The Warriors managed to top Webster County Friday night in their final game of the regular season.

Warrior head coach Chris Sutton said it was one of the most exciting games of the year, and a great way to end the season, especially for graduating seniors Seth Painter, Kyler Doss, Spencer McCoy, Ryan Cain, Brian Wilfong, Derek Hamman, Patrick Martin and Jacob Johnson.

“Definitely a great way to send them out,” said Sutton. “As far as points, it wasn't the closest game all year, but there were definitely a lot of leads going back and forth in the fourth quarter. I think with a minute-and-thirty left to go, they were up by three points and we had to drive the length of the field to get some points on the board to tie it and go into overtime. Very exciting, all the way around. It was a really good game.”

Warrior Devin Rose cinched it for the squad when he kicked a 25 yard field goal to tie the game with only seconds left on the clock in the fourth quarter. The Warriors managed to score a touchdown during their first overtime drive, then corner back Andrew Morrison snagged an interception, ending the game with PCHS up 47-40.

“That sealed it,” remarked Sutton. “It was definitely key. It was fourth down at the time and they were kind of throwing out of desperation there, and got it picked.”

Sutton said Webster County put up a good fight, and played their hearts out.

“We both came in with the same record, looking to do the exact same thing, go .500. They put up a great effort,” said Sutton. “Defensively it seemed like we played well when we needed to. When we had a little bit of a point advantage we might've relaxed some, or they'd get lucky, or they had a sense of urgency to score.”

Sutton said the Warriors hadn't attempted a field goal all season, and the timing was perfect.

“The funny thing was, before the game, I asked Devin where he felt comfortable kicking the ball from,” commented Sutton. “It was kind of neat that I'd just asked him while we were warmin' up, right before.”

Despite a size difference on the line, the Warriors were able to push back against the Highlanders and hold their own.

“There were a couple of them that were bigger, but even with the size, I think we may have edged them out a little bit in the strength category. Overall it was pretty evenly matched,” Sutton said.

This was Sutton's first season as head coach for the Pocahontas County High School Warriors, and he's pleased with how things panned out.

“The second half — definitely,” said Sutton. “Out of the last six games, we won five. The only game we lost in the last six was against, at the time, the #2 team in the state. So I'm pretty pleased with that.”
Sutton said despite the 5-5 season record, it'd be a long-shot for the team to see any play-off action.

“I guess there's a very, very small chance,” said Sutton. “I don't believe we're looking at any kind of play-off spot. Some other team that beat us would have to end up forfeiting a game or something, just not very likely.”

Sutton said Friday night's win will help set the pace for next year.

“Against Webster County it seemed like all engines were firing,” he said. “It was a great way to end the year, and it gives us some momentum to build on next season.”