Tennis

Coaches, please report your scores by calling (828) 232-5863. Box scores may also be e-mailed to apearson@citizen-times.com. Twitter users are encouraged to tag the Huddle with scoring updates at acthshuddle.

Hendersonville 7, Brevard 2

Singles

Aly Henneberry (B) d. Annabelle Webb 10-8; Delaney Holland (B) d. Ellie Jull 10-4; Celia Donaldson (H) d. Bailey Shuler 10-1; Georgia Long (H) d. Hannah Stansel 10-8; Suzanne Thompson (H) d. Meredith Hopper 11-10; Eleanor Knox (H) d. Sam Baughman 10-8.

Doubles

Webb-Donaldson (H) d. Henneberry-Stansel 9-7; Jull-Long (H) d. Holland-Shuler 8-6; Thompson-Lina Yokote (H) d. Hopper-Loren Smith 8-3

Records: Hend, 2-0.

West Henderson 6, Smoky Mountain 3

Singles

Veronica Judson (SM) d. Mary Elaine Bridges 5-7, 6-4, 10-8; Madison Polyasko (SM) d. Larissa Cooper 6-2, 6-1; Brynn Welch (WH) d. Taylor Moranda 6-0, 6-3; Emilee Mosso (WH) d. Mira Mault 6-1, 4-6, 10-8; McKenna Enloe (SM) d. Cammi Ochs 7-5, 2-6, 10-8; Hope Robinson (WH) d. Jordan Fox 6-0, 6-1.

Doubles

Bridges-Mosso (WH) d. Judson-Moranda 9-8; Cooper-Welch (WH) d. Polyasko-Mault 8-6; Byers-Cavanaugh (WH) d. Enloe-Fox 8-1.

Enka 6, Pisgah 3

Singles

Meredith Anderson (E) d. Cheyanne King 10-3; Dani Harris (E) d. Ali Fisher 10-4; Mae Anna Norris (P) d. Miceala Ensley 10-7; Carli Styles (P) d. Nicole Freeman 10-5; Taylor Shipman (E) d. Brooke Garland 10-7; Saajana Bhakta (E) d. Megan Rathbone 10-5.

Doubles

Anderson-Harris (E) d. Fisher-Norris 8-1; Styles-Allison Merrell (P) d. Ensley-Freeman 8-6; Lindsey Bull-Lauren Zavaglia (E) d. Brandee Dillingham-Chloe Medford, 9-7.

Records: Enka 2-0, 1-0; Pisgah 0-2, 0-0.

Carolina Day 7, Owen 2

Singles

Elizabeth Wood (CDS) d. Ashley Valencia 6-0, 6-0; Alice Wood (CDS) d. Jaiden Tweed 6-1, 6-0; Caroline Wood (CDS) d. Margaret Hey 6-0, 6-1; Cam Bolick (O) d. Liddy Newnam 2-6, 6-2, (10-7); Hannah Matin (CDS) d. Madison Devan 6-1, 6-2; Anna Kate Baechtold (CDS) d. Kate Austin 6-1, 6-2.

Doubles

A. Wood-C. Wood (CDS) d. Valencia-Tweed 8-3; Matin-Bergen Murray (CDS) d Bolick-Devan 8-3; Anne Thomas Mathews-Avery Burleson (O) d. Baechtold-Anna Rose Bourne 9-8 (7-5).

Records: Carolina Day 3-0; Owen 0-2.

Polk County 8, North Henderson 1

Singles

Hannah Jenne (PC) d. Brittany Brewer 10-0; Tana Harris (PC) d. Breanna Slagle 10-4; Tana Harris (PC) d. Skyla Justice 10-3; Alicia Twitty (PC) d. Sophia Cruz 10-5; Bella Marino (PC) d. Adelia Gutierrez 10-2; Ava Marino (PC) d. Mitali Merchant 10-0.

Doubles

Jenne-Harris (PC) d. Brewer-Slagle 8-0; Justice-Cruz (NH) d. Marino-Branham 8-5; Arkell-Seay (PC) d. Gutierrez-Merchant 8-3.

Follow the HS Huddle on Facebook at www.facebook.com/hshuddle, Twitter at www.twitter.com/acthshuddle or Instagram at www.instagram.com/high_school_huddle

Kealin Goode (3) and Erwin host Mountain Heritage on Friday.

ASHEVILLE – Mountain Heritage coach Joey Robinson wants his football team to be at its absolute best Friday, but there are other considerations.

Any further damage to a star quarterback’s ankle could hamper the Cougars for the rest of the season.

Sound familiar? It should.

Erwin had the same dilemma in 2015 and held Damien Ferguson out of a 40-18 win in Burnsville.

Trey Robinson (117 passing yards, 89 rushing yards and two combined touchdowns) has been practicing all week and the junior is probable for Friday’s game at Kerr Stadium.

Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.

“Offensively, Erwin is the best I’ve ever seen them,” Joey Robinson said.

