By Annie Redden
This past Friday, September 16, the Pendleton County Wildcats football team faced the Nicholas County Bluejackets at home, with a final score of 51-8, with the Bluejackets winning.
In the first quarter, Nicholas County started off strong, scoring two touchdowns with one conversion in the first quarter. The Wildcats struck back with less than two minutes left on the clock, scoring a touchdown passed by Ethan Vert to Alex Byst. They also scored a two-point conversion bring the score to 13-8. In the second quarter, the Bluejackets broke through the defense of the Wildcats, scoring two touchdowns. In the third quarter, the Bluejackets again made it past the defenses of Pendleton, scoring two more touchdowns.
The top offensive players in the game were Ethan Verst, Alex Byst, and Tyler Redden. Verst had a 33.3 percent completion rate, six passing yards, and threw one touchdown. Alex Beyst had one reception, 13 recorded yards, and scored the team’s single touchdown. Redden made 12 carries, had 4.1 carrying yards, and had 49 of the team’s total of 106 rushing yards. The top defensive players were Vincent Nocero, R.J. Creech, and Nate Tishner. Nocero had six tackles, Creech had 4.5, and Tischner had five.
At halftime, the seniors on the football team, along with those on the cheer, cross country, and golf teams, were recognized. The senior players walked with their parents across the field and received a football signed by everyone on the team. The senior players included Ross Barlow, Dakota Dunn, Chance Pollard, Nate Tischner, Vincent Nocero, Hunter Hedeburg, and Ethan Verst.