By David Rogers. BOONE, N.C. — Not surprisingly after a 12-1 season and going undefeated in Northwestern Conference play, Watauga led all others with 13 all-conference first team selections, led by “Overall Player of the Year,” junior quarterback Maddox Greene.
Coach of the Year: Brian Hampton-Ashe County Overall Player of the Year: Maddox Greene-Watauga Offensive Player of the Year: Blake Peters-Ashe County Defensive Player of the Year: Dillan Earp-Hibriten Special Teams Player of the Year: Ammon Blanton-Hibriten
By David Rogers. BOONE, N.C. — In her first year as head coach of the Watauga High School women’s tennis team, Phoebe Boeschen faced numerous challenges. Early on, she lost her previous No. 1 singles player but even before that many thought it would be a rebuilding year for the Pioneers.
Instead, the young Pioneers finished the 2023 campaign 14-2 overall, 9-1 in Northwestern Conference play, the only league loss coming in a 4-5 decision at Ashe County at the end of the regular season — and a team the Pioneers had defeated 7-2 a month earlier, at home.
For her work leading the Pioneers in her maiden season, Boeschen was named “Coach of the Year” by the Northwestern Conference, according to a league report issued on Nov. 18.
Player of the Year: Addison Dollar- Ashe County High School Coach of the Year: Phoebe Boeschen- Watauga High School
By David Rogers. BOONE, N.C. — With 481 kills and a hand in 29 blocked shots, Ashe County outside hitter was named the overall “Player of the Year” for the Northwestern Conference’s 2023 high school volleyball season, as reported on Nov. 18.
Watauga’s Brooklyn Stanbery earned “Offensive Player of the Year” honors and Pioneer senior Evie Robbins got the nod as “Defensive Player of the Year.” Watauga head coach Kim Pryor shared “Coach of the Year” honors with Hibriten’s Jennings Vess.
Overall Player of the Year: Paige Overcash-Ashe County Offensive Player of the Year: Brooklyn Stanbery-Watauga Defensive Player of the Year: Evie Robbins Watauga Coach of the Year: Jennings Vess-Hibriten and Kim Pryor-Watauga
By David Rogers. BOONE, N.C. — Duplicating the Watauga men’s cross country team’s domination in the Northwestern Conference during the fall season, the Pioneers’ women’s harriers also place 10 of the team’s members on the all-conference list, out of 13 total. Janie Beach-Verhay was named “Runner of the Year” after capturing the individual title at the conference meet and Pioneer head coach Randy McDonough was tabbed “Coach of the Year.
Team Champion – Watauga Runner of the Year – Janie Beach-Verhay – Watauga Coach of the Year – Randy McDonough – Watauga
All Conference Selections
Janie Beach-Verhay – Watauga
Liney Johnston – Watauga
Sadie Buchanan – Watauga
Maggie Visser – Watauga
Ellery Smith – Watauga
Sydney Cate Townsend – Watauga
Emily Kanie – Freedom
Rachel Cathey – Watauga
Winter Shaw – Watauga
Katherine Rex – Watauga
Clara Noble – South Caldwell
Leah Kirksey – Freedom
Keatyn Wuest – Watauga
NWC Women’s CC Team Finish
1. Watauga
2. Alexander
3. Ashe County
4. Freedom
5. South Caldwell
6. Hibriten
By David Rogers. BOONE, N.C. — With 10 of the 13 Northwestern Conference all-conference selections in Men’s Cross Country, Watauga dominated the post season awards just as they in the end-of-year conference meet. It was hardly a surprise that conference champ Sam Nixon and Watauga head coach Randy McDonough were named “Runner of the Year” and “Coach of the Year.” respectively.
