ONA, W.Va. — Cabell Midland used a pair of short touchdown runs and a pair of interception returns for scores in a 28-point second half to defeat Spring Valley 31-0 in the Class AAA semifinals.
“Anytime you plan a good opponent like that, you think it is going to be a 3-point game or a 7-point game and it was for a while,” said Cabell Midland head coach Luke Salmons. “A play here, a play there, the ball bounces your way and good things happen.”
Leading 3-0 at halftime, the Knights used a Jackson Fetty two-yard touchdown run to extend their lead to 10-0 through three quarters. A Jakob Caudill one-yard touchdown tote extended the Knights lead to 17-0 early in the fourth quarter.
Forced to go to the air, Cabell Midland’s defense pounced. Palmer Riggio and J.J. Roberts each returned interceptions for touchdowns as the Knights pulled away to claim their first spot in the Super Six since 2012.
“We wouldn’t have been able to do it with our offensive line or our defensive line,” said Cabell Midland senior quarterback-defensive back J.J. Roberts. “Our O-line won the battle up front today and that is what got us the win.”
Midland is the first team to shutout Spring Valley since the Timberwolves were blanked by Huntington 14-0 in the 2017 season opener.
“You have to do your job,” Salmons said. “We had a good defensive game plan and our coaches did a good job. The kids bought in like they have all year.”
The Knights will face the winner of Saturday’s semifinal between No. 4 Parkersburg South and No. 1 Martinsburg in the Class AAA championship next Saturday at Wheeling Island Stadium.
“We just have to stay focused,” Salmons said. “We have a next game mentality. We have to have a good week of practice. Do your job, play physical and play Midland football.”