The Bottom Line
By Bill Nestor
Sports Editor
Harrison County football teams are midway through the regular season. The report card and even more importantly the WVSSAC rankings show that there are several area teams that are in position to make a hard push at the playoffs. Let’s take a look at the most recent games and just where each team stands.
Bridgeport is currently in the top fourth of the Class AA scene. The Indians blanked East Fairmont 41-0 this past week at Wayne Jamison Field. The Tribe’s bread and butter is their rushing attack, which netted just over 400 yards against the Bees. Dylan Tonkery rushed six times and scored four touchdowns. Tonkery also went over the century mark with 121 yards. The defense continued it’s stellar play providing a -35 yard rushing effort for East Fairmont. The Indians have their sights set on a key matchup with Keyser on Oct. 10th. A road win could propel Bridgeport even higher in the rankings. They currently own a 4-1 record.
Liberty suffered a 50-16 setback Weir this past week. The Mountaineers were within a score of the Red Raiders leading into the fourth quarter. The loss snapped a two game winning streak and leaves them at 3-2. With three of their last four games at home, the Mountaineers have a solid shot of making the Class AA playoffs. First year Head A.J. Harman has his squad playing a physical brand of football and they have Logan Robey putting up exceptional rushing numbers to lead the offense.
Lincoln lost to South Harrison 44-19 this past Friday. The Cougars have been battling the injury bug that has hampered quarterback Jarrod Kellar. Kellar is one of the states top signal callers and is counted on to run the offense. Against the Hawks, Kellar returned to the lineup and to his old form, throwing for 229 yards. Kellar also threw for a touchdown and ran for another score. Four of their last five opponents have playoff aspirations and if Lincoln can get hot they could make a postseason push.
Notre Dame took a lengthy road trip and came away with a 34-14 win over River View. After starting the season 0-2, the Fighting Irish have won two straight. Notre Dame trailed at the half but erupted for 27 third period points. Santino Cava became the county’s all-time leading rusher earlier this year. Cava added to that total this past week finishing two yards short of 200 yards on the ground. The Fighting Irish also have a potent air attack with Jordan Miller, Spencer Harlow, and Noah Bohanna. Notre Dame is in the playoff mix and will have a key matchup on Halloween night with Clay-Battelle.
Robert C. Byrd upended Grafton 43-7 at McKinney Field last Friday. The win snapped a two game loosing streak. Ben D’Annunzio looked to bounce back from injury. He gained 255 yards on the ground (just nine yards short of the school record). The defensive unite has held four out of five opponents scoreless in the first half of this season. The Flying Eagles have had several injuries this season and a bye this week is just what the doctor ordered for this squad. Currently Robert C. Byrd is inside the top 16 teams in Class AA and they hope to host in the post season if they can win out. A road test at Elkins looks to be a true test for a program that has been one win away from Wheeling in both of the last two seasons.
South Harrison evened its record at 2-2 with their win over Lincoln. The Hawks have a loaded backfield that provides an air attack that provides balance to this young and extremely talented team. The Hawks are on the bubble and can gain lots of ground with a home win over St. Mary’s on October 24th.
That will do it for now. Until next week…take care and God Bless!