It was a dress rehearsal on Friday night for Cloudland, Hampton and Unaka as they participated in the annual Carter County Jamboree that was held at Avery County High School.
The Bulldogs edged the ‘Landers 12-6 in the first half as Cloudland saw time run out on their final drive, while the Rangers fell victim to time running out as well as they fell 12-6 to the host Vikings in the second half.
In the first half, Hampton took the opening possession and marched down the field on a seven-play drive. The drive was started when Coby Jones hit Adam McClain for a 16-yard pass, and was capped off when Jerry Lunsford ran in from 12 yards out.
Cloudland maintained the ball over the seven minutes and change before Austin Whitehead powered his way into the endzone with a two-yard touchdown run.
The Bulldogs answered with another seven play drive that saw Hunter Davenport on the receiving end of a Jones pass to push Hampton to the 12-6 lead. Cloudland took over with just under four minutes to play.
However, the running clock ended the half after the ‘Landers moved into Hampton territory sparked by a Colby Birchfield 13-yard run and a 16-yard Whitehead to Noah Arnett pass.
Jones performance in the half capped off a great night as he claimed the longest throw and the fastest back competitions.
In the second half, Avery took full advantage of the opening possession as quarterback Luke Crowe led the Vikings down the field, and the drive was capped by an 11-yard touchdown run by Christian Hicks.
The Rangers were not to be outdone as Micah Hunt ran for 21 yards on the drive and Blake King hit Brandon Guinn for a 30-yard touchdown pass for the score.
After forcing the Vikings to go three and out on the next drive, Unaka was unable to get anything going either. Avery struck on their next play as Crowe hit Chandler Stansberry for a 69-yard touchdown pass.
Unaka was forced to punt late in the final quarter, but got the ball back after Hunt nabbed an interception.
However, they were unable to force a tie before time expired.
All three teams are set to open the 2015 season next Friday night. Hampton will travel back to Avery County, while Cloudland will host Northview Academy. Unaka will also host North Greene next Friday night.
Audio Interviews
Cloudland Head Coach Brock Pittman
Hampton Head Coach Mike Lunsford
Unaka Head Coach Pink McKinney
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