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Articles by Ryan Prichard
Matthews brothers bring skills to LCHS
Kyle Matthews (21) goes 8 yards on a sweep play versus Nitro in 2020. for Scott High. He will suit up for LCHS in 2021. (Phil Perry / HD Media) By RYAN PRICHARD for HD Media HAMLIN - For Kyle and Klay Matthews, the scenery and locale may have changed but the challenges and opportunities still remain. Both accomplished student-athletes, the brothers transferred to Lincoln County High School from Scott this year after their father took a new teaching position at the school.
Panthers get transfers, winter sports heating up
By RYAN PRICHARD For HD Media Well my dear and loyal Zoners, I'll be the first to admit when I'm wrong. In last week's column, I predicted that Kansas City would win the Super Bowl over Tampa Bay 31-27. I guess Buccaneers signal-caller Tom Brady doesn't read my column. The only thing I had right was the 31 points, but for the wrong team obviously. The home-standing Bucs and the ageless one completely dismantled the vaunted Chiefs offense and won 31-9. Again, I missed this one badly.
LCHS standout Baker signs with WVSU
LCHS standout Nathan Baker signs to play football at WVSU. (Ryan Prichard/For the Lincoln Journal) By RYAN PRICHARD For Lincoln Journal HAMLIN -- Nathan Baker's childhood dream of playing college football has finally become a reality. Baker signed a letter-of-intent to play football for West Virginia State University last Wednesday afternoon as the second signing period opened.
Panthers produce signee, Super Bowl predictions
By RYAN PRICHARD For The Lincoln Journal Well my dear and loyal Zoners, welcome back to the column that makes everything in the sports universe a little bit better. As you may have already gathered, Lincoln County High had another student athlete sign to play sports while receiving a top-notch education. Last Wednesday afternoon, senior football player Nathan Baker signed a letter of intent to play football for West Virginia State University in Institute. That's right, Zoners.
In the Zone: New information, new protocols
By RYAN PRICHARD For the Lincoln Journal Well my dear and loyal Zoners, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. No this particular light is not the D-train rolling toward us, but I digress. The light I'm talking about is concerning the fate of our winter and spring sports seasons here in Lincoln County. So, it's the kind of light that is warm and inviting so to speak. As all of my faithful and loyal Zoners already know, we finally got a start date for practices and games when Gov.
WVSSAC announces guidelines for conditioning
By RYAN PRICHARD For the Lincoln Journal HAMLIN -- The preseason calendar for West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission (WVSSAC) winter sports now includes a week for coaches to add conditioning drills prior to the start of official practice. Member schools were notified by the WVSSAC last Friday that winter sports teams may begin conditioning under supervision of coaches on Feb. 8. Official preseason practices will open Feb. 15. Also on Feb.
Blankenship gears-up for senior season
By RYAN PRICHARD For the Lincoln Journal HAMLIN -- After dealing with postponements and delays, Lincoln County High’s John Blankenship is prepping for his final season and playing at the next level after graduation. Blankenship, a 6-foot-5 senior forward, is just happy that the Panthers will be able to have a season at all. This year, senior student-athletes across the country are having to be a senior-leaders now more than ever.
LC girls and boys hoops await start of season
By RYAN PRICHARD For HD Media HAMLIN - A delayed and compressed high school basketball season is set to begin within a few weeks and both the girls and boys teams at Lincoln County High School are chomping at the bit to finally get back on the hardwood. After delaying the start of winter sports seasons, Gov. Jim Justice announced that teams can officially begin preseason practice on Feb. 15. Girls basketball teams may open regular season play on March 3 and boys’ teams can begin on March 5.
LCHS prepares for the hardwood
By RYAN PRICHARD For HD Media Welcome back to "In The Zone,” my column covering the sports community of Lincoln County. Well my dear and loyal Zoners, it has been some time since we have last had an opportunity to discuss the sports scene in Lincoln County and beyond. Let's not waste any more space with the idle chit chat and get right to it. It looks as if the winter sports season has been given a green light and I for one could not be happier.
