Two weeks ago, Polk County travelled to Shuford Field in Black Mountain to square off against the Warhorses of Owen High School. In what turned out to be the most exciting contest of the season by far, the Wolverines held off the surging Warhorses in the final minute of play to escape with a narrow 20-17 victory.
Tonight, as the 2011 2A state football playoffs get underway with 16 contests across North Carolina, it is Owen’s turn to make the 100-mile round trip. The Warhorses will gallop into town for the 7:30 p.m. start with revenge on their minds, as they look for their first win against Polk County in five seasons.
“I can assure that their team will be excited about the chance to play us again and not having to wait until next season,” said Wolverine Head Coach Bruce Ollis. “No player on the Owen team has ever been a part of a victory over Polk County and I am sure their focus will be putting an end to that.”
For their part, the Wolverines will be looking for redemption as well, coming off last week’s lackluster performance that cost the team the conference title.
“We were embarrassed by our performance last Friday,” said Ollis. “A chance to win our third conference title in a row, we certainly should have played better. No doubt that Hendersonville is a quality team but we made them look much better by our poor performance.”
The road to the state title is quite straightforward. Five victories – first round, district, sectional, regional and state – and you hoist the trophy and hang the banner. One loss and you’re through for the season. The facts are as simple as they are brutal – there is no next week in November.
Aiding the Wolverines in this year’s quest towards football’s Promised Land is some very favorable playoff seeding.
“Amazingly, this is the highest we have ever been seeded in the West,” said Ollis. “We are number three overall and number two in our pod.
A victory this evening will guarantee the Wolverines another home playoff game, taking on the winner of tonight’s matchup between Maiden and East Rutherford.
For Polk County, this week has been all about character.
“Our motto this week has been Pride, Intensity and Guts. If we play with those attributes in mind, I believe we will obtain the outcome we desire,” said Ollis. “We have a great opportunity to make a super playoff run.”
Athletic Director Jeff Wilson asked fans to remember that no passes are accepted for North Carolina state playoff games. All tickets to tonight’s game will be $6.