By Zach Smith. MAIDEN, N.C. — The last time Watauga visited Maiden, the Blue Devils won handily in a 47-0 shutout. This time, the Pioneers, led by star two-way players in junior Maddox Greene and senior Jackson Pryor, looked to flip the script.
Watauga entered Friday night’s contest on a 2-0 run featuring a tight, one-point victory over T.C. Roberson on Aug. 18 and a much more dominant showing against Avery County a week ago (Aug. 25). Maiden also entered the much anticipated matchup undefeated, winning convincingly against Foard before resting during their Week 2 bye.
The Pioneers wasted no time scoring, taking just five plays en route to the opening touchdown via a 28-yard connection from Greene to Pryor. Maiden quickly responded with a score of their own before Watauga posted three unanswered touchdowns. The Pioneers never relinquished their lead again, powering past Maiden in a crucial non-conference win.
Greene placed himself all over the stat sheet, throwing for nearly 170 yards while tacking on more than 60 rushing. For good measure, the multi-sport athlete added an interception and a fumble recovery on defense.
Pryor’s performance sparkled, too, hauling in four passes for 98 yards and two scores, as well as a forced fumble that was recovered by Greene.
Watauga head coach Ryan Habich spoke on how the staff manages their players who play on both sides of the ball.
“I think as they play more right now, they get in better shape,” Habich said. “But we do have to find ways to have more depth.”
Habich also mentioned how important it is for players like Greene to play both ways, both for the team and for the individual athletes.
“Maddox [Greene] has the potential to play in college as a defensive back,” said Habich. “They had a really dynamic wide receiver… that’s really good film for Maddox. I think it’s a win-win for him as a player-athlete, that you want to put him in positions where he can show what he can do for college scouts.”
The Pioneers remain undefeated, notching their third victory as they continue their road trip over the next two weeks. Watauga travels to Asheville next week to face off against A.C. Reynolds at 7:30p.m. Friday. The game, along with all other matchups for the season, can be streamed on the NFHS Network with a subscription.
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