FRANKLIN, W.Va. — For the third time in school history, and the second time under head coach Zac Smith, Pendleton County advanced to the Class A semifinals last fall. The best season in school history, in which the Wildcats won eleven games, was brought to an end by defending and eventual state champion Wheeling Central Catholic.
“A lot of accomplishment last year. We exceeded expectations. Going in if you had told me we would be 11-2 and hosting three playoff games, I would have definitely called you a liar,” said Pendleton County head coach Zac Smith.
“I am proud that we made it that far,” said Pendleton County senior quarterback/defensive back Isaiah Gardiner. “We didn’t like the outcome but we made it that far. Not many teams make it that far. It is amazing really.”
Seven starters return on both sides of the ball as the Wildcats regroup for 2020. Lineman Josh Alt and running back Dalton Dunkle are two of the team leaders at their respective positions.
“Alt has definitely been a four-year starter,” Smith said. “Dunkle is basically a three-year starter. They are program guys and tremendous athletes. I don’t know where we would be without those two.”
In his first season as the Wildcats’ starting signal caller, Isaiah Gardiner developed into one of the state’s top quarterbacks. As a junior, Gardiner threw for 1,297 yards and 14 touchdowns. He also rushed for 812 yards and 16 more scores.
“I am just willing to do anything for the team to make the team better,” Gardiner said. “If I have to run the ball, I will. If I have to throw the ball, I will.”
“It seemed like he stepped up in the biggest moments,” Smith said. “Especially when we got into playoff time, he definitely exceeded expectations. This year, he is going to have to be even a bigger part of our offense.”
It is likely that this year’s senior class will leave as the winningest group in school history. If they can take the next step, the Wildcats would create a new benchmark with their first trip to the Super Six.
“There’s lots of expectations,” Smith said. “We want to finish in the top eight and be able to host some playoff games. We are returning a lot of great pieces. We have some big holes to fill as well. We are anxious to get back out there.”