The Bottom Line
By Bill Nestor
Sports Editor
With the regular season in the books, there are four county teams that are poised for postseason play. Bridgeport, Liberty, Lincoln and South Harrison all punched their respective tickets to the extra season with wins last week, with the exception of the Indians that had the week off.
Bridgeport finished the regular season unblemished and possesses the #1 seed in Class AA. The three time defending state champions had last week to rest and heal prior to defense of their crown. The Indians are back in action this Friday as they invite Roane County to Wayne Jamison Field.
Liberty had to win last week in order to make the Class AA playoff scene and they did it in come from behind fashion with a 20-13 victory over Grafton.
The Bearcats held a 13-6 halftime lead but couldn’t hold the Mountaineers rushing attack in the second half. After Liberty signal caller, Seth McKinney gave an eight yard scoring toss to Dalton Westfall in the second period, the Mounties went to the ground and more specifically, Broderick Lantz. Lantz found himself in the wildcat formation and he flourished, scoring a pair of second half touchdowns to help his team to the win. Liberty doubled up the Bearcats in total yardage and overcame three turnovers to claim the win.
Liberty finished #15 and will hit the road for one of the longest trips in opening round playoff action. The Mountaineers will play Mingo Central on Friday evening.
Lincoln earned the most thrilling victory last week in the Mountain State with a 56-49 overtime defeat of North Marion.
Cougar quarterback, Kobie Carpenter recorded his second straight mammoth effort. Carpenter threw for 388 yards and four touchdowns to go with a team-high 49 rushing yards. Chase Riley caught 10 passes for 94 yards and a touchdown.
Johnathan Leep caught three balls for 94 yards and a 53 yard score. Anthony Kellar caught 10 passes for 90 yards and a two yard pass. Dustin Marks recorded eight catches for 80 yards and a 14 yard touchdown. Marks also had an 85 yard kickoff return.
Lincoln climbed to #8 in Class AA which earned them a home playoff game. The Cougars host Independence Friday evening.
South Harrison routed Wirt County 76-13 last Friday. The Hawks rolled up 550 yards of offense and forced seven turnovers in the win. Freddy Canary gained 227 yards and rushed for five touchdowns in the win.
South Harrison, despite winning, dropped to #9 in Class A and will travel to Williamstown for a Saturday afternoon tilt with the Yellow Jackets.
This past Saturday, West Virginia’s football squad got back on the winning track with a 48-21 win over Kansas. The Jayhawks didn’t pose a real threat to the mighty Mountaineers but they did serve as a get right victim following last week’s loss to Oklahoma State. Next up for WVU is a road trip to deep in the heart of Texas to face the Longhorns. It’s an eerily similar lock-up as the one two weeks ago against the Cowboys. A talented team, a long road trip and an early kick off. Let’s hope a repeat occurrence isn’t in the cards.
That will do it for now. Until next week…take care and God Bless!
