Owen ends losing streak, defeats Avery at home

BLACK MOUNTAIN - This one was for Anthony Lee.

Owen High School defeated Avery High School 50-43 in what will serve as offensive coordinator and athletic director Lee’s final home game. Caleb Scott finished with a career-high seven touchdowns while completing a career-high 16 passes on 21 attempts for 232 yards.

The win also earned Owen its first in-conference victory.

Lee told his players he only needed one thing from them.

“All I’ve ever asked of you is give me your best,” Lee said. “We may not have played our best, but you gave me your best and that’s all I’ve ever asked for.”

Scott added to his passing totals with a team-high 108 rushing yards for three touchdowns. Jacob Price, who expressed frustration following the team’s loss the previous week, finished with 149 receiving yards and three touchdowns.

Blake Roberts and Shavoy Harding added 78 yards and 35 yards on the ground, respectively. Orion Angus scored the lone touchdown not scored by Price or Scott, with three catches for 50 yards.

Head coach Nathan Padgett, who dedicated the game ball to Lee, said Lee’s impact on the school has not gone unnoticed.

“He’s given a lot of time and a lot of time and energy to our program,” Padgett said. “When you look at the things that he’s done, and the people that he’s impacted and their lives over the years, is tremendous.”

Padgett added that no player wanted to lose after the emotions experienced in a loss to Mountain Heritage High School.

“We challenged all of our kids this week in practice,” Padgett said. “None of us liked that feeling that we felt. Jacob (Price) is a player, and he stepped up tonight big for us, and I don’t think he nor any one of these players wanted to feel what they felt last week.”

The Warhorses trailed by eight entering the second quarter and later led by one following a last-minute field goal by Logan Melton.

Both teams combined for 36 points in the third and 28 points in the fourth, including a 90-second interval between two rushing touchdowns by Scott.

Lee first coached for the school in 1989-90 before returning in 1996. He currently serves as athletic director, offensive coordinator and head baseball coach.

Lifting the game ball presented by Padgett, Lee said he wouldn’t forget the 2020 team.

“I’ll bring a marker to school and I want every one of your signatures on this ball,” Lee said. “I’ve got many, many memories, but as I get older, you’re going to be the freshest ones.”