A slight chill in the mountain air heralds the start of another football season in Pocahontas County. The Warriors have been working hard in practice and appear to be ready for prime time. The season opens with a tough road game at Tucker County on Friday night at 7:30 p.m.
The Warriors played a scrimmage at James Monroe three weeks ago and got some much-needed practice against another varsity squad. Last Saturday, the team traveled to Midland Trail, where they played a half against the Patriots and another half against powerhouse Man.
The Warriors scored two TDs and allowed just one against the Patriots. The Warriors shut out the high-flying Hillbillies in the scrimmage and scored a last-minute TD of their own. It’s pre-season football, but after such an outstanding performance, the Warriors and Head Coach Doug Burns have every reason to be confident.
“It was really a good day for us and we got a lot of good work in,” said Burns.
Tucker squeaked into the state tournament last year with a 6-4 record, but fell to #1-ranked Madonna, 52-0, in the first round. Tucker defeated the Warriors in the opener in Dunmore last year, 21-7. The Mountain Lions lost 11 seniors to graduation, including All-State running back Austin Zirk.
Sophomore Wyatt Workman will start at QB for the Warriors, and senior Jimmy Campbell will start at tailback.