By Dave Helmick
TuckerCountySports.Com
PETERSBURG – The Tucker Valley Middle School football team traveled to Petersburg Middle School last Wednesday October 14th in Petersburg. The Wildcats rallied back to take the lead 30-26 late in the game, but the Vikings scored again to take the contest 32-30.
The game was close from start to finish as both teams moved the ball to start the game. The home standing Vikings led the contest 8-6 after one quarter. In the second quarter both teams managed another touchdown to tie the score 14-14 at the half.
In the third quarter Petersburg scored another touchdown, but was unable to convert the PAT to make the score 20-14 after three. The fourth quarter was action packed and the offenses came alive. Petersburg scored first in the fourth quarter to push their lead to 26-14. Tucker Valley then blocked a Vikings punt with less than 1 minute left in the contest. On the next play Liam Hood connected with Rudy Pennington for a 12 yard touchdown pass. The 2 point conversion was good on a Hood pass to Pennington to make the score 26-22 with 48 seconds left in the game. The Tucker Valley onside kick was successful as the Wildcats recovered to get the ball back. Then 2 plays later Hood connected with Raine McCauley on a 55 yard touchdown pass. The 2 point conversion was good again on a Hood pass to Pennington to put the Wildcats ahead 30-26 with 20 seconds left. However, Petersburg scored 2 plays later on a 43 yard touchdown pass to take the lead back 32-30 with 8 seconds remaining in the game. A great kick return from McCauley gave the Wildcats one last chance from the Vikings 37 yard line with 0.8 seconds left. Hood would scramble and threw a deep pass to Pennington, but the pass fell short to end the game with the final score 32-30 Petersburg.
Liam Hood led Tucker Valley on the night with 169 yards passing, 3 TD’s, Raine McCauley had 60 yards receiving, 1 TD. Will White finished with 56 yards receiving, 1 TD and Rudy Pennington added 53 yards receiving, 1 TD. McCauley also added 79 yards rushing, 1 TD and Holden Young had a 53 yard interception return for Tucker Valley in the loss.
Tucker Valley will host Tygarts Valley for the last game of the season tonight October 21st, kickoff is set for 7pm. The 8th grade athletes will be honored with their parents before the game. For more Tucker County Sports info visit TuckerCountySports.Com
