The Draughn football team is back to winning ways in Wildcat Country, shutting out Avery County 37-0 in another Saturday afternoon matchup.

The win sets up a high-stakes matchup at home next Saturday with Mountain Heritage for the Western Highlands 1A/2A Conference championship and significant implications in the NCHSAA 1A State playoffs.

The Cougars, who defeated Mitchell 55-12 Friday night, currently lead the conference standings at 3-0 and have the second-highest 1A West playoff RPI score (0.64992), just behind defending state champions Mount Airy (0.67893).

The Wildcats (5-3, 3-1) are tied with Mitchell for second place in the Western Highlands, as the Mountaineers earned a 33-14 win over Draughn two weeks ago.

Simply put, a share of the conference title can happen, creating a favorable playoff scenario if things go the Wildcats way.

“I was proud of how our kids came out and played; our guys came out with better energy. We must be very disciplined and play four quarters against a well-coached Mountain Heritage team,” said Draughn coach Chris Powell.

Sterling Radabaugh led the reigns of the offense at the quarterback position throwing for 176 yards on 17 completions to six different receivers led by Kayden Lytle (55 yards, 2 TD), Jacob Mull (35), Marshall Brinkley (26, TD), and Cam Sidden (23, TD).

Radabaugh also added a rushing touchdown for 57 yards in the second quarter to account for his 97 rushing yards.

Brinkley added 57 rushing yards with Bryson Seagle rushing for 36 yards to assist the offensive progression.

“We executed on all sides of the ball, receivers came out and the line came out ready to play. We need to get locked in at practice, do our jobs, and just come to win (next week),” said Radabaugh.

Connor Houston led on the defensive side of the ball by getting a grasp on two interceptions as Radabaugh (INT), Brinkley (sack), Mull (TFL), Tavion Wilkerson, Ty Matthews, Jamal Calloway, and Alex Wright provided efforts to defend the visiting Vikings.

Kicker Mylton Lopez Garcia also made four of five PAT kicks and a fourth-quarter field goal for a little over 20 yards.