The high school football season is finally underway. All four teams were in action this past weekend with Bridgeport, Robert C. Byrd, and South Harrison posting up game one wins.
The Indians blanked Buckhannon-Upshur 68 to nothing at Wayne Jamison Field. The Tribe sustained damage to their facility due to the flooding that took place a few weeks ago, but thanks to community efforts, they were able to host the Bucs.
A quick start led to 35 first quarter points followed by a 21-point second quarter to put the game out of reach by halftime. Running back Gabe Martin earned 199 yards on just 10 rushes with a pair of touchdowns. Reigning Frank Loria winner Gavin Williams gained 142 yards on just eight attempts. Williams found pay dirt on the first score of the game en route to three rushing scores. Graham Vincent tossed a 38-yard scoring strike to Brody Jeran and scored on a 10-yard scamper.
The Flying Eagles opened up on the road at Lewis County and came away with a 29 to six victory. Robert C. Byrd held an eight to six halftime lead but outscored the Minutemen 21 to nothing in the second half.
Signal caller Isiah Herlin was 14 of 21 passing for 271 yards and three touchdowns. He was also the team’s leading rusher with 52 yards on 15 carries. His favorite target was Junior Smith. Smith hauled in six balls for 46 yards and two touchdowns, including a 70-yarder.
The Hawks took a trip down I-79 to Braxton County and blanked the Eagles 14 to nothing. A scoreless first quarter gave way to a two-yard scoring play from South Harrison’s Shepard Paugh. The two-point conversion failed and the Hawks took a six to nothing lead into the break. They would add some insurance on a one-yard scoring run in the third segment from Lucas Nutt. Landon Ross would tack on the two-point conversion to seal the deal for the Hawks. Paugh ended up with 92 yards on eight carries. Zane Harlow added 65 yards on 12 attempts.
Lincoln had a road trip to Elkins and would suffer a 40 to 27 setback. The battle was deadlocked at 21 apiece heading into the final period where Seth Robinson would score three rushing touchdowns for the Tigers.
Cougar quarterback Jacob Bart was 18 of 29 for 128 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Colton Edwards caught six balls for 109 yards and two scores. Conner Rice paced the ground game for Lincoln, picking up 124 yards on 17 carries. Cade Mooney added two rushing touchdowns for the Cougars on runs of four and one yards respectively.
Lincoln alum Mike Kellar made his coaching debut at West Virginia Wesleyan this past Saturday. Kellar inherited the Bobcat program that had lost 35 consecutive games dating back to 2022. His team not only earned a win in their opener over Post University, they did it in decisive fashion with a 31 to 13 victory. His leadership and his offensive coordinator’s playcalling were impressive. His offensive coordinator is Cougar alum Jeremy Harmer.
The win was the 98th of his career and it was special to Bobcat backers who are overjoyed to have the top-notch coach in Buckhannon.
That will do it for now! Until next week . . . take care and God Bless!!!