Team Champion: Watauga Runner of the Year: Sam Nixon – Watauga Coach of the Year: Randy McDonough – Watauga
All Conference Selections
Sam Nixon – Watauga
Elliott Taft – Watauga
Calvin Zwetsloot – Watauga
Collin Anderson – Watauga
Sam Rex – Watauga
Zeke Walker – Watauga
Levi Bowman – South Caldwell
Parker Bowman – South Caldwell
Jonah Norris – Watauga
Zachary Zirkle – Alexander Central
Davis Crymes – Watauga
Grady Gates – Watauga
Roman Sibaja – Watauga
NWC Men’s CC Finish
1. Watauga
2. South Caldwell
3. Alexander
4. Freedom
5. Hibriten
No Team Score – Ashe Co
By David Rogers. BOONE, N.C. — Averaging almost seven saves per game and allowing fewer than two goals per game during the 2023 high school men’s soccer season earned Watauga goalkeeper Kyle Painter Northwestern Conference “Co-Player of the Year” honors. He shared the honor with Hibriten’s Johnny Pineda, who averaged 1.1 goals per game over the course of the season.
The Pioneers’ Lade Oguntoyinbo also was tabbed “Offensive Player of the Year”
Hibriten, Watauga and Alexander Central dominated the list of All-Conference players announced on Nov. 18 by the Northwestern Conference.
Coach of the Year: David McConnell-Alexander Central
Overall Players of the Year: Johnny Pineda, Hibriten and Kyle Painter-Watauga
Offensive Player of the Year: Omolade’ Oguntoyinbo,Watauga
Defensive Player of the year: Shane Stevens-Hibriten
By David Rogers. LENOIR, N.C. — After carding most of her nine, 9-hole tournament rounds in the mid to high 30s and earning medalist honors in four Northwestern Conference tournaments at different courses, Hibriten’s Trinity White earned “Player of the Year” honors in Women’s Golf for the 2023 season. Watauga High School’s Theresa Copenhaver was the lone Pioneer named to the NWC All-Conference team.
Final Team Standings:
Hibriten
Alexander Central
South Caldwell
Watauga
Ashe County
Freedom
Player of the Year: Trinity White (Hibriten)
Coach of the Year (TIE): Larry Taylor (Hibriten) and Darren Hart (South Caldwell)
By David Rogers. HARRISONBURG, Va. — It can be argued that few programs in college football history deserve a feared reputation as much as upset-minded giant-killer Appalachian State. Yet again, the gridiron’s Cardiac Kids are singing, “Oops, I did it again.”
The Mountaineers’ 26-20, overtime win over previously undefeated and No. 18-ranked James Madison merely adds to App State’s football folklore over the last two decades. Michigan, North Carolina, South Carolina and Texas A&M — all Power 5 stalwarts with storied FBS traditions — previously succumbed to Yosef’s clutches. Tennessee, Wake Forest, Miami and North Carolina (twice more) escaped by the skin of their proverbial teeth. Looking for an early season or even late season “cupcake” game in your Power 5 schedule? Best not to call App State.
App State won the battle for field position in the first half, with JMU frequently starting possessions with their backs against the proverbial wall. Photographic image by David Rogers
The Winning TD That Almost Wasn’t
In his post-game press conference, App State head coach Shawn Clark said that after his defense held James Madison to a go-ahead field goal in overtime and the Mountaineers faced 3rd-and-8 on the JMU 8-yard line, the coaching staff’s mindset was to use the third down play and the fourth down play, if needed, to go for a winning TD.
“I told (offensive coordinator) Coach (Frank) Ponce,” said Clark, “that we had two plays to get (the TD). We weren’t playing for double overtime. We came here to win a football game. People might criticize that but we came here to win. Things worked out. It was a great play call. Joey (Aguilar) went through his progressions and Kaedin Robinson made a great play to get the ball over (the goal line) and the rest is history.”
App State QB Joey Aguilar passes against James Madison on Nov. 18. Photo by David Katzenmeier, courtesy of App State Sports
And yet, the Mountaineers came within a few anxious moments of video review of not getting that “if needed” fourth down play — but losing. On 3rd-and-8, quarterback Joey Aguilar found wide receiver Kaedin Robinson over the middle. Crossing from the right side, Robinson gathered it in at the 5-yard line, and kept pushing to the left, shook off a couple of would-be tacklers, and met another at the goal line.
