By David Rogers. BOONE, N.C. — A stifling defensive effort in the second half and dominant rebounding up and down the Watauga roster helped the Pioneers to a dominating, 79-57 win over West Caldwell on Dec. 22 in Lentz Eggers Gym.

Fresh off the football field where he was named the “Offensive MVP” in the NCCA East-West All-Star game the day before, senior point guard Cade Keller showed only a little basketball rust in recording a game-high 24 points against the Warriors, including knocking down five 3-pointers from beyond the arc.

Fellow senior gridiron stars Evan Burroughs and Bowen Mayo poured in 16 and 10 points, respectively, joining Keller in double figures.

As a team, the Pioneers pulled down a whopping 34 rebounds, mostly on the defensive end to take away second chance opportunities that might have been considered by the Warriors. Watauga were also not bashful about sharing the ball, dishing out 21 assists, including a game-high six by Keller.

A total of eleven different Pioneers got on the scoreboard. In addition to the three in double figures, sophomore big man Bryce Scheffler contributed eight points as well as four rebounds while getting significant court time with senior Brady Lindenmuth in foul trouble for a good part of the night.

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The Series: Evan Burroughs’ defensive play produces points on the other end

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With Lindenmuth, Scheffler and junior Colby Whiteside rotating as the Pioneer big inside jobbers, Watauga enjoyed a good presence in the paint, defending the basket.

The Pioneers started the game fairly even with the Warriors, finishing the first quarter tied at 16-16. Watauga pulled ahead marginally in the second period to take a 40-31 lead into intermission. Then opened things up in the third stanza (59-41).

After the game, Watauga head coach Bryson Payne noted that the defensive adjustments made as the game wore on were not just stoppers of any West Caldwell attack, but frequently turned into points by the Pioneers.

Mayo led the team in steals with three, but Keller and Burroughs were close behind with two each.

Now 5-0 overall on the young season and yet to play a Northwestern Conference game, the Pioneers next line up at home against Saluda on Dec. 27, then host the Holiday Classic on Dec. 29 and Dec. 30, with opponents yet to be announced. They will start the new year on the road at Davie County (Jan. 2), face A.C. Reynolds in Lentz Eggers Gym on Jan. 7, then open league play on Jan. 9, at Freedom.

KEY PERFORMERS

• WAT – Cade Keller: 24 points, 6 assists, 2 steals, 3 rebounds, 1 block
• WAT – Evan Burroughs: 16 points, 4 assists, 2 steals, 2 rebounds
• WAT – Bowen Mayo: 10 points, 3 steals, 1 assist, 2 rebounds
• WAT – Bryce Scheffler: 8 points, 4 rebounds
• WAT – Jackson Love: 6 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist
• WAT – Brady Lindenmuth: 4 points, 3 rebounds
• WAT – Colby Whiteside: 3 points, 3 rebounds
• WAT – Eli Bishop: 2 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal
• WAT – Kyle Williams: 2 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal
• WAT – Wit Williamson: 2 points, 4 assists, 3 rebounds

BONUS PHOTOS (click on any image for larger view and Slide Show Mode)

All photographic images by David Rogers for High Country Sports

By David Rogers. BOONE, N.C. — The hardest thing about watching Watauga High School’s varsity women’s basketball team is trying to take your eyes off freshman mainstay, Josie Mayo. Whether on offense or defense, Mayo was seemingly everywhere on Dec. 22 in the Pioneers’ 67-32 win over a hard-working, but outmatched West Caldwell team in Lentz Eggers Gym.

Mayo led all scorers with 18 points on the night, but her quick hands on defense was a difference maker. You want to do a crossover dribble in front of her? Prepare to have the ball taken away. The freshman recorded 10 steals on this night, more than half of the team’s total of 17 poaches.

In reality, the entire Watauga roster saw action in this runaway victory and effectively demonstrated how deep head coach Bill Torgerson can go and still put a capable lineup on the court. The only concern is how young and relatively inexperienced so many of his best players are at the varsity level.

Starting guards Shelby Thompson and Izzy Torgerson are the only seniors on the 2025-26 roster and certainly demonstrated their key roles against the Warriors. Thompson tallied 17 points while Torgerson put up nine points. Torgerson may have jumpstarted the Pioneer rout with a trio of 3-pointers in the first quarter.

 

West Caldwell had few answers for the Pioneers. Junior guard Sierra Brown scored a team-high eight points, followed closely by junior guard Amazin Icenhour’s six points.

Watauga dominated inside, including 26 total rebounds (a whopping 15 on the offensive side to feed second chance points). Mayo recorded triple double on the night with 18 points, 10 steals and 10 rebounds.

 

The Pioneers also made 11 of 26 (42 percent) three-point attempts from the perimeter to complement their inside game. Thompson was especially effective from beyond the arc, making good on three of five attempts (60 percent). Mayo hit on two of three attempts from long range (67 percent).

What really sets this edition of the Pioneers apart is their support for one another. The loudest cheers from the Watauga bench came a-screechin’ in celebration when second line players were on the floor and scored or outrebounded an opponent. None were louder than when junior Susanna Goff — a member of Watauga’s 6A state champion cross country team — drove the baseline for a layup or calmly lofted a 3-pointer from beyond the arc, showing her versatility.

Now 5-6 overall and yet to play a Northwestern Conference game, the Pioneers next go on the road at Davie County (Jan. 2) and R.J. Reynolds (Jan. 6) before opening league play on the road, at Freedom (Jan. 9).

KEY PERFORMERS

• WAT – Josie Mayo: 18 points, 10 rebounds, 10 steals, 3 assists, 1 block, 7 deflections
• WAT – Shelby Thompson: 17 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 3 deflections
• WAT – Izzy Torgerson: 9 points, 3 assists, 1 steal, 2 deflections
• WAT – Charlie Mattox: 6 points, 3 assists, 2 steals, 1 rebound, 3 deflections
• WAT – Izzy Mohr: 5 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 4 deflections
• WAT – Susanna Goff: 5 points, 3 rebounds, 2 steals

BONUS PHOTOS (click on any image for larger view and Slide Show Mode)

 

By David Rogers. GREENSBORO, N.C. — An “Offensive MVP” effort by Watauga High School quarterback Cade Keller and a +7 takeways performance by the defense sealed the deal for the West All-Stars on Dec. 21, defeating the East All-Stars, 50-14,  in the 2025 North Carolina Coaches Association East-West All-Star Game at Jamieson Stadium.

After the East received the opening kickoff but could only move the ball 15 yards in eight plays, Keller led the West to an opening drive touchdown, highlighted by a 20-yard keeper by the Pioneer senior and capped by a 3-yard TD run by Mozes Morris (West Forsyth HS). The West’s opening drive covered 51 yards in 6 plays, in 2:15.

Keller finished the afternoon having completed 10 of 17 passes for 121 yards and two TDs, although he was also on the front end of a trick play that produced a 35-yard TD. On the play, Keller pitched to Ethan Driver (Davie County HS), who in turn threw to wide receiver Aaryn Tate (Northeast Guilford HS).

As is often the case with all-star games, this one was at times sloppy, especially in the hands of the East. The East quarterback was Geronimo Sanchez, a very athletic signal caller from Cape Fear HS, but he finished game having completed 14 of 27 passes and 1 TD — but offset by five interceptions by West defenders, including two “Pick 6” INTs in the first half.

The opportunistic West defense also forced five fumbles by the East, recovering three of them. Each team recorded 10 tackles for loss, but the West’s five INTs stood out, with one each by five different players. Calvin Ramseur (Shelby HS) was named defensive MVP for the game and poached the first “Pick 6” of the afternoon, midway through the first quarter. Kamdon Gillespie’s (Mooresville HS) 41-yard “Pick 6” opened the scoring in the second quarter. Other INTs were by Jeremiah Deese (Northeast Guilford HS), Bubba Sims (Williams HS) and Xavier Porter (West Charlotte).

Watauga’s Brady Lindenmuth, an offensive line selection for the West, said of the experience after the game, “It was such a blast to be able to play this game with all of these guys. It is a real honor.”

J.K. Adkins of Freedom High School served as the West head coach this year and was quick to deflect any praise to the players and his assistant coaches. He offered special praise for offensive coordinator Ryan Habich, Watauga’s head coach, saying, “Ryan Habich is one of the most brilliant offensive minds in high school football.”

 

BONUS PHOTOS

 

 

By David Rogers. BOONE, N.C. — Coaches, like teachers, impact student athletes, often in dramatic, even life-altering ways. Sometimes they learn just how special they were when, years later, those former student-athletes tell them.

