Aaron Pugh
Contributing Writer
Throughout the world of sports there are always rivalries, and, for the fans and athletes from the upper half of Pocahontas County, one such rivalry took place in week three when the Warriors traveled to Franklin to face the Pendleton County Wildcats.
There are certainly others, the long standing series between the Warriors and Richwood, Greenbrier West and Tygarts Valley all certainly qualify.
But something has to be said for PCHS vs. PCHS.
Two single-A teams, the only high schools in their respective rural and mountainous counties, both with small, scrappy and proud programs. When they face each other in sports, sparks tend to fly.
This season is no exception.
Both teams came into the game 1-1.
The Warriors lost to Tucker County in its opening game, 7-18, then regrouped to face the Moorefield Yellow Jackets and pounded away to claim a 20-7 victory on their second of three straight road games.
Unfortunately, this would not be the Warriors’ year to win in the the PCHS rivalry.
The young Pocahontas squad fought a very physical game, putting forth great effort against a talented Pend-leton unit with a strong senior class.
Miscues, a run of bad field positions, turnovers and stalled drives led to the lopsided final score of 7-34, with the Wildcats winning the night.
The lone Warrior score came with a connection between junior quarterback Dillon Shinaberry to senior wide-out Cody Kiner in the first quarter for a 47-yard touchdown and a point after kick by Shinaberry.
The Warriors will host the East Hardy Cougars in their home opener at Warrior Field Friday, September 14.
Kick-off is set for 7 p.m.