Robinson said after the game he was confident that he had crossed the goal line with the ball firmly in his hands. He turned out to be right, but mere milliseconds after breaking the plane of the goal line, Robinson lost control of the ball and James Madison argued that he had lost control first with the loose ball exiting the end zone.
Video review confirmed the TD but what if it had gone the other way? The loose ball exiting the end zone would have been ruled a touchback and it would have been “game over.” The Mountaineers wouldn’t get that 4th down opportunity and the Dukes preserve the overtime victory (and unblemished record) instead.
Kaedin Robinson gathers in a first half reception vs. James Madison on Nov. 18. Photo by Charlie Ventura, courtesy of App State Sports
The Stars Were Aligned
Among the first words spoken by Clark at the beginning of his press conference were aimed at dispelling the idea that the win was unusual.
“This was not an upset,” Clark declared. “This was the next game on our schedule.”
Be that as it may, coming into the game James Madison was ranked No. 18 in the FBS, nationally, and undefeated. The Mountaineers’ win spoiled any hope the Dukes might have harbored for a perfect season, even if they remain ineligible for a bowl game or the Sun Belt Conference championship game.
Joey Aguilar passes deep downfield at James Madison on Nov. 18. Photographic image by David Rogers
There are plenty of individual and unit accolades to go around with this App State win, but perhaps none more compelling than what the Mountaineer defense accomplished. Even after the loss, James Madison is still among the Sun Belt Conference leaders in both offense and defense. Then again, so is App State. In fact, this could arguably have been billed as the battle of Sun Belt juggernauts.
As evenly played as this game was, statistically, three defensive stats stand out:
App State had an 11-4 advantage in Tackles for Loss
App State had a 5-1 advantage in Sacks
App State had a 3-1 advantage in Forced Fumbles
Even where the Dukes might have been moving the football, Tackles for Loss, Sacks and Forced Fumbles are drive killers.
Dalton Stroman (8) catches a pass in OT to set up the winning TD two plays later. Photo by Andy McLean, courtesy of App State Sports
For App State, JMU’s remaining year of being ineligible to play in the Sun Belt Conference championship game or bowl game after moving up from FCS to FBS last year takes on even greater significance. And the respective outcomes of next week’s last regular season games loom large.
At 6-1 in conference, James Madison remains in first place in the SBC East Division. With the Dukes being ineligible for the championship game, the “duty” for representing the East falls to the second place team. Right now, App State and Coastal Carolina are tied for No. 2 with 5-2 conference records but CCU won their head to head matchup on Oct. 10, 27-24, so according to the Sun Belt tie-breaking rules, CCU would advance.
The Mountaineers need to win next week vs. Georgia Southern and hope that James Madison rebounds to beat Coastal Carolina. If those stars align, then App State should be the East representative in the Sun Belt Conference championship game, probably at Troy, the apparent winner of the West.
If Coastal Carolina beats JMU next week and App State defeats Georgia Southern, then technically there would be a 3-way tie for the No. 1 spot in the East. App State, Coastal and JMU would all have 6-2 records. Based on head-to-head records, Coastal Carolina would advance to the SBC championship game.
It was a rough day at the office for Joey Aguilar, like this ‘facemask’ by a JMU defender. Photo by Andy McLean, courtesy of App State Sports
It Was Time
In the fourth quarter against James Madison, Watauga high school alum Anderson Castle was called on to shoulder the load at running back for the Mountaineers. As a result, his 10 carries for 42 yards made him the game’s leading rusher, including a longest carry for 27 yards and a couple of key first downs. He also caught three of four passes coming out of the backfield, good for 20 yards and, again, a couple of key first downs.
