Josh Cain hit Tyler Lyon on a 4-yard touchdown pass with 26 seconds left as Newport Central Catholic clinched a 30-26 win over Caldwell County in the KHSAA Class 2A championship game Saturday at Houchens-Smith Stadiuml

The Thoroughbreds are state champs for the fifth time in school history and the second time in the last three years under head coach Eddie Eviston. The Thoroughbred seniors went 35-8 during Eviston’s three-year reign.

Cain's touchdown pass capped a five-play, 60-yard touchdown drive that came after Caldwell's Brett Seymore kicked a 19-yard field goal to put the Tigers up 26-24 with 2:30 left.

Cain was 14-of-23 passing on the day for 243 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions. He also rushed five times for 32 yards.

Dylan Hayes was NewCath's top rusher, carrying 27 times for 106 yards and two touchdowns. Mac Franzen added four catches for 81 yards and a touchdown.

Newport Central Catholic won nine games in a row to close out the season. Caldwell County is the only team to score more than 22 points against NCC during the streak.