Hurricane blows by Poca 49-10

POCA — Hurricane is storming into the playoffs in high gear. Joe Lamanca ran for 144 yards and scored twice and quarterback Jered Chapman ran for two touchdowns and passed for a third Friday as the Redskins racked up a 49-10 win over Poca in a battle of Putnam County schools. Hurricane (7-3), riding a five-game winning streak, appears to have locked up the No. 12 spot in the Class AAA playoffs and could play at No. 5 Martinsburg next weekend. - advertisement - The final postseason ratings and first-round playoff projections will be released later today. Hurricane just missed out of the playoffs last year, losing a tiebreaker with Cabell Midland and Spring Valley for the 16th and final spot. “We’re just glad to be in it,’’ said Redskins coach Willis May. “Last year we thought we were in and found out we weren’t. The boys worked real hard to be in the playoffs this year. They could send us to Timbuktu and we’d be ready to go.’’ Lamanca carried 14 times to lead Hurricane’s ground game, which helped roll up a 42-3 halftime lead. He played just one series in the second half. Matt Hartsog added 36 yards and one TD on nine carries and also scored on an 84-yard fumble return. Poca (3-7), which lost its final six games, turned the ball over seven times — four interceptions and three fumbles. The Dots were led in rushing by Ryan Vannoy with nine carries for 52 yards. Season rushing leader Nathan Patton was held to 22 yards on 13 totes. Hurricane quarterback Jered Chapman completed 2-of-3 passes for 73 yards with one score, that to Lamanca. Chapman also ran four times for 27 yards and two scores. “We’re real pleased with the guys,’’ May said. “I think we’re playing good football. I feel like we’re doing everything we need to be doing. We’re blocking well, we’re tackling well. Hopefully, we’ll continue to do that in the playoffs. “I’m really happy with this team. I’ve been around here a while [as a coach and an assistant] and I really feel like this group has jelled together to be one of the best teams we’ve had at Hurricane High. They’re a pleasure to be around.’’