Afterwards, Clark deflected a question about why normally featured running back Nate Noel, who through the first four games of the season was among the FBS rushing leaders, all but disappeared in the second half against JMU. “We can talk about that later,” Clark said before launching into the myriad of reasons why Castle should have been on the field, including a rehash of the former high school quarterback’s journey to being the No. 2 RB on the App State roster.
Drama Aplenty
Early in the fourth quarter, App State led by as many as 12 points, 17-5, after Aguilar hit tight end Eli Wilson for a 16-yard TD. The way both defenses were playing in what can only be described as the slugfest of a conference grudge match, a two-touchdown lead seemed too much of a deficit for just about any team to overcome so late in the game.
But the Dukes have a history of shaking off deficits, holding off opponent rallies and winning games with their fourth quarter play. Against App State, James Madison seemed the team of destiny when they rallied to score two 4th quarter TDs and a 2-point conversion, That tied the game at 20-20 with only 57 seconds remaining. The JMU defense prevented the Mountaineers from getting into field goal range for junior placekicker Michael Hughes, sending the game into OT.
With JMU’s defense stacking the box to all but take away the Mountaineer rushing attack (Castle’s 27-yard jaunt late in the fourth quarter the only significant rushing play), the Joey Aguilar offense took to the air. With some halftime adjustments by offensive coordinator Frank Ponce, seven of the Mountaineers’ nine aerials of over 15 yards occurred in the second half. Two-thirds of Aguilar’s 318 total passing yards (216 yards, to be exact) came in the second half and he was coming at the Dukes from all directions with different personnel on the receiving end of his big plays, including Dashaun Davis (17 yards), Makai Jackson (16), Kanye Roberts (17), Eli Wilson (16 and a TD), Milan Tucker (20), Dalton Stroman (19). Aguilar hit Stroman again on App State’s first play in overtime, for 17 yards, to set up the 3rd down finisher to Robinson.
App State placekicker Michael Hughes got things started with this field goal in the first quarter at James Madison on Nov. 18. He was a perfect 2-2 on the day. Photographic image by David Rogers
In answer to a High Country Sports question afterward, Clark stated that the Mountaineers had pragmatically achieved what they set out to do.
“Our goals were to One, to start fast. They had scored first in nine out of their 10 games. The second goal was to lead at halftime. (JMU) had never trailed at halftime and we have. The third was to win the red zone. We hit all three of our goals,” Clark summarized. “We scored first, we led at halftime and we won the red zone. There was never a doubt in my mind that this game was over at halftime.”
App State now turns their attention to Georgia Southern, finishing the regular season on Saturday, Nov. 25, at Kidd Brewer Stadium with a 3:30 p.m. kickoff. James Madison travels to Conway, S.C., planning for a rebound win against Coastal Carolina.
SELECTED TEAM STATS
Net Total Offense: APP 387, JMU 350
Net Rushing Yards: APP 69, JMU 61
Net Passing Yards: APP 318, JMU 249
Passing TDs: APP 3, JMU 1
Rushing TDs: APP 0, JMU 1
Avg. Yards per Play: APP 5.3, JMU 4.4
Red Zone Attempts: APP 4-4, JMU 3-4
Red Zone Points: APP 20, JMU 18
Penalties: APP 5-50, JMU 8-65
3rd Down Conversions: APP 7-16. JMU 6-15
4tj Down Conversions: APP 0-0. JMU 1-1
Time of Possession: APP 27:23, JMU 32:37
SELECTED INDIVIDUAL STATS
Passing
APP – Joey Aguilar 28-46-318, 3 TDs, 1 INT
JMU – Jordan McCloud 27-46-289, 1 TD, 1 INT
Rushing
APP – Anderson Castle 10 carries, 42 yards
JMU – Ty Son Lawton 13 carries, 37 yards
JMU – Kaelon Black 6 carries, 28 yards
APP – Nate Noel 10 carries, 21 yards
Receiving
JMU – Elijah Sarratt 8 catches, 128 yards, 1 TD
APP – Kaedin Robinson 4 catches, 68 yards, 2 TDs
APP – Eli Wilson 4 catches, 61 yards, 1 TD
JMU – Ty Son Lawton 5 catches, 50 yards
APP – Makai Jackson 5 catches, 49 yards
JMU – Reggie Brown 3 catches, 49 yards
APP – Dalton Stroman 2 catches, 36 yards
APP – Dashaun Davis 3 catches, 24 yards
JMU – Zach Horton 5 catches, 24 yards
APP – Anderson Castle 3 catches, 20 yards
APP – Milan Tucker 1 catch, 20 yards
POST-GAME NOTES FROM APP STATE SPORTS
App State won its fourth straight game to move to 7-4 overall and 5-2 in Sun Belt Conference games. It’s the longest winning streak since the Mountaineers won six straight to close the 2021 regular season.
