On Friday night at MacDonald Stadium, the Avery Vikings will look to get back on the winning track, as well as settle an old score when they host the Cloudland Highlanders in the 2009 edition of the Avery Journal-Times Border Battle Classic.Avery fell 35-12 last week in its 2009 home opener against Watauga, while Cloudland dominated North Greene in a 40-0 victory at home last week. Cloudland won last year’s Border Battle Classic in
Scouting the Highlanders
The Cloudland Highlanders are coached by Robbie Turbyfill and are members of a 1A/2A split conference with fellow conference members Unaka, Hampton, Cosby, North Greene and
The ‘Landers lost 14 seniors from last season, but this year’s class of 11 seniors is up to the challenge. One of those seniors filling a large void is quarterback Seth Miller (17 for 39 for 256 yards, 5 TD passing). So far, Coach Turbyfill has been pleased with Miller’s progression.
“I think he has progressed through the off-season program through spring practice and through the summer workouts,” Turbyfill said. “I think he has gotten a lot better. Seth is a good quarterback when he is able to do play action and get the ball out.”
Along with Miller in the backfield, the ‘Landers has a variety of backs that the coaching staff feels can get the job done.“We have so many tailbacks that can contribute,” Turbyfill said. “There are numerous kids in the backfield that will be able to contribute that we feel we can hand the ball to.”
Trey Hitechew (10 rushes, 123 yards, TD), Logan Morgan, Matt Cole (18 rushes, 153 yards, 2 TD), Tony Chambers (28 rushes, 181 yards, TD), Aaron Tolley (11 rushes, 122 yards, 2 TD), all see time in the backfield, in addition to the running ability of QB Miller. The ‘Landers also have weapons at wide receiver with seniors Seth Houtsma (5 TD in 2009) and Sha Presnell (TD reception in last week’s win), and also showcase an improved defense.
The Low Down
This week’s showdown between Avery and Cloudland is a backyard brawl between two schools separated by less than 15 minutes of driving time. The Avery defense was torched by a Watauga passing game last week, and will be tested this Friday by a diverse Cloudland offense featuring a balance of run and pass.
For the ‘Landers, they must look to contain Vikings sophomore quarterback Alex Villanueva, who will be looking to bounce back from a subpar performance against the Pioneers.
Turnovers may be a telltale sign of who comes away with the victory and the Border Battle Trophy. The team that takes best advantage of opponent turnovers will have a decided edge in taking the win in Newland Friday night.
Although this week’s game is a non-conference affair with little ramifications in the overall goals for each team (conference championship, state playoff berth, deep run in state playoffs), both Cloudland and Avery want nothing more than to hold bragging rights over the other school and the Border Battle Trophy in its respective trophy case for another 12 months.
By the Numbers:
3- times Alex Villanueva was picked off by a stout Watauga defense in last week’s loss.
4 - touchdown passes thrown by Cloudland QB Seth Miller in last week’s win over North Greene.
22- average margin of victory in the previous two meetings between Avery and Cloudland, with each team winning on its home field.
26- points scored by Cloudland in the first half of last week’s 40-0 shutout of North Greene.
29- points given up by Avery in the first half of last Friday’s loss to Watauga.
41-number of total offensive yards allowed last week by the Cloudland defense.
47- minimum number of yards gained by four different Cloudland running backs in last week’s victory over North Greene.
469- yards in total offense surrendered by Avery in last week’s defeat against Watauga.
Read next week’s edition of the Avery Journal-Times for a full recap of this week’s Border Battle Classic. Avery has an open date next week and will return to action on September 25th at MacDonald Stadium against Owen.
