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Colts to host Mountain Lions

PHILIPPI — With even records of 2-2, Philip Barbour and Tucker County will meet once more on the gridiron Friday to decide who walks away with the win.

The Mountain Lions have controlled the past few years of the ongoing boarder rivalry, and the Colts are still in search of their first home victory on their new surface at BC Bank Park. Tucker County fans travel well, and are expected to bring the noise at George Byrer Field at 7 p.m. Friday.

“We just gotta play Tucker County football,” veteran TCHS coach A.J. Rapp said. “We have to play hard, and if we do that, everything will be all right. Coach (Russ) Collett is doing a nice job over there, and we expect a battle.”

Both teams have been similar in their maturation processes to date. Rapp and Collett both know their squads’ strengths and weaknesses, and both of them also know where their teams are now in week five of the WVSSAC slate.

Someone is going to wind up with a winning record at the end of the game, and someone is going to be 2-3 midway through the season.

Tucker’s resume includes a 40-6 loss at Class A No. 12 Pocahontas County in week one during Potomac Valley Conference action, a 42-0 shutout over Tygarts Valley in Parsons, a 39-6 loss to Northern Garrett, Maryland, and last week’s 20-10 win on the road at Moorefield to be 1-1 in the PVC.

Philip Barbour opened the season with a 27-7 win over Big 10 rival Grafton, fell 17-0 to Elkins at home in week two, outlasted Notre Dame 56-32 at Hite Field to be 2-1, and got mauled by Liberty (35-7) last week to end up at 2-2 on the year and 1-2 in Big 10 affairs.

“Tucker is always well-coached and aggressive,” PBHS coach Russ Collett said. “We hope to match their aggression and execute offensively. We have worked hard to improve each week and hope that continues.”

PBHS had 40 players turn out for camp in August, while Tucker County reported 21 players out for the roster.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. near Philippi at George Byrer Field.

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