Watauga is 8-2 against Alexander Central since August of 2015 and they'll have a chance to extend that dominance on Friday. The Pioneers will challenge the Cougars at 7:30 p.m. One thing working in Watauga's favor is that they have posted at least 31 points every time they've taken the field this season.
Watauga's defense heads into the game hoping to repeat the dominance they displayed on Friday. They simply couldn't be stopped as they easily beat South Caldwell 56-0. The Pioneers haven't had any issues with the Spartans recently, as the game was their ninth consecutive victory against them.
Cade Keller
| 10/10/25 vs South Caldwell | 311 |
| 08/22/25 vs Ashe County | 263 |
| 08/29/25 vs T.C. Roberson | 193 |
| 09/05/25 vs Mount Airy | 148 |
| 09/20/25 @ Erwin | 140 |
Watauga's win was the result of several impressive offensive performances. One of the most notable came from Cade Keller, who threw for 311 yards and three TDs while completing 94.1% of his passes. Those 311 passing yards gave Keller a new career-high. Matthew Leon was in the mix as well, providing Watauga with two scores.
Watauga didn't go easy on the quarterback and picked off two passes before the game was over. The picks came courtesy of Evan Burroughs and Nyle Peays.
Meanwhile, Alexander Central had just enough and edged out McDowell 30-28 on Friday.
Alexander Central's win came from a few key players Watauga will need to keep an eye on. One of the most notable was Jaquis Parks, who rushed for 69 yards and one touchdown on only six carries. He also put in work on the defensive side of the ball, forcing one fumble, making eight total tackles (0.5 for loss), and defending one pass. Jeremiah Whitaker was another key rusher, rushing for 110 yards on only 14 carries.
Alexander Central was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 322 rushing yards. They are 2-1 when they've run for more than 200 yards.
Special teams was a major factor in the game for Alexander Central, racking up 12 points in total. The biggest highlight from special teams (and perhaps the team as a whole) came courtesy of Whitaker, who ran a kickoff back for a touchdown.
Alexander Central picked up their first road win, bumping their record up to 2-5. As for Watauga, their record now sits at 7-0.
Friday's contest might be decided on the ground. Watauga has been unstoppable on the ground this season, having averaged 224.4 rushing yards per game. However, it's not like Alexander Central struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 216.1 rushing yards. There's a good chance Friday's matchup turns into a tough fight on the ground.
Everything came up roses for Watauga against Alexander Central in their previous meeting back in October of 2024, as the squad secured a 49-21 victory. In that game, the Pioneers amassed a halftime lead of 28-7, an impressive feat they'll look to repeat on Friday.
