Mitchell Middle Mountaineers running back Ashton McCandless (No. 4) gains some of his 46 yards rushing as he is pursued by a Happy Valley defender while teammate Andrew Robinson (No. 7) looks on. Mitchell defeated the Warriors 8-6 Tuesday, Aug. 29, at Memorial Stadium in Ledger.
Mitchell Middle splits first 2 games of season
LEDGER – The Mitchell Middle School Mountaineers are 1-1 this season after losing 20-14 at Watauga and defeating Happy Valley (Tennessee) 8-6 Tuesday, Aug. 29, at home.
The Mountaineers scored early against Happy Valley on an 11-yard run by Pierce Green and converted the 2-point conversion when quarterback Carter Hoyle hit Ashton McCandless in the end zone.
Mitchell held its lead most of the game against Happy Valley. The Mountaineers stopped a potential game-tying 2-point conversion by the Warriors that sealed the victory.
McCandless rushed for 46 yards on four attempts and Hoyle had 40 yards passing on six attempts.
Mitchell fumbled six times and lost three in the win.
Ty Turbyfill led the Mitchell defense with six tackles, two of which were for a loss, and had an interception. Gabe Brandt and Dalton Buchanan had five tackles, two of which were for a loss.
Hoyle rushed for 90 yards on 10 attempts and two touchdowns and completed 2-of-5 passes for 35 yards in the loss at Watauga. McCandless rushed for 40 yards on six attempts on offense and led Mitchell’s defense with seven tackles. Hunter Ingram recorded six tackles and Tyler Buchanan five for the Mountaineers.
The Middle School Mountaineers traveled to East Yancey this past Tuesday. Results of that game were not available at press time. The Mountaineers return home to host Avery at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 12, at Memorial Stadium in Ledger.