Gov. Justice delays winter sports - again
West Virginia Secondary Schools Activities Commission (WVSSAC) Executive Director Bernie Dolan. By RYAN PRICHARD Sports Writer HAMLIN - West Virginia Governor Jim Justice announced during his Dec. 30, 2020 COVID-19 press briefing that the new date for the start of the high school winter sports season will now be March 1st.
Lincoln County's Eli Brogan signs to play baseball for West Virginia Wesleyan
By RYAN PRICHARD Sports Writer HAMLIN - Lincoln County's baseball program has another player moving on to the next level. Eli Brogan has accepted a baseball scholarship to play for the Bobcats at West Virginia Wesleyan College in Buckhannon after graduation this summer. Brogan, a senior right-handed pitcher and infielder, was chosen to the Class AA All-State baseball special honorable mention team in 2019 as a sophomore by the West Virginia Sports Writers Association.
Governor Justice halts winter sports until at least Jan. 11th
By RYAN PRICHARD Sports Writer CHARLESTON - Last Friday morning, newly re-elcted Govenor Jim Justice threw a curve ball that no one saw coming. During his COVID press briefing, Governor Justice announced that all high school winter sports will not be permitted to start until January 11th. Justice did not specify whether that date was to start games and competitions or to start practices. Justice added he will inquire about a 7-day preseason practice window as opposed to the usual 14 practices.
Panther Boys land three for postseason soccer teams
Hunting named 2nd team All-State, Carpenter and Watts grab honorable mention nods By RYAN PRICHARD Sports Writer HAMLIN - After returning to Class AAA for the first time in four years and a COVID-19 riddled season that had its share of postponements and cancellations to boot, the Lincoln County boys soccer program received some postseason honors for its successful 2020 campaign.
Lady Panthers rack up postseason soccer awards
Henderson named All-State; Albright, Long and Tudor named All-Region By RYAN PRICHARD Sports Writer HAMLIN - After what has been a season to remember in more ways than one, the Lincoln County girls soccer program has racked up several postseason awards. Seniors Allee Albright, KiKi Henderson, Katie Long and Bailey Tudor all were chosen for honors by the West Virginia High School Soccer Coaches Association (WVHSSCA) last week.
2020 W.Va. high school football quarterfinal matchups
By RYAN PRICHARD Sports Writer PARKERSBURG - The West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission (WVSSAC) state football quarterfinal matchups are coming into focus for the weekend of November 20th through November 22nd. Six teams can only become eligible to play if their county drops from orange to gold, yellow or green by the Saturday, November 21st state COVID metrics map release at 5:00 p.m. Details on the matchups are listed below.
LC's Kenzie Shaffer to play for Team USA softball in GermanyCourtesy photo
Courtesy photo By RYAN PRICHARD Sports Writer HAMLIN - Lincoln County's Kenzie Shaffer has been invited to play softball for Team USA 16-under squad in Germany this summer. Shaffer, a sophomore at LCHS, didn't get an opportunity to play last spring for the Lady Panthers as a freshman due to the COVID-19 pandemic which erased the entire spring sports season. Luckily for Shaffer, the travel ball season was not put in jeopardy while she played for the West Virginia Dusters as an outfielder.
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PAIRING - SWVSSAC releases official high school football playoff pairings
By RYAN PRICHARD Sports Writer PARKERSBURG - The West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission (WVSSAC) has released official pairings for the 2020 high school football playoffs. For teams in orange or red on Saturday’s state COVID metrics map, their county must drop to green, yellow or gold on the November 14th map at 5:00 p.m. to be able to play their opening-round games on Sunday, November 15th. Class AAA No. 16 John Marshall (5-4) at No. 1 Cabell Midland (5-0) – Sunday, Nov.
Independence runs roughshod over Panthers on Senior Night Atticus Goodson scores five touchdowns for visiting Patriots
Photos by Amy Plumley Adkins By RYAN PRICHARD Sports Writer HAMLIN - It was not the outcome that Lincoln County wanted for its senior football players, cheerleaders and band members. Independence runningback Atticus Goodson ran wild against the Panthers (3-4) to the tune of five touchdowns during Senior Night at Hamlin Lions Club Field. Goodson scored four of those touchdowns in the first half as the visiting Class AA Patriots (5-2) jumped out to a 35-0 lead by intermission.
