The Avery Vikings have found a way to win without their best player.

Ever since quarterback Alex Villanueva went down with a broken collarbone on September 21, the Vikings have kept their conference championship hopes alive. The Vikings (6-1 overall; 2-1 in the Western Highlands 1A/2A Conference) took another step in that direction by knocking off Hendersonville 23-14 in a WHC game Friday night at MacDonald Stadium.
Dustin Childress, who has stepped in and done a fine job guiding the Vikings in Villaueva's absence,  scored on a 2-yard run early in the third quarter snapping a 14-14 tie, and giving Avery the lead for good. Dustin Clark added a 31-yard field goal in the final minute to settle the issue.
Colton Blackburn paced Avery with 139 rushing yards and a touchdown. The Vikings play at Polk County next Friday night. Mitchell defeated Polk County 24-23 Friday night in Bakersville.

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In Other Games:

Ashe County 40, North Wilkes 22
Asheville 63, Enka 30
Erwin 45, McDowell 0
Mountain Heritage 21. Owen 14
T.C. Roberson 30, North Bumcombe 13
Mitchell 24, Polk County 23
A.C. Reynolds 34, Crest 31
Newton Conover 52, East Burke 14
Alexander Central 27, Hickory 17
East Wilkes 63, Alleghany 12
St. Stephens 42, Fred T. Foard 26
Freedom 40, R.S. Central 7
Shelby 51, Patton 21
Draughn 35, Bunker Hill 18
West Caldwell 27, Bandys 20
West Wilkes 17, Elkin 14
Wilkes Central 47, Forbush 14