West Greene’s costly turnovers leads to 41-31 loss to West Virginia Rival Cameron

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Nate Grella | August 27, 2022

The Cameron Dragons (WV) visited the West Greene Pioneers for a classic rivalry matchup to kick off their respective 2022 football seasons. After an exciting contest the Dragons traveled home with a 41-31 victory over the Pioneers.

Cameron dominated much of the first half, scoring the first 3 touchdowns of the night. The Dragon’s efforts were highlighted by rushing touchdowns by the speedy Neely (WR) and Wickerman (QB), along with an impressive punt return touchdown by Burkett (WR).

West Greene responded late in the 2nd quarter with RB Colin Brady’s 28-yard rushing TD. Brady went on to score on a 78-yard rush on the Pioneer’s first play of the 2nd half, highlighting his speed as he threaded a narrow crease to the endzone. After a third consecutive rushing TD by Brady on West Greene’s next possession the Pioneers were within 2 points of the Dragons (trailing 20-18) and held all the momentum.

Rallying after giving up 3 touchdowns unanswered, Cameron struck back with two more scores from star athletes Burkett (17 yd reception) and Neely (15 yd rush). The two touchdowns put West Greene behind 33-18 at the beginning of the 4th quarter.

West Greene needed to score quickly and make a stop on defense. In the Pioneer’s most desperate point in the game, Brady, their most talented player, rose to the challenge and weaved his way through the defense for a 73 yard receiving touchdown. It seemed at that moment that the Pioneers had hope, unlikely as a win may be when still losing by more than one score (33-24).

Although West Greene held Cameron on their next possession, this hope was dashed after the Pioneers lost a fumble on their own side of the field and quickly gave up the last touchdown. Although West Greene scored once more on the last play of the game, the Dragons’ victory was already secured.

West Greene was able to run the ball comfortably through a spectacular effort by Brady, whose rushing and passing yardage combined (306 yds) was greater than that of the entire Cameron offense (284 yds). The Pioneers controlled the ball well and averaged more yards per rush and per pass than the Dragons. Yet they still ended up losing by 10 points, and at no point held the lead.

West Greene’s 2 costly turnovers, which both led to touchdowns for Cameron, along with their inability to convert PATs until the last TD, were both instrumental in their loss. The Dragons meanwhile played a clean game with minimal penalties, no turnovers, and good special teams. In a game where both teams had offensive success this proved to be the difference.

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