FRANKLIN, W.Va. — Pendleton County junior quarterback Isaiah Gardiner scored six rushing touchdowns as the Wildcats handed Tygarts Valley their first loss of the season, 41-6 at Slusher Field.
Gardiner rushed for 133 yards and threw for 163 yards as the Wildcats improved to 6-0. Gardiner’s scoring runs all came from inside the Bulldog 10 yard line, covering 5, 5, 1, 1, 6 and 2 yards.
“They were loading the box on us and that’s what Isaiah Gardiner brings to the table,” said Pendleton County head coach Zac Smith. “He is a dual threat kid and he can hurt you with his arm and he was able to do that tonight. He came up with some big plays and I am pleased with his effort.”
Tygarts Valley’s lone score came on a Daniel White 60-yard burst. That score brought the Bulldogs within a point, 7-6 at the end of the first quarter.
Gardiner would score two more touchdowns in each of the next two quarters to put Pendleton up 34-6 at the end of the third quarter.
Smith credited the play of his line for dominating the line of scrimmage for most of the game.
“I have to give a lot of love to our offensive and defensive lines, they really stepped up big. We were very physical and just took things over in the second half.”
The Wildcats are off to their best start since 2014 and they have won fourteen of their last sixteen regular season games.
“The win will speak for itself and we are only as good as our next football game. We are looking forward to next week.”
The Wildcats will face Parkersburg Catholic at Fairmont State University next Friday while the Bulldogs look to get back on track against South Harrison.