Ashe County scored first, but Watauga scored the most, putting up 29 unanswered points to get the victory.

The Huskies found the endzone with 7:03 left in the first quarter when Keith Miller ran for a 28-yard touchdown. The extra point was no good, but Ashe was in front 6-0.

Watauga did all of its scoring in a huge second quarter for the Pioneer offense, defense and special teams. The Pioneers got on the scoreboard first when Dylan Lawrence picked up a fumble deep inside Ashe’s own territory and took it in for a six-yard touchdown. A two-point conversion was successful, giving the Pioneers an 8-6 advantage.

Michael Ebaugh returned a punt 67 yards for the go-ahead score at the 7:21 mark of the quarter. The extra point was missed, making the score 14-6

Following a Husky punt, the Pioneers scored again, this time taking just 47 seconds. The 35-yard drive was capped off by a two-yard touchdown run from Aaron Dobbins. Dobbins converted a two-point conversion with another short run, extending the lead to 22-8.

Watauga would not stop there as they capitalized on another Husky fumble, and eventually turned it into a 15-yard TD run by tailback Nathan Ford. Chase Palm booted the extra point through, putting the score at 29-6.

Neither team would muster up anymore points on the night, putting an end to the first game of the year for both junior varsity squad.

As a team, Ashe outgained Watauga 248-147 in total yards, but could not escape the turnover bug. Ashe fumbled seven times while losing three of those to the opposition.

Sophomore quarterback Conner Bowers completed nine of 19 passes for 98 yards.

On the ground, Zach Outen led the way with 79 yards on 21 carries. Miller gained 39 yards on four carries and had the lone Ashe touchdown.

Defensively, Shawn Baker and Kenny Reed led the way with three tackles apiece. Reed also recovered a fumble.

This week, Ashe will travel to North Surry on Thursday for the second game of the young season.