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Cherryville, NC (WNN) - The Ironmen took care of business on September 11th, shutting out the Highland Tech Rams 42-0 for a homecoming victory. The win helped erase the bitter taste left in their mouths after a tough loss at Lincolnton last week. Cherryville improved its record to 3-1 overall and 1-1 in the conference. The Ironmen have a very explosive offense and are averaging 41 points per game, and they add a hard-hitting defense. The only downside to the lopsided win was mental mistakes that led to 17 penalties for 165 yards. The Rams gave up 105 yards in penalties as well. Cherryville will need to correct that before hosting the 3A State Champion Shelby Golden Lions next Friday.
had a big night, scoring 3 touchdowns, one of which was a fumble recovery for a scoop and score. He made key plays on both sides of the ball. Jackson Heavner bulked up during the offseason without losing any speed. This has made him even more of a menace for defenders trying to stop him as he bull-rushes his way downfield. Jayden Adams contributed on both sides of the ball, too; on defense, he had a key interception to stop a sustained Rams' drive. The Ironmen made 9 tackles that resulted in lost yardage. They also held Highland Tech to -1 yards rushing on the night. Landry Pruitt, Maddox Carrigan, Korey Makupson, Elijah Proctor, Enijahe Whitworth, Austin Shoemake, and Ayden Thompson all made key contributions as well throughout the night. Cole Kelly continued to do an excellent job, making all 6 of his extra point attempts. He had 2 kickoffs result in touchbacks, although he did miss a 41-yard field goal attempt that had plenty of leg but was wide right.
J.J. McElhaney running the ball into the end zone - Cherryville High School Homecoming Game - Cherryville High School vs. Highland Tech - Cherryville, NC - September 11, 2026
William Phillips (WNN)
Homecoming means pretty girls in white evening gowns, handsome young men in black tuxedoes, and luxury convertible sports cars lining the field and track. Cherryville always makes this event a special night. This year's homecoming court consisted of Landry Beam, Bailey Bryant, Cadience Dellinger, Laney Jones, and Laney Spangler. The crown was presented to Laney Jones as she was crowned the 2026 Cherryville High School Homecoming Queen.
Cherryville received the opening kickoff and returned the ball just over midfield. The Ironmen wasted no time with a 2-play scoring drive that took 25 seconds. A 29-yard touchdown run from Jackson Heavner followed a 19-yard run by Jayden Adams. The Cole Kelly kick after was good, giving the team a 7-0 lead. Following a Highland Tech three-and-out, Cherryville started at its own 42. A 3-play, 58-yard scoring drive took just 1:52, highlighted by a 25-yard Elijah Proctor touchdown run. Cole Kelly added the extra point for a 14-0 lead. The Rams again went three-and-out. Starting at their own 41, Cherryville had another quick scoring drive. This one took just 3 plays, as J.J. McElhaney rushed for an 18-yard score after a big run from Jayden Adams. Cole Kelly's kick made the lead 21-0.
Cherryville's next drive carried over into the second quarter. This drive featured two long Jayden Adams to Narian Hopper passes. A couple of miscues and penalties resulted in a turnover on downs. Highland Tech had a good drive going after starting at their own 10. They attempted to run a speed option and mishandled the ball. J.J. McElhaney, who was all over the field tonight, scooped up the ball and ran, dragging two defenders with him, down to the Ironmen's 23-yard line. He ran for 22 yards from the wildcat, but was pushed back due to a holding penalty. Cole Kelly came in to attempt a 36-yard field goal, but a penalty backed him up for a 41-yard attempt. The kick was long enough but veered to the right. Cherryville held the Rams to a three-and-out; the snap for the punt was bobbled, and Cherryville was called for roughing the kicker, resulting in a first down for the Rams. They still couldn't move the ball, and on fourth down, tried a fake punt that ended in a turnover on downs. The Ironmen took over at Highland Tech's 39 and fed the ball to Jackson Heavner; his longest run was for 26. After a penalty, J.J. McElhaney scored from the wildcat with a walk-in 5-yard run. Cherryville now led 28-0 after Kelly's kick. The Rams were looking to score before the half on a drive that featured several Cherryville penalties and a long 30-yard pass play. Jayden Adams ended the drive with an interception and a long return.
The third quarter began with Highland not able to sustain its opening drive. Cherryville started with excellent field position at Highland's 25. A holding penalty wiped out an apparent 20-yard touchdown run by Jackson Heavner. Jayden Adams went to the air and connected with Enijahe Whitworth for a 23-yard strike. After the Cole Kelly kick, the lead was extended to 35-0. The Rams fumbled a lateral on the first play of their next drive. J.J. McElhaney picked it up for a scoop and score as he jogged into the endzone. The score was now 42-0 after Cole Kelly successfully kicked the point after. The running clock rule was in effect, so the rest of the game was played without stoppages of the clock. Highland Tech appeared to have connected on a 70-yard pass play for a touchdown, but a holding penalty negated the catch and score.
After the game, WNN's Rusty Wise interviewed Coach Bowman and several of the players. They were asked about their thoughts on how the game went, how they handled increased hydration to avoid cramps, their views on artificial turf versus natural grass, and how they plan to prepare to play Shelby.