App State needs a win over Georgia Southern and a James Madison win over Coastal Carolina next week to earn a berth as the East’s representative in the Sun Belt championship game.
This was the Mountaineers’ third win over an AP Top 25 team in their last five tries – one per season under head coach Shawn Clark in 2021, 2022 and 2023. App State is 3-10 against top-25 opponents since moving up to the FBS ranks in 2014.
App State improved to 2-0 in games that were visited by ESPN’s College GameDay. Both wins, including last year’s in Boone against Troy, were decided by a final-play App State touchdown.
App State’s all-time series lead against JMU improved to 13-5 overall and 6-2 in Harrisonburg.
App State improved its road record to 3-3 this season. The Mountaineers’ 35 road victories since 2014 are tied with Oklahoma for fifth-most in the FBS over that span. Only Ohio State, Boise State, Clemson and Alabama have more.
This was the Mountaineers’ first overtime victory since 2015 (44-41 in 3OT vs. Troy). They had lost five straight OT games and nine of the last 10.
App State and JMU tied with two turnovers apiece. Under head coach Shawn Clark, the Mountaineers are 17-1 when winning the turnover battle, 6-11 when losing, and 10-4 when they have the same number of turnovers as the opponent.
App State’s 86 wins since 2015 are sixth-most in the FBS behind Alabama, Clemson, Georgia, Ohio State and Oklahoma.
OFFENSE
On a day when the Mountaineers couldn’t get much going on the ground, Joey Aguilar led the way by completing a season-high 28 passes on a season-high 46 attempts for 318 yards with three touchdowns and an interception.
Aguilar completed passes to 11 different receivers and threw multiple touchdowns for the 10th time in 11 games. He increased his Sun Belt lead to 29 touchdown passes, which ranks him top 10 in the nation.
Wide receiver Kaedin Robinson scored the game’s first touchdown on an 8-yard slant route for his team-leading seventh touchdown catch of the year, and then scored the game winner in overtime by breaking multiple tackles on his way in for another 8-yard score. He finished the game with four catches for a team-high 68 yards.
Tight end Eli Wilson caught a 16-yard touchdown from Aguilar on the first play of the fourth quarter to give App State a 17-5 lead. It was the second straight game that the Mountaineers scored on the opening play of the fourth quarter.
Running back Anderson Castle took over primary ball carrying duties in the fourth quarter and overtime, finishing with 10 carries for a season-high 42 yards.
DEFENSE
App State held JMU to just 61 rushing yards and allowed one of the country’s most prolific passers in Jordan McCloud just one touchdown pass, while also intercepting a pass and forcing a fumble in the first half.
App State’s defense racked up a season-high 11 tackles for loss and a season high-tying five sacks, which were both the most allowed by the Dukes’ offense this season.
Outside linebacker Thomas Davis forced the McCloud fumble that was recovered by safety Nick Ross and led to the game’s first touchdown by the Mountaineers.
Cornerback Ethan Johnson snagged his first interception of the season (and the team’s 12th) after a JMU receiver tipped the ball in the air. He also had five tackles, a tackle for loss and two pass breakups.