“(Former quarterbacks Austin and Garrett Brown) were great, but the parts around Ferguson are so incredible. They have so many threats and they’re so well-coached. They know how to exploit every weakness you have got.”

Trey Robinson’s receiving corps includes Cole Burleson (three receptions for 78 yards and one touchdown) and Michael Austin (one reception for 39 yards). Justin Keener (55 yards, two touchdowns) scored twice a week ago. Leading tacklers were Adam Shuford (17), Corey Presnell (15), Seth Randolph (13) and Dathan Robinson (11).

These two teams have played continuously since 2005. Erwin’s only loss during that time came at home in 2008 by a 21-20 score.

Erwin was picked to lose last Friday to defending NCISAA Division I champion Davidson Day by as many as 32 points in statewide, computer-generated predictions.

But an algorithm has never gained a yard or made a tackle, has it?

Ferguson (270 yards and five touchdowns with one interception) placed touchdown passes in the hands of three different receivers – C.J. Thompson (six receptions for 78 yards and two touchdowns), Trey Martin (five receptions for 82 yards and two touchdowns) and Kealin Goode (five receptions for 50 yards and one touchdown). Isaiah Poore (four receptions for 53 yards) led the team in rushing as well with 39 yards in a 41-28 home win.

Ferguson is a third-year starter who now has 5,860 career passing yards, which is believed to be the second-most in Buncombe County history. The county and school record for Erwin are both held by 2014 graduate Austin Brown (7,779 yards).

Six different Warriors defenders made a half-dozen tackles against Davidson Day – Thompson, Simeon Thompson, Kendell Dover, Alex McGlothlin, Blaze Biddix and Chris McDonald. Eddy Gardner and Jackson Gouge both had five.

Ninth-year Erwin coach Mike Sexton has never had a losing season with the Warriors. He expects another tough game on Friday.

“Mountain Heritage is good, they look a lot like that team that went to a state-championship game (in 2009),” Sexton said.

“They are a solid, solid team with a quarterback who can run and throw. Their whole team runs it well.”

MOUNTAIN HERITAGE AT ERWIN

Kickoff: 7:30 p.m.

Pick: Erwin by 10.

Following is a look at the last five football games between Erwin and Mountain Heritage.

2015: Erwin 40, Mountain Heritage 18.

2014: Erwin 42, Mountain Heritage 26.

2013: Erwin 55, Mountain Heritage 13.

2012: Erwin 41, Mountain Heritage 19.

2011: Erwin 17, Mountain Heritage 7.

MORE ONLINE: The Citizen-Times will provide a live blog of Friday’s football game between Erwin and Mountain Heritage at CITIZEN-TIMES.com/hshuddle. Score updates for all Western North Carolina games can be accessed at CITIZEN-TIMES.com.

Follow the HS Huddle on Facebook at www.facebook.com/hshuddle, Twitter at www.twitter.com/acthshuddle or Instagram at www.instagram.com/high_school_huddle

Scoreboard

Coaches, please report your scores by calling (828) 232-5863. Box scores may also be e-mailed to apearson@citizen-times.com. Twitter users are encouraged to tag the Huddle with scoring updates at acthshuddle.

FOOTBALL

Hendersonville 28, West Henderson 12

SOCCER

Smoky Mountain 6, Highlands 0

Murphy 4, Rabun Gap (Ga.) 1

Christ School 4, Charlotte Christian 1

TENNIS

Roberson 8, Polk County 1

Asheville 5, Reynolds 4

VOLLEYBALL

Roberson 3, Owen 0

Asheville Christian Academy 3, Brevard 0

Mountain Heritage 3, Asheville 0

Hendersonville 3, North Buncombe 2

Pisgah 3, East Henderson 1

Hayesville 3, Hiwassee Dam 0

Spartanburg Day 3, Trailblazers 1

Rosman 3, Robbinsville 1

Erwin 3, Madison 2

Follow the HS Huddle on Facebook at www.facebook.com/hshuddle, Twitter at www.twitter.com/acthshuddle or Instagram at www.instagram.com/high_school_huddle

Volleyball

Coaches, please report your scores by calling (828) 232-5863. Box scores may also be e-mailed to apearson@citizen-times.com. Twitter users are encouraged to tag the Huddle with scoring updates at acthshuddle.

Asheville Christian 3, Brevard 0

Leaders: ACA, Sarah Buchanan 34 asists, 12 digs, 3 aces, Rachel Sulaski 8 kills, Sophie Whalen 13 digs, Emma Newton, 7 kills, 9 digs, Kate Condra 16 kills, 7 digs, Raegan Waites 9 kills.

Records: ACA 8-1

JV: Brevard 2-0.

Roberson 3, Owen 0

Leaders: TCR, Emma Binns, 3 aces, Abby Krueger 4 kills, Gracie McCurry 4 kills, 8 digs, Sophia Fantauzzi 10 assists.

Records: TCR 4-0.

JV: TCR 2-0.

