The Summers County Bobcats defeated the visiting Pikeview Panthers by a score of 36-7 at Garten Stadium Thursday August 26, 2021. The annual opening game of the football season between the Bobcats and the Panthers is now known as the “Battle of the Bluestone.” With this victory, the Cats will retain the trophy as long as they continue to win this annual opening game.
The game marked the successful debut of Head Football Coach, Josh Evans, who took over the helm of the Bobcat Football Program in April of 2021.
The scouting reports for the game were clear. The questions to be answered were about the defense of the two teams. Could the Bobcats defend the passing attack of the Panthers and the wheels of Pikeview quarterback, Peyton Greer? Could the Panthers stop the power running attack of the Summers County Bobcats led by Andre Merriam Harshaw? There were obvious answers to these questions early in the first quarter. The Cats took the ball down field, with ease, but were turned back twice, deep in Panther territory, due to far too many Bobcat penalties. Quarterback sacks and the constant pass rush of the Cat’s defense made the Pikeview junior Quarterback, Peyton Greer, ineffectual.
The Bobcats blew the game open in the second quarter. For the game the Cats were led in rushing by Andre Merriam-Harshaw’s 21 carries for a total of 186 yards rushing, two touchdowns and a pair of 2pt. conversions. Andre was ably assisted by the running of several ball carriers for the Bobcats. Willy Dodson had 14 carries for 126 yards and one touchdown. Dodson was followed closely by Kaleb Black with 9 carries for 107 yards and one touchdown. Ben Lane had 4 rushes for a total of 38 yards.
This impressive running of the football was aided by an impressive performance of the young offensive line.
Sophomore quarterback Brandon Issac was 3 of 4 in passing for a total of 56 yards. Brandon was steady at the quarterback spot in his debut as a varsity quarterback.
Freshmen Ryan Oliveros had a pick-six from his left-side defensive corner position.
This Friday night, September 3, the Bobcats will take on the Greenbrier West Cavaliers at Garten Stadium. This annual game between the Bobcats and the Cavaliers has been a rivalry game dating back to 1968. The Cavaliers have won more of these contests than they have lost, but to quote former Cavalier player and the defensive coordinator of the Cavaliers, Kelly Vaughn, “It is a game everyone wants to see and it is always a battle!” Kick-off will be at 7:30. We would like to invite Bobcat Nation to show up in support of our football team, marching band, and the cheerleaders of Summers County High School.
Go Bobcats!
