By Dave Helmick
TuckerCountySports.Com
DUNMORE – The Mt. Lions Football team traveled to Pocahontas County for the opening game of the season on Friday August 27th. Tucker County got out to an early 14-0 lead, but the Warriors responded to score 34 unanswered points to get the victory over the Mt. Lions 34-14.
The first quarter went scoreless as both teams struggled to sustain drives on offense. Tucker County then capitalized on a poor punt by Pocahontas County. The Mt. Lions converted on a 4th and 8 when Ethan Rosenau connected with JJ Knotts for a touchdown on a 14 yard screen pass on the right side with 10:17 left in the second quarter. The 2 point conversion was good on a Rosenau pass to Racer Channell. The Mt. Lions added to their lead later in the second on a 9 yard touchdown pass from Rosenau to Channell. A great play was made by Channell as he battled the ball with one hand and then ran under the pass to get the touchdown reception. The 2 point conversion failed to make the score 14-0 Tucker County with 3:33 left in the first half.
The Warriors then battled back as they recovered an onside kick attempt from Tucker County and put together a quick scoring drive. The home team connected on a 9 yard touchdown pass and the extra point kick was good to put the score at 14-7 with 2:43 left in the second quarter. The Mt. Lions then were forced to punt on their next possession. Pocahontas County then received the punt and raced 52 yards for a touchdown. The PAT kick failed to make the score 14-13 Tucker County with 57 seconds left in the second. Then on the ensuing kickoff the Warrirors recovered the pooch kick to take over on the Mt. Lions 22 yard line. Poacahontas County then scored 5 plays later on a 12 yard touchdown pass. The 2 point conversion failed, but the Warriors took the lead 19-14 with 27 seconds left in the second. Tucker County ran out the clock to make the halftime score 19-14 Pocahontas County.
The Mt. Lions received the second half kick, but they were unable to sustain a drive. The homestanding Warriors then put together another impressive drive that was capped off with a 26 yard field goal to put the score to 22-14 Pocahontas County with 5:38 left in the third quarter. Another punt by Tucker County would set up the Warriors again as they scored on an 8 yard touchdown run with 1:33 left in the third to make the score 28-14.
Pocahontas County would add a 23 yard and a 39 yard field goal in the fourth quarter to put the game away as the home team took the victory by the final score of 34-14.
Tucker County(0-1) will return to action this Friday September 3rd at home against Tygarts Valley. Kickoff is set for 7pm. The game will be carried by radio station 94.7FM WELK. For more info go to TuckerCountySports.Com.