Hurricane Schools University 38-14 Moves on to Tackle Morgantown
Few gave them a chance, most doubted them since the 2015 season came to a bitter and disappointing end, 7 WV gurus picked the other way (again), even University Head Coach John Kelley called his team's match-up against Hurricane "fortunate." However, undaunted as ever, the Redskins got off the bus ready to roll, which they did in their very first drive. Hurricane ran the ball 10 straight plays covering 72 yards. Nick Williams finished the drive scoring from 15 yards out, after Payton Lunsford did much of the "heavy lifting" eating up huge chunks of yardage, Zane Kern's PAT gave Hurricane a 7-0 lead.
Nick Williams and the Offensive line gave Hurricane a 7-0 lead.
Hurricane's defense, who would play a huge role in this win, stopped the Hawks on 3 plays, and under pressure from Lucas Cooper, the Hawks punter delivered a 1 yard punt. The offense rolled out their youth movement as freshman Christian Hill (not Charlie Womack as incorrectly reported in the WV Gazette) scored from 21 yards out to put Hurricane up 14-0. Coach Taylor surprised the Hawks with an onside kick which Hurricane's Lucas Cooper recovered.
Lucas Cooper picked up onside kick
Just when it appeared that a blowout was in the making, the Redskins fumbled giving University life, after an exchange of punts, University's Trevor Barnhart scored an 11 yard touchdown cutting the Skins lead to 14-7. Hurricane showed their grit by continuing to ground and pound and when Payton Lunsford (9-49) scored from 15 yards out the Redskins extended to a 21-7 advantage.
Lunsford #4 was effective from both sides of the ball
University opened up their offense and unleashed their passing game, as they went 66 yards in just under a minute and a half, and big Isiah Utt (held in check for most of the night 6-23) powered in from 6 yards out to pull the Hawks within 21-14. University got the ball back with a chance to tie the game prior to halftime, but a Tyler Womack interception ended that thought. Hurricane closed the half with Zane Kerns just falling short on a 40 yard FG attempt.
Tyler Womack had first of 3 Redskin picks
Hurricane came ready to play
After a defensive struggle in the third quarter, University was driving again trying to tie the score. Aided by 2 somewhat questionable penalties called on the Skins defense, the Hawks had the ball deep in Hurricane's territory. It was time for the Defensive play of the year for the Redskins. Isiah Thomas jumped a slant route at the goal line, intercepting the pass, broke a tackle, and went 100 yards to paydirt. Rather than University tying the game the Redskins extended to a 28-14 lead. The town of Hurricane went bonkers, Sheetz gave out free coffee, Mountain Pie Free Pizza, Mayor Edwards started planning a parade, and Lee Price cried tears of joy!!
Isiah Thomas saves the day
Hurricane's stop unit under the guidance of Defensive coordinator Pratt was not quite satisfied. On the ensuing possession Michael Watson had a strip sack and Cameron Kimble recovered the fumble. Setting up a Hurricane playoff record 37 yard field goal from Zane Kerns. The longest FG of any kind since current WVU placekicker Mike Molina was " just kicking it" for Hurricane.
#87 Michael Watson
Hurricane was very comfortable at this point with the ball in University's charitable hands, and the defense rose up like a morning sunrise once again. Steven Shine used his athleticism by snaring a would be screen pass and returning it 60 yards for another touchdown. Giving the Redskins a 38-14 victory. Hurricanefootballfan believes this is the first time in Redskin playoff history that Hurricane has registered 2 Interception returns for touchdowns.
#81 Steven Shine
University Coach Kelly, who during the pregame discussed how excited he was to be matching up with Morgantown next week, said "they really jumped us early and outplayed us." Yes they did coach and perhaps you should not have been looking ahead to that cross town rival. Of Course it will be Hurricane traveling up I-79 North again next week to take on Morgantown. The winner of that game will play the winner of GW vs. Martinsburg. GW handled defending champion Wheeling Park 37-6, while Martinsburg looked strong in dumping Hedgesville 69-0. Good Luck Stevie Edwards.
Big Stevie Edwards Jr bemoaning that GW must take on Martinsburg next week.
NOTES: Hurricane's victory was the 5th in their playoff history, and 2nd straight when facing a non MSAC opponent. Coach Taylor got his first playoff victory on his birthday. Nick Williams had his best game of the season as he led Hurricane with 82 yards rushing. Isiah Thomas took over punting duties and had his first career punts in the 2nd half, rumor has it that he was more excited about his pick 6. Hurricane fans traveled well as we almost matched the number of University fans in attendance. Kyle Wiggs handled the radio broadcast as well as any high school game I have ever listened to. Hurricane was the only Putnam County team to advance to the 2nd round as Winfield and Buffalo were beaten last night. God Bless Nick Scala
Nick Scala picked the Redskins to win EVERY week this season
Redskins fans...celebrate the Hurricane playoff victory by joining on to play the awesome firefan sports app...it's free to download and free to start playing as you will receive 12 Free tokens as a bonus for joining. Just go to Firefan.com and enter the code:Coop THIS is going to be a game changer in how we watch sports. I promise it takes less than 90 seconds to join.
firefan.com enter code: Coop