Second half shutout gives Panthers 43 - 20 win over Mount View
Photos by Amy Plumley Adkins Lincoln County's Isaiah Smith eclipses 200 yards and scores three TDs By RYAN PRICHARD Sports Writer HAMLIN - After trailing by six points at halftime, Lincoln County finally woke up and scored 29 unanswered points over the final two quarters to pull away from visiting Mount View 43-20 last Tuesday evening at Hamlin Lions Club Field. The Panthers (4-4) cranked up the defense and held the Golden Knights (2-5) out of the end zone the enitre second half in the victory.
County Champs! Lions hold off Guyan Valley 22 - 20 Goal line stand gives Harts title in first-ever championship game
The 2020 Lincoln County middle school football champion Harts Lions. By RYAN PRICHARD Sports Writer PLEASANT VIEW - Not even a rainy and cold evening could keep the Harts football team, staff and fans from basking in the moment last Thursday. The Lions held off defending county champions Guyan Valley 22-20 to claim the 2020 Lincoln County middle school football championship in the first-ever title game at Prichard-Williamson Field.
No. 11 Princeton's big first half too much for Lincoln County
By RYAN PRICHARD Sports Writer PRINCETON - Grant Cochran threw for 271 yards and five touchdowns to lead Class AAA No. 11 Princeton to a lop-sided 54-14 victory over visiting Lincoln County. Cochran completed 19 of 27 pass attempts and also rushed for a 3-yard touchdown for the Tigers (4-2). Amir Powell rushed for 148 yards on 15 carries and scored two touchdowns while receiver Ethan Parsons caught five passes for 114 yards and scored twice.
Yellow Jackets sting POCA for 2020 Black Diamond Soccer Championship
2020 Balck Diamond Conference middle school soccer champions - Duval Yellow Jackets By RYAN PRICHARD Sports Writer Duval's Evan Spencer scores late and goalkeeper Issac Bird earns shutout GRIFFITHSVILLE - Duval overcame a very stubborn defensive effort last Monday evening to defeat the visiting Poca Dots 1-0 and claim the 2020 Black Diamond Conference middle school soccer championship at "The Hive" in Griffithsville.
Huntington ousts Lady Panthers from postseason
By RYAN PRICHARD Sports Writer HUNTINGTON - Sophie Weiler and Clair Burbery scored two goals apiece last Tuesday evening to lead top-seeded Huntington to a 6-1 victory over No. 4 seed Lincoln County in the semifinals of the Class AAA Region IV, Section 1 girls soccer tournament at "Scotland Yard" on the campus of Huntington High School. Burbery sandwiched both goals around a score by Jordan Nicely as the Lady Highlanders (4-7) took a 3-0 lead in the first half.
Spring Valley escapes Panther boys soccer in semifinals
By RYAN PRICHARD Sports Writer HAMLIN — Spring Valley needed just one goal to survive against host Lincoln County and advance in the Class AAA Region IV, Section 1 boys soccer tournament last Tuesday evening at Hamlin Lions Club Field. The No. 3 seed Timberwolves broke a scoreless tie with 34:27 remaining in the match when Alec Lockhart broke free down the right side of the pitch and rifled a shot across the front of the goal and into the lower left corner of the net for a 1-0 edge.
CROSS COUNTRY - LC’s Roberts qualifies for state cross country for second time
Luke Roberts By RYAN PRICHARD Sports Writer HUNTINGTON — Lincoln County's Luke Roberts is going back to the state cross country championship for a second consecutive year. Roberts qualified last Thursday morning during the Class AAA Region IV high school cross country meet at the YMCA Kennedy Center. Last year, Roberts qualified for states while the Panthers were competing in Class AA.
Lady Panthers outduel Van in five set volleyball thriller
By RYAN PRICHARD Sports Writer HAMLIN — Lincoln County had its hands full with visiting Van inside Panther Pavilion last Wednesday evening in high school volleyball action. The Lady Panthers (2-8) and the Lady Dawgs (1-8) were tied two sets apiece, but Lincoln County took advantage of a few unforced errors commited by Van and won the fifth set 15-7 and claim the match three sets to two.
