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.
By Zach Smith. BOONE, N.C. — All good things eventually come to an end and here is how the Watauga Pioneers’ 2023 football season came to a close at Jack Groce Stadium on Nov. 17.
Team Leaders
#2 Watauga
QB/DB #4 Maddox Greene (Jr)
RB #44 Everett Gryder (So)
Has not played since Oct. 27 injury
WB/DB #12 Evan Burroughs (So)
TE/LB #9 Jackson Pryor (Sr)
#23 Independence
QB #7 Justin Little (Jr)
RB #21 Jayden Jones (So)
WR #3 Vontrez Burch (Sr)
TE #17 Will Brown (Sr)
Play by Play
Watauga wins toss, elects to receive opening kickoff
Watauga ball at their own 20
Penalty: False start against Watauga, 1st and 015 at their own 15
Everett Gryder carries up the middle for 1 yard
Gryder carries up the middle for 2 yards
Maddox Greene scrambles right for 28 yards
Cade Keller scrambles for no gain
Gryder carries up the middle for 3 yards
Evan Burroughs carries right for 7 yards
Gryder arries up the middle for 3 yards
Greene carries left for 6 yards
Greene carries right for 4 yards
TOUCHDOWN WATAUGA
#4 Maddox Greene 31-yard pass (1) to #14 Morgan Henry (1)
#41 Jack Wilson PAT is good
Watauga 7 Independence 0
Independence ball at their own 49
Jayden Jones carries right for 5 yards
Penalty: Holding against Independence, 2nd and 11 at their own 48
Justin Little pass complete left to Jones for 45 yards
TOUCHDOWN INDEPENDENCE
#21 Jayden Jones 7-yard rush (1)
#87 Lyric Kopera PAT is good
Watauga 7 Independence 7
Watauga ball at their own 20
Greene tackled for loss of 1 yard
Gryder carries up the middle for 3 yards
Greene pass complete right to Jackson Pryor for 12 yards
Greene carries left for 8 yards
Penalty: Facemask against Independence, 1st and 10 at their own 47
Greene carries right for 1 yard
Greene carries up the middle for 5 yards
Burroughs carries right for 1 yard
Timeout Watauga (1)
Greene carries up the middle for 1 yard
Turnover on downs
Independence ball at their own 45
Jones carries left for 13 yards
Jones carries up the middle for 11 yards
Penalty: Ineligible man downfield against Independence, 1st and 15 at Watauga 36
Jones carries up the middle for 10 yards
Travis Hill carries right for 4 yards
Jones carries right for 9 yards
Little scrambles left for 3 yards
TOUCHDOWN INDEPENDENCE
#21 Jayden Jones 11-yard rush (1)
#87 Lyric Kopera PAT is good
Watauga 7 Independence 14
Watauga ball at their own 17
Gryder carries left for 9 yards
Gryder carries for no gain
Gryder carries left for 4 yards
Greene pass incomplete
Greene pass incomplete
Greene pass complete left to Burroughs for no gain
Watauga punts
Independence ball at their own 34
Hill carries right for 2 yards
Little scrambles left for 14 yards
Jones tackled for loss of 6 yards
Carson Gunnell-Beck with the TFL
Little pass complete over the middle to Will Brown for 16 yards
Penalty: Unsportsmanlike conduct against Independence, 1st and 10 at their own 47
Jones carries up the middle for 9 yards
Little pass complete right to Coleton Belcher for 12 yards
Jones carries up the middle for 9 yards
Hill carries right for 5 yards
Jones carries left for 2 yards
Little pass complete right to Belcher for 11 yards
TOUCHDOWN INDEPENDENCE
#7 Justin Little 4-yard rush (1)
#87 Lyric Kopera PAT is good
Watauga 7 Independence 21
Watauga ball at their own 19
Greene carries for no gain
Matthew Leon carries left for 2 yards
Penalty: Offsides against Independence, 3rd and 3 at their own 26
Greene carries left for 38 yards
Greene pass incomplete
Greene pass incomplete
Penalty: Illegal touching against Watauga, 4th and 16 at Independence 42
Greene pass incomplete
Turnover on downs
Independence ball at their own 42
Jones carries right for 5 yards
HALFTIME
Key Stats
Watauga
QB/DB # 4 Maddox Greene
10 car., 90 yards, 9.0 avg.
RB #44 Everett Gryder
8 car., 25 yards, 3.1 avg.
