By: Adam Freeman
The Tucker County Mountain Lions overcame a sluggish start to roar past the East Hardy Cougars on Saturday evening, notching an impressive 38-27 road victory behind a dominant aerial performance from quarterback Sam Marks.
East Hardy came out slinging, capitalizing on early opportunities to jump ahead 13-0 in the first quarter. Tucker’s offense sputtered early, unable to find rhythm as the Cougars controlled the pace.
But early in the second quarter, the Mountain Lions found their spark. Marks connected with wide receiver Luke Barb for a 14-yard touchdown to get Tucker on the board. Although the extra point was no good, the score cut the deficit to 13-6.
East Hardy answered with another touchdown to extend their lead to 19-6, but that would be their last moment of control. Tucker’s offense ignited, closing the first half with a furious rally of three straight touchdown drives.
Marks threw an 11-yard touchdown pass to Keelyn Eichelberger, then hit Reid Kisamore for a 50-yard bomb to tie the game. With the momentum fully in their favor, Marks capped the half by finding Barb again, this time on a 54-yard strike, sending the Mt. Lions into halftime up 30-19.
Tucker kept the pressure on to open the second half, as Marks capped another drive with a 3-yard touchdown run, his fifth total touchdown of the day, to push the lead to 38-19. East Hardy added a late score in the fourth quarter, but by then, the game was well in hand.
Marks finished with an impressive stat line: 15-of-22 passing for 296 yards and four touchdowns, along with 65 rushing yards and a rushing TD. Barb led all receivers with five catches for 151 yards and two scores. Kisamore contributed three catches for 62 yards and a touchdown, while Eichelberger added four receptions for 49 yards and a score.
With the win, Tucker County improves their season mark and will now prepare for one of their biggest challenges yet, an away matchup against defending AA state champion Frankfort, who remains undefeated as well. Kickoff is set for Friday, September 19th at 7 p.m.
