Knights vanquish Warhorses

North Henderson slices through Owen, 44-7

Fred McCormick
The Valley Echo
September 1, 2023

An evening that began by honoring first responders and military veterans in the Swannanoa Valley ended with the Warhorses falling to 0-3 this season, as North Henderson defeated the Warhorses, 44-7.

The Knights improved to 3-0 with the victory, in which they scored early and often.

Prior to kickoff, Owen staff, students, athletes, JROTC members and supporters were joined by emergency responders from the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office, the Swannanoa Volunteer, Black Mountain and Riceville Fire Departments, the Black Mountain Police Department, the National Guard, Black Mountain VFW Post 9157, as they held a ceremony in remembrance of 9/11. Dozens of people carried a large American flag to midfield, where the Owen Marching Band played “Taps,” followed by the national anthem.

As the Warhorses took the field, Mountain Area Medical Airlift flew over the stadium.

The visiting team wasted little time finding its rhythm upon taking the field, finding the end zone on the Knights’ second play from scrimmage. North Henderson extended its lead to 14-0 later in the first quarter, and established a 37-0 lead before the half.

The Owen offense, which struggled to overcome the stifling North Henderson defense throughout the night, scored its only touchdown in the fourth quarter, as the Warhorses dropped their third straight contest to open the 2023 season.

Owen will travel to Flat Rock at 7:30 p.m., Friday, Sept. 8, to face 0-3 East Henderson, as the Eagles enter the contest following a 50-8 loss to Hendersonville.

Photos of the game between Owen and North Henderson can be viewed in the gallery at the top of the page.