By Gary Corsair
Staff Writer
Hayesville's explosive offense produced a 14-0 first-quarter lead and an inspired defense repeatedly shut the door in the Yellow Jackets' 20-6 JV football Smoky Mountain Conference victory over visiting Cherokee on Thursday.
"Cherokee was threatening all night," Hayesville Coach Brett Graves said. "They moved the ball all night but we made stops when we had to."
The biggest stop came shortly after Hayesville tripped the scoreboard to 14 with touchdowns by Peyton McGaha and Tre Graves.
"Cherokee put a drive together and they backed us up to our own end zone and then Ben Bethel had an interception. His interception was huge," Coach Graves remarked.
Thanks to Bethel's pick, Hayesville was up 14-6 at the intermission.
With Bethel leading the way, the defense continued to deny Cherokee in the second half.
Tre Graves led the victors with 231 yards on 23 carries, both season highs.
Hayesville, 4-2 overall and 2-2 in the conference.
The Hayesville-Robbinsville meeting marked the final JV game for the heart of the Yellow Jackets. Many of the freshman will move up to varsity in a week.
"It will be the last time I'll have most of these freshmen," Coach Graves said. "I've had most of these freshmen for three years. It's been a lot of fun."
Hayesville JV plays at Robbinsville at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 28.