By Bill Nestor
There were several big wins for Harrison County football teams this past Friday. As a matter of fact, four of the five teams were in action and every one of them was victorious, keeping all of them in playoff contention.
Robert C. Byrd saved the best for last in a must-win triumph over Elkins on the road in “Tiger Territory.” The Flying Eagles spent the first eight weeks of the season playing in Harrison County. The last two weeks (North Marion and Elkins) were the only true road tests of the campaign. RCB saved the longest for last, as the trip to Randolph County also took them into unfriendly quarters. Elkins fans were in the stands at 5 PM for the 7 PM kick, loaded for bear – or in this case, eagle.
There was a pile to play for as the Tigers would have had a chance to host a playoff game for the first time in their new stadium with a victory. It was also senior night, which always brings an added amount of adrenaline for the home team.
The Flying Eagles would spoil the night for the Elkins squad – and at the same time keep their playoff hopes alive with a thrilling 41 to 40 come from behind win. Both teams offenses were literally unstoppable. There wasn’t a punt to be found in the whole affair. Robert C. Byrd’s offense was balanced as well as unstoppable. The Flying Eagles threw for 212 yards and three touchdowns (thanks to quarterback Junior Smith) and rushed for 180 yards and three scores. Smith also garnered 114 rushing yards on 15 carries with all of the team’s three touchdowns on the ground.
Smith’s favorite targets were Kobe Duarte and Cam Newsaun. Duarte caught four passes for 106 yards and a pair of scores. Newsaun hauled in six balls for 100 yards and a touchdown. RCB’s defense rose to the occasion when it mattered most, stopping the Tigers on their two final two point attempt to seal the win.
Lincoln sent its seniors out victorious with a huge win over Class AA number three ranked Phillip Barbour in Shinnston. The Cougars rode the right arm of signal caller A. J. Bart to a 21 to 18 win. Bart was 20 of 28 for 213 yards and three touchdowns, two of which came in the opening period to give Lincoln a 14 to nothing lead. Aiden Rice caught 10 passes for 102 yards and a pair of touchdowns, Conner Rice led the winning attack with 48 yards and caught a 13 yard pass for the eventual game winner.
Bridgeport defeated Fairmont Senior 56 to 28. The Tribe took a 35 to 14 lead into the break and the Bears never recovered. Alex Moses and Josh Love led the Indian rushing attacksMoses collected a game high 186 yards on 11 attempts. He also recorded a pair of rushing scores. Love gained 164 yards on 24 attempts with five touchdowns.
South Harrison trounced Ravenswood 48 to eight. Jaden Hatfield picked up a game-high 167 yards on 16 attempts and a pair of rushing scores. He also intercepted a pass and took it 26 yards for a score. Hawk quarterback Christopher Pedraza was two for three passing for 74 yards and two scores. Collin Seguin and Corey Saltis caught TD passes in the win
The last week of the regular season will determine the fate of Harrison County’s teams. Bridgeport will play host to Lincoln,. Liberty is coming off a bye and will travel to North Marion. South Harrison will visit Gilmer County and RCB has concluded their regular season.
This could be the first time in some time that every team in the county could make the second season.
That will do it for now. Until next week . . . take care and God Bless!