Mountaineer football got back on the winning track Friday night as the Mountaineers traveled to Rosman and came away with a 41-14 victory.
After the Heritage game, there could easily have been a letdown with how this team reacted to an emotional loss. As has been the case during the tenure of Coach Travise Pitman, the team came out of the Heritage game and went back to work to get ready for the next opponent on the schedule.
From the outset of the game, the team went right to work. The offense got on track early in the first quarter and never looked back. Chase Duncan opened the scoring in the first quarter on a 33-yard run.
Chris Wences added the first of his 5 points-after-touchdown. Rylan Cooper scored on a 3-yard run in the first quarter. In the second quarter Caleb Cook threw two touchdown passes. The first, a 40-yarder to Rylan Cooper and the second, a 54-yard completion to Isaiah Turner which he fumbled in the end zone and Cooper recovered to secure the touchdown. In the third quarter, Cook completed a 49-yard touchdown pass to Dillon Barnett and in the fourth quarter, Cole Young scored on a 26-yard run. In all, 7 runners had at least one carry. Cook completed passes to 5 different receivers for 191 yards.
The defense turned in an outstanding performance. They limited Rosman to only 138 total yards, all on the ground. Twenty-one players recorded at least one tackle. The defense collected a total of three takeaways, one fumble recovery and two interceptions. Throughout the game, the defense continued playing well as some of the younger players were given an opportunity to play.
Mitchell vs. Avery
This week, the Mountaineers take on the Avery Vikings. Avery comes into the game with a record of 4 - 5. With a win over the Mountaineers, they could earn an at-large bid into the state playoffs. They have wins over Cherryville, McDowell, Rosman and Owen. They have as much or more confidence entering the game this week than in recent years. Offensively, they rely on the passing game for most of their offensive production. But, they have shown the ability to run the ball effectively when the opportunity arises.
Defensively, they have played well in some games. In others; their five losses, they have given up 40 or more points.
Friday night, the senior football team members will be recognized for their contributions to Mountaineer football. Not to be overlooked, the senior cheerleaders and band members will be recognized as well. It will be a fun night in Ledger for the seniors. Make plans to attend the game. Be ready for an exciting game. Wear your purple and make lots of noise cheering the Mountaineers on to another victory.
Go Mountaineers!
Passing
Caleb Cook – 7 of 9 passing
191 yards, 3 TD passes
Team Rushing Total
35 Rushing Attempts for 270 yards
3 rushers over 50 yards rushing each:
Chase Duncan, Kaj Pitman, and Rylan Cooper
Team First Downs 22
Tackles
21 players had at least 1 tackle
Team Tackle Leaders
Jace Blanton – 8 tackles
1 tackle for lost yardage
Andrew Carpenter – 8 tackles
Two Interceptions:
Junior Fernando Flores - 1
Freshman, Peyton Pitman - 1