Pendleton County defeated district rival Powell County 44-39 at Veterans Field last Friday night. In arguably the best win of Head Coach Brian Burgemeir’s tenure, the Wildcats came into the game banged up. The Wildcats were able to rally the troops for the last regular season game of the COVID-19 shortened season.
Powell County found pay dirt in the first quarter. Their strong rushing attack were able to march down the field and score against a thin Wildcat defensive line. Powell County kicked their extra point through the uprights to take a 7-0 lead with 7:26 left in the first quarter.
The Wildcats returned the football to their own 45-yard line. On the first play from scrimmage, junior running back Jacob Redden scored on a run of 55 yards. The Wildcats punched in the two-point conversion to take an 8-7 lead with 7:14 left in the first quarter.
The first half had a theme of both teams going back and forth on offense. Both teams’ rushing attacks were methodically driving down the field wearing down their opponent’s defense. Powell County found the end zone once again with 1:15 left in the first quarter. The Pirates opted to for a two-point conversion attempt which they converted. Powell County now leads the game 15-7.
After the end of the first quarter, senior running back Tredyn Thomas scored on a two-yard rushing touchdown giving the Wildcats the lead back. The Wildcats two-point conversion attempt was successful. The game score was now 16-15 with 11:15 left in the half.
Not to be outdone, the Powell County offense answered with another touchdown with 3:25 left in the half. They once again converted their two-point attempt. Powell County took a 23-16 lead with 3:25 left in the half.
Starting on their own 30-yard line, the Wildcats needed to drive the length of the field for a game tying score. The Wildcats pounded their way down the field and got inside the Pirates 30-yard line. Burgemeir called a timeout with two seconds left in the half. Needing a momentum shifting play, the Wildcat coaching staff decided to put Redden in at quarterback.
With the crowd on the edge of its seat, Redden took the snap and threw a rainbow pass up the left sideline. Thomas was the intended receiver but it was thrown behind Thomas. He readjusted while the ball was in the air and came back to the ball giving him just enough room to shake off the opposing defensive back, catch the ball and cross the goal line. This play was symbolic for the Wildcats. Not only may it have been the most important play of the season, but it also highlighted the Wildcats were willing to do anything to win their final game. The Wildcats converted their two-point attempt taking a 24-23 lead going into the half.
Senior fullback Caleb Rogers quickly scored for the Wildcats coming out of the first half. In one of his strongest runs of the season, Rogers found the seam in the defense and took it to the house. The Wildcats’ conversion attempt was successful, giving the Wildcats a 32-23 lead.
Powell County answered with a rushing touchdown of their own. Their conversion attempt was successful. With 7:04 left in the third quarter, the Wildcats’ lead was cut to one point. Pendleton County led 32-31.
The Pirates attempted an onside kick following their touchdown. Senior defensive end Garrett Grogan scooped up the onside kick and returned it to the Powell County 20-yard line, giving the Wildcats excellent starting field position. The special teams play paid off for the Wildcats. Redden scored a rushing touchdown, giving the Wildcats a 38-31 lead with 4:29 left in the third quarter. The Powell County defense stepped up and stopped their first conversion attempt of the game. Powell County returned the ball and marched down to their own 41-yard line. In one of the most important defensive stands of the year, the Wildcats defense forced a turnover on downs giving the Wildcats the ball with an opportunity to make it a two-score ball game.
The Wildcats drove down into the red zone and were threatening to score from the two-yard line of the Pirates. In one of the most spectacular plays of the year, a bobbled snap led to sophomore quarterback Ethan Verst picking up the loose-ball fumble with little room to maneuver. A broken play that would ordinarily result in a sack and loss of yardage, Verst improvised and was able to find a hole in the defense where he scored the final Wildcat touchdown of the season. The Powell County defense stopped the conversion attempt.
The clock was not on Powell County’s side. The Pirates scored an important touchdown with 15 seconds left. Their offense converted their two-point attempt. Everyone at Veteran’s Field was holding their breath. The Pirates could recover an onside kick and have a chance to potentially tie the game.
The Pirates lined up for the onside kick. The Wildcats sent out their hands team. The kick bounced into the hands of senior kicker Parker Schry. It was over. The Wildcats earned victory from their most exciting contest of the year.
For Burgemeir, it’s the first time his Wildcats have defeated a non-Lewis County district opponent. It’s also the first time the Wildcats had two district wins since the 2009 season. The Wildcats finish the regular season at 4-4, the second season in a row where the team has finished the regular season at .500. For Burgemeir, it’s the first time his Wildcats have defeated a non-Lewis County district opponent. It’s also the first time the Wildcats had two district wins since the 2009 season. The Wildcats finish the regular season at 4-4, the second season in a row where the team has finished the regular season at .500.
Besides the historic implications for the program, what will make this game memorable going forward was all the players who stepped up and contributed. Senior center Mason Snapp was out with an injury so freshman Kane Roseberry stepped in and provided stability at the position. He blocked well and delivered clean snaps. Junior running back Jordan Miller had a 20-yard run and provided solid blocking in the red zone. Junior linebacker Jordan Pearson was leading a banged up linebacking core but was able to effectively plug holes on defense and generate a pass rush.
The Wildcats finished the regular season with a 2-2 district record. The Wildcats are in line to play Mason County in the first round of the 3A playoffs. It’s also the first time the Wildcats have made the playoffs two seasons in a row since they made it three times in a row 2007 -2009.
The Wildcat football program continues to get better and set program milestones.
This success is a testament to the former players and coaching staff who helped build a culture that is conducive to winning.
Wildcats plunder the Pirates
Image
Body