The Granite Bears of Mount Airy travel to face the Watauga Pioneers in a highly anticipated non-conference showdown on Friday, September 5, 2025, at 7:30 PM. Both teams enter undefeated at 2-0, with Watauga boasting one of the most explosive offenses in North Carolina and Mount Airy leaning on balance and toughness. This clash promises to be one of the marquee Week 3 matchups in the state.
Game Details
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Matchup: Mount Airy (NC) @ Watauga (NC)
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Date & Time: 9/5/2025 – 7:30 PM
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Location: Watauga High School, Boone, NC
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Live Coverage: Follow live scores on MaxPreps
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Mount Airy Granite Bears
The Granite Bears (2-0) are ranked #1,748 nationally and #40 in North Carolina. They’ve leaned on a steady attack, scoring 44 points while allowing 22 through two contests. RB Everett Gryder (59 rushing yds/game) provides consistency on the ground, while defensive leader Mickey Portante anchors the front seven.
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2025 Record: 2-0
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National Rank: #1,748
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State Rank (NC): #40
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Class Rank: #2
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Key to Win: Control the pace, lean on Gryder in the run game, and limit Watauga’s explosive passing attack.
Main Squad:
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Everett Gryder – RB (#4, 59 rushing yds/game)
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Mickey Portante – LB (#24, 3 tackles/game)
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Caleb Johnson – QB
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Marcus Lee – WR/CB
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Jordan Hines – DB
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Anthony Davis – LB
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Chris Martin – OL/DL
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Jalen Mitchell – WR
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Isaiah Collins – DB
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Ryan Taylor – OL
Watauga Pioneers
The Pioneers (2-0) are ranked #1,355 nationally and #30 in North Carolina, and they’ve been nothing short of dominant. Their offense is rolling, averaging 49 points per game, while the defense has allowed only 7 total points in two games. QB Cade Keller is leading the charge with 263 passing yds/game and 311 total yds/game, while WR Evan Burroughs has been a mismatch nightmare at 194 receiving yds/game. RB Aiden Fletcher adds ground balance, and LB Mickey Portante is key on defense.
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2025 Record: 2-0
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National Rank: #1,355
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State Rank (NC): #30
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Class Rank: #6
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Key to Win: Keep Keller comfortable in the pocket, hit explosive plays early, and pressure Mount Airy into mistakes.
Main Squad:
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Cade Keller – QB (#10, 263 passing yds, 311 total yds/game)
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Evan Burroughs – WR (#12, 194 receiving yds/game)
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Aiden Fletcher – RB
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Cameron Lewis – OL
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Jalen Adams – WR
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Tyrese Moore – DB
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Connor Hayes – LB
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Brayden Scott – DL
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Dylan Hart – OL
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Landon Price – DB
Rankings & Records
| Team | National Rank | State Rank | Class Rank | Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mount Airy | 1,748 | 40 (NC) | 2 | 2-0 |
| Watauga | 1,355 | 30 (NC) | 6 | 2-0 |
Abu Sayem is a sports enthusiast and writer who enjoys sharing stories about high school athletics. He is passionate about celebrating the teamwork, dedication, and spirit of young athletes.
