Macie Greene - MNJ Intern
After a win against the Rosman Tigers on Oct. 20, the Mitchell High School Mountaineers were ready to take on the Avery Vikings on Friday night, Oct. 27, as they honored their senior players.
Sixteen football players, seven cheerleaders, and one band member were honored during senior night on the Mountaineer field.
Playing their last season for Mountaineer football are Chase Duncan, Dillon Barnett, Kaden Phillips, Darrien Pugh, Jordan Riddle, Austin Styles, Marley McCourry, Rylan Cooper, Sage Biddix, Jeremiah Greene, Shedrick Barrow, Trey Boone, Bryson Hodge, Lucas Yelton, MJ Ledford, and Cameron Cook.
The seven cheerleaders recognized were Addison McEntire, Abby Richardson, Ashlyn Buchanan, Linsie Smith, Rylee Carver, Brinkley Hodshon, and manager Kedren Hughes.
The last senior to be recognized during the night was Jayden Burleson, a member of the Mountaineer Marching Band.
Each of the seniors’ contributions to Mitchell County and Mitchell High School programs are appreciated. This football program has meant so much to the senior football players as “it was a cool experience,” said senior running back Marley McCourry.
To start the game junior quarterback Caleb Cook threw a four-yard pass to senior Rylan Cooper for the first Mountaineer touchdown of the game. The seven-point lead didn’t last long when the Vikings threw a 61-yard-pass and ran it in for a touchdown.
The Mountaineers stayed focused and in the second quarter they came out ready to play. For senior receiver Darrien Pugh’s first ever Mountaineer touchdown he caught an 11-yard pass from Caleb Cook, making him player of the game on senior night.
“I’m just glad I had the chance to showcase my ability and it is such an honor to receive this award on such a special night,” said Pugh.
Sophomore KJ Pittman’s touchdown came next as he ran eight yards to make it into the end zone for the third Mountaineer touchdown of the game.
To end the first half senior Chase Duncan ran 15 yards to secure the Mountaineers lead of 43-7. The third quarter was much like the first, leading with senior Marley McCourry’s 3-yard touchdown. The Vikings were able to answer back with their very own 13-yard touchdown going into the fourth quarter with a Mountaineer lead of 41-14.
The fourth quarter started out with a Vikings touchdown, but the Mountaineers were able to get one of their own from junior Cole Young with a 27-yard rushing touchdown and a good kick from junior Chris Wences.
The Vikings scored the last touchdown of the game with the finishing score of 48-28, making it the Mountaineers eighth win overall.
“It was fun to be able to win on senior night,” said senior Dillon Barnett, “since it’s the last guaranteed home game of my senior year.”
What’s next
Following Friday night’s win the Mountaineers head to the playoffs. They will face East Wilkes this Friday, Nov. 3 in Ledger. Kick-off will be at 7 p.m.