Hayesville Yellow Jackets Dominate Hiwassee Dam Eagles in 17-1 Rout

(Photo by Carissa Daniels) Kendall Boyer rounds third and heads for home against Hiwassee Dam.

389 Country

Staff Report

On Tuesday, March 18, 2025, the Hayesville Yellow Jackets delivered a commanding performance against the Hiwassee Dam Eagles, securing a 17-1 victory in a five-inning mercy-rule game at Hayesville High School. The win improved Hayesville’s season record to 4-3, showcasing their offensive firepower and defensive precision in a one-sided clash.

The Yellow Jackets wasted no time asserting dominance, plating 2 runs in the first inning before erupting for 8 more in the second. After a scoreless third, they sealed the deal with a 7-run fourth inning, overwhelming Hiwassee Dam’s defense. The Eagles managed their lone run in the fourth, but it was far too little against Hayesville’s relentless attack. The final score, underscored the Yellow Jackets’ superiority, as they racked up 14 hits and committed zero errors, while Hiwassee Dam struggled with 6 errors and just 2 hits.

Hayesville’s batting lineup was a force to be reckoned with, hitting at a blistering .625 clip as a team. Senior Cooper Matheson ended the game with 2 RBIs and a run scored, while senior Kyle Shaheen added a 2-for-2 day with 2 RBIs and a stolen base. Kendall Boyer (Sr.), Ben Bethel (Jr.), and Michael Mauney (Sr.) each contributed multiple hits and RBIs, with Bethel’s two stolen bases and Boyer’s double adding extra sting. The Yellow Jackets also showcased their speed, swiping 8 bases without being caught, and their discipline at the plate, drawing 5 walks and getting hit by pitches twice.

On the mound, Hayesville’s pitching trio of Kyle Shaheen, Kendall Boyer, and Brady Reynolds (So.) combined to stifle Hiwassee Dam’s offense, allowing just 2 hits over 5 innings while striking out 10.

Hiwassee Dam, meanwhile, struggled to find their footing. Junior Abel Penland and sophomore Noah Shields accounted for the team’s only hits, with Shields driving in the Eagles’ sole run. The pitching tandem of Isaiah Crisp (Sr.) and Penland couldn’t contain Hayesville’s bats, surrendering 14 hits and 17 runs (8 earned) while issuing 7 walks. The Eagles’ 6 errors further compounded their woes, leading to a team fielding percentage of .727.

This emphatic victory sets the stage for a rematch on Friday, March 21, when the two teams will square off again in Hiwassee Dam. The Eagles will look to regroup and leverage their home-field advantage to even the score, while Hayesville aims to carry their momentum forward.