Independence
QB #7 Justin Little
4/4, 84 yards
RB #21 Jayden Jones
12 car., 85 yards, 7.1 avg., 2 TD
3rd Quarter
Independence ball at their own 49
Jones carries right for 6 yards
Little carries for no gain
TOUCHDOWN INDEPENDENCE
#7 Justin Little 45-yard pass (1) to #3 Vontrez Burch
#87 Lyric Kopera PAT is good
Watauga 7 Independence 28
Watauga ball at their own 20
Burroughs carries right for 4 yards
Gryder carries up the middle for 6 yards
Greene carries left for 2 yards
Greene pass incomplete
Greene pass complete left to Henry for 14 yards
Gryder carries up the middle for 8 yards
Greene pass complete right to Pryor for 15 yards
Greene sacked for loss of 5 yards
Greene tackled for loss of 1 yard
Greene pass complete left to Pryor for 16 yards
Gryder carries left for 2 yards
Greene pass incomplete
TOUCHDOWN WATAUGA
#4 Maddox Greene 19-yard pass (2) to #14 Morgan Henry (2)
#41 Jack Wilson PAT is good
Watauga 14 Independence 28
Penalty: Offsides against Watauga, Watauga to kick off from their own 35
Penalty: Illegal touching on onside attempt by Watauga
Independence ball at Watauga 49
Jones carries up the middle for 6 yards
Little pass complete over the middle to Burch for 20 yards
Jones carries right for 13 yards
Jones carries up the middle for 8 yards
TOUCHDOWN INDEPENDENCE
#21 Jayden Jones 2-yard rush (2)
#87 Lyric Kopera PAT is blocked
Watauga 14 Independence 34
Watauga ball at their own 20
Gryder carries up the middle for 2 yards
Greene carries up the middle for 9 yards
Penalty: Personal foul against Independence, 1st and 10 at their own 46
Gryder carries right for 4 yards
Gryder carries up the middle for 3 yards
Sideline warning against Independence, 1st and 10 at Independence 32
Gryder carries right for 1 yard
Henry tackled for loss of 1 yard
Penalty: Pass interference against Independence, 1st and 10 at Independence 17
Turnover: Greene pass intercepted
Independence ball at their own 1
Penalty: Facemask against Watauga, 1st and 4 at their own 6
Jones carries right for 5 yards
Jones carries left for 2 yards
Jones carries up the middle for 5 yards
Little pass complete right to Belcher for 5 yards
Laramey Watson carries left for 2 yards
Hill carries up the middle for 3 yards
Little pass complete left to Burch for 12 yards
Watson tackled for loss of 2 yards
Henry with the TFL
Watson carries left for 3 yards
Little sacked for loss of 8 yards
Timeout Independence (1)
Independence punts
Watauga ball at their own 38
Greene pass incomplete
Gryder carries up the middle for 2 yards
Greene pass complete left to Burroughs for 8 yards
Greene pass incomplete
Burroughs tackled for loss of 3 yards
Timeout Watauga (1)
Greene pass complete left to Burroughs for 14 yards
Greene pass incomplete
Penalty: False start against Watauga, 2nd and 15 at Independence 46
Greene pass complete right to Burroughs for 9 yards
Greene pass incomplete
Greene pass complete left to Pryor for 7 yards, Pryor pitches to Gryder, Gryder carries for 22 yards
By David Rogers. BLOWING ROCK, N.C. — Boone Area Chamber of Commerce CEO David Jackson may have lovingly called the Nov. 15 “State of the Community” luncheon hosted at Blowing Rock’s Chetola Mountain Resort his organization’s “nerd event,” but the Evergreen Room was filled with like-minded individuals appreciative of the information shared as well as for the networking opportunity.
Lunch was, of course, scrumptious with three different choices of meat, including BBQ pork straight off the pig being carved right before your very eyes. A favorite side dish? Pimento Mac & Cheese.
Julie O’Dell of Blue Ridge Energy speaks to packed house at Chetola Mountain Resort for the ‘State of the Community’ event. Photographic image by David Rogers
In some respects, of course, the event was a celebration of the past year’s Boone Area Chamber of Commerce accomplishments, including the grand opening of the organization’s new headquarters and Jackson’s recapitulation of the planning process leading up to it. In addition, he reminded the attendees of the Chamber’s core operational pillars of Community, Education, Advocacy and Connection.
