Cherryville Ironmen Edge Hayesville Yellow Jackets in Thrilling NCHSAA Playoff Clash

(Photo from the HHS Facebook page) Coach Sellers has a pre-game conference with the Yellow Jackets.

In a tightly contested Round 3 battle of the NCHSAA championship tournament, the top-seeded Cherryville Ironmen emerged victorious over the eighth-seeded Hayesville Yellow Jackets, securing a 2-1 win on their home turf Tuesday night. The game, marked by stellar pitching and clutch moments, was a testament to the grit and determination of both squads, with the outcome hanging in the balance until the final inning.

The Ironmen struck first, plating a run in the bottom of the first inning to take an early 1-0 lead. Cherryville’s defense, backed by precise pitching, held Hayesville scoreless through the first four frames, allowing just one hit while committing no errors. The Yellow Jackets, undeterred, found life in the fifth, scratching across a run to knot the score at 1-1. The tie showcased Hayesville’s resolve, as they capitalized on their lone hit of the night, despite a single error in the field.

As the game moved into the sixth inning, wet weather forced a delay, adding tension to an already electric atmosphere. Both teams returned with focus, but the score remained deadlocked until the seventh. In the bottom of the final frame, Cherryville delivered the decisive blow, pushing across a run to secure the 2-1 victory. The Ironmen’s three hits proved just enough to outpace Hayesville’s one, while their error-free performance underscored their top-seed pedigree.

The win advances Cherryville in the NCHSAA tournament, keeping their championship hopes alive. For Hayesville, the loss marks the end of a valiant playoff run, with their eighth-seeded squad proving they could hang with the state’s elite. The Yellow Jackets end the season 14-9 overall and 11-1 in the Smoky Mountain Conference along with yet another conference championship.