Parkersburg South’s Eli Bartley, 11, and Kinzin Latchmansingh, 7, took down a Linsley ball carrier during Saturday’s game in Wheeling. (Photo provided by Kim North)
WHEELING – Linsley’s missed opportunities snapped an eight-game losing streak Saturday and also spoiled the atmosphere of a massive homecoming and reunion weekend at Fawcett Field inside Lockhart Alumni Stadium.
The Cadets (0-8) entered the Parkersburg South field twice early in the first quarter, but were stopped at the goal line at the end of the first half. The visiting Patriots (5-3) held off all three innings and won 35-28, ending the Wood Countians’ two-game losing streak.
“We had three chances to score in the first half, but we couldn’t convert them.” A disappointed Linsley head coach, B.J. Depew, suggested it. “It was tough. It’s heartbreaking in a way because going into the game we really thought we had a chance to win. We’ve been playing better lately and we’re confident in ourselves. However, we were unable to take advantage of multiple opportunities.”
“Fight is what defines us.” Mr. Dupieux said. “We didn’t play our best today. We had a hard time moving the ball on the ground, but I thought we played pretty good defense, especially in the second half.
“They’re a good football team. I don’t want to take anything away from them.” he added. They were big and physical and pushed around a little bit up front. ”
Both teams exchanged interceptions on the first two possessions. On the opening drive of the Parkersburg South 3, Jaxton Lord came down with a tipped pass, but a few plays later Linsley’s LaMelo Dia made an acrobatic pick at the Cadets’ 34. However, Dell injured his shoulder on this play and did not return.
“That was a big loss for us because he’s such a playmaker for us.” Mr. Dupieux emphasized. “It gives our entire offensive line more confidence knowing he’s on the field because he’s so dynamic. He can turn small plays into big plays really quickly.”
Parkersburg South’s Nathan Tanner said winning football games is never easy.
“It was a brave, spirited win. We faced some adversity this week, so I’m proud of our kids. We had some kids out, but some kids really stepped up today. .”
Linsley drove to the Parkersburg South 3, only to see a fourth-down pass juggled in the end zone.
The Patriots fought back with a 20-play, 97-yard drive that spanned about 10 minutes in the first and second quarters. Kinjin Latchmansingh’s pass was tipped by Linsley linebacker Simon Hamp, but it fell into the arms of Eli Bartley, who picked up a first down. They got another fourth down inside the 10 before Rutschmansingh hit a 6-yard keeper near the left end to score. Alex Hanna hit the first of five PATs to give the visitors a 7-0 lead.
The Cadets responded, as Justin Heckman ran the ensuing kickoff 77 yards for a touchdown. The sophomore got up from the center of the field, cut to his left, found the seam and brought it home. However, with 5 minutes and 14 seconds left in the first half, the PAT missed to the right.
Parkersburg South went 66 yards in six plays with Bartley running in two plays later, and both teams scored again before the half. Bartley’s 46-yard gallop started the drive, followed by Latchman Singh’s 14-yard scramble on fourth-and-6. Set the score from 16. Hanna won 14-6.
It took Linsley just five plays to counter when Brendan Wade found Jackson Murray on a diagonal pattern and Linsley completed a 38-yard scoring play. Joaquin Zarule scored to make it 14-13 with 1:46 left in the first half.
Linsley’s defense fought back, forcing a Parkersburg South punt. Taking over at their own 41, the Cadets used a 26-yard hookup between Wade and Lucca Trollos and a 16-yard strike to Chris Upton to put the ball at the Patriots’ 17 with 6.8 seconds left.
Wade and Truros teamed up again, but Parkersburg South’s defense stopped the Cadets junior just short of the end zone.
Both head coaches agreed that the play had a big impact on the outcome.
“That call was a big deal.” Depew said of the way the first half ended. “I couldn’t see it from my vantage point. That was tough.”
“We got some big stops early in the first quarter on defense and then we were there at the end of (the first half).” Tanner recalled. “What people don’t realize is that every inch counts. Sometimes it really does matter.”
On the Patriots’ second possession of the third quarter, Bartley completed an eight-play, 64-yard drive with a nine-yard scamper up the middle. A 14-yard fourth-and-9 pass from Ruchmansingh to Taj Joyce sparked the march. Hanna won 21-13.
Ruchmansingh threw two TD passes in the fourth quarter as the Patriots built a 35-13 advantage before the Cadets tried to fight back. Latchmansingh found Brendon Kelly on a bubble screen and the senior made a 39-yard 6-point shot. He then connected with Joyce for an 18-yard strike. Hannah converted both.
Linsley looked for a turnaround when Wade and Truros combined for a 6-yard TD strike over the middle. Wade then found Aiden Brooks for two points and fell behind 35-21.
After a fumble recovery by Patrick Chryst at the Parkersburg South 28, a Patriots pass interference penalty shifted the ball to the 14. Wade speared Upton in the end zone and Zarule’s kick made it 35-28 with 3:47 left.
Parkersburg South was able to get two first downs and run out the clock.
“I thought our ability to run the football was really good, and I thought Kintz (Rutschmansingh) played at a high level.” Tanner raved. “A lot of kids were making plays. The offensive line blocked well and Eli ran really hard.”
Latchmansingh passed for 175 yards and two touchdowns, and Bartley ran for 35 passes for 185 yards and two scores. Kelly and Joyce each had seven receptions, totaling 92 yards for Kelly and 66 for Joyce.
Wade was 19-of-41 for 274 yards and Linsley had three scores, but only 33 yards on the ground.