That was the case on Dec. 13, when a committee of former Watauga High School wrestlers pulled off the “73-Year Watauga High School Wrestling Reunion” at the Moose Lodge, in Boone. The central theme of the event was to honor longtime coaches Lee Stroupe and Steve Breitenstein, but the objectives also included recognizing the long history of Watauga Wrestling, with multiple Pioneers through the years earning “state champion” or “conference champion” or “tournament champion” accolades.

It was really a two-day Reunion. The night before, while most of Watauga County’s attention was tuned into the Pioneer football team’s successful quest to win the NCHSAA 6A State Championship football game in Chapel Hill, vs. Middle Creek (Apex), more than 75 Watauga Wrestling alums and High Country fans watched the current Pioneers wrestling team defeat Forbush High School (East Bend, Yadkin County) in Lentz Eggers Gym, 41-40, in spite of forfeiting six weight classes (several Watauga wrestlers were still competing on the football team).

At least 50 of the alums and their spouses, families and friends were able to stay the second day for the dinner and festivities, including reflections on the team’s past achievements, individual performances, and the program’s plans for the future. Stroupe and Breitenstein shared memories of almost every single one of the wrestlers they mentored through the years.

Current head coach Terreyl Williams spoke of the program’s growth these last few years, including 33 wrestlers on the current team and 45 in the growing middle school program. They also shared a pressing need: a new wrestling room because they had outgrown their current practice facility.

The steering committee members included wrestling alums Eddie Miller, Chad Critcher, Tim Haas, Wes Young, Bobby Plemons, Derek Harwood, Lynn Harwood, Todd Rice and Bobby Clawson.

Miller has a primary responsibility for reaching out to alums and encouraging them to attend, with contributions from all of the committee members.

“No stone was left unturned,” said Rice, in describing the all-out efforts of the committee to get maximum participation.

The older brother of Tim Haas, Bryan Haas, served as emcee for the evening and not only directed the almost 30 tables as to their turn to serve themselves at the buffet, but entertained the crowd with Watauga Wrestling trivia questions.

A sampling (with answers):

• What year did WHS have five state qualifiers under coaches Stroupe and Breitenstein? (1983 and 1987 — 1983 qualifiers included Greg Edmisten, Tony Greene, Scott Kund, Bobby Clawson, and Tim Haas. 1987 qualifiers included Jonathan Trull, Derek Harwood, Ray Hemms, Dave McCune and Tim McManus)
• What was Appalachian High School’s notable achievement in wrestling? (For the duration of the program, 13 years, the AHS wrestling team never lost a match)
• What coach had a daughter win the WHS girl’s Hall of Fame Award? (both Lee Stroupe and Steve Breitenstein, daughters Kristin Stroupe and Amy Breitenstein)
• Which Watauga wrestler had the most total wins in a season? (Demetre Kostis, 56-1, in 2013-14)
• In what year did Watauga have seven wrestlers in the finals of the Northwestern Conference Tournament? (1981: Gregg Edmiston, Tommy Gabriel, Kevin Norris, David Phillips, Bobby Clawson, Kevin Cook and Ivan Roten)
• What two Watauga brothers won individual state titles in the same year? (Larry and Scott Stanbery)
• Who won Most Valuable Wrestler recognition at the Northwestern Conference Tournament? (Kevin Norris in 1980 and Kurt Duncan in 1986)
• Which wrestlers were presented with the Watauga High School Trailblazer Award? (Tim Haas, Steve Atwood, Stan Atwood, Tim Church, Shane Austin and Dave McCune)
• What family had the most brothers who wrestled under coaches Stroupe and Breitenstein?
  • Critcher: Anthony, Barry and Todd; parents Sammy and Gloria
  • Lyons: Jeff, Greg and Brent; parents Archie and Joanne
  • Norris: Kevin, Ryan and Eric; parents Dudley and Judy

One of the most poignant moments of the evening came, fittingly, toward the end. After Stroupe and Breitenstein were presented boxes with mementos, including singlets for competing, photos and other memorabilia, Eddie Miller presented each coach with a printed and bound booklet, nearly an inch thick, of statements and reflections from Watauga alums who had trained and competed under the two coaches. Those thoughts included how much the program and their coaching meant to them and what they are doing now, in some cases more than 50 years later.

BONUS PHOTOS

 

By David Rogers. CHAPEL HILL, N.C. —On 2025’s 12th day of the 12th month, surely there were 12 Watauga players wearing “No. 12” in the Pioneers’ 47-25 win over Middle Creek in the NCHSAA 6A State Championship Game played at UNC-Chapel Hill.

Evan Burroughs, the real (and only) No. 12 playing for Watauga, was seemingly everywhere in the 6A title game against the Mustangs: on offense, on defense and on special teams. Not to overlook quarterback Cade Keller’s top tier performance in completing 22 of 26 passes for 277 yards and two TDs, with no INTs, Burroughs may have set state championship game records for a performance by a single individual player:

• • 7 carries for 46 yards, including 3 TDs
  • 14 catches for 149 yards and 1 Td
  • On defense, two pass interceptions for 54 return yards, including one “Pick 6” TD

And most of that was in the first half as the Pioneers took a 33-10 lead into intermission. From there on out, much of Watauga’s strategy seemed intent on protecting the lead and using up the clock — at least until the Pioneers’ last offensive series when, on 1st-and-15 after an “illegal shift” penalty, Keller hurled a 51-yard, TD-scoring dagger to wide receiver Nyle Peays with just 43 seconds remaining.

While Burroughs deservedly received all kinds of post-game adulation, including “MVP” recognition, the Pioneers’ journey to and including the championship game was a team statement. Throughout the season, the Pioneer playmakers took turns being featured in the individual games on their journey to Chapel Hill for the state championship — undefeated. Keller, Burroughs, Peays, Matthew Leon, Everett Gryder and Bowen Mayo alternated in being the key figures on any given Friday night.

Fittingly, on Dec. 12, it was No. 12’s turn once again to shine behind the steady contributions of the guys in the trenches, the offensive and defensive lines, those guys opening holes in the line of scrimmage or protecting the QB long enough to make a pass possible; those guys pressuring the opposing QBs and forcing them to make mistakes.

Looking beyond the performance of the playmakers like Burroughs, Keller, Leon, Mayo and Peays on this night, these stats stand out:

• Watauga churned up 471 yards of total offense while limiting Middle Creek to 397 yards
• Watauga controlled possession 25:51 vs. 22:09 for the Mustangs
• Watauga converted on six of eight 3rd down opportunities while Middle Creek  was successful on just five of 11 chances.
• Watauga won the turnover battle, highlighted by Burroughs “Pick 6” in the first quarter.
• Early Turning Point: With Watauga having just scored to lead 19-10, a successful onside kick gave the Pioneers the ball back and good field position at the Middle Creek 47 yard line — and just six seconds remaining in the first quarter. On a trick play (double pass), Middle Creek intercepted deep in their own territory but Watauga’s defense held the Mustangs to a three and out and the Pioneers got the ball back on their own 47 yard line. Keller orchestrated a 5-play, 53-yard TD-scoring drive featuring Burroughs, Leon and the QB’s own 27-yard keeper, the drive finished off with a 3-yard run by Burroughs, making it a 26-10 lead for Watauga.
• Complementary Football: When you look at the offensive stats, there is not really such a wide difference to suggest a 22-point gap between the two sides. Dig deeper, and it is the Watauga advantage in all three phases: offense, defense, and special teams.

Besides the significance of the No. 12 on this night, another number emerged as significant by the end of the post-game press conference: “47.”

Many in the stadium might have thought head coach Ryan Habich was being merciful after the Keller-to-Peays TD pass all but prompted the Mustangs to surrender. He later told the media that when he looked at the scoreboard and saw that his Pioneers had taken the 47-25 lead, it hit him that it has been 47 years since Watauga last won a state football championship, in 1978. So he immediately called out to Keller not to kick the PAT, to instead take a knee and preserve the 47-25 score. Those 47 points were a symbolic gesture to the alumni of Watauga who had come before — and many of those Pioneers of 47 years ago were in the grandstands, including the head coach of that 1978 team, Bill Mauldin and his family.

That an estimated 2,000+ Boone fans were in the grandstands for this game demonstrates just how important a connection to the community is to the 2025 Watauga Pioneers.

Not quite a year and a half ago, the High Country was hammered by Hurricane Helene. Many in Western North Caroina lost their homes or businesses to the ravaging floods, mudslides and powerful winds. Habich acknowledged how his players helped others by shoveling mud and clearing debris in the wake of the storm. More recently, the players’ parents helped organize a team-based, mid-week project to help Samaritan’s Purse pack shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child, gifts destined for needful children in distant lands.