Big 4th quarter helps Panthers bury Chapmanville
Photo by Amy Plumley Adkins, for the Lincoln Journal Nolan Shimp scores three total TDs, Isaiah Smith scores twice for Lincoln County By RYAN PRICHARD Sports Writer CHAPMANVILLE — Nolan Shimp accounted for three total touchdowns and Isaiah Smith scored twice to lead Lincoln County to a 46-16 thrashing over Chapmanville Regional last Tuesday night at Tigers Stadium in Chapmanville.
Panther boys and Parkersburg South play to 1-1 draw on Senior Night
By RYAN PRICHARD Sports Writer HAMLIN - Lincoln County scored one goal in the first half but visiting Parkersburg South scored a goal in the second half to forge a 1-1 draw last Thursday during Senior Night in high school boys soccer at Hamlin Lions Club Field. Will Carpenter, Connor Hunting, Luke Roberts, David Turner, Cameron Watts and Garrett Whitten were all honored before the game alongside their family and friends.
Smith, Panthers run away from Wayne in rare Monday night game
Lincoln County rolls up over 400 yards of offense By RYAN PRICHARD Sports Writer HAMLIN - After nearly a three-week absence from the field due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Lincoln County juinior runningback Isaiah Smith made the best of his return last Monday night. Smith rushed for a game-high 159 yards on 28 carries and hauled in three passes for 83 yards and scored three total touchdowns in the second half to help the Panthers (2-2) pull away from visiting Wayne (1-3) at Hamlin Lions Club Field.
Lincoln County's Ryleigh Shull garnering lots of attention for softball
By RYAN PRICHARD Sports Writer HAMLIN - Lincoln County's Ryleigh Shull is getting some attention in and around the softball circles of West Virginia and beyond. Shull, an incoming freshman at LCHS, has impressed against 18-under and 16-under competiton already, early in her career as a left-handed pitcher for Team North Carolina (Hinde) 16-under squad and is based out of the south Charlotte area. Shull also spent most of her youth pitching for the Lincoln Lazers travel softball team.
Panther boys soccer shuts our Hillbilles 14 - 0
Blake Albright and Luke Roberts each score twice to pace Lincoln County By RYAN PRICHARD Sports Writer MAN - Blake Albright and Luke Roberts scored two goals each while goalkeeper Connor Hunting needed to make just one save to pace Lincoln County to a 14-0 shut out over Man last Saturday in boys high school soccer action. Twelve different players scored for the Panthers (4-1-2), earning their third consecutive victory depsite not having played in over two weeks due to COVID-19 cancellations.
Lincoln County's Haleigh Adkins to represent Team USA in Australia
By RYAN PRICHARD Sports Writer HAMLIN - Lincoln County's Haleigh Adkins may have earned more frequent flyer miles than she's actually driven by next summer. Adkins has accepted an invitation from America's Team Organization and head coach and gold medalist Leah O'Brien-Amico to represent Team USA in an exhibition softball tournament in Australia. This trip is partnered with the American Council for International Studies (ACIS).
Wildcats claim regular season Lincoln County football championship
By RYAN PRICHARD Sports Writer Johaim and Gregory pace Guyan Valley over county rival Duval GRIFFITHSVILLE - Guyan Valley raced out to a 34-6 first-half lead and never looked back en route to a 42-28 road victory over county rival Duval last Thursday evening at "The Hive" in Griffithsville. Guyan Valley (3-0) started the scoring when "Ralphie" Neese rushed for a 7-yard touchown for a 6-0 lead. Duval (0-3) fumbled on its drive and the Wildcats took possession after Blake Tomblin recovered the ball.
Austin Adkins paces Harts Lions to third consecutive victory
Wesley Watts - Photos courtesy of P.J. Watts By RYAN PRICHARD Sports Writer SETH - Austin Adkins scored two touchdowns to help the Harts Lions shut down the host Sherman Tide 14-0 last Friday night in Seth. Adkins first score covered 71 yards during the first half to stake the Lions to a 6-0 lead. Adkins second touchdown came on a 4-yard burst to cap off a drive with 2:28 remaining in the contest to seal the victory.
