On a misty, foggy Senior Night at MacDonald Stadium, the Avery Vikings played valiantly against a heavily favored visitor in Mountain Heritage. Avery was within a single touchdown late in the first half, but a failed fourth down conversion and a 99-yard scoring drive proved to be the difference as Mountain Heritage defeated Avery 35-14.Avery trailed 21-7 at halftime and was within 14 points a second time in the third quarter at 28-14 with possession after a successful onside kick. Avery drove to inside the Cougars 3-yard line and attempted a fourth down conversion. An Alex Villanueva quarterback sneak was stopped inches from the goal line. Heritage went on to drive 99 yards over seven plays following the turnover on downs to put the contest away.
Heritage outgained the Vikings on the ground 454 yards to 45, while Avery outthrew the Cougars 198 to 26. Casey Randolph gained 175 yards on 22 carries with a pair of touchdowns. Cougars quarterback Josh Laws gained 166 yards on 13 carries, while running back Matthew Kardulis added 90 yards on seven carries, to go with three interceptions on defense.
Avery was led by quarterback Alex Villanueva, who was 12 for 29 for 183 yards with a touchdown passing and a rushing touchdown. Villanueva was shaken up on a play in the second half and did not return as Samson Jennings came on in relief at quarterback for the remainder of the contest.
Andy Gonzalez caught four passes for 97 yards, and Dylan Aldridge averaged over 41 yards per punt, including a long of 61 yards.
Avery falls to 4-6 on the season and 2-4 in conference play, while Mountain Heritage improves to 8-2 overall and 5-1 in conference play. The Vikings will look to stop the losing skid next Friday night in Ledger against the Mitchell Mountaineers.
Other Friday night final scores in the WHC:
Polk 24, Owen 16
Mitchell 35, Madison 0
Hendersonville 51, Thomas Jefferson 0
