No. 1 Scott hammers Poca 35-6
POCA - When Scott began preparing for this season with voluntary workouts in January, the Skyhawks had no interest in going undefeated or earning the top ranking in Class AA.
POCA - When Scott began preparing for this season with voluntary workouts in January, the Skyhawks had no interest in going undefeated or earning the top ranking in Class AA.
"We said we're going to Wheeling Island this year,'' said Scott tailback Robert Bias.
Bias and his teammates have a good start to achieving their goal of playing in the final game of the season at the site of the state football championships as they disposed of host Poca 35-6 Friday night. A crowd of about 1,200 attended at O.O. White Stadium.
The 145-pound Bias led the effort with 186 yards on 20 carries with two second-half touchdowns. The No. 1 Skyhawks (5-0), who averaged 350 yards rushing per game, ground out 322 yards on 47 carries with nine players toting the ball with no turnovers.
"If we keep playing like we have been and keep executing, we should do fine,'' Bias said. "What we set out to do was take leadership, getting everybody motivated and keep driving.''
Scott coach Shane Griffith said the first half of the season has been a success, but it's time to turn the page before there is more to be accomplished.
"Like I told them at this point and time, you've done all anybody could ask of you,'' said Griffith, "but you can't get satisfied. It's just another step on this journey.
"These guys started in January talking about taking this program and expecting more than just playoff appearances, but starting to become contenders. The bar's still got to get higher for them. I feel like we've got some skill guys starting to develop and show some ability.''
Scott, oddly enough, scored its first TD on a 27-yard pass from junior quarterback Cody Brown to junior Michael Hatfield-Belcher on its first possession. After a punt and turnover on downs, the Skyhawks need just four plays to strike again as sophomore back Triston Crone scored from 25 yards out for a 14-0 lead with 5:35 left in the opening half.
POCA - When Scott began preparing for this season with voluntary workouts in January, the Skyhawks had no interest in going undefeated or earning the top ranking in Class AA.
"We said we're going to Wheeling Island this year,'' said Scott tailback Robert Bias.
Bias and his teammates have a good start to achieving their goal of playing in the final game of the season at the site of the state football championships as they disposed of host Poca 35-6 Friday night. A crowd of about 1,200 attended at O.O. White Stadium.
The 145-pound Bias led the effort with 186 yards on 20 carries with two second-half touchdowns. The No. 1 Skyhawks (5-0), who averaged 350 yards rushing per game, ground out 322 yards on 47 carries with nine players toting the ball with no turnovers.
"If we keep playing like we have been and keep executing, we should do fine,'' Bias said. "What we set out to do was take leadership, getting everybody motivated and keep driving.''
Scott coach Shane Griffith said the first half of the season has been a success, but it's time to turn the page before there is more to be accomplished.
"Like I told them at this point and time, you've done all anybody could ask of you,'' said Griffith, "but you can't get satisfied. It's just another step on this journey.
"These guys started in January talking about taking this program and expecting more than just playoff appearances, but starting to become contenders. The bar's still got to get higher for them. I feel like we've got some skill guys starting to develop and show some ability.''
Scott, oddly enough, scored its first TD on a 27-yard pass from junior quarterback Cody Brown to junior Michael Hatfield-Belcher on its first possession. After a punt and turnover on downs, the Skyhawks need just four plays to strike again as sophomore back Triston Crone scored from 25 yards out for a 14-0 lead with 5:35 left in the opening half.
No. 19 Poca (2-3), which was missing three starters because of injuries from an already thin roster, kept it close until fumbling on the ensuing possession inside its own 30. After four plays, Scott went ahead 21-0 with 3:39 to go before halftime on junior back Cameron Loftus' 17-yard TD jaunt.
Scott held the No. 19 Dots (2-3) to three first downs and 60 total yards in the first half.
Bias quickly put the game on ice, scampering 50 yards for a score on the second play of the opening drive of the third quarter for 28-0 edge. He added a 38-yard TD early in the fourth quarter.
Poca was coming off a heartbreaking loss at Chapmanville last week where the Dots led 27-7 before losing in overtime.
"We got worn down up front,'' said Poca veteran coach Bob Lemley. "[Scott has] a big line and they started opening some holes.
"Once they got on a roll . . . I think our depth got us again. We'll keep playing and see what we can do. With this bunch, I don't know which one shows up.''
Poca junior running back T.T. Loudin turned in 72 yards on 17 carries while junior quarterback Jake Payne hit senior split end Jamie Ellis for a 19-yard TD late in the final period.
Reach Tommy R. Atkinson at tatkin...@wvgazette.com or 304-348-4811.
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