Home sweet homecoming
Warhorses score 50 on Rosman as Owen crowns queen and princess in front of faithful fans
Fred McCormick
The Valley Echo
October 9, 2021
Owen High School alumni, current students, faculty and fans packed Warhorse Stadium, Oct. 8, for a homecoming matchup against the Rosman Tigers.
The Warhorses gave them all plenty to cheer about.
It took Owen only two plays from scrimmage to light up the scoreboard on the north end of the field, as senior Briggs Barker powered his way in for a touchdown. Barker would find his way back into the end zone minutes later, igniting an offensive outburst that would result in the Warhorses first Western Highlands Conference win and highest point total of the season.
The Owen offense put on a show in the team’s 50-7 win over the Tigers, as touchdowns by junior quarterback Alex Sanchez and junior running back Kameron Moore gave the Warhorses a 28-7 lead at halftime. Senior Cadyn Cook added three rushing touchdowns of his own in the second half to accentuate the victory.
Owen welcomed its alumni at halftime, and recognized 2021-22 homecoming king, Aiden Noonan and prince, Hunter Owen-Inabinett. The rest of the homecoming court was introduced in an on-field ceremony, which culminated in the crowning of homecoming queen, Addie King, and princess Maesyn Gardner. King and Gardner were crowned by 2020-21 homecoming queen, Mikayla Roseman.
The victory was a special one for the Warhorses, according to head coach Brint Russell.
“It was awesome,” he said on the field after the team’s second win of the campaign. “I’m really happy for the players, and for the fans to be able to see us play at our full potential, especially on homecoming night.”
The victory will help establish momentum as Owen heads into its final three games of the season, according to the coach.
“We told the kids we wanted to flip the switch these last four games, and do the opposite of what we’ve done in the first half of the season,” Russell said. “Hopefully, all of these players saw that if we execute and do what we’re supposed to do in practice all week long, this can be the outcome on Friday night. This should springboard us into next week.”
The Warhorses sported an alternative look in the contest, running onto the field in their rarely worn silver football pants.
“We love the silver britches,” Russell said. “Kenny Ford told Brad Johnson years ago that he wanted silver pants, and Brad bought those for our team. The kids always love wearing them, but we only bring them out for special occasions. I told our players, after the week of preparation we had, they earned the right to wear those for homecoming.”
Owen will head to West Henderson, Friday, Oct. 15, to take on the 1-6 Falcons, who are entering the contest following a 16-0 loss to Pisgah on Friday.
Photos of the action between Owen and Rosman, and of the 2021-22 homecoming court, can be found in the gallery at the top of the page.