So it isn’t surprising that so many in the community made the 3-hour trek to Chapel Hill, to support the team, not just because they are winners, but because they are winners.

SCORING SUMMARY

Qtr	Clock	Team	Type	Play	Ply-Yds	TOP	Score
1	09:00	MCH	TD	Spencer,Jayden 1 yards RUSH (Kick Good by Ladue,Ben)	8-73	02:55	0-7
1	07:57	WHS	TD	Burroughs,Evan 68 yards PASS	3-83	01:03	6-7
1	06:30	WHS	TD	Burroughs,Evan 54 yards INT	undefined-undefined	undefined	12-7
1	02:17	MCH	FG	Ladue,Ben 19 yards	10-56	04:07	12-10
1	00:06	WHS	TD	Leon,Matthew 1 yards RUSH (Kick Good by Hankins,Miller)	8-66	02:11	19-10
2	09:38	WHS	TD	Burroughs,Evan 3 yards RUSH (Kick Good by Hankins,Miller)	5-53	01:35	26-10
2	03:31	WHS	TD	Burroughs,Evan 25 yards RUSH (Kick Good by Hankins,Miller)	8-67	03:06	33-10
3	06:51	WHS	TD	Burroughs,Evan 7 yards RUSH (Rush Good by Leon,Matthew)	9-75	08:09	41-10
3	01:06	MCH	TD	Jobe,Ezra 10 yards RUSH (Kick Good by Ladue,Ben)	6-51	01:56	41-17
4	10:26	MCH	TD	Bocciardi,Nicolas 10 yards PASS (Pass Good by Belcher,Nicholas)	6-69	01:22	41-25
4	00:43	WHS	TD	Peays,Nyle 51 yards PASS	12-95	06:40	47-25

 

SELECTED TEAM STATS

• Yards of Total Offense: WAT 471, MCR 397
• Net Yards Rushing: WAT 194, MCR 127
• Net Yards Passing: WAT 277, MCR 270
• Penalties: WAT 3-15, MCR 3-22
• Time of Possession: WAT 25:51, MCR 22:09
• 3rd Down Conversions: WAT 6-of-8, MCR 5-of-11
• 4th Down Conversions: WAT 0-of-0, MCR 0-3

SELECTED INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCES

• WAT – Evan Burroughs: 7 carries for 46 yards and 3 TDs; 14 catches for 149 yards and 1 TD; on defense, 2 pass breakups, 2 INTs (54 return yards), including 1 return for TD
• WAT – Cade Keller: Completed 22-of-26 passes for 277 yards and 2 TDs, no INTs; 5 carries for 41 yards
• WAT – Matthew Leon: 12 carries for 78 yards and 1 TD, 2 catches for 14 yards
• WAT – Bowen Mayo: 5 carries for 29 yards, 3 catches for 25 yards; on defense, 6 tackles
• WAT – Nyle Peays: 2 catches for 82 yards, 1 TD; on defense, 5 tackles
• WAT – John Wilson Mills: on defense, 13 tackles (game-high)
• WAT – Thomas Dieters: on defense, 8 tackles, 1 tackle for loss
• WAT – Brady Lindenmuth: 3 tackles, 2 tackles for loss
• WAT – Aidan Plemons: 5 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 1 QB Hurry

 

 

 

By David Rogers. BOONE, N.C. — High drama took over the stage at Jack Groce Stadium on Dec. 6. A near capacity audience looked on, witnessing the agony, ecstasy and unbridled joy acted out by the players — except they weren’t acting. This was real.

BONUS PHOTOS AT BOTTOM OF ARTICLE

The football gods wrote a script featuring dramatic tension throughout, right up until the last second prompted a Watauga High School varsity football team’s jubilant celebration. There was no anti-climax in the Pioneers’ 43-42 win over Northern Guilford. The final minute was as thrilling as any other with host Watauga claiming the NCHSAA 6A West title in the North Carolina state playoffs.

With the win, the Pioneers earn a berth in next week’s 6A State Championship game in Kenan Stadium, on the campus of the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. They will face the Middle Creek Mustangs, the 6A East champs, on Friday, Dec. 12, with kickoff slated for 4:00 p.m.

Seeded No. 3 in the 6A East, Middle Creek advanced to the final with a 31-21 victory over Jacksonville to earn the state championship opportunity. It is Watauga’s first trip to a state championship game since 1978, almost a half-century ago.

What A Football Game

There were so many great plays by both teams on both sides of the ball in Friday’s thriller pitting Watauga vs. Northern Guilford. Leading up to the pivotal final, decisive seconds, there were plot twists and turns aplenty.

The 6A West’s No. 1 seeded Pioneers and the No. 2 seeded Nighthawks traded touchdowns and PATs in the first quarter to take a 7-7 tie into the second period. Watauga looked to run away with the game in the second frame, the Pioneer defense forcing a pair of Northern Guilford “3-and-outs” to deny the Nighthawks’ offense any kind of momentum. The Watauga defensive stands were capped by an Evan Burroughs-crafted “Pick 6” interception, returned 31 yards for a TD.

Watauga’s three touchdowns to open the second quarter gave the home team a commanding, 27-7 lead — and fueled the Pioneer faithful’s hopes that a trip to the state championship game was well within Watauga’s grasp.

Northern Guilford was not to go away quietly, however. On the first play from scrimmage after the post-INT kickoff, senior QB Jaxson Kemp completed a 70-yard pass-catch-and-run to senior wide receiver Greyson Council for a touchdown and, just like that, the Nighthawks had life. And after a stellar defensive stand by the visitors — and an uncharacteristic “shank” of a 12-yard punt by Watauga QB and punter Cade Keller — the Nighthawks had another great opportunity: 1st-and-10 from inside Watauga territory, at the WAT42.

It only took Northern Guilford four plays to put another TD in the books. The drive finished  with a 30-yard scoring run by star running back Amare Akers, closing the Nighthawks’ deficit to 27-21 after the PAT.

A little more than two minutes remained on the clock, so there was still opportunity for both sides. Another strong defensive effort by Northern Guilford limited the Pioneers to just four plays before having to punt again, giving the ball back to Kemp and his Mustang cohorts with 48 seconds left before halftime.

After Kemp completed a short pass to Akers coming out of the backfield for a 9-yard gain, Watauga’s Burroughs made sure there was no more Nighthawk damage to the scoreboard in the first half when he poached a Kemp pass for his second interception of the second quarter. With just 37 seconds left, Watauga opted to run out the clock and take their 6-point lead into the locker room.

Second Half Adjustments

As the second half got underway, it was apparent that Northern Guilford’s coaching staff made some adjustments during intermission. In receiving the second half kickoff, the visiting Nighthawks had some swagger and it started with senior wide receiver Bobby Bah receiving the opening kick. He returned it 31 yards before the Pioneers’ Thomas Dieters brought him down a yard shy of midfield. Akers carried the ball into Watauga territory with a 12-yard gain, then Kemp wove through Pioneer defenders the remaining 39 yards to the end zone on a designed QB keeper. That gave Northern Guilford its first lead of the night, 28-27, and the second half had only just begun.

Keller & Co. responded with a 13-play scoring drive that kept the Nighthawks’ offense off the field for nearly four minutes of the game clock. The drive featured Keller passes to Matthew Leon, Evan Burroughs, and Nyle Peays, as well as tight end Tyler Leyshon. By handing the ball off to Leon for short gains and keeping it himself a couple of times, Keller kept the defensive Nighthawks off-balance, allowing Leon to finish the drive with a 5-yard burst to the end zone. To make up for an earlier blocked PAT kick, the Pioneers went for a 2-point conversion and were successful with a quick pass from Keller to Mayo, restoring the Pioneer lead to 35-28.

Northern Guilford wasted little time in knotting things up with a 7-play, 75 yard drive, highlighted by another keeper by Kemp, this one for 39 yards to the Watauga 7-yard line. Two plays later, he kept the ball for another rushing TD. With Guardado’s PAT kick, it was a new ball game at 35-35.

After turning back two Watauga 4th down conversion attempts, one at the end of the third quarter and another at the start of the 4th, the Nighthawks took their second lead of the game at 42-35 with a methodical, 14-play, 75 yard drive featuring Akers. While quarterback Jaxson Kemp mixed things up to keep the Pioneers’ defense off-balance, on nine of those 14 plays he simply handed the ball off to Akers, who diced and sliced his way through openings created by Northern Guilford’s stalwart offensive line. Fittingly, it was Akers who punched into the end zone the final yard for the go-ahead TD. Guardado’s PAT kick sailed through the uprights to complete the conversion, giving the Nighthawks a 7-point lead with little time on the clock (3:29).