By Ryan Prichard 10/07/2020
By Ryan Prichard Well, my dear and loyal Zoners, the time has come. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic that has ravaged our county, state and country, as well as the entire globe, we are slowly starting to gain some ground. It has taken a while, but I think it's safe to say that The Lincoln Journal 2020 Fall Sports Preview is finally within your grasp. It took some time. Lots of texts and emails. Phone calls and face-to-face bookings. But together, we have pulled it off in style.
LADY PANTHERS SWEEP COVENANT FOR FIRST VOLLEYBALL WIN OF SEASON Lincoln County's varsity and junior varsity squads win on the road
Lincoln County's Keandra Spurlock scored 16 points against Covenant. Jaylen Gibson scored eight points against Covenant. Photos by Amy Plumley Adkins By RYAN PRICHARD Sports Writer HUNTINGTON - Lincoln County's varsity and junior varsity volleyball teams won their first matches of the season last week against Covenant Christian in Huntington, snapping a five-game losing streak. The Lady Panthers (1-5) won the first set decisively by a score of 25-5. Madi Griffith led the way with 16 points.
POINT PLEASANT BLANKS LADY PANTHERS 4-0 Lincoln County girls soccer suffers first loss of the season
Lincoln County's Lanie Adkins turns the ball upfield against Point Pleasant.Lincoln County's Bailey Tudor starts a counter-attack against Point Pleasant. By RYAN PRICHARD Sports Writer HAMLIN - Kady Hughes and Ella Hunt scored two goals each and had one assist apiece, McKenna Young added an assist to help Point Pleasant to a 4-0 shutout over Lincoln County last Tuesday evening in high school girls soccer action in Hamlin.
No. 2 Doddridge County blanks Panthers 31-0
By RYAN PRICHARD Sports Writer WEST UNION - Reese Burnside rushed for 158 yards on 12 carries and scored two touchdowns to lead Class A No. 2 Doddridge County (3-0) to a 31-0 victory against visiting Lincoln County (1-2). Dylan Knight had nine carries for 44 yards and a score for the Bulldogs while Kicker D.J. Devinney was 4-for-4 on extra points and booted a 35-yard field goal in the win. Doddridge County has yet to surrender a single point though its first three games.
PANTHER BOYS HOLD OFF SPRING VALLEY, 3-2
Lincoln County's Aiden McClung had one assist against Spring Valley. Lincoln County's Blake Albright recorded a hat trick with three goals against Spring Valley. Photos by Amy Plumley Adkins By RYAN PRICHARD Sports Writer HUNTINGTON - Blake Albright scored all three goals and Aiden McClung added an assist to lead Lincoln County to a 3-2 victory at Spring Valley last Tuesday evening in high school boys soccer action. Albright staked the Panthers (3-1-2) to a 2-0 lead in the first half.
LADY PANTHERS RALLY, HOLD OFF ST. JOSEPH FOR 4-3 TRIUMPH
Lincoln County senior KeKe Henderson scored two goals and senior Allee Albright scored two goals and two assists against Huntington’s St. Joseph last Thursday. Allee Albright, KeKe Henderson score two goals each for Lincoln County By RYAN PRICHARD Sports Writer HAMLIN - Lincoln County was reeling after getting hit with a couple of haymakers against visiting Huntington St. Joseph last Wednesday evening.
Panther boys and Grace Christian play to 1-1 draw
Lincoln County's Jackson Sanders scored one goal against Grace Christian. Photo by Amy Plumley Adkins By RYAN PRICHARD Sports Writer BARBOURSVILLE - After securing its first win of the season, just 24 hours earlier, Lincoln County rallied during the second half to forge a 1-1 tie with Grace Christian last Friday evening at Barboursville Park. Eli Clark scored an unassisted goal in the first half to give Grace Christian a 1-0 edge until half-time.
