Gallery by Heather Belcher
Charleston – Charleston was for the birds Friday.
After the White Falcons of Wahama relied on big plays to secure the Class A title in the afternoon, the Falcons of Frankfort did the same to a more dominating extent.
Frankfort averaged 16.5 yards per play in Friday’s Class AA title game, trampling Roane County 49-14 at The University of Charleston Stadium at Laidley Field.
The Falcons scored touchdowns on their first two plays from scrimmages on runs of 89 and 41 yards from Carder Shanholtz and Julian Pattison, respectively, taking a three-score lead into the second quarter and a 28-0 advantage into the intermission.
A 42-0 advantage in the third quarter instituted the running clock.
“I was surprised the way we come out, we went out on fire and we were very physical, and I think we set the tone,” Frankfort head coach Kevin Whiteman said. “They had that first drive, I was a little worried, but after that we just we settled in and really played a great game, I’m just so proud of our kids.”
Roane had success moving the ball but stalled out periodically. Its first drive was emblematic of that as the Raiders attempted to convert on a fourth down in the red zone, completed a pass but came up inches short. The proceeding play was Shanholtz’s 89-yard run.
On defense the Raiders never found their footing, yielding touchdowns on each of the Falcons’ first seven drives. It culminated in 412 yards of total offense for the birds of Mineral County.
Pattison, who earned MVP honors, finished with 178 yards and five touchdowns on nine carries, pacing the offense. Shanholtz added 121 and a score on four totes.
Lane Watson, who earned MVP honors for Roane County, finished with 134 yards and a touchdown on 19 carries.
