Owen falls to 0-4 in conference opener

Warhorses have no answer for Draughn

Fred McCormick
The Valley Echo
September 19, 2022

As the Owen Warhorses entered their first Western Highlands Conference matchup of the season, Sept. 16, against Draughn, they were looking for their first win in 2022, but the visiting Wildcats had other plans.

The Warhorses, who fell to 0-4 in a 55-12 loss, had no answers for their conference foe.

Owen opened the night with a ceremony honoring first responders and military personnel to mark the 21st anniversary of 9-11. The midfield tribute featured multiple local agencies, military veterans and a performance by the Owen Marching Band.

As fans in Warhorses Stadium turned their attention to the game, Draughn quickly set the tone.

Led by senior quarterback Alex Sanchez and wide receiver Hunter Inabinett, the Owen offense opened the game with a promising drive into Wildcat territory that ended with a blocked field goal attempt. The Draughn offense responded with a 72-yard touchdown drive on the subsequent possession, establishing a 7-0 lead in the first quarter.

The Wildcats would extended their lead to 22-0 in the second quarter, before Sanchez connected with Inabinett for Owen’s first touchdown of the night. Draughn, which entered the contest with a 3-1 record, strengthened its advantage to 41-6 in the third quarter.

Running back Will Johnson got the Warhorses back into the end zone in third quarter, but the offensive attack of the Wildcats added two more touchdowns to close out the game.

Owen will travel to Bakersville, Friday, Sept. 23, as the team looks for its first victory of the season against Mitchell. The Mountaineers will enter the contest after snapping a 2-game skid with a 63-20 victory against Madison last Friday.

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