Doddridge downs James Monroe to advance, 14-0
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WEST UNION -- Doddridge County gets its second chance.
The only team to hand the Bulldogs a loss during the regular season visits Doddridge County High School for a trip to the Class A state championship game at stake.
On Saturday night, the second-ranked Bulldogs secured a final four berth by applying the clamps to the offense of No. 7 James Monroe -- defeating the Mavericks, 14-0, in a quarterfinal playoff matchup.
James Monroe ends the season at 8-4, while Doddridge Couny improves to 11-1 -- the only defeat occurring in Game No. 9 at Williamstown. Time and day are yet to be determined for next week's semifinal game.
"Tonight was just a battle," Doddridge County coach Bobby Burnside said. "The guys always play their hearts out to the very end. They battled all night."
"I couldn't be more proud of these guys."
A hawking Doddridge County defense never allowed James Monroe to create any semblance of an attack. When the two sides entered intermission tied in a scoreless affair, the Mavericks managed 28 yards of total offense.
More of the same in the second half as James Monroe finished the game with a mere 64 yards in total offense compared to 278 for Doddridge County.
The first offensive series for Doddridge County, which lasted 16 plays before stalling out near the red zone, was a prime example how the Bulldogs continued to move the ball without producing points.
Dylan Knight's defensive gem for the Bulldogs in the second half made sure the shutout remained intact. With Doddridge County driving deep into Maverick territory, James Monroe defender Eli Allen intercepted a pass from quarterback Jared Jones. Allen appeared to have clear sailing for a possible pick-six, but Knight chased him down at the Doddridge County 27. James Monroe did not convert a first down and gave the ball back to the Bulldogs at the 22.
The Bulldogs' offense then broke through -- capping a 78-yard drive on Jones' 1-yard TD run at the 9:04 mark of the fourth quarter. The point after gave Doddridge County the 7-0 lead.
Jones, who celebrated his 18th birthday on Saturday, finished with 57 yards on 21 carries. Knight led all ballcarriers with 124 yards on 24 rushes.
James Monroe's ensuing possession began at its own 27, but later in the drive a quarterback sack on fourth down near midfield gave Doddridge County ideal field position, and the Bulldogs took advantage of the short field.
On second down from the James Monroe 24, Seth Richards broke loose for the end zone and the game's second touchdown. With 4:13 remaining, Doddridge County's insurance TD increased the lead to 14-0.
James Monroe didn't have any more answers, went three-and-out and Doddridge County salted the final 3:03 following a Maverick punt.
"At halftime, we talked about how we moed the ball but didn't finish," Burnside. "That's what we did in the fourth quarter. Things we gameplanned for were working -- we just needed to finish."