Final Drama

If the Nighthawks’ goal was to prevent Watauga from responding within the allotted 3:29 remaining time, Northern Guilford didn’t do themselves any favors. Guardado lofted a long kickoff more than 50 yards that the Pioneers’ Kyle Williams fielded near his own 10-yard line, then battled through traffic for an 18-yard return, to the WAT28. As if the return wasn’t enough, the Nighthawks were penalized another 15 yards for an illegal block, setting up the start of Watauga’s next offensive drive near midfield, at their own 43-yard line.

With good field position, Keller completed a 16-yard pass to Mayo. But Keller was hit late on the play, so a “roughing the passer” penalty tacked on another 15-yards and, suddenly, in the space of just the kickoff and one play from scrimmage the Pioneers were on the doorstep of the Nighthawks’ end zone, with 1st-and-10 at the Northern Guilford 26-yard line.

Keller and the Pioneers shrugged off an illegal motion penalty that set them back five yards, looking at 1st-and-15 from the NG31. Keller took care of business with 15- and 7-yard passes to Mayo, getting the ball down to the NG14. Then a short pass to Matthew Leon coming out of the backfield might just as well have been a running play. The speedy senior collected the ball on the right side then dove just inside the right goal line pylon for a 9-yard TD. SCORE: NG, 42, WAT 41, with the conversion attempt forthcoming.

To Be, Or Not To Be…

It was decision time for the Pioneers. Do they go for a 2-point conversion for a probable win with so little time remaining, or tie the game with a Miller Hankins PAT kick? There was risk with either choice. A Hankins PAT to tie might have had the highest probability rating, but…

… In OT, Northern Guilford might well have had an advantage because, thanks to a rushing juggernaut of an offensive attack behind Akers and Kemp, the Nighthawks had a degree of momentum. Worse, still, for Watauga: workhorse running back and defensive star Everett Gryder left the game earlier, limping severely, and electric wide receiver and defensive back Nyle Peays was also newly sidelined, not to return.

After the game, Watauga head coach Ryan Habich deflected any description of his decision to go for the 2-point conversion as a “gutsy call.” He simply said, “I trust my players” in the decision to go for the win at that moment.

So when Mayo caught Keller’s pass for his second successful 2-point conversion catch of the night, all manner of jubilation erupted on the field, on the Watauga sidelines, and on the jampacked Pioneer grandstands. With the student section jumping up and down enthusiastically, the press box had the sway of a downtown San Francisco high-rise during a California earthquake.

As Habich disclosed after the game, there were some circumstances that really made the 2-point conversion play special. He initially suggested a different play, but Keller promptly said, “I want to run ‘mash’.” So that is what they agreed on. But complicating matters was the Peays injury, which put Mayo in the heretofore unfamiliar X-slot. As the play developed, recalled Habich, Keller progressed through two early “reads” before finding Mayo in the end zone.

With the successful 2-point conversion, Watauga had the lead with under a minute remaining, but Northern Guilford still had a chance and either a TD or a field goal would likely win it for them.

Watauga’s kickoffs seem intentionally designed to prevent runbacks by an opposing team’s featured athletes. So it was hardly a surprise when Matthew Leon’s kickoff rolled out of bounds at the NG14, which would have given the Nighthawks starting possession at their own 35-yard line. Instead, Northern Guilford elected to have Watauga kick again from five yards further back, per the terms of the penalty.

This time, Leon pounded the ball 60 yards, where NG’s Bobby Bah pulled it in at the 5-yard line. Exceptional kick coverage by the Pioneers’ special teams, led by sophomore linebacker John Wilson Mills and teammate Brayson Gough, limited Bah’s return to just five yards, to the NG10, but an illegal block penalty pushed the ball back half the distance to the goal line, meaning the Nighthawks had to start their last-minute, desperation offensive at their own 5-yard line.

As it were, Northern Guilford only had 37 seconds to mount a scoring offensive and there were 95 yards between them and the goal line. Watauga’s worst fears were realized when, on the second play, Kemp hurled a long pass downfield. His receiver, Greyson Council again, at 6-2 was taller than all Watauga defenders. He leaped above the Pioneers’ double-coverage, “prevent” defense to haul the pass in for a 49-yard gain, advancing the Nighthawks to the Watauga 38. Another pass to Council gained 10 more yards before the senior wide receiver was pushed out of bounds by Leon at the 28-yard line, stopping the clock with about 19 seconds remaining. Two more Akers rushes (and two more NG timeouts) got the ball to the Watauga 19 with just five seconds on the clock. The Nighthawks called on Guardado for a 36-yard field goal attempt that would win the game, if successful. The snap and hold appeared good, but the ball sailed just inches wide of the left upright as the clock ticked to zero — and it was another highlight reel-filled Watauga win, 43-42.

There’s no way anyone should put Northern Guilford’s loss on Guardado’s shoulders, not with all the visitors’ self-inflicted wounds, i.e. penalties, and all the timely offensive and defensive plays by the Pioneers, including three pass interceptions. The penalties gave Watauga good field position and scoring opportunities. Three passing turnovers poached by the Pioneers, including Burroughs’ “Pick 6” midway through the second quarter, gave Watauga a 27-7 lead before halftime.

When you consider that most of Watauga’s playmakers are playing both ways, offense and defense, and several are even on special teams, the grit and determination, as well as the “next man up” team-focused approach make for a championship-caliber entry in the 6A state playoffs.

SCORING SUMMARY

• Q1 – WAT: Bowen Mayo 26 yard pass from Cade Keller, Miller Hankins PAT is good, 7-0
• Q1 – NG: Amare Akers 1 yard run for TD, Kobe Guardado PAT is good, 7-7
• Q2 – WAT: Bowen Mayo 20-yard pass from Cade Keller, Miller Hankins PAT is good, 14-7
• Q2 – WAT: Bowen Mayo 40-yard pass from Cade Keller, Miller Hankins PAT blocked, 20-7
• Q2 – WAT: Evan Burroughs 31-yard interception return, Miller Hankins PAT is good, 27-7
• Q2 – NG: Greyson Council 70-yard pass from Jaxon Kemp, Kobe Guardado PAT, 27-14
• Q2 – NG: Amare Akers 35-yard run, Kobe Guardado PAT is good, 27-21
• Q3 – NG: Jaxson Kemp 39-yard run, Kobe Guardado PAT is good, 27-28
• Q3 – WAT: Matthew Leon 5-yard run, 2 point conversion, Keller to Mayo, is good, 35-28
• Q3 – NG: Jaxon Kemp 3-yard run, Kobe Guardado PAT is good, 35-35
• Q4 – NG: Amare Akers 1-yard run, Kobe Guardado PAT is good, 35-42
• Q4 – WAT: Matthew Leon 9-yard pass from Cade Keller, 2 point conversion, Keller to Mayo is good, 43-42

SELECTED INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCES

• • NG – Amare Akers: 20 carries, 157 net yards rushing, 3 TDs
  • NG – Jaxon Kemp: 10 carries, 107 yards, 2 TDs; 8-of-18, 188 yards passing, including 1 TD, 3 INTs
  • NG – Greyson Council: 5 catches for 160 yards, 1 TD
  • WAT – Bowen Mayo: 7 catches for 136 yards, 3 TDs, and two 2-pt conversion catches; 4 carries for 24 yards; on defense, 8 total tackles, 1 INT returned 55 yards
  • WAT – Cade Keller: 21-of-30 passing for 267 yards, 4 TDs
  • WAT – Evan Burroughs: 6 catches for 45 yards; 3 carries for 42 yards; on defense, two INTs, including a TD
  • WAT – Matthew Leon: 12 carries for 33 yards, 1 TD; 3 catches for 30 yards, 1 TD; on defense, 3 total tackles
  • WAT – Everett Gryder: 11 carries, 46 net yards rushing; 1 catch for 8 yards; on defense, 6 total tackles
  • WAT – Nyle Peays: 2 catches for 35 yards; on defense, 1 pass breakup
  • WAT – Kyle Williams: 2 kickoff returns for 27 yards; on defense, 3 total tackles and 2 passes defended
  • WAT – John Wilson Mills: on defense, 15 total tackles
  • WAT – Thomas Dieters: on defense, 6 total tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss
  • WAT – Crue Stoddard: on defense, 5 total tackles, 1 tackle for loss
  • WAT – Brady Lindenmuth: on defense, 4 total tackles, 1 tackle for loss
  • WAT – Aidan Plemons: on defense, 4 total tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 1 pass breakup

SELECTED TEAM STATS

• • Total Offense Yards: NG 473, WAT 415
  • Net Yards Rushing: NG 285, WAT 148
  • Net Yards Passing: NG 188, WAT 367
  • Turnovers
    • Fumbles (No.-Lost): NG 1-0, WAT 0-0
    • Interceptions Thrown: NG 3, WAT 0
  • Penalties: NG 9-for-77 yards, WAT 5-for-45 yards
• Time of Possession: NG 18:55, WAT 29:05
• 3rd Down Conversions: NG 4-of-10, WAT 4-of-12
• 4th Down Conversions: NG 2-of-3, WAT 2-of-5
• Red Zone Scores-Chances: NG 3-4, WAT 3-3

BONUS PHOTOS

All photographic images by Jared Everett for High Country Sports

By David Rogers. BOONE, N.C. — An old adage says, “Statistics don’t lie” — but maybe football game statistics lie, after all.

