‘Downhill’ running propels South past PHS, 26-17

Parkersburg South’s Collin Hayes (9) carries the ball as Parkersburg’s Brendon Kelley (8) attempts to make a tackle during Friday’s game at Erickson All-Sports Facility.
(Photo by Kerry Patrick)

PARKERSBURG – Technically, running downhill on a flat surface is virtually impossible.

However, Parkersburg South football may disagree and have a fair argument.

As a conclusion to Rivalry Week between South and Parkersburg, the two schools met Friday night on the gridiron at Erickson All-Sports Facility.

Since the Big Reds contained the South passing game, running back Eli Bartley took matters into his own hands and rushed for 256 yards and two touchdowns as the Patriots erased a touchdown deficit in the fourth quarter and pulled away for a 26-17 victory.

“That second half, we just got going downhill and being physical,” South coach Nate Tanner said.

Parkersburg’s Cooper Cancade (3) carries the ball as Parkersburg South’s Cole Middleton (45) attempts to make a tackle during Friday’s game at Erickson All-Sports Facility.
(Photo by Kerry Patrick)

“We weren’t able to hit some of the big plays in the passing game like we have the last couple of weeks, so it was very important that we establish the run the way we did.

“In the second half and the way the kids responded, I was really proud of them. I praise the O-line. They did a fantastic job, but hats off to Eli. ‘m glad we got him back this week. He’s been waiting for this opportunity and man did he ever capitalize. He was running through people tonight.”

PHS built a 17-10 lead going into the early stages of the fourth quarter thanks to catch-and-run resulting in a 75-yard touchdown from quarterback Cooper Cancade to Hunter Leavitt midway in the second quarter and Cancade calling his own number for a 11-yard TD run with 51 seconds remaining in the third quarter.

The Big Red offense moved the ball on a consistent basis throughout the game, but on three pass receptions the BIg Reds turned the ball over on fumbles.

An interception by South defensive back Taj Joyce sealed the win with 39.6 seconds remaining in regulation.

“It’s kind of been our M.O. all season – we’ve moved the ball on everyone and tonight we moved the ball relatively consistently,” PHS coach Matt Kimes said. “(As far as the fumbles) it’s kids trying to make plays . What are you going to do? You can’t fault the kid for making a play. We have to be more aware of ball control and ball security. In those situations, we have to protect the ball and not beat ourselves.”

As a member of Class AAAA and the 16 schools in the field, the season is nowhere near a loss for the 1-3 Big Reds. They are guaranteed a minimum of seven games. With Capital followed by an open date next on the schedule Parkersburg is expecting the return of several players to lineup the second half of the season could be a dangerous venture for its opponents.

Against South, PHS running back Jakel Shelton rushed for a team-high 82 yards on 20 carries. Leavitt caught eight passes for 120 yards.

“It stings – this one is always going to sting,” Matt Kimes said. “And that’s the challenge now. Can we regroup as a team and overcome the feeling we are having right now of letdown?

“With the way this schedule sets up, there is a chance we may play somebody in the playoffs who we have already played.”

Since an opening season loss, South won for the third consecutive Friday and improved to 3-1 overall. An added bonus for coach Tanner, he remained undefeated at 3-0 against PHS at home and moved to 3-2 overall in head-to-head meetings.

“I’ve told kids this, it is very hard to win football games – no matter who you are playing,” Tanner said. “For us to reel off three weeks like this … our staff have responded well. It also shows the character of our kids. They are showing up every day and believing.”

South didn’t take long to get the capacity crowd in tune last night. On the fifth play from scrimmage, Bartley received the handoff from quarterback Collin Hayes, started up the middle then darted to the outside and raced untouched 42 yards for the TD. The point after failed after the ball hit the upright on the kick.

PHS scored on two occasions in the second quarter. A sustained drive which began midway in the first quarter continued in the next period with Quinton Wright converting a 25-yard field goal with 11:14 remaining before halftime.

After the first of two PHS picks, the Big Reds found a quick-hitter. In similar fashion as Bartley’s opening score, Cancade found Leavitt open several yards downfield, and the junior wide receiver put on the jets and sprinted past the South secondary for a 75-yard score. At the 9:16 mark, PHS led 10-6.

South responded on the next series when Hayes produced a 17-yard TD on the quarterback keeper. Hayes finished with 61 yards for the game.

The best defensive stand for South occurred late in the first half. After an Ethan Jones interception, the Big Reds took over on the Patriot 35.

On first down, Cancade looked deep for the end zone but the pass was broken up by Jaxon Lord. On second down, a host of Patriot defenders led by Logan Middleton sacked Cancade for a 6-yard loss. With 3.5 seconds showing and the ball sitting at the 44, Middleton again rushed the pocket and sacked Cancade for a 3-yard loss.

“Logan also does stuff on the offensive line you may not see, but he is playing great.” Tanner.

Both sides exchanged punts to open the second half. PHS then took its final lead of the game, when Cancade executed the play-action to perfection, rolled right and scored from 11 yards to complete a 10-play, 80-yard drive.

The lead was short-lived, however. Dealing with several holding penalties throughout, the Patriots ran a clean play as Bartley bolted up the middle and broke away for a 61-yard TD. Another punt followed by Hayes’ 5-yard TD run at the 3:43 mark gave the Patriots much-needed breathing room.

“We knew we would come in here and be competitive,” Kimes said. “We thought we could win the football game. That’s why it’s disheartening. We are sitting here at 1-3 and I don’t think we are a 1-3 football team, but we are who we are right now.

“We will get some guys back in the next few weeks. We’re hoping after that bye week that the second half of our season we can not only just compete in these games, but find ways to win these games.”

Contact Kerry Patrick at kpatrick@newsandsentinel.com