Asheville, NC, August 31, 2025
News Summary
Asheville High School’s football team triumphed over East Rutherford with a score of 40-36, showcasing strong performances, particularly from standout players. Clement Davidson rushed for 226 yards, while Tay Williams contributed 169 passing yards. The team’s ground game was effective, emphasizing resilience as they navigate a challenging season. With upcoming games against Dobyns-Bennett for Asheville, the community is rallying around the team as it aims to build on its football legacy despite losing key players from the previous year.
Asheville, NC – Asheville High School kicked off their football season with a thrilling 40-36 victory against East Rutherford on August 22, 2025, showcasing an exciting and competitive atmosphere for fans at their home field. This win marks a positive start for the Cougars in their quest to build on their football legacy.
Asheville’s success can largely be attributed to standout performances by key players. Clement Davidson dominated the field, rushing for an impressive 226 yards and scoring two touchdowns, achieving a career-high with an average of 14.1 yards per carry. His performance was complemented by Tay Williams, who contributed by passing for 169 yards and tossing one touchdown.
The Cougars’ ground game was particularly potent, accumulating a total of 375 rushing yards throughout the match. This significantly outperformed East Rutherford’s offensive efforts, which totaled 240 rushing yards. Despite the defeat, East Rutherford also had a remarkable player in Brandon Pinkerton, who racked up 213 rushing yards and scored three touchdowns, in addition to 37 receiving yards, highlighting his impact on the game.
Upcoming, both teams will face challenges in their next matches. Asheville High plans to travel for an away game against Dobyns-Bennett (TN), while East Rutherford will go head-to-head with Blacksburg. The significance of resilience is underscored this season, as Coach Cort Radford acknowledges the continued impact of Hurricane Helene on the community. Football serves as a unifying force for the residents, aiding in the healing process as they look to recover from past hardships.
Asheville has faced some adjustments this season, losing several key players from the previous year, including their top rushers and five of the top six receivers. Despite these losses, expectations remain high. The coach believes in the incoming talent and is excited about the potential within the team.
The offensive line, labeled as physically imposing, still needs to gain experience quickly to perform to their potential. Another adjustment for the Cougars is the transition of Se-Mahj Brown, who has shifted from being the team’s leading tackler on defense to a more substantial role in the offense, adding an element of complexity to the team’s defensive strategy.
Asheville’s non-conference schedule is proving to be a tough test for the team. In order to meet the challenge head-on, players are focusing on rapid development and teamwork throughout the ongoing season. Coach Radford emphasizes the importance of maintaining the legacy of Asheville High football and the pressure players feel to uphold this esteemed tradition, a sentiment strongly felt in the community.
FAQ Section
What was the final score of the Asheville High vs. East Rutherford game?
Asheville High won the game with a score of 40-36.
Who were the standout players in the game?
Clement Davidson rushed for 226 yards and two touchdowns, while Tay Williams threw for 169 yards and one touchdown. East Rutherford’s Brandon Pinkerton also had an impressive game with 213 rushing yards and three touchdowns.
What challenges does Asheville High face this season?
Asheville High lost several key players from the previous year and has a new offensive line that requires rapid development. Additionally, they are playing a challenging non-conference schedule.
When is Asheville High’s next game?
Asheville High’s next game is an away matchup against Dobyns-Bennett (TN).
Key Features Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Game | August 22, 2025 |
| Final Score | Asheville High 40, East Rutherford 36 |
| Asheville Top Performer | Clement Davidson – 226 rushing yards, 2 touchdowns |
| East Rutherford Top Performer | Brandon Pinkerton – 213 rushing yards, 3 touchdowns |
| Next Games | Asheville vs. Dobyns-Bennett; East Rutherford vs. Blacksburg |
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Additional Resources
- 828 News Now: 828 Scoreboard Week 2 of High School Football
- MaxPreps: Football Recap – Asheville Starts Season with Victory Against East Rutherford
- WLOS: Asheville High Entering Season Searching for New Quarterback
- On3: Asheville High School Named Army National Guard Team of the Year
- ABC11: High School Football Scores NC – Check Friday’s Playoff
- Wikipedia: Asheville High School
- Google Search: Asheville High School football
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