October 5, 2025

Asheville High Football Faces Hurricane Challenges

Asheville, October 5, 2025

News Summary

Asheville High School’s football team is grappling with challenges arising from Hurricane Helene and significant roster changes. Under head coach Cort Radford, the Cougars prepare for their season with new starting quarterback Tay Williams stepping in after Meek Slydell’s transfer. The team has faced a rocky start, having lost key players but remains optimistic about the offensive line’s potential. Recent games included a nail-biting win over East Rutherford and a loss to Dobyns-Bennett, with standout performances from Clement Davidson and Tay Williams.

Asheville—Asheville High School’s football team is navigating a challenging season in the wake of the impactful hurricane Helene, which affected schools across Western North Carolina. Head football coach Cort Radford acknowledged the lingering effects of the storm on the team and the difficulties in maintaining a stable environment for players.

Despite these challenges, the Cougars are ready to hit the field with new talent and strong leadership. The team is undergoing significant player changes, including the loss of starting quarterback Meek Slydell, who has transferred, paving the way for Tay Williams to step in as the new starting quarterback. The Cougars also graduated the top two rushers and five of the top six receivers from the previous season, indicating a fresh start with a roster that largely consists of inexperienced players.

Coach Radford remains optimistic about the team’s prospects, particularly regarding the offensive line, which he believes has potential due to its physically imposing tackles, even though they lack game experience. The team’s ability to thrive will depend on their preparation, especially since they are scheduled to face a tough non-conference schedule this season.

Defensively, the Cougars will have to adapt with most of their experienced players having graduated. However, they are set to retain their leading tackler Se-Mahj Brown, whose role may shift to accommodate greater responsibilities on the offensive side of the ball. The Cougars are focusing on understanding their program’s legacy, emphasizing what it means to represent Asheville High in each game.

The season opener for Asheville High is set for August 22nd against East Rutherford. In their home opener, Asheville managed to secure a narrow victory over East Rutherford with a score of 40-36. Clement Davidson led the team with 226 rushing yards and two touchdowns, marking a new career-high. Tay Williams also contributed significantly, throwing for 169 passing yards and one touchdown, achieving an impressive completion rate of 81.8%.

Despite their loss, East Rutherford’s Brandon Pinkerton showcased his talent with a remarkable performance, collecting 254 rushing yards and four touchdowns. On September 29th, Asheville faced a setback, suffering a 21-7 defeat against Dobyns-Bennett. Meanwhile, East Rutherford played on the same date, winning 41-6 against Blacksburg.

As the Cougars continue their season, their ability to adapt to new roles and enhance team cohesion will be critical in overcoming the post-hurricane challenges they face.

FAQ

What challenges did Asheville High Football face due to Hurricane Helene?

Helene’s impact was felt across Western North Carolina, affecting all schools, including Asheville High. Head football coach Cort Radford acknowledges the lingering effects of the storm on the team.

Who is the new starting quarterback for Asheville High?

New starting quarterback Tay Williams is stepping up for Asheville High following the transfer of starting quarterback Meek Slydell.

What is Asheville High’s performance in their recent games?

Asheville secured a narrow victory over East Rutherford, winning 40-36 in their home opener. However, they suffered a 21-7 defeat against Dobyns-Bennett on September 29th.

Who were the standout players in the game against East Rutherford?

Clement Davidson led Asheville with 226 rushing yards and two touchdowns, while Tay Williams contributed with 169 passing yards and one touchdown. East Rutherford’s Brandon Pinkerton had an impressive performance with 254 rushing yards and four touchdowns, despite the loss.

Key Features of Asheville High Football Season

Feature	Details
Season Opener	August 22nd against East Rutherford
Key Players Lost	Meek Slydell (quarterback), top two rushers, five of top six receivers
Standout Performers vs East Rutherford	Clement Davidson (226 rushing yards), Tay Williams (169 passing yards)
Recent Results	Defeated East Rutherford 40-36, lost to Dobyns-Bennett 21-7