Mitchell B. Koerber
Student Sports Journalist
After the mishaps that were the first Pocahontas County High School Football games that resulted in a 0 – 3 start, the Warriors would not yet seem to be ready for a victory, but Friday night demonstrated a fire within the team’s spirit. On September 19, at Greenbrier West’s first home game, the Warriors would square up against the Cavaliers in a hard-hitting game resulting in a loss of 14 – 16, but it was only a loss by an inch.
Opening with a touchdown and two-point conversion from the Cavaliers, ending the first quarter with a score of 0 – 8, then, on the 10th play of a long Warriors’ series, Junior QB, #2 Griffin Taylor, would connect on a 32-yard pass to #3, Junior WR Morgan Beverage, that would put the Warriors into scoring position. Then, in true showmanship fashion, #5, Senior Haydon Moore would balance the scales by pounding the ball into the endzone for the Warriors’ first score. Moore would also carry in the two-point conversion, ending the second quarter with a score of 8 – 8. Throughout the entirety of the third quarter, neither team would score any points, racking up the anticipation of everyone in the stands as the Warriors kept the Cavaliers on their toes with a remarkable defense even without one of their Senior Defensive Lineman. Suffering an in-game leg injury against Meadow Bridge in week two, Senior Jacob Bennet had to sit on the sideline and watch his team fight their hearts out. The Warriors were also without star Linebacker and QB Junior Logan Keatley with a broken wrist bone.
As the fourth quarter rolled around, the Cavaliers would score another touchdown on a middle pass and two-point conversion. The score was 16 – 8 in favor of Greenbrier West. Then, after a tough Defensive stand, Moore would make them pay. With only 2:44 remaining on the scoreboard, Moore would receive the punt and scramble on an exciting 55-yard punt return all the way down to the Cavaliers’ 1-yard line. This maneuver gave Taylor the opportunity to make a successful touchdown by following a strong push from the Offensive Line. Then immediately afterward, Taylor would repeat it to tie the game – or so fans and players alike thought. The Officials ruled that Taylor was short of the white goal line by an inch. This unfortunate call would end the game with a score of 14 – 16.
While the Warriors may have lost, there were obvious winners on the field Friday Night. Freshman Stryker “Flash” Gregory would dominate the game with an astonishing 13 tackles on the field. Flash would demonstrate dedication, bravery and heart throughout the entire game leaving friends and family of Gregory proud and supportive. Following up with equal tenacity, Lineman Garry Warner would execute a staggering nine tackles. After his return from injury, Warner earned his title as one of the team’s Captains.
“His aggression and talent on the field put us in a position to win the game.” Defensive Line Coach Fred Koerber said. “Gary is irreplaceable!”
The Pocahontas County Warriors next game, Alumni Night, is scheduled for Friday, September 26, at Warrior field against the Richwood Lumberjacks.
Kickoff is at 7 p.m.
