Tucker County’s Mason Johnson (3) and Cole Rapp (13) look to tackle the Pocahontas County quarterback Wyatt Underwood in Parsons last Friday August 26th
By Dave Helmick
TuckerCountySports.Com
PARSONS – The Tucker County High School football team opened the 2016 Season at home vs Pocahontas County last Friday August 26th. The Mt. Lions were unable to cash in on a late Warriors turnover, and Pocahontas County got the 7-0 win in a defensive battle.
Tucker County started with the ball to start the game as the Warriors won the coin toss and deferred their option to the second half. The Mt. Lions were unable to move the ball after a nice return from Will Callaway and Tucker County punted the ball to the Warriors. Pocahontas County was unable to sustain their drive and both defenses flexed their muscles. The defense was so good for both teams and the offenses were struggling to get the rhythm. The first quarter ended with the score the same as the start of the game 0-0.
In the second quarter the Warriors put together a nice long drive that saw them convert on 2 fourth down plays. Pocahontas County ended the drive on a 1 yard touchdown run by Quarterback Wyatt Workman. The extra point kick was good to make the score 7-0 Pocahontas with 7:49 left in the second quarter. Tucker County was once again held to minimal yardage on their next drive and was forced to punt. The Warriors got the ball back looking to add to their lead. The Mt. Lions defense stepped up however, and Pocahontas County was forced to punt. On the punt Eddie Kachmarek rushed in and blocked the punt to give Tucker County the ball at the Warriors 11 yard line. The Mt. Lions offense however went backwards and the opportunity to convert the turnover into points was lost as the fourth and 9 play failed. This gave the ball back to Pocahontas County late in the second quarter. The Warriors were unable to make anything happen and the first half ended with the Warriors ahead 7-0.
Pocahontas County was forced to punt again in the third quarter and a bad snap on the play gave Tucker County possession at midfield. The Mt. Lions offense began to move the ball but could not convert and the drive stalled at the 10 yard line. Tucker County held the Warriors in the third as they gave up 0 points. Pocahontas County played great defense also as the Mt. Lions were unable to get on the scoreboard in the third quarter and the Warriors led after three 7-0.
Tucker County once again moved the ball on offense in the fourth, but was unable to get the ball into the end zone. The Mt. Lions then drove the ball down to the Pocahontas County 11 yard line. Tucker County was unable to convert on fourth down which gave the ball back to Pocahontas County once again. The Warriors tried to run out the clock on the first two downs, but then on third down they decided to pass the ball. Cole Rapp stepped in front of the Pocahontas County pass and gathered the ball for an interception that would give Tucker County another chance with under 2 minutes to play. The Mt. Lions once again were unable to convert on fourth down. Pocahontas County then forced Tucker County to call its remaining 2 timeouts and on third down the Warriors quarterback ran out of bounds which stopped the clock. Tucker County got the ball back with a little over 1 minute left in the game, but the offense stalled again. Pocahontas County ran out the clock and escaped with the 7-0 road victory.
Brett Reall led Tucker County in rushing with 15 carries for 32 yards. Reall also added 32 yards receiving on the night. Mason Johnson added 6 rushes for 18 yards for the Mt. Lions and Luke Poling 4 of 11 passing for 36 yards. Jameson Hardy had 2 receptions on the night for 14 yards. Wyatt Workman led Pocahontas County with 68 yards rushing and 70 yards passing. Tucker County was outgained in total offense 220-107.
Tucker County(0-1) will travel to Tygarts Valley on Friday, kickoff is set for 7pm. Radio Coverage will be provided by 94.7FM WELK pregame starts at 6:30pm. For more Tucker County Sports info visit TuckerCountySports.Com