Mountain Heritage 3, Asheville 0

Leaders: MH, Alex Boone 20 kills 14 digs, Whitney Griffith 14 digs, Hali King 14 digs, Chloe Hollifield 15 assists.

Records: MH 5-0.

JV: Asheville 2-0.

Hayesville 3, Hiwassee Dam 0

Leaders: Hay,Maddie Paine 3 kills, 30 assists, 1 ace, 5 digs, 2 blocks; Lindsey Davis 5 kills, 5 digs; Lexie Patterson 6 kills, 2 aces, 2 digs, 4 blocks; Whitney Baldwin 6 kills, 1 ace, 1 block; Kimonta Lloyd 6 kills, 2 assists, 4 blocks; Megan Libbie 7 kills, 1 dig, Emily Thurmond 1 kill, 1 ace, 10 digs,

Records: Hayesville 4-0.

JV: Hayesville 3-0.

Hendersonville 3, North Buncombe 2

Leaders: Hen, Cyrena Bedoian 41 assists, 6 kills; Kaylee Schmidt 14 kills, 8 digs; Savanna Roper 17 kills, 13 digs; Shannon Lewis 10 kills, 15 digs; Lynsey Clark 17 points on serve. NB, Abbey Darress 16 kills; Bre Myers 26 digs; Caitlin Griffin 25 assists, 10 digs, 10 aces.

Records: Hen 2-2.

JV: HHS 2-0.

Pisgah 3, East Henderson 1

Leaders: Pis, Regan Lunsford 11 assists, 15 digs; Madisyn Brown 1 ace, 2 kills, 16 digs; Madison Whitted 4 kills, 18 digs; Madison Chambers 5 kills, 2 blocks, 6 digs; Kortney Messer 8 kills, 6 digs; Natalie Heatherly 1 ace, 1 kill, 19 assists, 15 digs; Emma Sorrells 2 kills, 3 blocks, 9 digs; Alexis Swick 5 kills, 17 digs.

Records: Pisgah, 4-1, 1-0.

JV: Pisgah 2-0.

Erwin 3, Madison 2

Leaders: Erwin, Treasure Bailey 13 kills, 3 blocks, Jaia Grant, 14 kills, 9 digs, Emma Loveland 9 kills, 7 digs, Rebekah Dover 25 digs, 2 aces.

Records: Erwin 1-5.

JV: Erwin 2-1.

Spartanburg Day 3, Trailblazers 1

Leaders: Tr, Cat Clark 3 aces, 23 digs; Kelly McCall 8 kills; Rebecca Camacho 6 kills.

Follow the HS Huddle on Facebook at www.facebook.com/hshuddle, Twitter at www.twitter.com/acthshuddle or Instagram at www.instagram.com/high_school_huddle

Soccer

Coaches, please report your scores by calling (828) 232-5863. Box scores may also be e-mailed to apearson@citizen-times.com. Twitter users are encouraged to tag the Huddle with scoring updates at acthshuddle.

Christ School 4, Charlotte Christian 1

Scoring: CS, Riley Smith (John Beard) 10:00; CS, Jackson Hipp (Smith) 32:00; CC, Jesse Kaeteyi (Grant Kicker) 64:00, CS, Smith (Pierce Memmel) 64:00, CS, Hipp 78:00.

Shots: CS 15, CC 8.

Saves: CS Will Iorio 7, CC, 11.

Records: CS 2-1.

JV: CS 5-0.

Wednesday’s score

Smoky Mountain 5, Madison 0

Scoring: SM, SM, Genaro Carcamo (Andrew Larcher) 9:00; SM, Larcher (Dawson Karup) 29:00; SM Larcher (Eli Costa) 30:00; SM Cameron McKee (Larcher) 46:00; SM Clay Long (Unasst.) 53:00.

Shots: SM 31; Mad 4.

Saves: SM, Nick McDonald 2; Matt Toedt 1; Mad, C. Rose 9.

Records: SM, 2-1-1; Mad, 0-4-0.

Follow the HS Huddle on Facebook at www.facebook.com/hshuddle, Twitter at www.twitter.com/acthshuddle or Instagram at www.instagram.com/high_school_huddle

Field hockey

Coaches, please report your scores by calling (828) 232-5863. Box scores may also be e-mailed to apearson@citizen-times.com. Twitter users are encouraged to tag the Huddle with scoring updates at acthshuddle.

Asheville 1, Marvin Ridge 0

Scoring: Ash, Milly Etheridge, OT.

Follow the HS Huddle on Facebook at www.facebook.com/hshuddle, Twitter at www.twitter.com/acthshuddle or Instagram at www.instagram.com/high_school_huddle

Ty’rese Hunt (25) is congratulated by teammate Tyrese Cauley after scoring a touchdown Thursday at West Henderson.

HENDERSONVILLE – Defense proved to be the deciding factor for Hendersonville in Thursday night’s 28-12 win at West Henderson.

The Henderson County rivals kicked off Week 2 of high school football with a hard-fought game determined by tough defense and costly turnovers. The stands were nearly full at the Falcons’ Johnson Field for a game televised live by WMYA-TV (40).

