Warhorses slide to 2-2 in Polk County

Wolverines topple Owen, 22-0, in Western Highlands Conference matchup

Fred McCormick
The Valley Echo
March 20, 2021

A trip to Columbus ended in a 22-0 loss for the Owen Warhorses, March 19.

The Western Highlands Conference matchup between Polk and Owen began with a pair of 2-1 teams, but a strong performance in front of the home crowd led to a decisive win for the Wolverines.

The Warhorses entered the game without starting running back Dequan Boyce, who was sidelined with an injury to his arm. Boyce had amassed 146 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns out of the backfield through Owen’s first three contests while hauling in 6 receptions for 137 yards and a touchdown.

The Warhorse defense was energized to start the game, forcing a Wolverines punt on the opening drive. The Owen offense stalled on the ensuing possession and a blocked punt put the home team in position to take an 8-0 lead in the first quarter.

Polk extended its lead to 15 in the second the quarter, and the Warhorses responded with a drive deep into Wolverine territory that ended with an interception in the final seconds of the half.

Polk added another touchdown in the third quarter and the defense held strong to preserve the shutout, propelling them to a 2-0 record in the WHC.

The loss drops Owen, which opened the season with consecutive wins against non-conference opponents, to 0-2 in conference play. The Warhorses will attempt to pick up their first WHC victory, Friday, March 26, when they host Mountain Heritage.

The 2-1 Cougars will enter the contest after falling 35-14 to Mitchell on Friday.