vs
| 09/12/24 - Home | 42-7 W |
| 09/08/23 - Away | 28-21 W |
| 09/09/22 - Home | 16-51 L |
| 04/30/21 - Away | 30-29 W |
| 03/05/21 - Home | 40-27 W |
| + 5 more games |
Mountain Heritage is 9-1 against Hendersonville since September of 2017 and they'll have a chance to extend that dominance on Friday. The Cougars will head out to face off against the Bearcats at 7:30 p.m. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.
Hendersonville will take on a team with plenty of momentum: Mountain Heritage extended their winning streak to four on Friday. The Cougars blew past Mitchell 45-13. The final result isn't all that surprising considering the Cougars' considerable advantage in MaxPreps' North Carolina football rankings (they are ranked 65th, while the Mountaineers are ranked 207th).
Mountain Heritage's success was the result of a balanced attack that saw several players step up, but Cason Jones led the charge by rushing for 118 yards and a pair of TDs. Jones was no stranger to the big play, turning on the jets for a run that went for 68 yards. Ervine Rodriguez was another key rusher, rushing for 148 yards and one score while picking up 8.7 yards per carry.
They were just one part of a punishing run game: Mountain Heritage was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 370 rushing yards. That's the most rushing yards they've posted since back in December of 2024.
Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask Hendersonville). They breezed past Avery County to the tune of 78-26 on Friday. With the Bearcats ahead 71-13 at the half, the contest was all but over already.
Mountain Heritage better focus on containing Jordan Buford and JaRon Ward as the pair were huge in Hendersonville's win. Buford gained 179 total yards and four touchdowns, while Ward threw for 242 yards and four touchdowns while completing 80% of his passes. Buford also deserves a shoutout for his performance on D, making three total tackles (3.0 for loss) and defending one pass in addition to snagging an interception which he returned one-yard for a touchdown.
Hendersonville didn't go easy on the quarterback and picked off three passes before the game was over. The picks came courtesy of Eric Glisson and Buford. Buford got in on the action too, converting a pick into a touchdown.
Mountain Heritage's record now sits at 7-1. As for Hendersonville, their record is now an identical 7-1.
Friday's matchup might be decided on the ground. Mountain Heritage has been unstoppable on the ground this season, having averaged 312.8 rushing yards per game. However, it's not like Hendersonville struggles in that department as they've been averaging 202.2 rushing yards. There's a good chance Friday's game turns into a tough fight on the ground.
Everything came up roses for Mountain Heritage against Hendersonville when the teams last played back in September of 2024, as the squad secured a 42-7 victory. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Cougars since the team won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