The win was Jim Sosebee’s first as a head coach for Hendersonville. Sosebee was proud to see his team win on such a high level Thursday night.

“It’s a great atmosphere for our guys,” Sosebee said. “It’s an experience they will remember for the rest of their lives.”

The Falcons (1-1) were able to keep the game close during the first half with a 96-yard touchdown pass from senior quarterback Brandon Whitaker to junior Dalton Cole, along with an 82-yard rushing touchdown from senior Kyler Stocks.  However, fumbling problems and interceptions throughout the game would hurts West Henderson as its opponent would capitalize by scoring off of the turnovers. Whitaker was able to pass for a total of 159 yards, completing 6-16 passing attempts, and senior Peyton Frisbee also helped lead the team with 70 yards rushing.

Falcons coach Paul Whitaker believes the turnovers cost his team late in the game.

“We need to get better in all phases of the game, we can’t keep turning the ball over and expect to be in the ball games,” Whitaker said.

“We will go back tonight and watch film, and we come in Monday and get ready for North Buncombe.”

Hendersonville’s Tykel Landrum.

The Bearcats (1-1) were led by wide receiver Tykel Landrum who had seven catches for 112 yards (including a 49-yard touchdown reception), two carries for 18 yards, and a pair of interceptions on defense to seal the game, all while battling cramps throughout the game. Quarterback Alex Williford passed for 156 yards, completing 13 of his 25 attempts. He also rushed for two touchdowns. Ty’rese Hunt ran for 27 yards and added a rushing touchdown.

“It feels really good to get the win, we worked hard all week for this,” Landrum said. “I am just helping out the team, even when I am tired I am still playing hard.”

Hendersonville will look to build on their strong performance next week at home against East Henderson. West Henderson has a bye week coming up before traveling to North Buncombe.

Follow the HS Huddle on Facebook at www.facebook.com/hshuddle, Twitter at www.twitter.com/acthshuddle or Instagram at www.instagram.com/high_school_huddle

Erwin coach Mike Sexton and the Warriors are home for Friday’s football game against Mountain Heritage.

• Mountain Heritage
• Erwin 7:30 p.m. 

Can’t make it to Erwin?

The Citizen-Times will provide live continuous updates from Friday night’s Mountain Heritage at Erwin football game. Updates will begin shortly before kickoff.

Twitter users are encouraged to tag the Huddle (acthshuddle) with scoring updates from all Western North Carolina games.

For more on Friday’s Erwin-Mountain Heritage game, go here. For more on all WNC games, go here.

Follow the HS Huddle on Facebook at www.facebook.com/hshuddle, Twitter at www.twitter.com/acthshuddle or Instagram at www.instagram.com/high_school_huddle

Micah Jenkins and Roberson improved to 2-0 with Friday’s 55-7 home win over East Henderson.

SKYLAND – Maybe Tristan McAfee plucked a little luck on the first play of Roberson’s game against visiting East Henderson.

He intercepted a pass from Preston Owens.

But he kept picking, plucking and intercepting until he enjoyed the fourth quarter on the sideline with the rest of the Rams starters in a 55-7 win over the Eagles.

McAfee, a sophomore cornerback, intercepted four passes — returned one for a touchdown — while playing defense. He caught four passes for 40 yards and ran four times for 30 yards on offense.

The four interceptions were one away from tying the North Carolina state record held by five players, accomplished most recently in 2001.

“I had no clue it was the same guy,” Eagles coach Mac McMillan said of McAfee, who ended four of the Eagles’ first six possessions of the game.

Opponents who may not have known of McAfee heading into week two of the season, should know him by name in the future. If he’s not known by name, the gold No. 24 he wears on the blue jersey will identify him like a flashing caution light.

Tristan McAfee

“Why do you keep throwing over there,” Rams coach J.D. Dinwiddie said. “He’s a young kid, but he’s very talented. He’s also very coachable and comes to work every day.”

McAfee needed some coaching during the Eagles’ second possession. While trying to play close to his receiver at the line of scrimmage, McAfee lined up offside and the Rams suffered a 5-yard penalty. Two plays later he did the same thing.

But on the next play, after a coach told him to keep his head in the game, McAfee intercepted Owens again.

“I did jump offside once, OK, maybe twice,” McAfee joked. “Yeah twice, and coach talked to me.”

The first two interceptions were similar in that he followed his fundamentals and used his eyes and instincts to go get the ball.

On the third — thrown by Chris Hemphill — the one he returned 24 yards down the left sideline, “It was easy,” he said as Hemphill went out of his way to congratulate McAfee.

“Me and the receiver were going at it, talking, and I knew it was coming my way,” he said. “I guess he didn’t see the ball. Then all I saw was the endzone.”

McAfee’s touchdown gave Roberson a 20-7 lead midway through the third quarter. The Eagles (0-2) scored in the first quarter when Dekel Robinson intercepted Ty Gossett and returned it 65 yards for a touchdown.

