Polk County Middle kept its hopes alive Thursday for a share of the Blue Ridge Conference’s East Division title, thumping Rugby Middle 30-14 in Mills River.

The Wolverines improved to 5-1 overall, 3-1 in East play. Polk Middle hosts East leader Hendersonville on Thursday in the regular-season finale for both teams. With a win, Polk Middle would clinch at least a share of the East title.

The Wolverines took control of Thursday’s game from the start, with Makus Simpson returning the opening kickoff 79 yards for a touchdown. Angus Weaver added the 2-point conversion to give Polk an 8-0 lead.

Polk Middle then scored again on its next possession in the first period as Casey Beiler capped a drive with a 1-yard touchdown plunge, upping the lead to 14-0.

Rugby scored late in the first quarter to make it 14-7, but Polk Middle answered again, with Weaver breaking through the middle of the Rugby defense for a 41-yard touchdown run on the first play of the second quarter. Weaver added the extra point to make it 22-7, Polk.

Rugby scored again before halftime to give the Wolverines a 22-14 lead at the break.

Polk Middle began a long scoring drive in the third quarter that lasted into the final period, the possession finally ending with Weaver powering into the end zone from the 2. Beiler tossed a short pass to Antonio Simpson for the 2-point conversion and final margin.

Thursday’s regular-season finale at Utz Field will begin at 5 p.m.

– Submitted by PolkSports.com