Late-game heroics send Cougars past Hurricane

Jefferson takes the field, as they hosted Hurricane in the first round of the WVSSAC football championships on Saturday afternoon. David Pennock
SHENANDOAH JUNCTION — A numbing wind had overshadowed the on-field efforts of both Jefferson and Hurricane in the Class AAA first-round football playoff game.
The Redskins held tight to a four-point lead in the first minute of the fourth period. But in a whirlwind of activity, Jefferson counted the game’s last 17 points to outlast the stinging wind and the visiting Redskins, 31-18, to get themselves into tomorrow’s 1:30 p.m. quarterfinal round game against host Bridgeport, the unbeaten first-round winner over Morgantown.
Success for Hurricane had come from its ground-hugging offense, which had again reached inside the Jefferson red zone. But there would be no more success of any kind for the much-penalized Redskin crew.
In what would become the first of three game-changing turnovers for the Redskins, Bryson Fleming made a vital interception at his own two, staving off another Hurricane score and beginning a series of season-saving events for the moving-on-along Cougars.
With some important breathing room at its own 30, the Cougars suddenly were in front when Sammy Roberts found Keyshawn Robinson on a 70-yard pass-run TD that quickly reversed the fortunes of both teams and shoved the Cougars in front, 21-18.

Caysen Lanza (7) celebrates a touchdown by Bryson Fleming (2), in Saturday’s game against Hurricane. David Pennock
Just seconds later, Robinson was back in the Hurricane end zone when he intercepted a botched screen pass at the Redskin five and scored again to move the Cougar lead to 28-18. Hurricane had misplayed the kickoff after Robinson’s long TD and was forced back to its 10 when trying to overcome the just-discovered Jefferson lead.
The game’s scoring was completed after a third Redskin turnover when Oren Humphreys booted a 35-yard field goal with less than a minute to play.
Jefferson suffered through early-game misfortunes of its own when it lost a fumble that led to a 6-0 Hurricane lead.
By halftime, Fleming had scored on runs of 17 and two yards and two Humphreys’ extra point kicks had meant a 14-6 lead for the Cougars.
Penalties against the Redskin offense had negated several long runs and were negative parts of what would eventually become over 110 yards in walk-offs against them.

Even Tewell (3) looks for yardage against a tough Hurricane defense in Saturday’s game. David Pennock
A Jefferson turnover on the kickoff that began the second half sliced the Jefferson lead to 14-12, but the Redskins failed to convert the extra point kick for the second of three times.
Just after the final quarter opened, an Elijah Rivera score on the ground had Hurricane back on top, 18-14.
That’s when Jefferson outdid even the wind and made its series of individual plays to continue its season.
First it was Fleming’s interception. Then it was the take-your-breath-away Roberts-to-Robinson touchdown. Before many people could adjust their scarves, gloves, heavy coats and head coverings, the Cougars were back on the blinking scoreboard with Robinson’s short interception return points.
With the final minutes gone, there was some quick celebrating to be done, but most of the wind-scarred crowd headed for the nearest warmth to figure Jefferson’s next move in the playoffs.
- Jefferson takes the field, as they hosted Hurricane in the first round of the WVSSAC football championships on Saturday afternoon. David Pennock
- Caysen Lanza (7) celebrates a touchdown by Bryson Fleming (2), in Saturday’s game against Hurricane. David Pennock
- Even Tewell (3) looks for yardage against a tough Hurricane defense in Saturday’s game. David Pennock
- Christian Blowe (6) defends against a Hurricane pass in Saturday’s game. David Pennock

Christian Blowe (6) defends against a Hurricane pass in Saturday’s game. David Pennock