“Our kids came out and gave it their all,” McMillan said. “Numbers and athletes were a difference. Our guys gave it their all and ran out of gas.”

Roberson (2-0) scored seven unanswered touchdowns after the first quarter including McAfee’s pick-six. The Rams celebrated the score, with perhaps none doing more celebrating than Gossett who threw three interceptions before McAfee made three.

“I don’t know if I’ve ever seen anybody play with more passion than Tristan,” said Gossett, who has been classmates and teammates with McAfee for several years. “When he’s on the field, you know it. He carried us in middle school and he carried us last year the whole time.”

McAfee’s fourth interception ended an Eagles’ drive that could have pulled East Henderson (0-2) within one score. But he prevented a 26-yard gain by snatching the ball near the sideline.

“The fourth one,” he said, “I didn’t even think I was in bounds.”

Similar performances through his career at Roberson could land him where he wants to be in a few years.

“I’m just trying to go to college,” he said. “I’m doing this for my family, my teammates and me.

“I don’t want my parents to have to pay tuition.”

Yet McAfee understands that he’s barely through the second game of his sophomore season, that he’s played only two games at the varsity level and that there is plenty he needs to learn on the practice field and apply during games.

He also knows that academics are another route to earning a scholarship. But playing football would be more enjoyable.

“My grades come before everything and I learned that from my parents (Regina McAfee and LaRon Blake)” he said. “Really, none of the McAfees went to college.

“I want to be the first one.”

Follow the HS Huddle on Facebook at www.facebook.com/hshuddle, Twitter at www.twitter.com/acthshuddle or Instagram at www.instagram.com/high_school_huddle

Reynolds Rockets

REYNOLDS – For Reynolds football, nonconference games are no laughing matter.

This week, the outcome of that strategy was a familiar result from a familiar foe.

The three-time defending state champion Shelby Golden Lions handed the homestanding Rockets their second loss of the season Friday night at R.L. Dalton Stadium by a score of 35-14. It was Shelby’s third consecutive win over Reynolds in the matchup.

Despite a heap of penalty yards, mental errors and the efforts of a Reynolds defense which were not reflected in the final score, Shelby (2-0) was able to find a victory in what may end up being its toughest game of the season.

Quarterback Malik Sarratt and the potent Golden Lions offense wasted no time showing the Rockets what they could do offensively. After hooking up with senior wide receiver Jayden Borders on third down and long, the two connected once more for a 61-yard score just 35 seconds into the game to put Shelby up 7-0.

After that initial explosion from the Golden Lions, a defensive battle began to set in. Reynolds (0-2) punted on its first three offensive possessions, unable to gain any yardage with Keyal Talbert (16 carries for 36 yards) in the backfield in place of star tailback Sean Jones.

Meanwhile, on the defensive side of the ball, the Rockets were able to hold firm with the Golden Lions on their side of the field thanks to an interception from defensive back Dre Dowdle and a knocked down pass by defensive lineman Will Israel, both of which came on fourth down.

As the clock began to tick down toward the half, the action picked up. Tensions began to flare in the hard-hitting affair, and Shelby’s star linebacker, Dax Hollifield, garnered a personal foul for unsportsmanlike conduct. Hollifield stayed off of the field for the majority of the drive, which, combined with the penalty yardage, allowed the Rockets to drive the length of the field and into the red zone.

Sensing an opportunity for an important score, Reynolds coach Shane Laws went to the back of the playbook to tie the game at 7-7 with 3:43 left in the first half. Quarterback Nathan St. Onge (6-for-8 for 44 yards with a touchdown and interception) completed a 4-yard jump-pass, reminiscent of Tim Tebow at the University of Florida, connecting with linebacker Frank Torres, who was lined up as a tight end on the play.

Shelby was not fazed. The first play after the ensuing kickoff, Sarratt once again hit Borders, who sped up the sideline and cut across the field, taking it over 60 yards to the 2-yard line. Running back Xavier Brooks capped of the quick drive with a 4-yard score to end the half with Shelby up 14-7.

The Rockets defense continued its momentum into the second half. On Shelby’s first possession of the half, the Rockets forced a three and out which ended in Conor Sullivan blocking the Golden Lions’ punt and giving the Rockets excellent field position.

Following the blocked punt, reinstated linebacker Dax Hollifield caused another costly penalty, this time a facemask on Rocket quarterback St. Onge, which generated an automatic first down. Just a few plays later, St. Onge (14 carries for 95 yards, TD) plunged in from 4 yards out to tie the game again at 14-14 with 6:50 left in the third quarter.

The third quarter was trending Reynolds’ way. Shelby was plagued by penalties, including several personal foul calls. The Golden Lions also played without top receiver Borders for most of the quarter, while second choice wide out Jwan Sims also had to sit out with a cramp. Both would return to the game later.

Laws seemed to realize that this was an opportunity for his team to take hold of the game, and once again he reached into his bag of tricks to make it happen. However, this time, the Rockets could not convert as Alex Flinn (4-for 10, 41 yards, INT) threw an interception on a reverse pass after he originally lined up as a receiver.

