FRANKLIN, W.Va. — Dalton Dunkle found the end zone six times as Pendleton County pulled away from Tygarts Valley, 41-17 in a Class A quarterfinal matchup Sunday afternoon.
Dunkle scored on touchdowns runs of 13, 17, 10, 3, 2 and 20 yards as the Wildcats (7-2) advanced to the Class A semifinals for the second consecutive season.
“The line was doing a heck of a job,” Dunkle said. “They were tearing it up so that was all I could do.”
“He is a hard-nosed kid and is very competitive,” said Pendleton County head coach Zac Smith. “I am really proud of him. He is a senior and is one of the leaders on this team. He is a physical player and it very deserving of today.”
The Wildcats jumped out to a 20-0 lead early in the second quarter before the Bulldogs answered with a 63-yard touchdown run from Caden Boggs. TVHS trailed 27-10 at halftime.
Tygarts Valley crept within ten points midway through the third quarter when Josh Bright hit Jace Swecker on a 15-yard scoring strike. But Pendleton outscored the Bulldogs 14-0 in the fourth to pull away.
Pendleton’s senior class has won four playoff games at Slusher Field and this was their last contest at home.
“These guys have committed themselves to the program for four years,” Smith said. ” They have been a big part of our success and it means a lot to them. I am happy and very proud of them.”
The No. 8 Wildcats will travel to No. 4 St. Marys (9-1) next weekend for a berth in the Class A state championship game. This will be Pendleton’s third appearance in the state semis in the last five years.
Tygarts Valley (7-3) advanced to the state quarterfinals for the first time since 2005.