The Bottom Line
By Bill Nestor
Sports Editor
The Lincoln volleyball team earned a win over North Marion late last week as they look to gain momentum heading down the stretch run of the season. With players Josie Payton, Samantha Maditz, and Jenna Correll among the areas and up and coming players such as Breanna Turner, Karley Lemley, Kayln Broadwater, and Megan Watson, the Cougars have the potential to finish the campaign on a strong note.
Lincoln will finish the season with some stiff competition from squads such as Bridgeport, Preston County, Liberty, and Parkersburg. The Cougars also have six Tri-Matches remaining and that will allow for more opportunities to claim victories heading into the post season.
Lincoln quarterback, Jarrod Kellar, went over the 5,000-yard mark two weeks ago against South Harrison. Kellar is chasing former Robert C. Byrd standout Adam Secret and his record 5,935 passing yards record. Kellar has been battling injury this season, which has forced him to miss not only playing time but passing opportunities as well.
This past week he threw for 150 yards upping his season total to 701 yards. The Cougars have home contests this week with Ritchie County, and the season finale with North Marion that sandwich road matchups with Secret’s former team (RCB) and Grafton remaining.
Several county football teams earned wins this past week. Bridgeport, Liberty, Notre Dame, and South Harrison all picked up big wins that will bolster their playoff chances.
Bridgeport, the highest ranked team in the area, picked up a win over Elkins this past week. The game was played on Thursday in Tiger Territory, which will afford Indian Head Coach Josh Nicewarner and his staff an extra day to prepare for this weeks’ foe Keyser. These teams have a friendly rivalry going and the Tornado is one of a select few teams that have defeated the Tribe in the last few seasons. This game is one of the last true tests on Bridgeport’s schedule as they are on a quest to secure home field advantage throughout the playoffs.
Liberty got back on the winning track with a convincing win over Braxton County and will travel to Notre Dame in a key inner-county lock-up. The Fighting Irish have reeled off three consecutive road wins and will host a game for the first time this season. This game will feature two of the top running backs in North Central West Virginia. Fighting Irish rusher, Santino Cava has been shattering records all season and is coming off of a 180 yard effort in Notre Dame’s win over Grafton last Friday. Cava also recorded a hat trick with rushing touchdowns of 6, 35, and 4 yards respectively.
South Harrison blanked Calhoun County 21-0. The Hawks did what they do best – run the football. Camden Barnette led all rushes with 107 yards, Gerrod Bee gained 90 yards and Freddy Canary chipped in with 64 rushing yards. All three players recorded a rushing touchdown in the win. South Harrison has an opportunity to earn a huge win in two weeks when they host Class A powerhouse, St. Mary’s.
West Virginia University earned a 33-14 win over Kansas this past Saturday in front of 52,164 fans that braved the elements to take in the Homecoming win over the Jayhawks. Former Bridgeport standout, Wes Tonkery, continues to impress on the defensive side of the ball. Tonkery recorded five tackles (2nd on the team), two pass break-ups, and a sick in the victory.
That will do it for now. Until next week…take care and God Bless!
