Aaron Pugh
Contributing Writer
With Pocahontas County High School Warrior varsity team on a bye week, the junior varsity Warriors gave the fans a good game October 8 when they hosted the Webster County Highlanders in their second game of the season. Coming off a 20 – 2 victory against the Bath County Chargers, the Warriors have proven to have some talent. The Highlanders, however, had some talent of their own, and gave Pocahontas a good challenge.
The night started out with the Warriors striking first and striking fast. Junior transfer wide receiver #30 Trevor Wilson fielded the kickoff for a 10-yard return. On the opening drive sophomore running back #5 Cage Burdette started the offensive festivities with a 31-yard rush to put the Highlanders on their heels. The next play, the Warriors went to the air with freshman quarterback #2 Cash Keating connecting with freshman wide receiver #80 Frankie Burgess for a 24-yard touchdown, Keating then rushed for a two-point conversion, score 8-0.
The game, in the first quarter, would largely remain a defensive tug of war. Halfway through the second quarter the Warrior defense stepped up when #24 Logan Ryder forced a fumble and Burdette scooped and scored from 38 yards out, and then ran the two point conversion for the Warriors, score 16-0.
The remainder of the first half and the third quarter continued to be all about defense. In the fourth quarter, the undermanned Warrior team started to run out of steam, and the Highlanders capitalized ending a six-play drive with a touchdown run, and two point conversion, score 16-8. Then late in the fourth quarter, following a 13-play drive, the Highlanders scored on a six-yard run, and tied the game with a two point conversion pass, score 16-16.
The Warrior offense put together a short series. Wilson punted to leave the Highlanders with enough time in the game for one play, the Warriors held out, deflecting a Hail Mary pass to end the game with a draw.
Leaders on offense for the Warriors were: Keating in passing, one of three, for 24 yards. Burgess led in receiving with his 24-yard reception. Burdette had nine carries for 22 yards to lead the rushing game. Wilson led the defense with six tackles and two assists, Ryder with one forced fumble, and first year junior #11 Devon Young had the lone sack on the night against the Highlanders.
The Varsity will be back on the field Friday, October 19, when they travel to Hinton to face the Summers County Bobcats.
