After having lost a blowout in their previous game against Draughn, Avery County was happy to have turned things around on Friday. They managed a 25-21 win over the Mitchell Mountaineers. For the Vikings, this counts as revenge for the 48-28 victory the Mountaineers walked away with the last time they faced one another back in October of 2023.
Oak Markland went supernova for Avery County, picking up 182 receiving yards and three touchdowns. Markland really caught the secondary sleeping when he pulled down a catch that went for 74 yards. Another player making a difference was Kaleb Liner, who threw for 140 yards and two touchdowns on only seven passes.
Avery County wouldn't let Mitchell keep a hold of the ball as they managed to force two fumbles. Avery County can thank Cobe Townsend and Grayson Hoilman for forcing both of them. Townsend also set a new season high mark in total tackles with 12.
When it comes to explaining why Mitchell lost, don't look at Kaj Pittman. Despite the final result, he rushed for 154 yards and three touchdowns. Pittman has become a key player for Mitchell: the team is 5-1 when he posts at least two rushing touchdowns, but 1-2 otherwise. Mitchell also got help from Isaiah Turner, who showed off his sure hands for 85 receiving yards.
The win snapped Avery County's losing streak at three games and leaves them with a 2-7 record. As for Mitchell, their defeat ended a four-game streak of away wins and brought them to 6-3.
The two teams are set to take part in some playoff action in their next matches. Avery County will face off against South Stanly at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. Avery County is no doubt hoping to put an end to an eight-game streak of away losses dating back to last season. As for Mitchell, they will take on Draughn at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. Mitchell is strutting in with some offensive muscle as they've averaged 28.7 points per game this season.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