Coach Patrick Bowman: He was asked to comment on how he thought the game played out. "Yeah, you know, I thought we came out sharp, we scored on our first two drives, kind of stalled out a little on offense, thought our defense played really well. Anytime you can get a shutout, that's a good night on defense." He commented that he approaches the game the same every week, no matter who the opponent. The goal each week is to end the week 1-0 and move on to the next with the same goal of finishing 1-0. He stressed that Highland Tech is a tough-nosed football team, and he was proud of his guys for reaching their goal and playing hard. He was asked how he would prepare for Shelby. "Yeah, you know it's no secret they're a good team; they're a well-coached team. They're very fast on the edges, so have to have our best week of practice for us to put our best foot forward and attack the week and try to go 1-0 next week."
Coach Bowman emphasized the importance of hydration in reducing cramps. He explained that a major factor is getting into better shape and staying hydrated throughout the week. He expressed that he is very proud of how the guys take care of themselves. Many of Cherryville's opponents are larger schools with more player depth. Wise asked the coach about preparing for teams with greater player depth. "Right, and we knew that going in, we knew depth at those positions is a little thin right now, but nothing better to get you in game shape than playing games. So, hopefully, as the season goes on, we get in better shape, but we're extremely blessed to have these guys. You know we've got some great playmakers on the outside at slot, and at running back now with Heavner being back. So, we're excited, as a coach, you know, very excited to have that many playmakers. Hats off to our quarterback; he does a great job distributing the ball. He's really settled into that role. I feel like we've all watched him grow up a little bit, since he's been doing this it's his third year now, but very happy these guys, obviously a big night for them tonight, but as far as the rotation and stuff you know we've just got to get in better shape, we got to play, we talked about it every week the best way to get in shape is to play all the time and that's what we're doing right now. So, hopefully as the year goes on, you'll see us be able to withstand, you know, like last week we came out hot and scored a couple of times, we'll be able to withstand that through the first, second, third, and fourth quarters."
Jackson Heavner: His thoughts on how the game went. "We didn't play our best, and we didn't play to our full abilities. That just goes to being comfortable, like last week we got too comfortable, we don't play to our full potential." He was asked about playing on artificial turf as opposed to natural grass. "For me personally, I love it. I love it, it makes me fast, but you know I'm fast everywhere, but it just made me a little bit faster. The hard part about turf is that you slide everywhere, but other than that, it's okay." Next up is Shelby, he was asked about preparing for that game and building endurance to sustain four quarters. "Same way we prepare every week, just get better every day and then watch film, study what they do, just attack it before they get to us. We got to find some guys to get into that rotation, and they can do the job we need, so our main guys can get some rest so we can keep everybody up and alive so we can keep fighting the whole game instead of just the first half."
J.J. McElhaney: He had a big night, scoring 3 touchdowns and making some key plays. He was asked how that felt and how they would approach the Shelby game. "Yes, sir, yes, sir, it was alright, I guess. I mean I didn't really catch the ball; it was really like scoop and score more than really, just what I do the best. That's the plan, hopefully. Well, my dawg, Maddox is out, so it's going to be tough on the line, but I think we can get it done. Same as any other week, practice hard, play hard. Get it right in practice, so can come out Friday and get the dub." JJ was asked his opinion on less cramping this week. "I think it was the turf; I'm going to be honest. I think it was the turf. It was just a different environment, but I think it was definitely the turf. It was just different for us because we are always playing on grass, stuff like that, so it was just new to us. We're still getting used to it."
Landry Pruitt: He gave his thoughts on winning homecoming. "I mean, a win's a win, I'm always excited. Honestly, I thought we played really good from the start. Obviously, a little pressure with everybody here, because I mean it's about twice the size it normally is. We made some big plays, we were excited about the big plays, we got to show the whole town what we could do." He was asked about preference between turf and grass. "I like grass a lot more, softer, less cramps. It's not as hot, and with the numbers we have, the hotter we get, the worse we are because we get more fatigued, so playing on grass is definitely a plus for us. It helps us stay cool, stay hydrated, doesn't let us cramp that much, and we definitely play better on grass." Finally, he was asked what one area could be addressed to improve upon and how they should prepare for next week against Shelby. "I think one area we could work on is after the big plays, staying together, knowing what we have to do. A lot of the time out here, after a big play, we get down, maybe a big run or a big pass, we let up a touchdown or a missed block and a sack, then we just have to punt it the next couple of plays. I think the biggest area we should work on is keeping our head up after a bad play and then getting excited after a good play. Keeping up the energy, not letting it go away. I think the best thing for us to do, we definitely got to be physical, defensively they've never been real-real physical for who they are, but if our o-line is physical, I think we can definitely score some points, and defensively if we just match up with them athlete for athlete, I think we'll be okay."
Korey Makupson: He was asked about his thoughts on securing a big win for homecoming. "You know, it's great to win 42-0 on homecoming, all the people happy you know, but they're some things we could fix on offense and defense, just we all got to come together. We all have to play assignment football." He was asked to give his opinion on turf versus grass and how the players approach hydration. "Artificial turf hurts, so I think grass is definitely better. They get onto us at school, they give us electrolyte packets, they try to give us water all day, and you know, pickle juice, other things like that." The last question Rusty asked him was about how to prepare for their big test against Shelby. "We just going to how we came in first quarter against Lincolnton, that's just how we're going to practice all week. It's just going to have to be like that."
The Ironmen will be back at work preparing for their next opponent. The defending State 3A Champions, Shelby Golden Lions, will be a big test for the Ironmen on September 18th in Cherryville. Game time is 7:30 pm. They will have to utilize their big playmakers and limit Shelby's offense. The Ironmen approach games with a "why not us" attitude, and in high school football, anything is possible. The following week will be an open date for Cherryville. No matter the outcome of the next game, Cherryville will enter the bye week with a winning overall record. This should motivate the second half of their season.
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