If you’ve ever spent a humid Friday night in Columbus, North Carolina, you know the sound. It’s not just the crickets or the wind coming off the Blue Ridge. It’s the specific, rhythmic thud of pads clashing at G.M. Tennant Stadium. Polk County NC football isn't just a high school sport; it's the cultural heartbeat of a county that doesn't have a whole lot of other distractions.
Honestly, the 2025 season was a bit of a rollercoaster. The Wolverines finished with a 3-8 record, which, on paper, might look like a "down" year to an outsider. But stats rarely tell the whole story of mountain football. This is a program built on a legacy of "stingy defense"—a philosophy championed for years by legendary coaches like Bruce Ollis and Jamie Thompson. Even in a rebuilding year under Head Coach Dustin Fry, that grit was still visible. They aren't just playing for a trophy; they’re playing for "bragging rights between Landrum and Tryon and Columbus," as Ollis used to say.
The Reality of the 2025-2026 Season
You can't talk about the current state of the program without mentioning Loreynzo Sanchez. The senior running back was basically a human highlight reel this past fall, averaging a staggering 174.2 rushing yards per game. That’s not a typo. In a world where every team is trying to run a flashy air-raid offense, Polk County often leans into that old-school, ground-oriented Western North Carolina style.
The season had some high highs and some pretty brutal lows.
- The Avery County blowout: A 68-21 victory where the offense finally clicked, putting up the most points they’ve seen in years.
- The Hendersonville heartbreak: A 37-21 loss to the Bearcats that proved just how tough the Mountain Foothills 7 Conference can be.
- The Playoff Push: Despite the losing record, their RPI was high enough to land them a spot in the 2A state playoffs, eventually falling to East Surry in the first round.
Why the Landrum Rivalry is the Best Small-School Battle
If you want to understand the soul of Polk County NC football, you have to look at the "Battle of the Belt." The rivalry with Landrum (South Carolina) is legendary. It’s a border war. It’s neighbor against neighbor. Coach Ollis once called it "the best small high school rivalry anywhere."
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There’s a specific kind of energy when the Wolverines and Cardinals meet. It doesn’t matter if one team is 0-10 and the other is undefeated; the game is always a dogfight. In recent years, Landrum has picked up some steam, including a 43-6 win in 2024, but Polk still holds the historical edge in the series. It's the kind of game where the local diners are empty because everyone—and I mean everyone—is at the stadium.
Key Players to Watch Moving Forward
While a lot of seniors like Sanchez and linebacker Zalen McCraw are moving on, the cupboard isn't bare.
Brody Wilkins, the sophomore quarterback, showed a lot of poise under pressure this year. He finished with an 84.1% completion rate in limited action, which is kinda wild for a kid his age. Then you've got Styler Blackwell, a junior who was a beast on both sides of the ball. He averaged over 9 tackles a game and was a primary receiving threat.
The defense is also anchored by young talent like Acer Eadus, a sophomore who led the team in sacks. These are the names that will likely define the next two years of Wolverine football.
The Legend of G.M. Tennant Stadium
Most people just see a field. For locals, "The Tennant" is a sanctuary. The stadium is known for its "Runway to Victory" tradition and the overall "Dreadnaught" vibe (though that term is more often associated with their Florida namesakes, the local passion is identical).
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The program reached its peak between 2006 and 2010. During those five years, they won 51 games and four conference titles. That era set a standard that every team since has been chasing. They played a brand of defense that held opponents to under 18 points per game for nearly a decade.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Newcomers
If you're planning to catch a game or want to support the program, here is what you actually need to know:
1. Watch the RPI Rankings
In North Carolina high school football, the record isn't everything. The NCHSAA uses an RPI (Ratings Percentage Index) to determine playoff seeding. Polk often plays a brutal non-conference schedule (like facing Blue Ridge or Newton-Conover) specifically to boost this rating, even if it leads to a few early-season losses.
2. Follow the Local Experts
For the most accurate, play-by-play info, PolkSports.com is the gold standard. Andy Rhinehart has been covering these teams for years, and his archives are a gold mine of Wolverine history.
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3. Get to the Stadium Early
Parking at Polk County High can be a nightmare for big rivalry games (especially Hendersonville or Landrum). If kickoff is at 7:30, aim to be in your seat by 6:45 if you want a decent view of the "Runway to Victory."
4. Support the Boosters
High school sports in small counties live and die by their booster clubs. If you're a local business owner or a dedicated fan, getting involved with the PCHS Wolverine Club is the best way to ensure the equipment and facilities stay top-tier for these kids.
The 2026 season will be a massive test for Coach Fry. With a young quarterback and a hungry defense, the goal is simple: get back to that winning tradition that defined the Ollis era. It won't be easy, but in Polk County, nobody expects it to be.
To stay updated on the upcoming 2026 spring practice schedule and official roster changes, check the Polk County High School athletic department page or follow the team's official MaxPreps profile for live score alerts.