By Gary Corsair
Senior Sports Writer
Hayesville’s once anemic offense was positively healthy as the Yellow Jackets rolled for 287 yards and four touchdowns Friday in a 26-10 win over an Andrews.
Hayesville managed just 66 yards and didn’t score a touchdown in a frustrating 7-2 loss to Andrews on Friday, Sept. 6 but the rematch was a much different story. Why?
“I thought we blocked better up front. Our line opened up room for us to run,” Hayesville Coach Chad McClure said. “We’ve been shuffling some guys around. The challenge has been rotating our sub guys, especially on what we call or quick side. Will Brown and Rayland Martinez are the only ones who have been on the line all year.
McClure praised the blocking of Brown, Martinez, Patrick Denton, E.J. Abrams and tight end E.J. Mapasua, a freshman call-up from the junior varsity.
Tre Graves scooted for 120 yards, a 5.2 average and two touchdowns, quarterback Tate Roberts rolled for 42 yards on just three carries, Michael Mauney rushed for 17 yards on four carries and had time to throw a touchdown pass and Dawson Devane had two receptions and blasted into the end zone as the line controlled the line of scrimmage most of the game.
“I thought Tre had a great game, Mauney just did everything for us and Devane was Devane and Tate did a good job for us,” McClure said.
All four were lynchpins of a determined defense. Graves made four solo tackles and a team-high seven overall, Devane had six take downs and Roberts made four tackles.
Brown also had seven tackles, while Colton Bruggers had five. Kaden Ledford and Kasen Chastain had four tackles each.
“I thought our defense was solid again. Our defense gave us chances. They forced a turnover late in the game. That was big,” McClure said.
The crucial turnover occurred with Hayesville leading 13-3 late in the third quarter. The Wildcats were a whisker away from pay-dirt when they fumbled a first-and-goal at Hayesville’s 3-yardline. Ledford made the hit that dislodged the ball and Roberts recovered.
The Yellow Jackets were unable to turn the turnover into points and the Wildcats cut the score to 13-10 on their next possession early in the fourth period. Hayesville’s lead was in peril.
The Yellow Jackets didn’t blink. Johan Webb returned the ensuing kickoff 17 yards and the offense started clicking like a metal detector in a salvage yard.
The loudest noises came when Kendall Boyer grabbed a low pass from Roberts and churned out a 13-yard gain and Roberts motored around left end for 28 yards before being knocked out of bounds to give Hayesville first down at Andrews 21.
The Wildcats were still catching their breath when Graves exploded for a 21-yard touchdown on the next play. Mauney’s second point-after kick of the night capped a 2-minute, five-play, 74-yard drive and put the Jackets on top 20-10.
Faced with playing beat the clock, Andrews went to the air, but only completed one of four aerials. Hayesville regained possession with 7:08 remaining.
Naturally, the Jackets stayed on the ground with a drive that ate 5:40 and culminated with Graves busting 9-yard gain that he followed with a 2-yard touchdown.
Only 1:34 remained when Andrews received Webb’s kickoff. Good night Andy.
Andrews led 3-0 midway through the first quarter, but Hayesville took the ensuing kickoff and promptly marched 48 yards to the promised land. Devane’s 3-yard touchdown run gave the Jackets a lead they never relinquished.
Hayesville scored again just before halftime thanks to two crucial passes — a 10-yarder from a scrambling Roberts to an alert Devane on a third-and-9, followed by a stand-up-and-cheer option pass from Mauney to Kendall Boyer for a 14-yard score with :51.2 left in the half. Mauney then kicked the point after.
Hayesville’s passing attack was a pleasantly efficient 6-of-9 for 88 yards without an interception. Roberts was 4-of-6, Lance Coker 1-of-2 and Mauney 1-of-1.
McClure stated. “Our receivers, Bruggers, (Kendall) Boyer and Ben (Bethel) did a good job. Having those guys healthy really makes a difference in our passing game. Timing is so important and you can’t get your timing down when people are injured.”
Speaking of timing, Hayesville is intent on extending its winning streak in the playoffs next week. The Yellow Jackets will learn who they will play — and where (likely away) when playoff pairings are announced Sunday.
“We’re for new season. Each week is a new opportunity,” McClure said. “It’s been an interesting year. This team’s been through a lot, but they’ve shown perseverance. They keep fighting.”
The Jackets will proceed without lineman Matt Gorham, who suffered a fractured fibula in the Andrews game.