Sacks came from outside linebacker Nate Johnson (2), defensive end Michael Fletcher (2) and defensive end Kevin Abrams-Verwayne.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Michael Hughes was 2-for-2 on field goals. His first was a 22-yarder that gave App State an early 3-0 lead. His second was a 30-yarder that gave the Mountaineers a 20-12 advantage with 3:55 left in the fourth quarter.
By David Rogers. BOONE, N.C. — A magical high school football season came to an end on Nov. 17 at Jack Groce Stadium. Watauga fell to Independence (Charlotte), 34-14, in the third round of the North Carolina 4A State Playoffs.
After defeating a very athletic but less disciplined Mallard Creek team in Round 2, 20-14, there was hope that the Pioneers could repeat that upset performance against the visiting Patriots, who had lost to Mallard Creek early in the season. And when Watauga took the ball 80 yards in 11 plays for a touchdown on the opening possession of the game, those hopes were strengthened.
It was blackout night for the student section on Nov. 17 when Watauga hosted Independence in Round 3 of the state playoffs. Photographic image by David Rogers
This was a game of contrasting offensive styles. Watauga had a more grinding, ball possession attack that emphasized the run and aimed to keep the Independence offense off the field. The Patriots, on the other hand, were lightening quick in getting the ball into the hands of their playmakers, often making short work of downs and distance. Just three plays after getting the ball at their own 49, running back Jayden Jones ran the ball into the end zone to pull the Charlotte visitors even with a successful PAT kick. And Jones’ scoring rush followed a scintillating, 45-yard pass-and-run from QB Justin Little to Jones.
After the early success on the opening drive, Watauga found very little success on offense and even less on defense for the rest of the game.
Watauga’s football moms had their final prayer of the season on Nov. 17 when the Pioneers lost to Independence in Round 3 of the state playoffs. Photographic image by David Rogers
“We played a very good, very athletic, and well coached team tonight,” said Watauga head coach Ryan Habich after the game. “We knew that we were going to have to play a near perfect game and maybe get some help with Independence making some mistakes.”
Habich added that the Pioneers had trouble blocking the big, athletic Patriots and had even more trouble tackling.
Perhaps because of the constant defensive pressure applied by the Patriots, but Watauga quarterback Maddox Greene arguably had an off night passing, completing just 11 of 23 passes for 145 yards and two TDs, offset by two interceptions. He did run for 100 yards on 13 carries, but Watauga rarely put themselves into position to capitalize. At least twice the Pioneers got the ball into the red zone and turned the ball over. Both of Greene’s TD passes were to senior WB/TE Morgan Henry, who hauled in three catches for 64 yards, two for TDs.
Jackson Pryor brings in a pass in the second half of Watauga’s Round 3 game vs. Independence. Photographic image by David Rogers
Meanwhile, Independence QB Justin Little was a perfect 8-for-8 passing, for 166 yards and one TD. On the receiving end of the TD was WR Vontrez Burch, who had 3 receptions for 77 yards, including the touchdown.
But much of Independence’s offensive damage was crafted by running back Jayden Jones. He was credited with 20 carries for 132 yards and three TDs.
Afterward, Habich had nothing but praise for the 2023 edition of the Pioneers, who finish the season 12-1, and crediting a lot of the team’s success to the senior leadership. After losing 23 seniors last year, Habich said this was a rebuilding year so had no expectations for the Pioneers to go all the way to Round 3 of the playoffs.
Everett Gryder gave Watauga fans one last thrill for 2023 when he connected with Jackson Pryor on a ‘hook and ladder’ play in the 4th quarter vs. Independence. Photographic image by David Rogers
“I was just hoping to get through a tough non-conference schedule healthy and then get into the conference schedule,” he said.
Seeded No. 23 coming into the tournament, Independence now advances to the 4A West bracket’s semifinals to face their Southwestern 4A Conference rival, Butler (Matthews, N.C.). The Bulldogs defeated the Patriots in the last game of the regular season on Oct. 27, 35-23. To advance, No. 6 Butler beat back a challenge from No. 19 Mount Tabor, 49-13.
