MARTINSBURG, W.Va — Martinsburg took a significant step to making state history with a 50-45 victory win over Sherando, Va. Friday night at Cobourn Field. The Bulldogs can tie the state record of 36 consecutive victories — held by Ansted & Wayne — with a win next Friday against Hedgesville.
Jerod Bowie and Cheno Teneval each caught a pair of touchdown passes for Martinsburg and their two-quarterback system with Grant Harman and Elijah Banks was very effective against a Sherando team that had not been challenged in their 5-0 start.
The Bulldogs (7-0) rallied back from an early 7-0 deficit as Harman and Bowie each scored on touchdown runs in the first quarter. The game was tied at 14 after the opening stanza.
Teneval’s 65-yard touchdown reception gave Martinsburg a lead they would not surrender early in the second quarter. He caught his second touchdown with 24 seconds left in the frame, giving Martinsburg a 30-21 halftime lead.
Harman’s 6-yard scoring run with eight minutes to play put the Bulldogs up 50-31. Sherando scored twice late in the game but the Bulldogs recovered an onside kick with five seconds left to seal the victory.
Banks and Harman combined to complete 19 of 32 passes for 301 yards with three touchdowns. “Both of them are great kids,” said Martinsburg head coach Dave Walker. “They both work hard. They both deserve to play. And they both bring something different to the table.”
WVU recruit Dewayne Grantham did not play due to a foot injury. Naieem Kearney picked up the slack in the running game. He carried the ball 21 times for 147 yards and a touchdown. “He has come in and done some great things,” said Walker. “He is a jitterbug that gets out there and gets yardage.”
Martinsburg is one of four unbeaten teams remaining in Class AAA.