Photo by Joe Albright Doddridge County running back Hunter America looks out for defenders during a 2017 playoff game against St. Marys. America and the Bulldogs go for a 10-0 season at 7 p.m. Friday evening.

WEST UNION — Doddridge County head coach Bobby Burnside was just a year old the last time a Bulldogs’ football team went 10-0.

Legendary coach Cline Stansberry led his 1975 team to a perfect mark along with one of just four playoff spots. Sherman sent them home after the semifinal round.

“I’ve just heard a lot of wonderful stories about that team,” said Burnside.

He could be featured in his own tales if his team polishes off an undefeated campaign when Tygarts Valley comes to town for a 7 p.m. kickoff Friday night. TVHS also represents the final opponent to take the field at Cline Stansberry Stadium. Doddridge should be moved into its new home before the beginning of next season.

“It is a goal of every coach,” said Burnside when asked about going for 10-0.

“It is something to work toward. I know it is very special and how difficult it is to achieve.”

A huge effort in a mud-soaked game against Williamstown created this opportunity. A young defense held in check one of the most dynamic offenses in the Mid-Ohio Valley, while a monstrous offensive line bullied Yellowjacket defenders. Running back Hunter America picked up every Bulldog stripe after a 42-carry, 310-yard, two-touchdown effort in the 14-7 win.

“Yeah … It took a huge effort and the kids … young men … gave a big effort,” said Burnside on what he saw after viewing game film against the Yellowjackets.

A big effort is exactly what the head coach expects to get from his opponent. A win being a must for the Bulldogs (5-4) to keep hope of a postseason berth alive in Mill Creek. Everything plus the kitchen sink could be thrown at Doddridge County during the contest.

“They are going to be giving us everything they have,” said the head man who says goodbye to 10 seniors on senior night.

“We just came off a really big emotional, hard-fought game for our conference title too so we need to make sure there won’t be a letdown.

“As long as we emphasize and prepare as hard as we do for any opponent I don’t think that will happen.”

Tygarts Valley enters the game fresh off a 7-0 loss to Pocahontas County. A botched snap out of punt formation allowed the Warriors to score the game-winning touchdown on a JD Sharp 14-yard score with 9:20 left in the first half.

“They are a much improved team,” said Burnside of the Bulldogs who finished 2-8 one season ago. “They have a couple of nice sophmore backs with some good youth. They are a team that is going to be up-and-coming in the future. They are dealing with some injuries but everyone in the state battles those. They are working hard and playing hard.”

The celebration of the 1978 team (9-1), the only group to play for a state title in the school’s history, could prove a tone-setter for the party to come after a possible Doddridge win. During their run to the title game, the Bulldogs knocked off NFL running back Curt Warner’s Pineville team.

NO. 19 BULLDOGS (5-4)

Aug. 24: d. Valley (Wetzel) 33-8

Aug. 31: lost to Tucker County, 35-14

Sept. 7: lost to Webster County, 39-14

Sept. 21: d. Clay-Battelle, 51-10

Sept. 28: d. Richwood, 1-0

Oct. 4: lost to Pendleton County, 34-7

Oct. 12: d. Wirt County, 20-12

Oct. 19: d. Hundred, 60-26

Oct. 26: lost to Pocahontas County, 7-0

Nov. 3: at Doddridge County, 7 p.m.

NO. 4 BULLDOGS (9-0)

Aug. 24: d. South Harrison, 52-14

Aug. 31: d. Tyler Consolidated, 62-43

Sept. 7: d. Calhoun County, 48-0

Sept. 21: d. Ritchie County, 41-12

Sept. 28: d. Wirt County, 56-0

Oct. 5: d. Gilmer County, 57-7

Oct. 12: d. Ravenswood, 38-0

Oct. 19: d. Valley (Wetzel), 42-0

Oct. 26: d. Williamstown, 14-7

Nov. 2: Tygarts Valley, 7 p.m.