The Hayesville Yellow Jackets narrow out a 12-7 victory over the Swain County Maroon Devils on the road Friday night. Both teams struggled to find offensive rhythm, but two critical touchdowns from Hayesville were enough to secure the win.

Swain’s opening drive started strong with a screen pass to James Arch for 13 yards and a couple of solid rushes from Glaspie, but they were unable to capitalize, missing a field goal after an incomplete pass on third down.

Hayesville responded with a big play of their own when Quarterback, Lance Coker tossed the ball to Wideout, Michael Mauney who throws a pass deep downfield to Ben Bethel for a big first down. However, the drive stalled, and they punted after an incomplete third-down pass. Swain’s next drive ended abruptly when a pass to Sylas Stanberry was intercepted by Hayesville’s Ben Bethel, setting the tone for a defensive battle.

The second quarter saw both teams fail to take advantage of key moments. Hayesville had a chance to score after a 60-yard breakaway run by Tre Graves brought them to Swain’s 2-yard line. However, Swain’s defense, led by key tackles for loss from Scaggs and Glaspie, held strong, forcing a turnover on downs after an incomplete fourth-down pass. Swain fumbled on their next possession, and Hayesville recovered, starting their drive on Swain’s 25-yard line. Mauney caught a 4th-and-9 pass to set up a 9-yard touchdown run by Graves. The two-point conversion failed, but Hayesville took a 6-0 lead.

Swain had a chance to answer right before halftime, as a 32-yard pass to Corey Stilwell brought them to the 2-yard line. However, with no timeouts and the clock running out, they were unable to score, heading into halftime down 6-0.

The third quarter was mostly uneventful, with both teams trading punts. Swain missed another field goal attempt after starting a drive deep in Hayesville territory.

In the fourth quarter, Swain took the lead on a 10-yard rushing touchdown by Rocky Barker, with the extra point putting them up 7-6. But Hayesville answered quickly when Mauney caught a 64-yard touchdown pass, giving the Yellow Jackets a 12-7 lead. Swain’s final drives ended in a fumble and a turnover on downs, sealing the win for Hayesville, who ran out the clock with kneel-downs. 

The victory marked a hard-fought road win for Hayesville, as their defense and timely plays proved the difference in the 12-7 contest.