By Brent Osborne for WVMetroNews.com
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Capital quarterback Kerry Martin accounted for 309 yards of offense and five touchdowns as the No. 6 Cougars beat No. 11 Wheeling Park 63-21 in the opening round of the playoffs on Friday night.
“We just stayed focus in practice and we knew that we were going to be able to throw the ball around a little bit more than expected,” Martin said. “It’s a mental thing (now) and we have to keep staying practiced. We’re going to hit the film on Monday and I’m looking forward to next week.”
Martin on Friday rushed for 170 yards and two scores on 10 carries, while completing 13 of 21 passes for 139 yards and three more touchdowns. K.J. Figures, Anthony Pittman and Chance Knox all had a touchdown catch apiece in the win.
“We must have been living right this week because all of the breaks went our way,” said Capital coach Jon Carpenter. “(Kerry Martin) just did a nice job of getting the ball to the right places. He did a good job of getting us into the right play and executing it. That gives us a good shot when he’s on.”
Overall, the Cougars tallied 508 yards of offense.
Capital (8-3) will travel next week to undefeated and No. 3 University (11-0) for a quarterfinal matchup after the Hawks beat Spring Mills Friday night 37-7.
“We’re excited to go up there,” Carpenter said. “Every kid in West Virginia thinks that’s the mecca of football (in Morgantown) with everyone being West Virginia fans. It’s an undefeated team and our work is cut out for us, but I think our kids will be excited for it. If we can get them to work (throughout the week), we’ll give ourselves a shot.”
Highlights are posted above with radio calls from Chris Lawrence on 580-WCHS.