-
PC Football
A season to remember. The 2020 Pendleton County football season ended with a 39-0 loss to rival Fleming County in the 3A state playoffs. The Panthers bested the Wildcats 41-0 earlier in the season.
For the Wildcats, this game was more about pride. Practicing through injuries, elevating greenhorn freshman on the depth chart and abiding by state COVID-19 restrictions left the finale of the football season up in the air. Throughout all the uncertainty, the Wildcats were able to rally the troops and take the field in the district championship.
The play on the field from the Wildcats was sloppy throughout the game. While being able to string together multiple offensive drives, each one concluded in either a punt or an untimely turnover.
The Wildcats had difficulty stopping big plays. Whether it was through the air or on the ground, the Panthers big play ability stifled the banged-up defense of the Wildcats.
Senior athlete Tredyn Thomas was a key contributor offensively. He carried the ball for multiple first downs in the first half. Senior fullback Caleb Rogers was able to move the chains on his signature dive play when given the opportunity. In a game where there were not many highlight plays for the Wildcats, coaches and fans alike realize this team will be remembered not for the result of the game, but the events that allowed the Wildcats to be able to take the field for the game.
“Our team motto this year was “relentless,” but I think “perseverance” had to be next,” said Head Coach Brian Burgemeir. “We all had to deal with new procedures, restrictions, and concerns that made it tough and frustrating at times. But we all stayed focused on our goals and were able to complete an eight-game season plus playoffs successfully.”
The Wildcats finished their season 4-5, with a 2-2 regular season record playing within the district. The program earned their first ever win against a non-Lewis County district opponent. This was the first district championship football game the Wildcats have played in, albeit it came from a Mason County withdraw due to COVID-19. The program made a playoff season a second straight season. It was the fifth playoff appearance in program history.
Improving the program culture and participation numbers have been goals for the coaching staff. It is hard to dispute the noticeable improvement the program has observed during the Burgemeir era. Next up for the Wildcats: defeating either Mason or Fleming County. After all, 2021 is right around the corner.