Charleston Saturday Gazette

 

August 25, 2007

Nitro rallies past Poca

By Mike Whiteford
Staff writer

POCA — After an early 13-point deficit and three-first-half turnovers, the Nitro Wildcats found some efficiency.

Nitro scored three third-quarter touchdowns, survived a fourth-quarter scare and defeated the Poca Dots 48-33 Friday night in the season opener for both teams.

The game was originally scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m. but was pushed back to 8:30 in deference to the heat and humidity.

Nitro quarterback Michael Scott completed 15-of-25 passes for 402 yards and three touchdowns, including scoring throws of 71 and 63 yards to Marcos Valentine, who produced most of the yardage after the catches. Valentine, a senior, finished with seven catches for 237 yards. Both of his TD catches came in the second half, helping Nitro erase a 19-14 halftime deficit. Poca jumped out to a 13-0 lead at the start.

Scott also hit Brett McClanahan on a 10-yard touchdown pass and rushed 1 yard for another TD. Scott carried seven times for 68 yards, including a 48-yarder to set up a second-half touchdown. Poca, which rushed for 318 yards, stayed close and trailed just 41-33 with 4:27 left in the game.