The Warriors made a trip to Tygarts Valley last Wednesday, to take on the Bulldogs, in a highly anticipated match-up. The Bulldogs only had one loss this season and that was against Elkins Middle School by only four points. The Warriors were trying to keep their undefeated season intact.

The Warriors kicked off to the Bulldogs to start the game. On first down, the Warrior defense caused a fumble and recovered at their own 38 yard line. Wyatt Workman found Brady Jones down the middle of the field for the game’s first big offensive play. The Warriors were in business at the TV 48 yard line. Ryan Irvine then took the next play 34 yards to the 14. Irvine then took it the rest of the way to paydirt, got the conversion, and the Warriors were up 8 – 0. The Warrior defense then forced a turnover on downs, as they held on fourth and two on the next possession. The offense then drove the ball down to the Bulldog one yard line, when things took a turn for the home team. The defense came with a blitz and hit Workman as he was handing off. A fumble ensued and Caleb Riggleman took it 99 yards for a Bulldog touchdown. The two point conversion was good and the game was 8 – 8.

The second quarter was dominated by both defenses with the only threat coming right before halftime. The Bulldogs drove the ball to the Warrior two yard line with less than 30 seconds remaining. The Warrior defense came up big and caused a fumble and Caleb Mullenax recovered, preserving the 8 – 8 halftime score.

The Warrior fans were on their feet as the third quarter started. The Bulldogs kicked off deep to Irvine, who fielded the ball at his own 20 yard line. He started up the middle and then got behind his blockers up the right sideline. He broke a tackle and raced 80 yards for the touchdown. Irvine scored the extra points and the Warriors regained the lead at 16 – 8. The Warrior defense came up with another turnover on the next Bulldog drive as Workman intercepted a pass and the Warrior offense was on the prowl once again. Irvine again scored, this time on a 24-yard run. With the conversion by Irvine, the score was 24 – 8 at the end of the third quarter.

The Warrior defense forced another fumble by the Bulldogs when Jesse McCarty made a big hit. He also recovered the fumble to set the Warriors up at their own 33-yard line. They were unable to gain a first down and were forced to punt. Drake Warder fielded a high snap and delivered a great punt to the Bulldog 25 yard line. McCarty delivered a big hit to the return man to make sure there was no return. Workman again picked off a pass and returned it to the Bulldog 11 yard line. After three attempts, Workman took the ball around the left end and with Danny Kimble leading the way, found the end zone. This made the final score 30 – 8 for the Warriors.

Irvine finished the night with 209 yards of total offense and scored three touchdowns behind his offensive line, led by Justin Hedrick, Jacob Walton, Kimble, Keith Harrah, Mullenax and Jones. The Warrior defense was led by Michael Morrison, Warder, McCarty and Jacob Walton who had 9, 7, 7 and 6 tackles respectively. Workman had two interceptions.

The Warriors will be at home the next two Wednesdays to finish the season. They play Glade at 6 p.m. October 10, and Summersville at 7 p.m. October 17.