Last Updated on November 7, 2026 7:29 am
BOONE — The defending 6A state champion Watauga Pioneers are moving on in the NCHSAA football playoffs.
Watauga beat No. 20 Olympic 16-8 on Friday night at Watauga High School in the first round of the 6A West bracket. The teams were tied 8-8 at halftime, and the No. 13 seed Pioneers held Olympic scoreless in the second half while adding eight points of their own.
The win is the fifth straight for Watauga (6-5), which started the season 1-5 before closing the regular season with four consecutive wins and a share of the Northwestern 6A/7A Conference championship with Alexander Central and Freedom.
The Pioneers will travel to face No. 4 seed Kings Mountain in the second round on Friday, Nov. 13.
Watauga won last year’s 6A title with a 15-0 season, beating Middle Creek 47-25 in the championship game. The third round is set for Nov. 20, the fourth round for Nov. 27 and the 6A West regional final for Dec. 4. State championship games run Dec. 10-12.
