By JUDY LIGHT

For the Wetzel Chronicle

The Paden City Wildcat football team opened their 2010 season on Friday at Berger Field by hosting the Van Bulldogs. Van put together an impressive offense during their four quarters, eventually handing the ‘Cats the 34-6 loss.

“It just was not pretty at all,” said Paden City Head Coach Brent Croasmun.

The Green and White waited until there were only 19 seconds to go in the game before putting six points on the scoreboard to keep from being shut out as junior Taylor Still ran 11 yards in for six.

Van acquired 12 first downs in the game to Paden City’s 11. The ‘Dogs rushed 29 times for 348 yards and passed for 50 yards for a total of 398 yards in the game.

Paden City rushed 44 times for 116 yards and had no passing yards. The ‘Cats fumbled twice but recovered both, and were penalized four times for 20 yards. Van lost one of two fumbles and were penalized 14 times for 105 yards.

Offensively, Still was the go-to guy for the Green, carrying the ball 31 times to collect 103 yards. Geoffrey Bidwell rushed 12 times for nine yards; and James Baker had one carry for four yards.

Defensively, Jared Stewart had nine tackles, batted one pass away, and caused one fumble; Peyton Hinkley was credited with nine tackles, one quarterback sack, and one tackle for a loss; Still, eight tackles; Kyle Staton, eight tackles; and Jamie Billiter, one fumble recovery.

Still punted three times for the ‘Cats, averaging about 32 yards a punt. Kyle McFadden, punted three times, averaging 33 yards a punt.

On Friday the Wildcats will host Weirton Madonna.