BONUS PHOTOS at bottom of article

Statistics lie, after all? That might be the only way to explain Watauga varsity football’s 31-28 win over Sun Valley in Round 4 of the NCHSAA 6A state playoffs, on Nov. 28. Or was it home field advantage in Jack Groce Stadium, in sub-30 degree temperatures? Divine intervention?

At the very least, it was as improbable a gridiron victory that anyone could have imagined, statistically speaking.

Consider:

• Sun Valley outgained Watauga, 363 total yards of offense vs. 319 for the Pioneers.
• The visiting Spartans ran 77 offensive plays vs. just 33 for the host Pioneers.
• SV had possession of the ball for 29:38 compared to just 18:22 for Watauga.
• Sun Valley had a +2 advantage in takeaways for the game. The Spartans suffered just one turnover (a pass INT that all but ended the game) but benefited from two Watauga INTs and one lost fumble.
• Watauga recorded seven penalties, including five pre-snap, “false start” infractions that could well have disrupted offensive possessions.
• Sun Valley limited the Pioneers’ coveted rushing attack to just 74 yards on 21 carries, and that was at minus-3 yards for the entire first half.

Coming into the game, MaxPreps.com had No. 5-seeded Sun Valley ranked as No. 1 team in North Carolina’s 6A classification “power rankings,” thanks to a 9-3 record and the highest rated “strength of schedule” among the 57 teams competing at the 6A level. The 12-0 Pioneers were No. 2 in the power rankings, but with a relatively weak strength of schedule, overall.

At least some of Watauga’s upset is explained by one of head coach Ryan Habich’s favorite phrases, “complementary football,” with contributions from all three units: offense, defense and special teams. Beyond the X’s and O’s and the scheming, said Habich after the game, it comes down to execution by the players on the field.

“Big-time players make big-time plays,” noted Habich.

And the Pioneers got big-time plays aplenty from all three units on Nov. 28 — and it all started from the get-go, after Sun Valley won the coin toss and elected to defer, meaning they would kickoff to the Pioneers:

• SPECIAL TEAMS: With some key blocks from his special teams comrades, wide receiver Nyle Peays collected the Spartans’ opening kickoff at his own 18-yard line, then wove his way through the center of Sun Valley’s coverage to outsprint all defenders, an 82-yard kickoff return for a touchdown. Head coach Ryan Habich said later, “That was huge because it established momentum.”
• DEFENSE: On Sun Valley’s opening drive, behind the hard running of running back Zach Cullen, the Spartans advanced the ball into Watauga territory but faced an increasingly stingy Pioneer defense. On 4th-and-1 from the WAT 41 yard-line, Pioneer defenders Crue Stoddard and Bowen Mayo “stood up” Cullen for no gain, giving the ball back to Watauga with reasonably good field position.
• DEFENSE and SPECIAL TEAMS: After Sun Valley tied the game at 7-7 on a balanced drive that featured runs by Cullen and key pass completions from QB Noah Lineberry to three different receivers, on their next possession the Spartans threatened to go ahead, moving the ball down to the Pioneers’ 12-yard line. But on 3rd-and-8, Watauga defensive back Kyle Williams broke up a Lineberry pass to SV wide receiver Thanasi Papazis. Sun Valley opted for a short, 26-yard field goal attempt — but pressure from Watauga’s Thomas Dieters, Aidan Plemons and Evan Burroughs helped Sun Valley kicker Braden Carr push the ball just outside the posts.
• OFFENSE: It didn’t take long for Watauga to take advantage as the first quarter was winding down. After the missed field goal, Watauga had the ball at their own 20-yard line — but a false start penalty moved them back to their own 15. No matter, said QB Cade Keller, who on the first play found wide receiver Nyle Peays in the left flat and the speedy senior turned upfield to outrace the only Spartan defender with a glimmer of a chance to stop him. One last desperate lunge by the DB nicked the back of Peays’ heel, but he stepped out of it and finished his race to the goal line.
• OFFENSE: After a Watauga fumble was recovered by Sun Valley’s Andrew Doody, the Spartans made short work of the good field position to score a TD and knot the game at 14-14. But in response, it took Keller & Co. just three plays to push the home team back to the lead, 21-14. First, Keller found Peays for a 15-yard gain to near midfield. Two plays later, Keller found Bowen Mayo for a 57-yard pass-catch-and-run to TD paydirt.
• DEFENSE: Sun Valley tied the game before halftime, 21-21, then took the second half kickoff 67 yards in 10 plays with a methodical drive that could well have spelled doom for the Pioneers, facing a 28-21 deficit and potential loss of momentum. Rather than allow Sun Valley to establish dominance, however, the Pioneers’ defense buckled down and forced a three-and-out possession by the Spartans, then another 5-play stoppage to force an SV punt. Watauga effectively put the brakes on Sun Valley’s Cullen, with key stops by Everett Gryder, Crue Stoddard, Nyle Peays, Bowen Mayo and Brady Lindenmuth — and critical “QB hurries” with pressure on Lineberry from Matthew Leon and Lindenmuth.
• OFFENSE and SPECIAL TEAMS: Suddenly, Watauga’s offense began to look more like the opportunistic, if grinding juggernaut that Pioneer fans have come to expect. Evan Burroughs rushed around the perimeter for 17 yards. Keller completed a 4-yard pass to Mayo before manufacturing a 17-yard “keeper”. Keller to Burroughs for another 14 yards, then to Burroughs for 13 yards as the 4th quarter got underway. Matthew Leon punched ahead for three yards — then Keller found an open Bowen Mayo in the left corner of the end zone for a 12-yard TD. On the PAT, Watauga committed another “false start” penalty, making placekicker Miller Hankins’ PAT attempt more of a field goal. But with a snap-place-boot (and solid line play to protect the kicker), Hankins’s kick was straight and true to tie the game at 28-28. Could Sun Valley respond?
• DEFENSE: Nope. In three plays, the Spartans were able to manage just one yard before punting. Crue Stoddard, Bowen Mayo and John Wilson Mills all figured prominently in the three-and-out.
• OFFENSE and SPECIAL TEAMS: Getting possession of the ball at their own 46, the Pioneers went to work with good field position. Keller mixed up a balanced attack of QB keepers, rushes by Burroughs, and a 20-yard pass to Matthew Leon coming out of the backfield before the drive stalled at the Sun Valley 20-yard line. In only his second field goal attempt of the season, Miller Hankins drove the 37-yarder right down the middle for a field goal that might have been good from 50 yards.  The kick pushed Watauga back into the lead, 31-28 — but there was just over five minutes remaining on the game clock and Sun Valley was getting possession. A field goal would tie the game, but a time-consuming TD drive could well win it for the visitors.
• DEFENSE and DEFENSE: There is no obvious explanation as to why Sun Valley moved away from the punishing rushing attack featuring Zach Cullen to advance the ball and take time off the clock.  Instead, the Spartans chose to pass the ball and were initially successful with Lineberry-to-Doody completions for 7 and 25 yards. But inside Watauga territory, the Watauga defense stiffened with good defensive back play from Nyle Peays, Evan Burroughs, Everett Gryder and Bowen Mayo to thwart Lineberry passes. When Sun Valley forced a Watauga 3-and-out, the Spartans got the ball back for one final attempt to tie the game or score, with 1:43 left on the clock. It was enough time, but after advancing the ball into Watauga territory, Lineberry’s long pass down the middle of the field was intercepted by the Pioneers’ Everett Gryder at his own 30. With just 50 seconds remaining on the game clock, Watauga’s 31-28 victory was all but in hand, advancing the Pioneers to the 6A West championship game — the North Carolina 6A semifinals — on Dec. 5.

