FRANKLIN, W.Va. — In a tightly-contested Class A quarterfinal where the game’s largest lead occurred in overtime, Pendleton County advanced past conference rival East Hardy, 35-27.
Colton Roberson’s touchdown run and two-point conversion in overtime gave the Wildcats (10-2) the winning margin and the Pendleton defense forced a four-and-out to secure a spot in the semifinal round.
“Our offense stepped up and made some big plays there,” said Pendleton County head coach Zac Smith. “We didn’t take the ball out of Colton’s hands with the touchdown run and the two-point conversion. But really, hats off to all of those guys on offense and defense, it was a phenomenal effort today.”
Roberson had four touchdown runs (5, 4, 13, 3 yards) and a 49-yard touchdown pass to Travis Owens.
Great display of sportsmanship from many Pendleton County players following their 35-27 (OT) win over East Hardy in the Class A quarterfinals.
Wildcats lined up to shake hands with injured East Hardy RB/LB Garrett VanMeter after the game.#wvprepfb pic.twitter.com/wq1nkrflKL
— Joe Brocato (@joebrowvm) November 23, 2025
“He is a phenomenal kid and that was a phenomenal effort. But he couldn’t do it without those ten others on the field with him.”
Neither team led by more than seven points in regulation. East Hardy (6-6) used touchdown runs from Trevor Roof (2 yards) and Nehemiah Graham (19 yards) to take a 14-7 lead through one quarter. Pendleton used a pair of scoring runs from Roberson to take a 21-14 halftime lead.
East Hardy surged ahead in the third quarter (27-21) with a scoring run from Roof (4 yards) and a Roof-to-Levi Price 11-yard touchdown pass.
With the game tied at 27 late in the fourth quarter, the Wildcats forced a fumble that went out of their end zone for a touchback to snuff out a potential go-ahead score for the Cougars, setting the stage for overtime.
“We didn’t quit. We made some mistakes and turned the ball over but it was a resilient effort and I am really proud of our guys.
“The time was running out. We know our offense can score quickly. That’s why you never quit on a play. A young corner of ours goes up there. We battle him at the goal line and the ball pops out.”
The No. 4 Wildcats will visit No. 1 Wheeling Central Catholic (8-2) Friday at 7 p.m. in the Class A semifinals. This is Pendleton’s first appearance in the semifinal round since 2020.
“Wheeling Central, we know their tradition. We’ve got to be ready to play. We expect nothing else but to be ready when we get there.”