Jackson also acknowledged the three primary obstacles that the business community has in attracting key employees: available childcare, housing and workforce development. All to frequently, he said, good candidates for hiring arrive and quickly rethink any decision because of an inability to find affordable housing. Businesses choose not to relocate because workforce deficiencies. Many people choose other options because of perceived inadequacies in available childcare.
Cyndi Dancy of Dancy Research. Photographic image by David Rogers
Collaborating with the now in-house Watauga Economic Development Commission administered by the Boone Chamber, Jackson outlined initiatives of BACC in all three areas.
He introduced Cyndi Dancy, owner and principal of Dancy Research, who is leading the Boone Chamber and Watauga Economic Development Commission’s joint study on Childcare in the area. Dancy started her presentation with a startling number about the importance of childcare to economic development: that 90 percent of a child’s brain development occurs by the time he or she has reached the age of kindergarten (5 years old). Dancy went on to report on both employer and parent surveys that her agency hopes to complete by the end of November about childcare services in the area.
Joe Furman of Watauga Economic Development commission. Photographic image by David Rogers
Joe Furman, the Executive Director of the Watauga Economic Develop Commission outlined the group’s membership, the recent history of meetings, and some of the activities in which the EDC is engaged regarding Housing and Workforce Development, as well as the work in Childcare.
Jim Hamilton, a longtime county extension director for the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service, discussed the importance of agriculture, in particular focusing on three areas: Christmas Trees, meat production, and locally grown food crops.
Jim Hamilton, agricultural advisor. Photographic image by David Rogers
Hamilton reported that Watauga County is the 39th most likely county nationally to lose agricultural acreage, owing at least in part to the burgeoning construction of seasonal and second homes in the region. He said that in the early 2000s, there were as many as 32 Christmas Tree farms in Watauga but that number had now shrunk to 10-12. He also offered that the new, “community friendly” meat processing plant being built adjacent to the landfill will be an important resource for area livestock producers.
Jonathan Allen, owner of Allen Wealth Management, moderated a Q&A session, which quickly attracted a lot of questions aimed at Dancy regarding Childcare.
Jonathan Allen, Allen Wealth Management. Photographic image by David Rogers
More than 100 members of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce attended the event.
By Katherine Jamtgaard. FOLEY, Ala. – The App State volleyball team opened Sun Belt Tournament action on Wednesday with a 3-0 (25-21, 25-16, 25-22) sweep of the West Division’s No. 7 seed, ULM. The East Division No. 6 seed, App State advances to the second round to take on the West Division’s No. 3 seed, Troy, Nov. 16, 4:30 p.m. CT (5:30 p.m. ET).
“I’m super proud of our team,” said head coach Sarah Rumely Noble after the match. “No one on this current roster has ever won a match in the conference tournament and so they’ve just been so driven and focused all week. I’m ecstatic that we could get the win here today.”
Photo by McDuffie Images, LLC, courtesy of Sun Belt Conference
App State 3, ULM 0
Fifth-year senior McCall Denny recorded a team high 13 kills in addition to 11 digs for her 31st career double-double. Junior Lulu Ambrose recorded 11 kills on the afternoon. Sophomore Maya Winterhoff recorded a hitting percentage of .600 and totaled a team-high seven blocks (two solo, five assists) for the Black and Gold. Redshirt freshman Katie Cruise led the team in the aces (2) and assists category (17). In the digs category, sophomore Alyssa McBean recorded a team-high 20 digs.
App State recorded 12 blocks compared to ULM’s two. App State also led ULM in digs (59-52), aces (5-2), and kills (43-41).
App State went on an early 4-0 run in the first set to take a 6-4 edge over ULM. The Mountaineers built a 12-6 lead with another 4-0 run that included a pair of kills from Ambrose, a kill from junior Lauren Pledger, and an ace from Cruise. ULM tried to catch up, but the Mountaineers maintained an 18-12 lead after a block from freshman Ava Leahy/Winterhoff, which Leahy followed up with a kill. ULM cut App State’s lead to three (23-20), but Denny slammed down a kill that sealed the set, 25-21, for the Mountaineers.