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The Series: Bowen Mayo (8) TD Catch-and-Run

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“It is the grit and determination of this team,” said Habich. “We knew it was going to be a battle and the weather out there is cold. We had the pre-snap penalties, with the offensive line flinching and all that. We had the turnovers, but they weren’t big turnovers. We flipped the field position a little bit with those long (pass interceptions). But our defense… We played complementary football. Ok, we turned the ball over but our defense finds a way to get a stop and we get the ball back.

“The biggest thing,” Habich continued, “is what happens after a turnover. How do you respond? Our guys responded in the right way. Our kids stayed in the fight. You keep attacking and it starts in August. You attack every challenge and adversity with a growth mindset. That’s what this team did tonight to beat a very good football team in Sun Valley.

“A lot of people may not realize how good Sun Valley is,” added Habich. “They are a very good football team, with a lot of player that were 3-year starters on varsity. We might have been the No. 1 seed in the 6A West, but Sun Valley was the No. 1 team in the power rankings that we just knocked off, tonight.”

Speaking about the defensive adjustments at halftime, Habich was candid.

“Our defensive coaches made some good adjustments,” said Habich. “We are undersized up front a little bit, but the way we slant our line and bring pressure differently, with different angles. Our coaches did a really good job with that. So many of our guys play both ways, offense and defense, so really the only opportunity we have to make adjustments is at halftime.”

With the No. 1 seed, Watauga will host the 6A West championship game against No. 2 seeded Northern Guilford (Greensboro), which defeated No. 3 Ashbrook (Gastonia), 39-14, to advance.

SCORING SUMMARY

• • Q1 – WAT: Nyle Peays, 82-yard return for TD on opening kickoff. Miller Hankins PAT is good. WAT 7, SV 0
  • Q1 – SV: Zach Cullen, 14-yard run for TD. Braden Carr PAT kick is good. WAT 7, SV 7
  • Q1 – WAT: Nyle Peays, 85 yard TD pass-catch-run from Cade Keller.  Miller Hankins PAT kick is good. WAT 14, SV 7
  • Q2 – SV: Joshua Bell, 1-yard TD run. Braden Carr PAT kick is good. WAT 14, SV 14
  • Q2 – WAT: Bowen Mayo, 57 yard TD pass-catch-run from Cade Keller. Miller Hankins PAT kick is good. WAT 21, SV 14
  • Q2 – SV: Zach Cullen, 4-yard TD run. Braden Carr PAT kick is good. WAT 21, SV 21
  • Q3 – SV: Thanasi, Papazis, 13-yard TD pass from Noah Lineberry. Braden Carr PAT kick is good. WAT 21, SV 28
  • Q4 – WAT: Bowen Mayo, 12 yard TD pass from Cade Keller. Miller Hankins PAT kick is good. WAT 28, SV 28
  • Q4 – WAT: Miller Hankins, 37-yard field goal. WAT 31, SV 28

SELECTED TEAM STATS

• • Total Offense, Yards: SV 363, WAT 319
  • First Downs: SV 22, WAT 12
  • Net Yards Rushing: SV 206, WAT 74
  • Net Yards Passing: SV 157, WAT 245
  • Turnovers
    • Interceptions: SV 1, WAT 2
    • Fumbles Lost: SV 0, WAT 1
  • Penalties-Yards: SV 3-15, WAT 7-40
  • Time of Possession: SV 29:38, WAT 18:22
  • 3rd Down Conversions: SV 6 of 16, WAT 1 of 6
  • 4th Down Conversions: SV 3 of 5, WAT 0 of 2

INDIVIDUAL OFFENSIVE STATS

Passing

• • WAT – Cade Keller: completed 14 of 22, 3 TDs, 2 INTs
  • SV – Noah Lineberry: completed 17 of 30, 1 TD, 1 INT

Receiving

• • WAT – Nyle Peays: 2 receptions for 100 yards, 1 TD
  • SV – Andrew Doody: 9 receptions for 82 yards
  • WAT – Bowen Mayo: 4 receptions for 81 yards, 2 TDs
  • WAT – Evan Burroughs: 7 receptions for 44 yards
  • SV – Thanasi Papazis: 3 receptions for 36 yards, 1 TD
  • SV – Zach Cullen: 2 receptions for 28 yards
  • WAT – Matthew Leon: 1 reception for 20 yards
  • SV – Chris Stafford: 2 receptions for 12 yards

Rushing

• • SV – Zach Cullen: 37 carries for 168 yards, 2 TDs
  • WAT – Cade Keller: 5 carries for 37 yards
  • WAT – Evan Burroughs: 5 carries for 24 yards
  • SV – Joshua Bell: 6 carries for 24 yards, 1 TD
  • WAT – Matthew Leon: 9 carries for 15 yards
  • SV – Noah Lineberry: 2 carries for 11 yards

DEFENSIVE HIGHLIGHTS

• • SV – Brandon Creech: 7 tackles
  • SV – Xavier Flowe: 6 tackles, tackle for loss (TFL)
  • SV – Malachi Mays: 6 tackles, TFL
  • SV – Zach Cullen: 5 tackles, TFL
  • SV – Thanasi Papazis, 4 tackles, 1 pass INT
  • SV – Andrew Doody: 2 tackles, 1 fumble recovery, 1 pass breakup
  • SV – Joseph Jones: 1 tackle, 1 pass INT
  • SV – Joshua Bell: 1 tackles,TFL
  • WAT – Everett Gryder: 15 tackles, 1 pass INT, 1 pass breakup, 1 QB hurry
  • WAT – John Wilson Mills: 12 tackles, 2 QB hurries
  • WAT – Bowen Mayo: 11 tackles, 2 TFLs, 1 pass breakup
  • WAT – Thomas Deiters: 11 tackles. TFL
  • WAT – Crue Stoddard: 10 tackles, TFL, QB hurry
  • WAT – Matthew Leon: 6 tackles, TFL, QB hurry
  • WAT – Nyle Peays: 6 tackles, pass breakup
  • WAT – Brady Lindenmuth: 6 tackles, pass breakup, QB hurry
  • WAT – Kyle Williams: 3 tackles, TFL, pass breakup
  • WAT – Aiden Plemons: 4 tackles
  • WAT – Evan Burroughs: 1 tackle, pass breakup

BONUS PHOTOS

All images captured by Jared Everett, processed by David Rogers for High Country Sports

By David Rogers. BOONE, N.C. — Neither Josie Mayo or Mia Mitchell are going to make Watauga women’s basketball fans forget 2-time state MVP Kate Sears any time soon, perhaps, but the talented freshmen duo should prove a good foundation for head coach Bill Torgerson to build around. They demonstrated just that on Nov. 22 in a non-conference rivalry game vs. Avery County, winning 53-46.

Of the 11 players on the Pioneers varsity for the 2025-26 campaign, only seniors Izzy Torgerson and Shelby Thompson return having played meaningful minutes a year ago. With those two seniors, five juniors, a sophomore and three freshmen comprising the Watauga roster, Torgerson is in the early weeks of a rebuilding year while teaching his young charges what he wants to happen in various situations, as well as the nomenclature.

Mayo and Mitchell, with 15 and 12 points, respectively, joined junior Izzy Mohr (10 points) in double figures, scoring-wise. The two seniors, Torgerson and Thompson added 7 and 5 points, respectively, while sophomore Charlie Mattox contributed 4 more points to account for the Pioneers’ scoring effort.

Defensively, Watauga kept the Vikings subdued for much of the match, their pressing defense forcing multiple turnovers, but starting guard/small forward Marley Jones got loose to record a game-high 20 points on the afternoon, while shooting guard Caroline Hollifield added a respectable 11 points.

Watauga jumped out to a 6-2 lead, but Avery County used their own pesky defense to force Pioneer turnovers and, led by Jones and Hollifield, made 8-0 and 10-0 runs that narrowed any large deficits.

This may prove to be the best “length” for a Watauga team in recent memory. There are no 6-footers — although the freshmen still have an opportunity to grow — but the roster includes five players between 5-8 and 5-11: Susanna Goff (5-11), Mitchell (5-9), Mayo (5-8), Torgerson (5-8), and Mohr (5-8).

With the win, Watauga evened their early season record to 1-1, while the junior- and senior-laden Avery County squad suffered their first loss (4-1). The Pioneers return to action on Nov. 25, 6:30 p.m., hosting Mountain Heritage in Lentz Eggers Gym. It will be the Burnsville-based team’s first competition of the year.

