Nick Phillips (2) found Timmy Hess (16) for a TD on Friday night (photo by Crystal Phillips)

In the season opening win against the J. I. Burton Raiders, Ridgeview running back Trenton Adkins scored 5 TD’s. Adkins would do one better in game two, scoring six times and racking up another 295 yards on the ground.  The Ridgeview Wolfpack defeated Shelby Valley from the Bluegrass State 63-32 in convincing fashion on Friday night.

Through two contests, Adkins is putting up Madden-like numbers with 652 yards and 11 touchdowns on the young season.  Adkins first score came less than two minutes into the contest as he received a pitch from quarterback Nick Phillips.  Adkins raced 25 yards to the endzone.  After Landon Knepp’s first of nine extra points on the night, the Wolfpack were out in front 7-0.

Not to be outdone, the Wildcats from Kentucky were not intimidated.  Shelby Valley answered back barely over a minute later as Ethan Bentley fooled the Ridgeview defense.  The Wolfpack D were expecting a run up the middle, however Bentley had scampered off left tackle into open field and 76 yards to the house.  After a failed two point conversion, the Wolfpack lead was cut to 7-6.

The quick score by the Wildcats seemingly made Adkins more hungry.  “Swaggy T” scored three more times in the first quarter from 14, one and 51 yards respectively.  At the end of the first quarter, the Wolfpack held a 28-6 advantage on the scoreboard.

As impressive as the night was for Adkins, Bentley of the Wildcats also had a fantastic night.  Bentley scored his second of the night from three yards midway through the second quarter to make the score 28-12 in favor of the Wolfpack.

Adkins, would again answer right back, scoring from 60 yards a mere 12 seconds later making the score 35-12.  The Pack were also able to cash in some frequent flyer miles on the night on their next possession.  Nick Phillips took to the air and found Timmy Hess for a 19 yard touchdown pass with a little over a minute left in the first half.  At the break, the Wolfpack led the Wildcats 42-12.

Out of the break, Adkins would receive one more opportunity to showcase his skills.  Adkins scored his sixth and final touchdown of the night from 15 yards out making the score 49-12 early in the third quarter.  Known for his punishing defense, Alijah Sproles also received his opportunity to shine.  Sproles scored on a two yard plunge on the Pack’s next possession.

The final score for the Wolfpack came with 6:18 remaining, as freshman backup quarterback Cannon Hill scampered 27 yards.  The Wildcats never gave up and scored twice in the waning moments of the contest to produce the final 63-32 score.

Besides Adkins, the Wolfpack were led on offense by Nick Phillips who threw five times, completing three passes for 37 yards and a touchdown.  Shelby Valley finished the contest with 503 yards of offense, all on the ground.  Bentley led the way for the Wildcats with 281 yards and three touchdowns.  Jayden Newsome of the Wildcats also eclipsed the 200 yard mark, finishing with 207 on the ground with one score.

The Wildcats will travel next to Hindman, Kentucky on Friday to take on the Knott County Central Patriots in a non district affair.

The Wolfpack open up Mountain 7 District play, also on Friday, against rival and undefeated Wise Central at Norton.

Brian Owens

I was born a Haysi Tiger but unfortunately succumbed to a broken heart on a cold rainy afternoon in King William, Virginia on December 6, 2014.

However, I was reincarnated as a Wolf, and became a runner of the Ridgeview Wolfpack on August 28, 2015.  You now hear me howling most autumn Friday nights high atop Rose Ridge in Dickenson County or anywhere else my Pack of hungry Wolves may be, from Grundy to Falcon Hill or from Ben Hur to Pikeville, Kentucky.

I never wolfed down (pun very intended) a Tiger Taco like Mr. Brady Hess, but I was and still am known to devour a pizza from Pizza Factory on Main Street in Haysi.

I have always wanted to write about sports and now I have the opportunity to thanks to those who have built this wonderful place on the world wide web.  Hope y’all enjoy.