Set 2
The Mountaineers went on an early 3-0 run with a kill from Denny, a block from Denny/Winterhoff, and a Warhawk error. ULM took a 6-5 edge after a 3-0 run of its own, but App State answered with a 5-0 run that included blocks from Pledger/Ambrose, Pledger/Leahy, and an ace from Winterhoff (10-6). A trio of kills from Leahy, freshman Delanie Grevengoed, and Ambrose, in addition to a block from Pledger/Ambrose, extended App State’s lead to 14-7. Building off a pair of 3-0 runs, App State jumped ahead, 23-11. An Ambrose kill brought App State to set point. Despite being held to three set points, the Black and Gold clinched the set, 25-16.
Photo by McDuffie Images, LLC, courtesy of Sun Belt Conference
Set 3
In the third set, App State edged ahead, 3-2, after a 3-0 run that included back-to-back kills from Grevengoed and Winterhoff. A pair of kills from Winterhoff, as well as a kill from Ambrose, kept App State ahead, 6-4. A kill from Leahy and an ace from Cruise gave the Mountaineers a 9-8 edge. After a 3-0 run from ULM, App State tied the score at 11 all. Meeting at 12-12 after a kill from Denny, Grevengoed/Winterhoff went up for a block to give the Mountaineers a 13-12 lead. Back-to-back kills from Denny and Ambrose kept App State ahead, 16-14. As the Mountaineers and Warhawks fought point-for-point, App State broke away for a 22-19 lead. A kill from Grevengoed and solo block from Denny brought App State to set and match point (24-21). A kill from Denny secured the set, 25-22, and the match, 3-0, for the Mountaineers.
Up Next
The Mountaineers will take on the West Division’s No. 3 seed, Troy, in the second round of the Sun Belt Tournament on Thursday, Nov. 16, at 5:30 p.m. CT (6:30 p.m. ET). The tournament will be available to stream on ESPN+. Thursday’s match will be Troy’s first in the tournament after earning a first-round bye.
Scouting Troy
The Trojans went 14-12 (12-4 SBC) this fall. Troy had a rocky start to the season with six consecutive non-conference losses before it was able to muster a 3-1 victory against the College of Charleston on Sept. 8. The Trojans went on a 10-match win-streak that spanned from their SBC opener against Louisiana on Sept. 21, to Oct. 21. South Alabama broke the streak with a sweep of the Trojans on Oct. 26, before Troy defeated the Jaguars, 3-1 on Oct. 27. Troy posted a pair of losses against Texas State before splitting a pair of matches with Georgia Southern to close the regular season.
Tori Hester is one kill away from 400 kills this season for the Trojans and leads the team in the service aces category with 42. Following Hester in the kills category is Amiah Butler, who has 327. Janelle Stuempfig is one assist away from breaking 1,000 assists this fall. Jaci Mesa boasts a team-high 335 digs this fall, while Julia Brooks has tallied a team-high 82 blocks.
The winner of Thursday’s match will advance to Friday’s 4:30 p.m. CT (5:30 p.m. ET) quarterfinal match against East Division No. 2 seed James Madison.
2023 Sun Belt Volleyball Tournament Schedule November 15-19, 2023 | Foley, Ala. | Foley Sports Tourism Complex
First Round Results
(6W) Arkansas State 3, (7E) Georgia State 1
(6E) App State 3, (7W) ULM 0
Second Round – Thursday, November 16
Match 3 – 11:00 a.m. CT – (3E) Georgia Southern vs. (6W) Arkansas State
Match 4 – 1:30 p.m. CT – (4W) Louisiana vs. (5E) Old Dominion
Match 5 – 4:30 p.m. CT – (3W) Troy vs. (6E) App State
Match 6 – 7:00 p.m. CT – (4E) Marshall vs. (5W) Southern Miss
Quarterfinals – Friday, November 17
Match 7 – 11:00 a.m. CT – (2W) South Alabama vs. Winner Match 3
Match 8 – 1:30 p.m. CT – (1E) Coastal Carolina vs. Winner Match 4
Match 9 – 4:30 p.m. CT – (2E) James Madison vs. Winner Match 5
Match 10 – 7:00 p.m. CT – (1W) Texas State vs. Winner Match 6
Semifinals – Saturday, November 18
Match 11 – 2:00 p.m. CT – Winner Match 7 vs. Winner Match 8
Match 12 – 5:00 p.m. CT – Winner Match 9 vs. Winner Match 10
Championship – Sunday, November 19
Match 13 – 3:00 p.m. CT – Winner Match 11 vs. Winner Match 12
By David Rogers. BLOWING ROCK, N.C. — With the satellite annexation of 3.38 acres owned by Mountain Rentals, LLC, the Town of Blowing Rock’s geographic footprint and tax base grew a little bit on Nov. 14 at the November meeting of the Blowing Rock Town Council.