BONUS PHOTOS (All photographic images by David Rogers for High Country Sports)

 

By David Rogers. BOONE, N.C. — There was high gridiron drama at Jack Groce Stadium on Nov. 21. The outcome of Watauga’s clash with perennial powerhouse Charlotte Catholic in the 6A West quarterfinals of the state playoffs wasn’t decided until the final seconds but, in the end, the Pioneers’ “prevent defense” lived up to its name with two pass interceptions in the waning minutes to secure a 27-19 win.

That 8-point final difference is a bit deceiving, though. This contest was closer than that.

Watauga struck for end zone gold in the Pioneers’ first two offensive possessions and, in the early going, denied Catholic’s rushing attack much in the way of movement. The regular tenants of Jack Groce Stadium took a 14-0 lead midway through the first half, but would it be enough?

 

 

The Cougars won the coin toss and wanted the ball first, but thanks to a stingy Pioneer defense were forced to punt after just six plays.

Starting with the ball at their own 28-yard line, Watauga promptly unveiled a perimeter attack featuring screen passes from QB Cade Keller to WR Evan Burroughs for a 10-play, 72-yard near-error free drive, highlighted by wide receiver Bowen Mayo finishing things off with a 6-yard TD run.

Watauga’s defense was impressive when the Cougars took possession after the kickoff at their own 36. Led by Everett Gryder, Crue Stoddard, John Wilson Mills and Mayo, the Pioneers stood up Catholic’s top running backs, Garrett Nowlan and Max Whalen, for no gain on the drive’s first two plays, then Gryder was Johnny-on-the-spot in limiting QB Chase Kummer’s completed pass to Nowlan coming out of the backfield to just two yards.

Watauga got the ball back with good field position at the 50-yard line when CC’s punter, Jude Spisso — under pressure from the Pioneers’ special teams unit — sliced the ball off the side of his foot. The Pioneers took advantage of the miscue, Keller orchestrating a 9-play drive that covered that 50 yards in just under four minutes, with running back Matthew Leon punching the ball into the end zone for the final yard. With yet another Miller Hankins PAT kick, Watauga sported a 14-0 early lead and Charlotte Catholic had barely seen the ball.

After the game, Watauga head coach Ryan Habich gave credit to the team’s offensive coaches for designing a game plan to go around Charlotte Catholic’s nearly impenetrable defensive line.

“We had to attack the perimeter,” said Habich, “and I consider those short screen passes out there to Burroughs behind the line of scrimmage to be running plays.”

Faced with a 14-0 early deficit, Charlotte Catholic had no intention of folding up their tents and slink off into the stillness of the night. The Cougars got on the board at the 5:09 mark of the second quarter with the kind of offensive drive for which they are known: a punishing, 13-play, 65-yard drive that kept Watauga’s dynamic offense off the field for more than six minutes. It was a one-two, CC punch featuring Nowlan and Whalen, picking up one- to seven-yard chunks before a Kummer-to-Kellan Nalitz 13-yard pass put the Cougars on the Watauga 10. Whalen ground out half the remaining distance, then Nowlan finished things off with a 5-yard TD run.

Once Watauga got the ball back, though, they produced their own 13-play scoring drive, going 77 yards in 3:41, capped off by an 18-yard TD pass from Keller to Mayo, twisting and wrestling his way into paydirt. The drive saw a lot of those Keller to Burroughs screen passes, again attacking the Cougars’ defensive perimeter, but Keller mixed things up with other pass completions to Mayo and the versatile Nyle Peays.

The drive allowed Watauga to go into the locker room at intermission with a heady, 21-7 lead — but Charlotte Catholic had demonstrated it could move the football.

Receiving the opening kickoff of the third quarter, Watauga looked to again be in control of both the clock and offensive possession. They got the ball on their own 20 when Charlotte Catholic placekicker Aidan Flynn sailed the kickoff over 60 yards and into the end zone for a touchback. Keller mixed in short passes to Burroughs, Mayo and Peays around a 28-yard run by Burroughs on a pitchout, around the outside.

In 10 plays, the Pioneers got the ball down to the Catholic 2-yard line and looked poised to score. But that formidable CC defensive front turned back Watauga attempts to get the ball in the end zone four times from 1st-and-goal from the CC10-yard line.

Charlotte Catholic inherited the ball at their own 3-yard line — and delivered. It took eight plays of short runs and short passes to get the ball out to their own 25-yard line and some “breathing room,” then Kummer hit tight end Jack Reilly in the right flat. The big Cougar senior evaded a couple of tackles, then outran the rest of the Pioneer defense for a 75-yard touchdown. The Cougar score narrowed the deficit to 21-13.

Catholic’s PAT kick was blocked by Watauga’s Gryder, providing an important end-of-game dynamic. On their ensuing possession, the Pioneers were held to a 3-and-out, giving the ball back to the Cougars with reasonable field position at their own 32 yard line. They couldn’t do much with it, having to punt after just six plays. A short time later, though, Watauga’s Peays received a pass at the Pioneers’ 37, the hit for no gain forcing a fumble that was alertly recovered by Catholic’s senior defensive lineman Dominic Basrawala.

Now, with good field position, Charlotte Catholic could potentially tie the game with a TD and a 2-point conversion.

They got the TD, covering the 37 yards’ distance in seven plays, highlighted by a 14-yard pass from Kummer to Nowlan and capped by a pair of “tush push” style keepers by Kummer behind his big offensive line into the end zone, shrinking the Pioneer advantage to just 21-19. With just over four minutes remaining on the game clock, Charlotte Catholic had little choice but to go for a 2-point conversion to tie the game, but Kummer’s pass over the middle was intercepted by the Pioneers’ Burroughs to deny the Cougars’ knotting the score.

To their credit, Catholic’s defense did their part to give the visitors another chance to win the game, although Watauga made it tough with savvy clock management. Starting at their own 23-yard line, Watauga used up almost four minutes of game clock before Keller was forced to punt. He angled the ball out of bounds to the right side, the ball crossing the sideline at the CC12.

It was desperation time for the Cougars, faced with just 38 seconds to try and move the ball 88 yards and possibly win the game with a TD. A penalty pushed the ball back even further, to the Cougars’ 7-yard line, so now with only 34 seconds to go 93 yards. After an incomplete Kummer pass attempt, the junior QB rolled into his own end zone and threw back to the right flat — but Watauga’s Matthew Leon read it perfectly, stepping in front of the intended receiver to poach the ball and sprint into the end zone for his first interception of the season and his first “Pick 6” as a Pioneer.

The Cougars had one more chance, receiving the kickoff and starting a next offensive possession at their own 32 — but with only 19 seconds remaining. It was desperation time again and Kummer’s long pass on first down, almost predictably, was intercepted by Burroughs near midfield. It was game over once Keller took a knee for one play in victory formation.

Coach Habich acknowledged later that his defensive coaches had Leon, Burroughs and their comrades in “prevent” schemes for both of the INTs.

“Charlotte Catholic is not really known as a passing team,” said Habich, “so we had an advantage there.”

For the host Pioneers, it was one of the program’s most impressive wins against a powerful opponent, a multi-dimensional performance of complementary football.

Keller finished the game having completed 29-of-40 pass attempts for 199 yards, one TD, and no interceptions. The offensive line held up well against the bigger Cougar defensive line and linebackers, not giving up a single QB sack.

Burroughs collected 17 of Keller’s passes for 91 yards and added 5 carries on the ground for a net of 43 yards.

Defensively, John Wilson Mills tallied six solo tackles and nine assisted tackles for a total of 15, to lead all defenders. Not counting Burroughs INT on the late 2-point conversion attempt by the Cougars to tie the game (on PAT’s, pass interceptions are not counted, statistically. The play is just noted in the record books as a failed conversion), the two late turnovers by the Cougars in the face of Watauga’s prevent defense turned out to be critical defensive plays.

No. 1-seeded Watauga (12-0) advances to the fourth round of the 6A state playoffs and the semifinals of the 6A West. The Pioneers will host the 6A West’s No. 5 seed, Sun Valley, which upset No. 4 Freedom, 46-20.

In the bottom half of the 6A West bracket, No. 3 Ashbrook defeated No. 11 Dudley, 15-7 and No. 2 Northern Guilford trumped No. 10 Kings Mountain, 37-7.

