Photo Credit: Brooke Leatherwood

The Hayesville Yellow Jackets hosted the undefeated Andrews Wildcats in their conference opener. It was a tough game and Andrews lived up to their perfect record, playing a a great game. Hayesvile struggled with turnovers and penalties that derailed multiple offensive drives. Andrews hard nosed running game would stack up 232 rushing yards on the night. Andrews would finish with a 31 to 7 victory, to maintain there spotless record.

1st Half:

Hayesville would kickoff to start the game, and Andrews vaunted rushing attack immediately got to work. Hayesville was holding them to minimum gains until Austin Martin broke a 50 plus yard run to take an early 8-0 lead. The Yellow Jackets would throw an interception giving Andrews the ball back quickly. Hayesvilles defense would step up and force a third an long. Yet Andrews capitalized with a rair pass and score again to go up 16-0. By halftime Andrews led 24-0 putting Hayesville in a very tough position coming into the second half.

2nd Half:

Andrews executed a surprise onside kick to start the second half. After recovering it they quickly marched down the field for another score to take a 31-0 lead. This really put any chance of a Hayesville comeback to rest. Yet give the young Yellow Jacket team credit they managed to not allow the Wildcats to score for the rest of the game. Including several big fourth down stops, and Hayesville managed a score of their own. One of the few bright spots for the Hayesville offesne on the night was Dawson Devane. He scored Hayesvilles only touchdown of the night and was their leading rusher. Andrews would win 31-7 but Hayesvilles second half show the Yellow Jackets grit and points towards better outcomes in future weeks.

Postgame Quotes from Head Coach Chad McClure:

“Andrews did a better job execution wise and they were the better team tonight”

“In the first half we did have two turnovers but they both came after two big penalties that hurt us”

“We gave them two big plays but other than that we were able to limit them, but credit to them they sustain long drives, dont turn it over, and finish drives off”

Notable Hayesville Stats:

Dawson Devane: 10 rushes for 51 yards 1 TD, 10 tackles on defense

Taylor McClure: 13 tackles on defense

Ricky McCullough: 10 tackles on defense

Hayesville next plays on Friday, October 8th at Murphy. Make sure to tune into fyntv.com for the WNC Friday Night Pressbox show to see the Hayesville at Georgia Force preview. To get updates or see how the Yellow Jackets have done tune in to all the latest FYN sports coverage on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and at https://claync.fetchyournews.com/category/teamfynsports