First round playoff loss to Polk ends Owen football season

Warhorses fall short in 28-22 outing against Wolverines

Fred McCormick
The Valley Echo
November 6, 2026

Regular season records were no longer relevant, Nov. 6, when Owen hosted Polk in the opening round of the NHCSAA 3A State Football Playoffs.

The postseason matchup between the Western Highlands Conference rivals ended in an upset, as the No. 20 Wolverines outlasted the No. 13 Warhorses, 28-22.

Owen, which entered the contest with a 5-5 regular season mark, won the two previous meetings of the programs, including a 46-27 showing in September. Polk brought its 3-7 record back to the Swannanoa Valley, establishing an early 8-0 advantage with a 68-yard touchdown run and successful 2-point conversion on the first play from scrimmage.

Each team traded possessions, before senior defensive back and quarterback Emmett Minks intercepted a pass to end a Wolverines drive. The ensuing possession ended with the first of two Owen fumbles in the contest, before junior Cam McDonald recorded a sack on fourth down, forcing a turnover on downs.

Minks, who finished the night with 172 passing yards from 14 completions on 22 attempts and 16 carries for 84 rushing yards, connected with fellow senior Emerson Autrey for a key first down. Junior receiver Parker Halford was the target of a short pass early in the second quarter, when he turned up the field, outrunning defenders and breaking a tackle on his way to the end zone. A direct snap to Halford on the successful 2-point conversion attempt tied the score, 8-8.

Polk recovered an attempted onside kick, taking possession of the ball at its own 41-yard line, before embarking on a touchdown drive lasting more than 7 minutes. Sophomore Talon Gregg blocked the extra point attempt, giving Owen the ball with an opportunity to claim the lead.

Senior running back Stephen Anderson powered the Warhorse offense to midfield, before Minks turned to Autrey for a completion in Polk territory. Owen faced a second down and goal from just behind the 1-yard line with 3 seconds remaining in the half, but the Wolverines defense held firm, taking a 14-8 lead into halftime.

The Warhorses opened the second half with the ball at the Polk 45-yard line, following a short kick. Anderson, who rushed for 78 yards on 11 carries in the contest, charged into the end zone, setting up a successful extra point attempt by kicker Josue Chavez-Michua, and giving Owen a 1-point lead.

The Polk offense unveiled a double-reverse pass to an open receiver in the middle of the field, ending in a a touchdown and successful 2-point conversion. The Wolverines increased their lead on the opening drive of the fourth quarter, scoring a touchdown on fourth down and goal from the 2-yard line.

Minks connected with junior receiver Tye Lewis for a touchdown pass with just over 4 minutes remaining, but the Wolverines corralled the ensuring onside kick. Polk engineered a final drive deep into Owen territory, downing the ball near the 2-yard line to clinch the victory.

Polk will face No. 4 seed Walkertown, Friday, Nov. 13, in the second round.

Photos of the playoff game between Owen and Polk can be viewed in the gallery at the top of the page.