SELECTED TEAM STATS

• • Total Offensive Yards: CC 237, WAT 318
  • Net Yards Passing: CC 124, WAT 199
  • Net Yards Rushing: CC 113, WAT 119
  • First Downs: CC 13, WAT 21
  • Penalties: CC 5-40, WAT 3-25
  • Interceptions By: CC 0, WAT 2
  • Fumbles Lost By: CC 0, WAT 1
  • Time of Possession: CC 23:38, WAT 24:22
  • 3rd Down Conversions: CC 5-of-11, WAT 6-of-11
  • 4th Down Conversions: CC 2-of-2, WAT 1-of-2
  • Red Zone Scores: CC 2-of-2, WAT 3-of-4

SELECTED INDIVIDUAL OFFENSIVE STATS

Passing

• • WAT – Cade Keller: 29-34-199, 1 TD, no INTs
  • CC – Chase Kummer: 9-14-124, 1 TD, 2 INTs

Rushing

• • CC – Garrett Nowlan: 14-49, 1 TD
  • WAT – Evan Burroughs: 5-43
  • CC – Max Whelan: 12-31
  • WAT – Cade Keller: 5-28
  • WAT – Everett Gryder: 5-25
  • CC – Kellan Nalitz: 5-23
  • WAT – Matthew Leon: 8-19, 1 TD
  • WAT – Bowen Mayo: 1-6, 1 TD
  • CC – Frank O’Brien: 1-4
  • CC – Chase Kummer: 3-3, 1 TD
  • CC – Lukas Lupinski: 1-3

Receiving

• • WAT – Evan Burroughs: 17-91
  • CC – Jack Reilly: 3-85, 1 TD
  • WAT – Bowen Mayo: 7-54, 1 TD
  • WAT – Nyle Peays: 4-45
  • CC – Garrett Nowlan: 3-21
  • CC- Kellen Nalitz: 1-13
  • WAT – Tyler Leyshon: 1-7
  • CC – Michael Brady: 1-7

DEFENSIVE HIGHLIGHTS

• • WAT – John Wilson Mills: 15 total tackles
  • WAT – Thomas Deiters: 12 total tackles, TFL, Pass BreakUp
  • CC – Caden O’Neill: 10 total tackles
  • CC – Andrew Kuhn: 9 total tackles
  • CC – Keenen Teeter: 9 total tackles
  • WAT – Crue Stoddard: 8 total tackles
  • CC – Teddy Vellio: 8 total tackles
  • WAT – Everett Gryder: 7 total tackles, blocked PAT
  • CC – Dominic Basrawala: 6 total tackles, TFL, Fumble Recovery
  • WAT – Brady Lindenmuth: 5 total tackles, TFL
  • CC – Carter Garnett: 5 total tackles, TFL
  • CC – Danny Ostergaard: 5 total tackles
  • WAT – Bowen Mayo: 4 total tackles
  • WAT – Cayman Hayes: 4 total tackles
  • CC – Lukas Lupinski: 4 total tackles, TFL
  • CC – Cooper Abrams: 4 total tackles
  • WAT – Matthew Leon: 3 total tackles, 1 INT, 1 TD
  • WAT – Kyle Williams: 2 total tackles
  • WAT – Aidan Plemons: 2 total tackles
  • CC – Jackson Williamson: 2 total tackles
  • WAT – Evan Burroughs: 1 total tackles, 1 INT

 

 

 

 

 

By David Rogers. BOONE, N.C. — Just one look at the stat sheet and it would be easy to call Watauga’s 47-6 win over St. Stephens in Round 2 of the NCHSAA 6A state playoffs, “The Keller and Burroughs Show.” While QB Cade Keller and wingback Evan Burroughs ran the ball into the end zone twice, each, and combined for two more TDs playing pitch-and-catch, the Pioneers’ dominating performance over the Indians in all three phases of the game was perhaps the most complete argument this season for their No. 1 seeding in the 6A West playoffs bracket.

Two pass interceptions, one each by Burroughs and Nyle Peays with healthy returns both times; a quarterback sack by senior defensive lineman Brady Lindenmuth; at least five QB hurries turned in by a combined force of John Wilson Mills, Everett Gryder, Crue Stoddard and Thomas Deiters; a fumble recovery Burroughs; and a stout run defense led by Lindenmuth, Mills, Gryder, Matthew Leon, Stoddard and Aidan Plemons that all but stonewalled the Indians’ rushing attack… it was all that the Pioneers’ defensive coaching staff could ask for.

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The Series:

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The takeaways — the pass interceptions and fumble recovery — certainly helped Watauga start their offensive drives with excellent field position in the first half, but as the game wore on and St. Stephens’ deficit grew larger, desperation set in and the Indians were often “going for it” on 4th down, sometimes in their own half of the field. That led to even more good field position opportunities for the Pioneers and, more often than not, they capitalized.

Now 11-0 on the season, Watauga advances to Round 3 on Nov. 21, and will host Charlotte Catholic (7-4), the 27-0 victors over A.C. Reynolds (Asheville) in Round 2.

The Charlotte Catholic Cougars have notable losses to 7A Marvin Ridge (7-3), 6A Sun Valley (21-0), 7A Weddington (42-7) and NCISAA I-class Providence Day (32-7). Noteworthy wins include over 8A South Mecklenburg (37-14), NCISAA I-class Charlotte Christian (16-7), 6A Kings Mountain (28-21), 7A Porter Ridge (14-13, OT), 7A Cuthbertson (28-14) and 6A Piedmont (49-0).

Kickoff for the Round 3 matchup is tentatively set for 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 21, at Jack Groce Stadium.

6A West Scores in Round 2

• No. 1 Watauga 47, No. 16 St. Stephens 6
• No. 8 Charlotte Catholic 27, No. 9 A C Reynolds 0
• No. 5 Sun Valley 42, No. 12 Olympic 6
• No. 4 Freedom 40, No. 20 Central Cabarrus 6
• No. 3 Ashbrook 20, No. 14 Statesville 14
• No. 11 Dudley 21, No. 6 Asheboro 6
• No. 10 Kings Mountain 21, No. 7 T.C. Rogerson 20
• No. 2 Northern Guilford 39, No. 15 Asheville 6

SCORING SUMMARY

• Q1- WAT: 23-yard run by Cade Keller, Miller Hankins PAT; 7-0
• Q1- WAT: 16-yard pass from Keller to Evan Burroughs, Hankins PAT fails; 13-0
• Q2- WAT: 36-yard pass from Keller to Burroughs, Hankins PAT; 20-0
• Q2- WAT: 2-yard run by Everett Gryder, Hankins PAT; 27-0
• Q2- WAT:2-yard run by Keller, 2-point conversion fails; 33-0
• Q2- WAT: 17-yard run by Burroughs, Hankins PAT; 40-0
• Q3- WAT: 3-yard run by Burroughs, Hankins PAT; 47-0
• Q4- SST: 1-yard run by Josiah Brown, PAT fails; 47-6

SELECTED WATAUGA OFFENSIVE STATS (Unofficial)

Rushing

• • WAT – Everett Gryder: 8 carries, 54 yards
  • WAT – Cade Keller: 8 carries, 60 yards, 2 TDs
  • WAT – Evan Burroughs: 4 carries, 26 yards, 2 TDs
  • WAT – Matthew Leon: 3 carries, 25 yards,

Passing

• • WAT – Cade Keller: 10-of-13, 161 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT

Receiving

• • Evan Burroughs: 3-for-82, 2 TDs
  • Nyle Peays: 5-for-90
  • Bowen Mayo: 1-for-36
  • Matthew Leon: 1-for-5
  • Everett Gryder: 1-for-3

Miscellaneous

• • Miller Hankins: 5-of-6 PAT kicks

SELECTED WATAUGA DEFENSIVE STATS (UNOFFICIAL)

• • J W Mills: 6 tackles, 2 QB Hurries
  • Brady Lindenmuth: 4 tackles, QB Sack
  • Everett Gryder: 7 tackles, 3 QB Hurries
  • Bowen Mayo: 7 tackles
  • Evan Burroughs: 2 tackles, fumble recovery, INT (20-yard return)
  • Nyle Peays: 6 tackles, Pass Defended, INT (40-yard return)
  • Thomas Deiters: 3 tackles, QB Hurry
  • Aidan Plemons: 5 tackles
  • Crue Stoddard: 4 tackles
  • Matthew Leon: 3 tackles

Editor’s Note: There are wide discrepancies in our in-game stats vs. what was reported in MaxPreps at the time this article was published. We will review videotape and try to correct any errors on our part and apologize if any of our stats are miscredited.

BONUS PHOTOS

All photographic images captured by Jared Everett and processed by David Rogers for High Country Sports.