The following is the first in a two-part series previewing Avery’s opponents in As the whistles blare and the pads crack, it’s obvious that high school football season has arrived. There have been a number of changes leading up to the opening of the 2009 campaign. Teams have changed classifications following the latest NCHSAA realignment, with many schools moving to different conferences.
The 2009 edition of the Western Highlands Conference looks much the same, as the seven schools participating in the league last year remain, with the addition of a new school in
Let’s take a moment and breakdown a trio of teams who have often found their way to the top of the Western Highlands Conference standings over the past four seasons.
OWEN WARHORSES (2008 record: 3-3 in conference, 4-7 overall)The Owen Warhorses suffered its first losing season in eight years as injuries and youth contributed to only a .500 conference mark. The Warhorses are eager to bring winning ways back to the banks of the
Owen returns a trio of all-conference selections in RB/S Andy Coleman, FB/LB Brennan Kirby, and lineman Seth Stewart.
One of Owen’s four wins a season ago came by way of a 23-14 victory over the Big Red in a conference game at home. That Owen squad returns seven starters on both offense and defense, including quarterback Kaleb Fowler, who suffered a broken collarbone two games into last season and hampered the team’s offensive potential.
Coleman will power the Owen rushing attack in 2009, as he rushed for over 1,000 and 14 touchdowns last season. Logan Newhouse, a senior linebacker, led the team with over 100 tackles on defense last year and will be called upon to share much of the same burden this season.
POLK
Polk
Polk
Gone from this year’s club is all-conference wide receiver Kamron Kerr, as well as bruising quarterback Jordan Ollis. Junior Andre Overholt appears poised to step in as a team leader, while the team will look to continue its running game with players such as running backs Justin Ridings and Keenan Littlejohn.
The Hendersonville Bearcats enjoyed its most successful season since 2003 as the squad advanced to the fourth round of the state playoffs a season ago.
Much of the nucleus of the team remains, including most notably senior quarterback Ben Walgenbach. Walgenbach was All-Conference, All-Western North Carolina in 2008, as he passed for 2,099 yards and 26 touchdowns. He also added 663 yards and ten touchdowns as a runner, making him the ultimate dual threat.
Joining Walgenbach on the offensive side of the football is the tandem of seniors Daniel Orr, who caught 35 passes for 889 yards and 12 touchdowns, and James Foster, who grabbed 25 passes for 819 yards and 10 TD.
Foster will help anchor the
Gone from the Bearcats backfield is leading rusher Cedrick Allen, whose big-play ability and versatility will be missed.