The failed trick play by the Rockets was the beginning of a series of plays which won the game for the Golden Lions. The very next snap, with 2:46 left in the third quarter, running back Xavier Brooks took the ball 76 yards to the house, appearing to find a second gear in the open field, leaving the stunned Rockets defense only able to watch as he gave Shelby the 21-14 lead.

As the fourth quarter began, Reynolds went three and out, failing to answer Brooks’s long touchdown. When Shelby received the punt, Borders came back into the game. Shelby put together its longest drive of the game, resulting in Borders juking his way to the endzone after a 5-yard bubble screen from Sarratt. The score with 9:39 left in the game read 28-14 in favor of Shelby.

The Rockets simply did not have enough offense to muster up a comeback, even when they were gifted the ball on the Shelby 32-yard line after a botched snap.

It looked as though the game would end 28-14, but with the Golden Lions in victory formation, Laws decided to call a timeout. The timeout appeared to be called in order to settle his team down, but Shelby took it as an affront, ditching the victory formation to throw another 61-yard touchdown to Borders with only 53.9 seconds left on the clock to make the final score 35-14.

Follow the HS Huddle on Facebook at www.facebook.com/hshuddle, Twitter at www.twitter.com/acthshuddle or Instagram at www.instagram.com/high_school_huddle

Brevard football players, from left to right, Tanner Ellenberger, Tanner Pettit and Nick Cabe.

Brevard seniors heard all week that they had never beaten Rosman in varsity football.

Someone will have to motivate the Blue Devils with a new carrot now – they are 2-0 for the first time since 2007 after Friday’s 41-7 road win over their Transylvania County rival.

Tanner Pettit rushed for 189 yards and scored two touchdowns as did Lane Pressley. Tanner Ellenberger threw for two touchdowns (11 yards to Pressley and 13 yards to Ari Williams) and scampered for a third.

On a night where Rosman dedicated its football field to the program’s first coach (William Cathey), it was Brevard who broke an early second-quarter tie with 34 unanswered points.

“This was their chance to make an impression,” second-year coach Craig Pritchett said of his undefeated Blue Devils.

“It’s fun to see this group and how they’ve bought in. We’ve knocked off a couple milestones already a big one now is we want to win a game on our new turf.”

Indeed, the Blue Devils have not won at home since 2013. They carpeted their stadium with artificial turf a year later.

Brevard is off next week before hosting Madison on Sept. 9.

Follow the HS Huddle on Facebook at www.facebook.com/hshuddle, Twitter at www.twitter.com/acthshuddle or Instagram at www.instagram.com/high_school_huddle

The Andrews football team.

James Phillips lost count of how many times Friday’s football game at Tellico Plains (Tenn.) was delayed by lightning.

“Three? Four?” he asked aloud.

The only count that really mattered was the score – Andrews gave its new coach his first win, 18-13.

Taylor Parker ran for 170 yards and a pair of touchdowns (35 and 76 yards), with the shorter of the two giving the Wildcats (1-1) the lead for good with 4:34 remaining. Matt Barton completed a 46-yard touchdown pass to Kylan Thompson at the 5:48 mark of the second quarter.

By rule, high school athletic events must be delayed at least 30 minutes every time there is a strike of lightning in the area.

“We really had four great days of practice this week and the kids responded,” said Phillips, who is a 1996 Wildcats graduate.

“I’m just proud of them for staying focused through all the lightning delays against a good, well-coached team. This is the type of program win that I want to build off. We’ve got a gritty, scappy bunch of kids here to work with.”

Follow the HS Huddle on Facebook at www.facebook.com/hshuddle, Twitter at www.twitter.com/acthshuddle or Instagram at www.instagram.com/high_school_huddle

Mountain Heritage Justin Keener (16) rushed for six touchdowns Friday night. The Cougars won at Erwin, 58-31.

ASHEVILLE – Trey Robinson’s injured left ankle didn’t need any ice or elevation Friday night.

Every limb and appendage was feeling just fine after one of the most impressive nonconference wins in recent memory for Mountain Heritage football.

Justin Keener rushed for six touchdowns (five in the first half) and the Cougars rolled up 554 total yards in a jaw-dropping 58-31 game at Kerr Stadium.

Robinson’s status was up in the air all week at practice. The junior not only played, but played well – rushing for 168 yards and passing for 121.

He was in the game until the very end. Mountain Heritage (2-0) took no chances, even after jumping out to a 44-7 halftime lead.

“Everyone on our team gave it all they had tonight. I’m still in shock,” Robinson said.

“Our line was just incredible and a win like this lets people know we can play teams (with speed). I think there were some doubts before this.”

Keener’s touchdown runs covered 4, 6, 7, 12, 12 and 38 yards. The senior wasn’t touched on his first jaunt into the end zone at the 8:40 mark of the first quarter and his final touchdown tote occurred with just 20.3 seconds to go in the nonconference game.

