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Cougars look to bolster playoff position

By Bob Madison - For the Chronicle | Nov 5, 2021

Caysen Lanza cuts through the Hedgesville defense for a major gain in Friday night's game. David Pennock

SHENANDOAH JUNCTION — The all-day rain had finally stopped. The artificial turf field at Jefferson High was ready for the Cougars and Hedgesville High to settle the “which is the better team” question.

There would be no “mud war” as would have been the case just a year ago. The footing wouldn’t be questionable. The uniforms wouldn’t be caked in mud. Excuses for any team troubles couldn’t be trotted out.

Jefferson had the better team — winning, 43-7, and washing away any lingering vestiges of its loss to Martinsburg the previous week.

The bounce-back Cougars were firmly positioned for the Class AAA playoffs. Just how firmly would be partially determined by the outcome of this week’s regular season finale against county rival Washington — itself an aspiring playoff contender with its 5-4 overall record.

If Jefferson can defeat the Patriots, it will finish in the top eight and be able to host a first round postseason game in Shenandoah Junction. There will be 16 teams that qualify for next week’s beginning to the path that will lead to the actual crowning of a state champion in Wheeling in December.

Evan Tewell runs away from a tackle in Friday night's winning game against Hedgesville High School. David Pennock

The Cougars stated their case in tripping Hedgesville with a well-rounded game where the defense, offense and special teams all had their moments in the crisp night air.

Points and more points were one of the ways to begin what the Cougars hope will be a win streak that carries them through the rest of November and deep into the playoffs.

With quarterback Sammy Roberts and offensive teammates Spencer Powell, Keyshawn Robinson, Bryson Fleming and Caysen Lanza supplying pass completions, catches, yardage and needed points and then Lee Forshee, Joey Slaughter, Caleb Shelton, Christian Blowe, Evan Tewell, the other linebackers and secondary keeping the Eagles in check, Jefferson opened the scoring, had control of things by halftime and then closed out the team’s eighth win against a single loss with surgical precision.

It was Hedgesville’s sixth loss against three wins.

This week, in its final regular season show, the Cougars will see a Washington team that needs a win to secure a playoff spot. Washington has shown progress, mostly shedding its early-season scoring problems to move its record over the .500 mark.

Nolan Meehleib (34) and Caysen Lanza lead a pack of Cougars to surround the Hedgesville High School quarterback, as he chases after a fumble caused by Lanza. David Pennock

If Jefferson manages to beat the Patriots and finish with a 9-1 record, it almost certainly would finish in the top eight teams, giving it at least one home date in the playoffs.

Going into this week, there are still unbeaten teams in Huntington, University and Bridgeport. Once-beaten teams include Martinsburg, Cabell Midland and Jefferson.

There had been nothing “artificial” about Jefferson’s win over Hedgesville — only the playing surface which had made the night a comfortable one for the Cougars.

Jefferson High School Marching Band senior Darrius Fenton, Jr. is honored Friday evening, which was senior night, with his parents, Darrius and Shannon Fenton. David Pennock