Lady Panthers remain unbeaten with win at Shady Spring
Lincoln County's Jenna Gue scored one goal and KeKe Henderson scored a season high four goals last Saturday against Shady Spring. KeKe Henderson buries four goals to pace Lincoln County By RYAN PRICHARD Sports Writer SHADY SPRING - KeKe Henderson scored four goals and Katie Long, Ty Buchko and Jenna Gue added one goal each to help Lincoln County cruise to a 7-2 win over Shady Spring last Saturday morning in high school girls soccer.
Guyan Valley pulls away from county rival Harts 22-8
By RYAN PRICHARD Sports Writer HARTS - Jordan Gregory rushed for 143 yards and scored three touchdowns to lead Guyan Valley to a 22-8 season opening win at county rival Harts last Thurday night in middle school football action. Austin Adkins had 16 carries for 98 yards, including a 48-yard touch-down run. Wesley Watts hauled in the two-point conversion pass from Adkins to stake the Lions (0-1) to an 8-0 lead in the second quarter.
Panther Boys blank Huntington ST. Joseph, 1-0
Lincoln County senior goalkeeper Connor Hunting earned a shut out against Huntingon St. Joseph last Wednesday. Luke Roberts scores only goal; Connor Hunting earns clean sheet By RYAN PRICHARD Sports Writer HUNTINGTON - Luke Roberts scored the game's only goal and keeper Connor Hunting made two saves to help Lincoln County earn a thrilling 1-0 victory over Huntington St. Joseph in high school boy’s soccer action last Wednesday evening.
Lady Panthers host last minute impromtu volleyball match for Senior Night
Lincoln County senior volleyball player Arianna Ford with her family. Photo by Amy Plumley Adkins By RYAN PRICHARD Sports Writer HAMLIN - Lincoln County's volleyball team has had its share of ups and downs this year, especially due to the COVID-19 pandemic. That was the case last Friday evening when the Lady Panthers were scheduled to host Wayne for their Senior Night inside Panther Pavilion.
Ripley’s defense bottles up Lincoln County for 21-7 WIN
Photo by Amy Plumley Adkins By RYAN PRICHARD Sports Writer RIPLEY - Lincoln County enetered last Friday's contest at Ripley with its first-ever season opening win in school history tucked firmly in its belt and looked to continue to ride the wave. However, the Panthers became their own worst enemy by coughing up the football three times and the host Vikings took full advantage in earning a workmanlike 21-7 victory.
Panther Boys’ Soccer draws with Braxton County
By RYAN PRICHARD Sports Writer HAMLIN - Lincoln County traveled to Sutton for an impromptu boys’ soccer match with Braxton County last Tuesday evening. With all of the schedules being changed on the fly due to the COVID-19 pandemic, both the Panthers and the host Eagles got together and played to an exciting 2-2 draw. Derrick Roberts scored one goal and one assist, Cameron Watts scored one goal and Ayden McClung added an assist for Lincoln County (0-1-1).
Panthers pull away from Roane County 33-14
By RYAN PRICHARD Sports Writer HAMLIN - With a feeling of uncertainty, leading up to the first week of high school football in West Virginia due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Being unable to have a pre-season scrimmage, Lincoln County really didn't know what to expect in its season opening home game with visiting Roane County.
Point Pleasant blanks Panther boys 2-0
By RYAN PRICHARD Sports Writer POINT PLEASANT - Adam Veroski and Cael McCutcheon scored one goal each and had one assist apiece as Point Pleasant (1-1-1) earned its first victory of the season, defeating visiting Lincoln County (0-1) 2-0 in high school boys soccer action last Saturday evening. McCutcheon broke the scoreless tie in the 45th minute of the second half off a center pass from Veroski. McCutcheon's shot went low and hard into the bottom left of the net for a 1-0 edge.
Lady Panthers rout Sherman for first win of season
By RYAN PRICHARD Sports Writer SETH - Lincoln County picked up its first win of the high school girls soccer season last Tuesday at Sherman with a resounding 9-1 victory. KeKe Henderson and Jenna Gue each scored two goals, Olivia Smith, Allee Albright, Cadence Adkins, Emily Dial and Ty Buchko tallied one goal apiece and Katie Long added two assists in the road win. The Lady Panthers (1-0-1) lit up the scoreboard for five first half goals and added four more goals in the second half.
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