Keener finished with 16 carries for 110 yards, and a third player, Junior Denton (11 carries for 110 yards), joined Keener and Robinson with more than 100 yards across the ground. Michael Austin snared Robinson’s only touchdown pass (9 yards).

“I really can’t say enough about our kids or our coaching staff,” Mountain Heritage coach Joey Robinson said.

“We prepared all week thinking we might not have our quarterback tonight. It meant a lot to turn around and see the way we executed. Our offensive line did an incredible job and overall our kids were just unbelievable. They really played tough against an Erwin team that I have so much respect for.”

Austin and Cole Burleson made interceptions for the Cougars defense. Kane McCandless recovered a fumble.

Erwin quarterback Damien Ferguson passed for 252 yards with a pair of touchdowns to Kealin Goode (6 and 20 yards). Isaiah Poore and Quentin Smith each rushed for one score.

The Warriors beat Mountain Heritage by 22 points last year without Ferguson (who sat out with an ankle injury) but never led Friday. In fact, the Cougars scored on four of their first five possession before Erwin got on the scoreboard.

Mountain Heritage had lost the last seven games in this series (six of those by double digits).

“We knew that Mountain Heritage was a great team and they proved it from the first whistle to the last whistle,” Erwin coach Mike Sexton said.

“There’s nothing negative you can say about them. For us, we’ve got a lot of things that we need to fix.”

Mountain Heritage returns home next Friday to host North Buncombe, while Erwin travels to Ooltewah (Tenn.) – a team led by former Enka coach Mac Bryan.

Follow the HS Huddle on Facebook at www.facebook.com/hshuddle, Twitter at www.twitter.com/acthshuddle or Instagram at www.instagram.com/high_school_huddle

Mountain Heritage’s Trey Robinson hands off to Cole Burleson during Friday’s 58-31 win at Erwin.

Following are the season’s second Best of the West football rankings compiled by staff writer Andrew Pearson. Along with a team’s record, head-to-head matchups and strength of schedule are factored into the rankings.

Honorable mention: Brevard, Christ School, Hendersonville, Murphy and North Henderson.

Smoky Mountain’s Matthew Ridley (19).

Someone told Smoky Mountain football coach Chris Brookshire that Friday’s crowd at Hooper Stadium was the biggest in school history. 

Matt Ridley and the Mustangs sent those fans home happy.

Ridley carried the ball 27 times for 320 yards and two touchdowns in a 21-19 win over visiting Swain County.

Cole Hooper threw for 94 yards and hit Tristen Kenyon with a 16-yard touchdown pass with 1:07 to go in the third quarter.  Friday was the first game on Smoky Mountain’s $915,000 organic artificial turf field. And it came down to the wire, Smoky Mountain had to stuff a potential tying two-point conversion attempt from the Maroon Devils (0-2) with one second to go.

The Mustangs and first-year coach Chris Brookshire are now 2-0 for the first time since 2007.

“The kids were fired-up all night and I’m real proud of the entire team’s effort,” Brookshire said.

“We put our defense in a bunch of bad situations and they played lights-out. (Ridley) had a great night and he’d be the first one to say he didn’t do it alone. The offensive line, tight ends and wideouts blocked their tails off for him. When you’re not getting touched 3-4 yards after you cross (the line of scrimmage), you’re getting some great blocking.”

Hooper’s capacity is approximately 6,000. Brookshire said that school officials did not yet have a count of how many tickets were sold Friday.

Smoky Mountain travels to Enka (0-2) next week.

Follow the HS Huddle on Facebook at www.facebook.com/hshuddle, Twitter at www.twitter.com/acthshuddle or Instagram at www.instagram.com/high_school_huddle

North Henderson football players Damien Murphy, Austin Vanhoy and Kalin Ensley.

Young quarterback Kalin Ensley is maturing with each football game and the defense and special teams are developing an identity, too.

Everything is falling into place for what coach Justin Clark has planned for North Henderson not only this season but down the road.

The Knights and their new coach won at Polk County on Friday, 19-14.

Ensley, who is a sophomore, passed for 170 yards but it was his 10-yard keeper with 7:27 remaining that gave North Henderson (1-1) the lead for good. Mikey Smithers had a 94-yard fumble return for a touchdown and Gabe Walker scored on a 1-yard touchdown plunge.

Clark is a former Western Carolina University quarterback who was hired back in February.

“Our defense forced turnovers (Friday). Those guys just to continue to play lights-out,” Clark said.

“Special teams is a huge part of what we’re doing and we’re starting to see the fruits of what we’re trying to accomplish on offense. Polk County has such a great tradition. It’s a special win against a very class program.”

Follow the HS Huddle on Facebook at www.facebook.com/hshuddle, Twitter at www.twitter.com/acthshuddle or Instagram at www.instagram.com/high_school_huddle

Runners compete in Saturday’s Western North Carolina Cross Country Carnival at Jackson Park in Hendersonville.

Complete results from Saturday’s Western North Carolina Cross Country Carnival are being uploaded by Slipstream Timing at this link.

