By David Rogers. BOONE, N.C. — Midway through the third quarter of the Oct. 6 junior varsity football game between host Watauga and visiting Alexander Central, the Pioneers led, 21-6. During the time remaining in the contest, each side more than doubled its offensive output.
Observing from just behind the east end zone at Jack Groce Stadium, Pioneer head coach Ryan Habich acknowledged that when a team gets a big lead, as coaches you like to get as many reserves on the field to get them some playing time. That kind of game experience, he noted, was invaluable to player development.
But giving those players experience comes with risk, especially if the opposing team leaves its starters on the field. While the risk occurs at every level, from the NFL to college to high school varsity and junior varsity, it is often more pronounced at the younger levels where there is often a greater disparity in player development.
That at least in part explains the scoring eruption on both sides at Jack Groce Stadium on an otherwise beautiful, early autumn evening: perfect weather for football.
We saw an 80-yard pass play to TD by Alexander Central. We saw touchdown passes and TD runs from the Pioneers. It was all heady stuff for the many fans in the grandstands.
SELECTED WATAUGA INDIVIDUAL STATS
Passing
- Matthew Habich 1 pass, 63 yards, 1 TD
Rushing
- Everett Gryder 5 carries, 143 yards, 2 TDs
- Matthew Habich 4 carries, 72 yards, 1 TD
- Evan Burroughs 2 carries, 54 yards, 1 TD
- Cade Keller 5 carries, 44 yards, 2 TDs
Receiving
- Luke Edmisten 1 catch, 63 yards, 1 TD
Defensive Highlights
- Luke Edmisten 1 pass interception
- Evan Burroughs 1 pass interception
Statistics provided by Watauga JV head coach Marshall Thomas
