– Highlights are posted above from Brent Osborne with radio calls by Greg White on 580-WCHS
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Class AAA No. 6 Capital handed No. 3 University its first loss of the season on Friday night, advancing to the semifinals for the fifth straight year with a 48-24 win over the Hawks.
It was the fourth straight win for the Cougars (9-3) who have now outscored their two playoff opponents 111-45.
“I think we get better as the season goes on and our mindset gets better,” said Capital coach Jon Carpenter. “It’s worked out for us.”
Capital defensively forced five University turnovers and took the momentum from the start as K.J. Taylor returned the opening kickoff 89 yards for a touchdown. It was a Hawks team that entered the game with just 13 turnovers combined in the 11 previous games.
Cougars’ quarterback Kerry Martin continued his impressive overall season output, completing 13 of 20 passes for 212 yards and accounting for three touchdowns (two passing, one rushing) – he overcame a pair of turnovers that included an interception and lost fumble.
Cougars senior receiver and defensive back Anthony Pittman played a critical role, defending University receiver Amir Richardson who holds an offer from WVU.
“It shocked me, I really thought (University) was going to try to wear (Richardson) out with the ball,” Carpenter said. “But they didn’t try to get it to him very much, it didn’t seem like. We were plum tickled to death with that.”
The 6-foot-4 Pittman finished with two interceptions defensively, including a pick-6 returned 30 yards for a score. He also had five catches on the night for 64 yards and another touchdown.
“I think those turnovers a lot of times come through your energy and through your effort,” Carpenter said. “I think that’s just a by-product of playing with enthusiasm and I think those things happen.”
Up next for Capital is a road trip in the semifinals against No. 2 and defending state champion Martinsburg – the Bulldogs Friday defeated John Marshall 54-0.