By Stephen Smoot
The Pendleton County Wildcats have sunk their claws into regional opposition all season. With both the football and volleyball teams battling their way into the postseason, both teams enjoy tremendous representation on the all Potomac Valley Conference teams.
The statistics cited do not include those from the Cameron contest.
Football starts at the line and, on defensive line, sophomore Ty Heavner led the pack with 21 tackles. He picked up a first team selection with teammate Kameron Redman selected on the second team. At inside linebacker, both Chase Owens and James Vincell earned first team mention with 68 and 28 tackles, respectively.
Among outside linebackers, Nick Rhodes and Bradey Bowers earned first team recognition by making big stops all year. Rhodes had 52 tackles, 6.5 for loss, while Bowers picked up 59 and an astounding 10.5 for loss.
Colton Roberson’s steady play at defensive back, including 54 tackles, earned him a first team selection at defensive back. Gabe Harvey earned a second team spot, also with 54 tackles, while Corbin Dove and Travis Owens received honorable mentions.
Gabe Harvey, one of the most reliable place kickers in the region, earned second team all conference.
Pendleton County featured one of the most exciting and dynamic offenses in West Virginia single A this season. It’s young, but strong offensive line played a huge role in its success. Spencer Hartman was awarded a first team mention, while Ryland Copley received a second team award, and Sam Eason received honorable mention.
At running back, Rhodes’ 6.1 yards per carry propelled him into an honorable mention at running back while Josiah Kimble’s 810 yards on 39 receptions and Chase Owens 366 on 18 earned them first team honors. Travis Owens earned second team mention on the strength of 345 yards on 23 receptions.
The PVC named Roberson first among the first team all conference quarterbacks. He was 82 of 135 for 1,485 yards, good for 12th in the state. Although not selected on offense, it should be noted that in four games before his injury, Vincell was 46 of 84 for 737 yards. The two stellar quarterbacks’ passing yards combined this season would place them fifth among all high school quarterbacks in all classes in West Virginia.
Wildcat volleyball also dominated regional competition. Three super seniors brought experiences, savvy, athleticism, and sheer grit to every contest and earned all-conference mention.
Lizzie Alt, who played in different roles and positions, had 69 kills, 15 aces, and 27 digs through the season. Baylee Beachler and Avery Townsend formed part of Pendleton County’s fearsome front line. Beachler had 39 kills, 14 blocks, and 33 aces. Townsend picked up 23 kills and also contributed strong and steady service all season.
On Nov. 2, two Wildcats competed in the state cross country meet at Cabell Midland High School. Cayson Armstrong, a sophomore, ran for a time of 21:17.05 while Callie Dunn scored a 27:33.92.
