The Hayesville Yellowjackets' postseason run came to an abrupt halt Saturday, November 23 as they fell to the undefeated Mountain Heritage Cougars in a lopsided 51-7 contest. The Cougars showcased their dominance early, holding a commanding 30-0 lead by halftime, leaving the Yellow Jackets in a deep hole from which they could not recover.
Game Highlights
Hayesville’s lone bright spot came late in the game when quarterback Lance Coker connected with Michael Mauney for a 32-yard touchdown pass, and Josue Salas followed up with a successful extra point. Coker threw for 47 yards in the game, with Mauney contributing 57 receiving yards and the team’s only touchdown. On the ground, Tre Graves added 28 rushing yards to the Yellow Jackets' effort.
Meanwhile, Mountain Heritage executed a well-rounded attack, scoring via the run and the pass, and capitalizing on big plays to widen the gap. Their balanced offense was complemented by a stifling defense that kept Hayesville out of the end zone until the closing minutes of the fourth quarter.
Scoring Summary
The Cougars wasted no time, opening the scoring with a 28-yard touchdown run early in the first quarter. By halftime, they added three more touchdowns, including a 20-yard run and an 8-yard pass, paired with successful two-point conversions. The second half saw Mountain Heritage extend their lead with a 47-yard touchdown run and a 5-yard run, showcasing their offensive depth and dominance.
Hayesville's touchdown came in the game's waning moments, offering a glimmer of consolation in an otherwise difficult evening.
Season in Review
The Yellow Jackets concluded their season with a 4-8 record, a reflection of their challenges in turning regular season success into postseason victories. Despite the tough ending, the team displayed flashes of potential throughout the year.
For Mountain Heritage, the victory propelled their record to a pristine 10-0 as they prepare to host the East Wilkes Cardinals (10-2) in the next round. The Cougars will aim to defend their 11-game home win streak, dating back to last season, in a highly anticipated matchup Friday at 7:00 p.m.
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