Hayesville hosts Franklin for Monday night football
At 6:04 p.m. Monday, March 1, the 2020-21 football season got underway for the Hayesville Yellow Jackets. The squad, led by head coach Chad McClure, welcomed the Franklin Panthers for the first game of the season. Hayesville had flashes of success, but errors were too much to overcome and the Panthers headed home with the 28-7 win.
Franklin won the coin toss and deferred, giving the Jackets the first possession. Hayesville failed to gain a first down and took to the field to punt. A Panther broke through the line and hurried punter Blake McClure which resulted in a short, shanked punt. Franklin took advantage off the short field and with 8:29 left in the first, punched it into the end zone. A successful PAT put the Jackets behind 7-0.
A bad snap on a punt attempt by the Jackets resulted in a touchdown for Franklin with the Panthers recovered the ball in the end zone at the 7:05 mark in the first quarter. The 14-0 score held through the end of the opening quarter.
It took three seconds for Franklin to score in the second quarter. The PAT was no good, making the score 20-0 in the Panthers' favor. Hayesville answered with 9:47 left in the half when Kyle Lunsford broke through for an 18-yard touchdown. Isaac Chandler's PAT was good, closing the gap to 20-7.
With 6:04 left in the quarter, Franklin capped off a drive with a 1-yard touchdown. The Panthers' attempt at a 2-point conversion was no good, making the score 26-7. That's where the scoreboard would be when the halftime horn sounded.
Franklin received the opening kickoff to start the second half and after a long drive, fumbled on Hayesville's 18 yard line, which was recovered by the Jackets. Hayesville was unable to gain any momentum and punted away with 3:58 left in the quarter. A strong defensive stand by the Jackets forced Franklin to punt, but a fumble on the reception allowed the Panthers to recover the ball on Hayesville's 37 yard line. The quarter ended with Franklin failing to convert on fourth down.
The Jackets took possession, but fell victim to the Panthers' defense when Hayesville quarterback Logan Caldwell was brought down in the end zone. With the 2-points from the safety, Franklin extended their lead to 28-7 with 11:13 left to play. After receiving the ensuing kickoff, the Panthers put together a long, clock-eating drive.
At the 3:53 mark, the Jackets took over on downs and began the trek up the field. Hayesville went for it on fourth and three to extend the possession with 1:55 left in the game. The drive stalled and with 1:01 left, Franklin took over on downs and ran the clock out to seal their 28-7 win.