(Photo gallery courtesy of Will Wotring/Malone Sports Media)
SHORT GAP, W.Va. — With a roster featuring several first-year starters, Frankfort has earned the opportunity to complete a successful defense of their Class AA state championship with one more victory.
The top-seeded Falcons defeated No. 5 Doddridge County, 28-7 in a snowy semifinal contest at Frankfort Stadium. FHS (13-0) owns a state-best winning streak at 27 games.
“I can’t put it into words. Last year was awesome,” said Frankfort head coach Kevin Whiteman. “I never thought we would be able to do it this year. To know that we are going back, I can’t put a word on it. It is awesome.”
The Frankfort defense held the Bulldogs (12-1) to their lowest point total since 2023. Doddridge’s lone score came on a lengthy second-quarter drive and was capped by a 30-yard touchdown toss from Brysen Dixon to Landon Thomas. DCHS trailed 14-7 at halftime.
“They have a great offense. Our defensive guys put in a great game plan with our coaches and we executed. I can’t say enough about the way our defense played.”
Later in the game, Thomas would set a new career receiving yardage record for the Bulldogs.
After a scoreless first quarter, Frankfort broke the stalemate with a pair of touchdowns on consecutive possessions. Blake Jacobs connected with Braydn Tyler on a 51-yard touchdown reception. The Falcon defense forced a three-and-out and Tyler returned the ensuing Doddridge punt to the Bulldog 18-yard line. On the next play, Jacobs scored on an 18-yard run.
On the first play from scrimmage in the third quarter, Tyler returned a fumble 27 yards for a touchdown, doubling the lead for the home team at 21-7. Dixon was injured on the play and did not return to the game.
“That was huge. [Tyler] making that play made it 21-7 and it gave us a but of a momentum swing. That was huge. After we got the momentum swing, we were able to hold on for the victory.”
Cole Shanholtz capped the scoring with under three minutes to play, scoring on a 13-yard run. Frankfort outgained Doddridge on the ground, 327-73.
“I am disappointed with our offense. We got the victory. They [Doddridge] did a nice job. Credit to them. They had a nice scheme. We probably didn’t coach the greatest tonight. But I am tickled to death to have the win.”
The Falcons will face the winner of Saturday’s Philip Barbour-Bluefield semifinal in the WVSSAC Class AA State Championship at University of Charleston Stadium on December 6 at noon.