Lloyd Memorial outlasted by Murray in semifinal clash of unbeatens

By Josh Kalb/Link NKY

ERLANGER, Ky. – In the cold November air, with temperatures dipping below 30 degrees and heaters humming on the sidelines, a Class 3A state semifinal under the lights delivered the kind of intensity and heartbreak that defines postseason football.

Murray traveled more than 300 miles to Cecil Dees Field in Erlanger, and in a clash of unbeatens at 13–0, the Tigers held off Lloyd Memorial 27–20 to earn a spot in the state championship game.

Lloyd was making its first semifinal appearance since 2022, when it fell to Beechwood 48–0 as a Class 2A program, and was seeking its first title game appearance since 1976. Murray was chasing its first state championship berth since 1994.

History favored the Tigers, but the Juggernauts finished the season with a 13–1 record, claiming district and region titles and standing as one of just 24 teams across Kentucky still playing football.

“I’m proud of them, it just didn’t go our way tonight,” Lloyd head coach Kyle Niederman said. “Thirteen wins, district champs, region champs. If you would have told me back in January we’d be playing tonight, I don’t know about that, but they did a great job of coming together.”

Down 17–6 with 5:55 left in the third quarter, Lloyd showcased the kind of explosive playmaking that carried them all season. In just two minutes and 12 seconds, quarterback Kaleb Evans launched a 98-yard touchdown pass to sophomore wide receiver Colten Barger, cutting the deficit to 17–13.

“That’s never happened in my life,” Barger said. “My longest one was maybe 75.”

A Tiger fumble shortly afterward allowed Evans to push into the end zone, giving Lloyd a sudden 20–17 lead.

But turnovers haunted the Juggernauts. Five total — including two interceptions and three fumbles — prevented Lloyd from closing out the game, as Murray scored 10 points in the fourth quarter and ran out the clock on the final drive.

Despite losing starting quarterback Wyatt Robbins in the third quarter and replacing him with freshman Kenyon Cunningham, the Tigers dominated the ground game, rushing for 336 yards — 206 by Gage Chapman — while Lloyd managed just 23.

The passing game remained the center of Lloyd’s offense, with Evans finishing his career completing 18 passes for 291 yards, a passing touchdown, and a rushing touchdown.

Including Friday night’s performance, Evans’ career totals now stand at 378 completions, 5,352 yards, 69 passing touchdowns, and six rushing touchdowns, according to the KHSAA website.

“We’ve grown, and I’ve become a better football player and smarter, but more importantly, a better man,” Evans said. “That’s because of Coach Niederman. Ten years down the road, I’m going to be a better man because of high school football.”

Lloyd returns two leading rushers — Lincoln Tomlinson, who is also the team’s leading tackler and tackle for loss leader, and Avery Conrad — as well as its two leading receivers, Barger and Isaiah Jones. But the impact of the 18 seniors on the roster won’t be overlooked.

“The seniors set the tone for working hard,” Niederman said. “From January weight-room sessions to the final whistle, they were there every time, didn’t miss, got good grades, and led by example.”

While Lloyd’s season ends with a state semifinal finish, Murray will travel to Kroger Field in Lexington for a Class 3A state title match against Christian Academy-Louisville.

This article was originally published by Link NKY on Nov. 29, 2025.