By: Adam Freeman
The Tucker Valley Wildcats wasted no time asserting their dominance last Thursday evening, steamrolling the Pocahontas County Warriors 37-0 in front of a lively home crowd.
It took just two plays for the Wildcats to ignite the scoreboard, as quarterback Titus Bowley broke loose for a 62-yard touchdown run. Bowley then tacked on the two-point conversion, setting the tone early with an 8-0 lead.
The Warriors’ woes continued on their next possession when Asher Kisamore broke through to block a punt, putting the Wildcats in prime field position. Bowley capitalized again, connecting with standout receiver Legend Harper for a 21-yard touchdown. He followed it up with a successful two-point pass to Rylan Sexton, extending the lead to 16-0.
Tucker Valley’s special teams made yet another impact moments later. Fletcher Hyre blocked another Pocahontas punt, and just a few plays later, Braylon Simmons punched in a 10-yard touchdown run. Hyre added the two-point conversion, pushing the advantage to 24-0.
The Wildcats’ defense stifled the Warriors throughout the first half, forcing a string of three-and-outs. Kisamore added to the offensive onslaught with a 15-yard touchdown run, though the two-point attempt failed. Tucker Valley was cruising at 30-0 midway through the second quarter.
Before halftime, the defense got in on the scoring when Hyre forced a fumble that Harper scooped up and returned 22 yards to the end zone. On the ensuing extra point, kicker Elijah “Ishmael” O’Brien thrilled the crowd with a booming PAT, the final point in the one-sided affair.
The second half saw limited action, as multiple injuries left Pocahontas County with only 10 players, prompting shortened quarters to conclude the game.
Kisamore led the defensive charge with a monster performance, recording six tackles for loss, a sack, and a blocked punt, while also rushing for 39 yards and a touchdown. Bowley totaled 62 yards on the ground with a rushing and passing touchdown. Harper finished with a touchdown on both sides of the ball.
The Wildcats (2-0) look to enforce their will to next week’s matchup on the road against Tygarts Valley. Kickoff is scheduled for Wednesday, September 17 at 6 p.m.