In the top half of the 4A West bracket, No. 1 seed Weddington defeated No. 24 Charlotte Catholic, 37-7. No. 4 Grimsley outlasted No. 4 Hough, 42-35.
Maddox Greene spots a hole vs. Independence on Nov. 17. Photographic image by David Rogers
BONUS PICS from Garner Dewey for High Country Sports
The 2023 Watauga football seniors with head coach Ryan Habich after the Nov. 17 playoff game vs. Independence. Photo by Garner Dewey for High Country SportsMorgan Henry TD catch vs. Independence. Photo by Garner Dewey for High Country SportsJackson Pryor lateraling to Everett Gryder on the 4th quarter ‘hook and ladder’ for a big gain. Photo by Garner Dewey for High Country Sports
By Zach Smith. BOONE, N.C. – An opening drive touchdown from Watauga gave the Pioneer-faithful hope, but the feeling didn’t last long as the High Country was filled with heartbreak as the clock hit zero. Independence rode on 28 unanswered points to end Watauga’s incredible 2023 season, 34-14.
Junior quarterback Maddox Greene led the way for the Pioneers, earning 245 total yards and accounting for both of Watauga’s touchdowns in the air. Independence sophomore running back Jayden Jones was the star of the night, though, powering his way for 132 yards and three scores.
Watauga received the opening kickoff and scored to begin the game, but Independence went on to score the next 28 points before the Pioneers were able to add on to their early success. Both Watauga touchdowns were results of connections between Greene and senior Morgan Henry, who performed well in his last game for the Pioneers. Henry hauled in three passes for 64 yards, and his final catch for the Pioneers was a 19-yard strike from Greene for a touchdown.
Maddox Greene passes downfield on Nov. 17 in Watauga’s Round 3 matchup vs. Independence. Photo by Flaco Rafael for High Country Sports
Watauga Head Coach Ryan Habich shared his thoughts on the matchup against Independence post-game.
“We knew it was going to be tough, their offense is really good, that running back [Jones] was really good,” Habich said. “Their defense was really quick. We had a hard time blocking, so we really had a hard time running the football the way we wanted to run the football.”
Habich also spoke on Watauga’s ability to defy expectations over the course of the season.
“I think if you talked to me in the preseason, I was hoping to stay healthy in non-conference and have a winning record going into conference play,” Habich said. “I don’t think people realize how hard this bracket is because they don’t subdivide the playoffs. I mean, we’re 1,500 going against 2,000+ enrollment in schools, so it’s tough. But, to go to the third round, something we told our kids is ‘there are only six teams that have made it to the third round in Watauga history.”
Watauga’s historic 2023 season was thanks in large part to the relationships between each player. Habich pointed out that that’s part of what made the season so special.
“What we had this year, we had great chemistry on this year’s team,” Habich said. “I think that’s why we were successful.”
The Pioneers, according to many, overperformed over the course of the season. Their campaign was filled with highlight after highlight. Habich spoke on what his biggest takeaway from the 2023 edition of Watauga football was.
“No regrets, team focus,” Habich said. “Focus on the process, I thought this year’s team did that, and you can’t say enough about the senior bunch. We didn’t have expectations. We lost 23 seniors last year, we had two sophomores in the backfield. We only had three of our starters coming back on offense, three on defense. So to be able to build that team, and the kids come together and accept bigger roles, that’s pretty special. We far exceeded a lot of people’s expectations.”
This year’s chapter of Watauga football has come to an end, but it was filled with countless highlights. Going on the road to defeat A.C. Reynolds, a head coach earning his 100th victory with the team, or pulling off a massive upset in the playoffs would individually be enough for a memorable season. The 2023 Watauga Pioneers accomplished all three of those feats, and are set up for a bright future in the High Country.
