Maroon Devils Fall Short In Home Opener

Bryson City, NC – The Swain County Maroon Devils dropped their home opener on Friday night. They fell 21-20 to the Smoky Mountain High Mustangs.

#3 Josh Collins got the scoring started for the Maroon Devils with a rushing touchdown in the second quarter. Smoky Mountain followed that with a scoring drive of their own, tying the score 7-7.  The game would remain tied until the 4th quarter when The Maroon Devils scored another rushing touchdown. The point after gave Swain a 7-14 lead.

Swain’s defense held and caused the Mustangs to turn the ball over on downs. A couple of Mustang penalties had Swain in the redzone.  They capped off the drive with a 5 yard touchdown by #5 Reece Winchester.  The missed extra point attempt still gave Swain a 7-20 lead late in the fourth quarter.

#5 Da’Mare Williams of the Mustangs returned the following kickoff for a touchdown making the score a suddenly uncomfortable 14-20.

Swain County’s next drive did not produce many yards or tick off much clock. They were forced to punt and Smoky Mountain promptly drove down the field, ending with a game winning touchdown catch by #1 Jayce Stillwell.

Swain’s final drive fell short and time expired leaving Swain with its first loss of the season, a 21-20 final.  The Maroon Devils will look to bounce back next Friday, September 2nd at 7:30 p.m. They will be on the road to take on the Franklin Panthers.

Eon Alden covers Swain County High School Football for FYN Sports. Follow FYN Sports coverage @TeamFYNSports and @eonalden on Twitter.