After gaining approval for the voluntary annexation aimed at gaining access to municipal water and sewer services because existing facilities are in decline, Mountain Rentals also won approval for a Conditional Zoning District, rezoned from GB CZ-GB, which ostensibly expands potential uses of the property, subject to approval either by the Planning Director and/or the Board of Commissioners.
Town Council meeting, Nov. 14. Photographic image by David Rogers
Mayor Charlie Sellers opened the meeting with a special recognition for the 40 years of service as town attorney by Allen Moseley, who has resigned from the position to focus on his existing private practice. He is replaced by Tucker Deal, of the law firm Deal Moseley & Smith, LLP. Moseley received a standing ovation from everyone in attendance.
It was obviously an emotional moment for Moseley as he recalled arriving in Boone in 1983 to work for attorney Charles Clement and being told he was going to represent Blowing Rock. His first question, he said, was, “Where’s Blowing Rock and how do I get there?” He went on to describe his first introductions to Mayor Hayden Pitts and town staff, concluding by saying about his 40 years of service, “I am honored to have been a part of this special place.”
In other business, the Blowing Rock Appearance Advisory Commission submitted a plan to re-organize and rename the organization, pursuant to discussion first arising at the Town Council’s retreat in June. The draft ordinance effectively widens the scope of the voluntary board previously known as BRAAC with the addition of a recreation/public land oversight component. The agency has also been acting as the Town’s “Tree Board” since 2020.
The Council members also considered proposed draft ordinance language to amortize trash enclosure areas that are not compliant with the Land Use Code. This proposal follows a survey of commercial, multi-family, and central business districts finding that of 100 dumpsters surveyed, 75 percent were compliant and 25 percent were not compliant.
By Jacob Plecker. CORVALLIS, Ore. – After trailing by 11 points at the halftime break, a Donovan Gregory tip-in layup at the buzzer capped off an incredible second-half comeback to force overtime on Nov. 14, but a hot overtime period by Oregon State (3-0) propelled the Beavers to an 81-71 victory over App State (1-2) in Gill Coliseum.
In a back-and-forth second-half slugfest that saw the Mountaineers hold the Beavers to just 20 points, Gregory and Terence Harcum helped spark a second-half comeback to force overtime in Corvallis. Gregory netted eight points in the final frame while Harcum poured in nine.
Despite the loss, it was a good night for a trio of Mountaineers as both Harcum and Justin Abson set season highs in points, while Abson added 10 rebounds and blocked a career-high six shots. Abson’s double-double was his first of the season.
Gregory notched 17 points for the second consecutive game on an efficient 8-of-2 from the field while also grabbing eight rebounds and dishing out four assists.
Mountaineer sophomore Justin Abson recorded his first double-double of the season, including this thunderous dunk at Oregon State on Nov. 14. Photo courtesy of Oregon State Athletics
How it Happened
Jordan Pope and the Beavers got off to a hot start on Tuesday as he accounted for Oregon State’s first nine points on the evening, helping the Beavers jump out to a quick 9-3 lead. The Mountaineers responded well to Pope’s barrage, going on a 14-6 run to take the lead with 10 minutes to play in the first half.
The defensive intensity by the Mountaineers picked up during their 14-6 run as App State recorded back-to-back steals to take a two-point lead. CJ Huntley’s and Tre’Von Spillers’ fastbreak layups helped cap off the App State swing.
Three-point shooting was a huge factor for the Beavers in the first half as Pope and the Beavers drained four three-pointers in the next four minutes to take the lead right back before a media timeout (under eight minutes). Pope racked up his third and fourth made three-pointers of the half before the timeout to give him 17 first-half points.
App State head coach dustin Kerns at Oregon State on Nov. 14. Photo courtesy of Oregon State Athletics
App State couldn’t capitalize on close chances to cut into the Beaver lead and Oregon State capitalized to end the first half as seven different players made a “three” in the first half for head coach Wayne Tinkle’s team. Pope’s huge first half and Oregon State’s 10 three-pointers propelled the Beavers to an 11-point lead at the break.
Abson and Gregory each played a strong half of basketball for the Mountaineers as they each tallied seven points. Abson added seven rebounds to his seven first-half points while also sending back one shot.
