentucky would not be denied. A deep pass caught for the winning touchdown came with only 48 seconds left in the game. For the first time in four years, Kentucky would leave Tennessee speechless with their 29-27 come-from-behind win.

Considering the number of high school football players there are in the state of Kentucky, the city of Hazard feels proud to produce some of the finest. Austin Pray and Jordan Olinger have continued that legacy.