Published: October 04, 2008 12:50 am         

Keyser, Northern roll over Hampshire, BW

KEYSER, W.Va. — Quarterback Preston Hartman hooked up with John Purdy for a 37-yard touchdown pass to get things started, and Hartman, Purdy and the top-ranked and undefeated Keyser High Golden Tornado didn’t stop until it was time to shake hands as it rolled past Hampshire, 56-6, Friday night at Stayman Field.

Hartman had a huge night for the top-ranked team in the West Virginia Class AA, as well as in the Cumberland Times-News Area Football Poll, as he completed five out of six passes for 122 yards and two touchdowns, and returned an interception 38 yards for another score.

Both of Hartman’s touchdown passes were completed to Purdy, as Purdy caught two passes for 60 yards, his second TD covering 23 yards, as Keyser held a 353 to 112 edge over the Trojans in total offense.

Running back Matt Wilmer rushed the ball five times for 98 yards and scored two touchdowns, while All-State defensive back Jeremy Green scored two touchdowns, one coming on a 41-yard return of an interception. Taige Redman completed the trifecta for Keyser in the second quarter, scoring the Golden Tornado’s final touchdown on a 52-yard interception return. Keyser placekicker Scott Kittrell was perfect on eight extra points.

The Tornado burst out to a 21-0 first-quarter lead, with Purdy and Hartman hooking up at 9:47, Green going in from 10 at 6:12, and Wilmer scoring from five at 2:47.

Keyser stayed on its roll in the second, with Purdy and Hartman finding one another at 11:09, Green taking in his interception return at 10:51, Hartman taking in his at 10:40, Wilmer going in from 45 at 4:25, and Redman doing the same on his interception return at 2:32.

Jarrell Ross had Keyser’s fourth interception.

Hampshire scored at 5:07 of the second quarter when Caleb Hill took in a 14-yard pass from Philip Malick.

There was no scoring in the second half.

Brent Walter led Hampshire with 34 yards rushing on seven carries.

Linebacker Joey Amtower had eight tackles to lead Keyser.

Keyser (5-0) will play at Berkeley Springs and Hampshire (1-4) hosts Allegany on Friday.