Andrews – When practice began for the Wildcats last week, a mere 12 players were available.
That number eventually increased to 15 by Thursday and 20 by kickoff Friday night.
But even with COVID-19 quarantines depleting their roster, Andrews (2-0) had little trouble systematically dismantling the 3A North Buncombe Black Hawks (0-2) Friday night at Hugh Hamilton Stadium, fanning the visitors in the first half and cruising to a 44-20 win.
"The adversity we went through this week – we had four starters out, quarantined – and no backs … we only had about a 90-minute practice with these guys earlier today," Andrews head coach James Phillips said. "They were dialed in from the get-go. They played so selfless.
"We've played ourselves into 2-0, and we'll get better this week."
North Buncombe simply had no answers for junior Isaac Weaver, who scored on a 36-yard run off Andrews' first snap from scrimmage. Before all was said and done, Weaver amassed 87 rushing yards – tacking on a 15-yard scoring run early in the second quarter – and 122 receiving yards, which included a 60-yard reception that gave the Wildcats a 20-0 lead with 9:37 left in the first half.
"It seems like I say it every week: Isaac is Isaac. He's a special kid," Phillips said. "He's one of the toughest kids I've ever coached in 23 years. He played his hind end off tonight."
Phillips also noted a challenge he made to Wildcats gunner Donovan Bateman, who responded with 122 passing yards.
"I was very proud of Donovan. We've challenged him this week," Phillips said. "We wanted him to throw a little more, and he took that challenge on. He worked hard this week."
Kaden Edwards ran in the final Andrews touchdown of the first half from 18 yards out. The Cats led 28-0 at the break and tacked on another score when Austin Martin pushed his way across the line early in the third.
North Buncombe finally broke through on its next series – thanks to a Banks rush – but Andrews soon responded with an 8-yard touchdown dash from Kegan Ellis, which proved to be the Wildcats final touchdown.
Austin Martin finished the game with 57 rushing yards on 10 carries, while Andy Tatham trampled his way to 81 yards on four attempts. Colton Rose, Drew Martin and Dalton Rose each dropped Banks for a loss, while Weaver picked off two passes.
"Priority No. 1 right now is obviously keeping the kids safe, but you want to get them games and make sure they can play so badly," said Phillips. "It's so fun out here. COVID doesn't matter out here from 7:30-10; they can still be kids."
Andrews will welcome Mitchell for a non-Smoky Mountain Conference game at 7:30 p.m. this Friday.