Follow the HS Huddle on Facebook at www.facebook.com/hshuddle, Twitter at www.twitter.com/acthshuddle or Instagram at www.instagram.com/high_school_huddle

Runners, including a big pack from Asheville High, compete in the boys championship race at Saturday’s Western North Carolina Cross Country Carnival in Hendersonville.

HENDERSONVILLE – Ralene Kwiatkowski knows by now there is only so much she can control.

Carolina Day’s top runner has her fingers crossed that her senior year will be filled with not only fast times, but good health.

Kwiatkowski hung with race winner Sarah Bodmer of Cary Academy for a little more than half of Saturday’s girls championship race at the Western North Carolina Cross Country Carnival.

Kwiatkowski was disappointed in the time she ran (19 minutes, 44.40 seconds) in muggy conditions – Bodmer covered Jackson Park’s double-loop course in 19:15.70.  But there’s a lot that can happen between now and November’s state meets.

Kwiatkowski has experienced the good and bad the past three years.

She was the 2013 and 2015 NCISAA 2-A champion, but slowed by an iron deficiency in 2014. And Kwiatkowski missed the tail end of last spring’s outdoor track season with a bout of walking pneumonia.

“It’s really about racing better than I have in the past right now, more so than time,” Kwiatkowski said.

“I played a lot of basketball this summer with the WNC Lady Royals, but I still bumped up my mileage (to about 40 miles a week). I feel like I’m coming into this season with good momentum. I’m hoping my senior year will be the best one yet. And there’s a lot of excitement with the talent we have on this team.”

Race spectators filled Jackson’s grounds to watch more than 1,200 runners compete in four different divisions. This was the 15th edition of the Carnival.

Cary Academy won the girls championship with 29 points, while defending NCHSAA 2-A champion Brevard was the highest-placing local team (fifth place, 188 points). Besides Kwiatkowski, Brevard junior Ava Findley (third place, 19:56.50) and Roberson junior Elise Wright (10th, 20:14.10) were the only other area runners to place in the top-10 individually.

In the boys championship division, Asheville High was sixth with 190 points and Cary Academy again took first place with 40.

Brevard seniors Andrew Robinson (17:01.00) and Noah Graham (17:03.00) were fifth and sixth, respectively.

West Henderson won the boys invitational race (90 points) and North Henderson was second (129) with the following individuals in the top-10 — Franklin’s Nathan Richards (second place, 17:38.30), North Henderson’s Hunter White (third, 17:40.90) and Dylan Christopher (fourth 17:48.70), West Henderson’s Jared Connell (seventh, 18:10.60) and Hayesville’s Gavin Morgan (ninth, 18:18.40).

Reynolds was the top area girls team in the girls invitational race by coming in fourth with 199 points. Murphy’s Cameron Rice (second, 20:50.60), Polk County’s India Godlock (third, 21:54.20), East Henderson’s Lilly Blankenship (sixth, 22:21.40) and Swain County’s Emma Pindur (10th, 22:36.60) were top-10 runners individually.

Complete results from Saturday’s Carnival can be found here.

More on this story to come….

Follow the HS Huddle on Facebook at www.facebook.com/hshuddle, Twitter at www.twitter.com/acthshuddle or Instagram at www.instagram.com/high_school_huddle

Scoreboard

Coaches, please report your scores by calling (828) 232-5863. Box scores may also be e-mailed to apearson@citizen-times.com. Twitter users are encouraged to tag the Huddle with scoring updates at acthshuddle.

SOCCER

Reynolds 1, Corinth Holders 0

Chapel Hill 2, Roberson 1

Fayetteville Academy 2, Asheville Christian Academy 2

VOLLEYBALL

Caldwell Academy 3, Asheville Christian Academy 2

Follow the HS Huddle on Facebook at www.facebook.com/hshuddle, Twitter at www.twitter.com/acthshuddle or Instagram at www.instagram.com/high_school_huddle

Cherokee football players take the field Friday for their game against Mitchell. The Mountaineers won, 21-0.

The following Western North Carolina football teams are in the top-50 of their respective classifications in the latest computer-generated state rankings from MaxPreps:

NCHSAA 3-A

13. Erwin

24. Reynolds

29. Tuscola

41. Asheville

50. Pisgah

NCHSAA 2-A

4. Mountain Heritage

10. Franklin

24. Brevard

40. Smoky Mountain

46. Hendersonville

NCHSAA 1-A

4. Mitchell

10. Murphy

22. Cherokee

29. Robbinsville

31. Swain County

32. Rosman

35. Andrews

NCISAA Division II

3. Christ School

NCISAA Division III

8. Asheville School

The above image is from The Cherokee One Feather’s photo gallery from Friday’s Cherokee-Mitchell game. The full gallery can be found here.

Follow the HS Huddle on Facebook at www.facebook.com/hshuddle, Twitter at www.twitter.com/acthshuddle or Instagram at www.instagram.com/high_school_huddle