After a strong showing by the Beavers in the first frame, the Mountaineers answered after the break with a strong second-half start, punctuated by Spillers’ put-back dunk that cut the lead back to two with 13 minutes to play. Defensively, the Mountaineers did well to cool off the Beavers to start the final frame. Oregon State shot just 1-for-11 and turned the ball over three times during App State’s 11-2 run.
Xavion Brown (0) at Oregon State. Photo courtesy of Oregon State Athletics
It was an offensive struggle for both teams in the second half, however, as both teams endured long scoring droughts. Oregon State enjoyed a six-point lead at the under-12-minute media timeout.
After the timeout, the Mountaineers came out aggressive and jumped back in front with a quick 7-0 run fueled by four consecutive points from Gregory. Gregory’s layup to give App State a 50-49 lead marked the first time App State led in the game since it was 19-17 in the first half.
The lead changed hands once more in favor of Oregon State after Pope scored his first points of the second half. A Terence Harcum free throw trimmed the lead back to just one point before Pope drilled a three-pointer to give him 22 points — and it put the Beavers back in front by four, forcing a Mountaineer timeout.
The Beavers went on a 7-1 run after Pope’s big three to extend their lead back to seven at the under-four timeout. App State was fouled just before the timeout to put them in the double bonus for the remainder of the contest. That proved to be vital to App State’s offensive aggression to close the game.
Forcing a K C Ibekwe turnover, the Mountaineers stormed down the court looking to trim the deficit. After nearly turning the ball over, Harcum drove the paint and made an acrobatic layup with his left hand to trim the lead to just four with three minutes to play.
The Mountaineers fouled Dexter Akanno with two minutes to play, sending him to the line where he made one of two free throws to push the lead back to three. On the other side of the floor, the Mountaineers tied the game at 61 thanks to a clutch three-pointer by Christopher Mantis, his fourth of the game. Mantis has made at least three, 3-pointers in every game this season and now has 11 on the young campaign.
Mantis’ shot from long distance silenced the Beaver faithful, but Ibekwe answered right back with a put-back layup to give the Beavers the lead again with 70 seconds to play. After a pair of misses by both teams, Mantis grabbed a defensive rebound with 14 seconds to play and dished to Gregory who advanced the ball up the floor.
Gregory attacked the paint and muscled up a shot that was missed initially, but Oregon State failed to secure the possession and Gregory calmly tipped the ball back in as the horn sounded to tie the game and send it to overtime.
Gregory’s game-tying buzzer-beater forced App State’s first overtime game since last January when they went into OT at Coastal Carolina.
Donovan Gregory puts the ball back in at Oregon State. Photo courtesy of Oregon State Athletics
The extra five minutes were all Beavers as Oregon State jumped out to a fast, seven-point lead a little less than 90 seconds into the frame. An Akanno three-pointer in the corner off a nice find by Pope helped spark the run.
Gregory and the Mountaineers trimmed the lead back to five with a driving layup to tie his season-high in points with 17. Despite the bucket by Gregory, a turnover and a made transition three by Pope pushed the Beaver lead to 10 with 2:28 remaining in the contest and all but sink App State’s hopes of an impressive road win on Tuesday.
It was another strong second-half performance for App State as they fought back from an 11-point halftime deficit to force the extra five minutes, but the Beavers’ found their shooting stroke again in the overtime period and secured their third win of the year.
Top Performers
It was a strong night for a few Mountaineers on Tuesday against a Power 5 level opponent. Gregory’s heroics in the second half helped lead the Mountaineer comeback as he filled the stat sheet with 17 points, eight rebounds and four assists. Harcum’s team-high 18 points set a new season-high for the junior as he was also a factor in the comeback, scoring nine second-half points.
Abson notched a new season-high in points on Tuesday with 12 while also setting a career high with six blocks and recorded his first double-double of the year in a very strong showing. Xavion Brown’s defense on Jordan Pope in the second half was yet another reason the Mountaineers were able to come back in this game as he held Pope to just five second-half points on 2-of-5 shooting after scoring 17 points on 6-6 shooting in the first half.
Next Up
The Mountaineers will have the next week to prepare before traveling to Fort Myers, Fla., to take on the UNC Wilmington Seahawks next Tuesday at the Fort Myers Tip-Off Event. Tip off from Suncoast Arena is set for noon.
