Draughn dominates Owen in conference opener

Wildcats run away with 38-0 win

Fred McCormick
The Valley Echo
September 16. 2023

The Owen Warhorses took a road trip to Valdese, Sept. 15, to open the Western Highlands Conference season against Draughn. 

The Wildcats pounced early and often in a dominating 38-0 win. 

Owen entered the contest with a 1-3 record, following a 26-6 victory over East Henderson last week. As the Warhorse offense took the field on the opening drive against Draughn, head coach Zach Gibson unveiled a high-tempo offense featuring short passes that quickly produced a first down.

The speedy Wildcats defense, however, stopped the drive on the opposition’s 37-yard-line and forced the first of several Owen punts in the contest.

Draughn, led by senior quarterback Eli Tillery, responded with the first of three first-half scoring drives, as the home team entered halftime with a 17-0 lead. The Wildcats opened the second half with a quick touchdown drive that ended with the 6-foot-7-inch quarterback leaving his feet around the 5-yard-line and leaping over defenders on his way to the end zone.

Draughn added a touchdown later in the quarter, followed by another in the closing minutes of the fourth.

The Warhorses are one of three WHC teams to open the conference schedule with a loss. Rosman dropped to 0-5, overall, with a 7-0 loss at home, while Madison remained winless in a 29-9 loss to Mitchell. The Mountaineers and Mountain Heritage round out the conference’s three 1-0 programs.

Owen will host Mitchell at 7 p.m., Friday, Sept. 15.

Photos of the game between Owen and Draughn can be found in the gallery at the top of the page.