- Travis Dockery
Yellow Jackets sting Devils with statement victory
The varsity Yellow Jacket football team made the journey to Bryson City Friday, Oct. 14 to take on the Swain County Maroon Devils. Traditionally, Swain County has been too tough for Hayesville, but no one told this year's Yellow Jacket team. Hayesville grabbed a stranglehold on momentum and never let go, swarming to a 27-7 win.
After an intense first few minutes of the game, the Jackets were the first to put points on the board when quarterback Logan Caldwell found running back Taylor McClure for a 15-yard touchdown. The PAT was no good, but Hayesville's defense kept the Devils out of the end zone and the first quarter ended with the Jackets up 6-0.
Quarter two began much like the first quarter, with the teams exchanging possessions. At the 5:52 mark, Tate Roberts reeled in a 34-yard pass from Caldwell for another Hayesville touchdown. Isaac Chandler sent the PAT through the uprights to extend the Jackets' lead to 13-0. It didn't take long for the Devils to answer. With 2:30 left in the half, Swain punched in a 5-yard run to get on the board. The PAT was the final point of the half and the two teams hit the break with Hayesville leading 13-7.
In the third quarter, the Jackets did their best to keep Swain playing catch up. McClure broke through the line for a 7-yard touchdown run with 8:17 left in the third quarter. Chandler's kick was true and Hayesville led 20-7. That's the way the scoreboard read as time ran out on the quarter.
With one quarter to play, the Maroon Devils' fans expected their "Maroon Machine" to start mounting a comeback. However, as time ticked down, it was apparent the machine was out of gas. The exclamation point came with 1:02 left on the clock when Kyle Lunsford pounded in a 1-yard score. Chandlers kick was good, making the final score 27-7 in Hayesville's favor.
"It was a great team effort," said head coach Chad McClure. "The boys played well and all the credit goes to them."
Hayesville will be on the road again Friday, Oct. 21 as they travel to Cherokee to take on the Braves at 7:30 p.m.
Leaders vs Swain
Logan Caldwell: 175 total yards, 2 touchdown passes, interception.
Taylor McClure: 128 total yards, 1 rushing touchdown, 8 total tackles.
Kyle Lunsford: 79 total yards, rushing touchdown, 6 total tackles.
Michael Mauney: fumble recovery, interception, one tackle.
Lane O'dell: fumble caused, 4 total tackles.
SMC standings:
