Mills River – The 2023 varsity Falcons had the most (13) victories in program history, and won the most (13) games in a row. They scored the most (61, versus Erwin) points in a playoff triumph. They went the furthest in playoffs, falling to eventual 3A state champion Hickory in round four. That is round more than they reached in 2022, when the 1984 squad for most wins at 12.
“They’ll be talking about you for a long time,” fiery defensive coordinator Daniel Holbert said of the historic season.
Quarterback Cade Young said, “Hopefully, we can beat these records next year!” Falcons of the last two seasons have “set the bar high,” veteran head coach Paul Whitaker said. He reinforces a friendly pressure on current players. “We want to be county champs and (Mountain Seven) conference champs for three years straight,” undefeated in the regular season, and make another deep playoff drive.
“It’s harder to stay on top, than to get to the top,” Coach Whitaker said. West returns merely three of 11 starters on each side of the ball. Still, “we want to be like the Reynolds and Ashevilles. Do it every year.”
The Falcons (2-0) beat local arch-rival Hendersonville 35-19 at home on Aug. 30, after gnawing Newton-Conover 51-33 in week one. They ran for 292 yards on 40 rushes (7.3 YPC), averaging 7 per pop against HHS. They rushed for 373 yards (10 YPC) against NCHS.
West graduated superstars Truitt Manuel, a Shrine Bowl receiver, and WNC leading rusher Carson Dimsdale. Manuel totaled more than 2,400 yards in 2023. Dimsdale rushed for 2,135 yards and 33 TDs (2.4 per game).
‘Quick-Draw McCraw’
His sturdier successor, Zane McCraw (5-11, 195 jr.), carries on the Falcon tradition of grinding rushing. McCraw rushed for 406 yards (10 YPC) and seven TDs in the first two games. He scored on a run of 73 yards in week one and 65 yards in week two. He shined as a sophomore sub.
“Now, he’s ‘the guy,’” Coach Whitaker said. “Zane is a shifty power back. His biggest asset is his eyes. He sees holes our zone-action blocking is giving him.” Like Dimsdale, McCraw blends acute field vision, quickness, elusiveness, power, and determination to pound out extra yards. McCraw said that he feels “bigger, faster, stronger” from year-round conditioning. The linebacker’s 43-yard interception return was West’s first score of this season.
HHS head coach Kirron Ward said that “Zane is powerful, fast, has good vision, and blocks well. If you over-pursue, they cut back.”
‘Destroyer Da’Zion’
Coach Ward also knows West’s import, Da’Zion Murray (5-10, 215 sr.), a 1,000-yard rusher for HHS’ league rival Chase in 2023. “He’s nimble for his size, with great feet like Zane.” Whitaker said, “Da’Zion has power and burst. He gives you one cut. Whether you’re in his way or not, he’s coming. He’s hard-nosed.”
Defenses are dying against Da’Zion. On a gimpy ankle, Murray has run for 223 yards so far, with two TDs versus HHS. Murray likes the Falcons’ “bonding” and “family feeling.”
Confident Cade
Cade Young (6-0, 180 jr.) threw for two scores in the opener, and 238 yards over two games. He passed for 1,836 yards, 19 TDs and nine picks in 2023. He is accurate. “Cade sees the big picture of defensive disguises and coverages” better, Whitaker said.
Big tight end Tyler Nash (6-5, 240 sr.), a third-year starter, is both a red-zone and downfield target. He can line out wide. He had a TD catch in the opener. Fastest Falcons include WRs Neil Robinson (5-9, 175 sr.) and Asa Ostman (5-9, 155 jr.). Ostman caught a TD pass and team-most four receptions in week one. He had half of West’s receiving yards in week two. WR Zach Stanley (6-3, 180 sr.) transferred from Roberson.
Blockers, Defense
Returning starters up front are guards Gabe Dunbar (5-10, 305 sr.) and Lane Leech (6-0, 270 sr.) and right tackle Mason Carver (5-12, 220 jr.). New starters are LT Owen Sowers (6-1, 230 so.) and center Teegan Bass (5-11, 220 jr.). With their quickness, “we might run more ‘gap schemes’” against larg defenses, Whitaker siad.
Josh Sandoval (6-1, 210 sr.) is a reliable kicker.
The Defense has “hustle,” Whitaker said. Starters are ILBs McCraw and Murray, OLBs Brayden Settle (6-0, 185 sr.) and Jackson Mills (6-0, 190 sr.); nose guard Gabe Gonzalez (5-9, 180 jr.), DTs Nash and Mason McDonald (5-9, 180 sr.); CBs Robinson and Zack McMinn (5-7, 150 jr.), strong safety Alex Adams (6-2, 155 sr.), and free safety Ostman. Nash had two sacks versus HHS.
Coach Whitaker foresees a league “dogfight,” noting Pisgah returns the most starters. He told his Falcons that “playing hard and playing smart” are critical to gaining further success.