Warhorses stand tall in battle of the border

Owen ‘ready to play football’ following Polk Jamboree

Fred McCormick
The Valley Echo
August 14, 2022

Whatever questions may remain ahead of their 2022 season opener, the Owen Warhorses provided a definitive answer to a significant one, Aug. 13, when they took the field for the Polk County High School Jamboree.

“You came out here and answered the bell,” first-year head coach Zach Gibson said to his team, following a scrimmage against Landrum (S.C.) High School. “You guys are ready to play football.” 

Owen, which is entering the season under a new head coach for the third time in three years, was one of three Western N.C. teams to face off against programs from S.C. in the border clash. Powered by a strong performance from senior running back Kameron Moore, who was named the game’s most valuable player, the Warhorses outscored the Cardinals, 14-7, through two quarters of play. 

The contest gave Gibson and his coaching staff a glimpse into what to expect from their team, which will open the season on the road against Chase, at 7:30 p.m., Friday, Aug. 26.

“I’m very proud of them,” Gibson said after the scrimmage. “We played physical football, and we didn’t quit when faced with adversity. They played hard and they played for each other, and the coaches and players were in sync. It was fun to watch.”

The Warhorses and Cardinals took the field after a simulated game between Brevard and Greer, S.C. program, Blue Ridge. The first matchup of the night featured the host team, Polk, in a scrimmage against Eastside, out of Taylor, S.C.

Landrum tested its opponent early with a long run on third down, taking the ball deep into Owen territory. The Warhorse defense stopped the drive, recovering a fumbled snap on their own 16. 

Senior quarterback Alex Sanchez led his offense onto the field for its first possession, quickly connecting with Hudson Minks on a short pass that the junior receiver turned into a 21-yard gain. The Warhorses followed that play with a 63-yard touchdown run by Moore. 

“(Moore) had some runs where he had perfect blocks that let him get into the hole, but he had others where he had to make it happen,” Gibson said. “It wasn’t just how hard he ran the ball on offense, but also how he played defense. He was out there forcing the edge and making big plays. He was absolutely impressive tonight.”

Owen added to its lead in the final quarter of play, when Sanchez scampered for a 37-yard touchdown run, putting his team up 14-0. Landrum closed the gap with a deep touchdown pass in the final minutes of the game, but the Warhorses were in control throughout.

“I’m proud of the resilience, effort and technique you guys showed out there tonight,” Gibson said while addressing his team on the field. “We made a few mistakes, but we identified areas in which we can improve.”

The former Pisgah offensive coordinator and his staff will make adjustments in the weeks before Owen’s season opener.

“We need to look at what we didn’t do well, and fix that,” Gibson said. “We’ll also look at what we did well, and improve on it. We’re just going to keep building.”