By Mark S. Kenna
Oct. 14, 2013. The Watauga High School Pioneers felt the sting of defeat for the first time this season after an overtime loss to the Freedom High School Patriots, 34-41.
“It was a tough one, and our kids played well. We just did not capitalize on our opportunities,” Pioneers head coach Ryan Habich said.
Two interceptions, not following blocking assignment and crucial penalties on offense took a toll on the team, Habich added.
Watauga also had issues against the Patriots option offense.
“We were not disciplined,” Habich said. “You have to be disciplined to be a good football team, and we were not disciplined Friday night.”
However Habich was proud of the way his team played
“I am really proud of the effort our kids showed,” Habich said. “They were playing a team that was a lot bigger and faster than them. We will get our mistakes corrected.”
The undefeated Hibriten High School Panthers (7-0) were the conference pre-season favorite, and Habich said the Panthers are very similar to Freedom.
They like to run the option offense and a have a very aggressive defense, Habich added.
Watauga (6-1) will face Hibriten from Jack Groce Friday night at 7:30 p.m.
“We’re just trying to clean up some things that we’re not doing right,” Habich said. “Hibriten averages 50 points per game so we’ll have to play well to make it a four-quarter game.”
