Written By: Rowan Ellis

Photos courtesy of Joanna McMahan

Devils Take Down Mustangs in Cross-Town Rivalry

 

Coming off a Blowout win against Charlotte Country Day, the Devils looked to add another win as they travel to Sylva to face off against the Smoky Mountain Mustangs. The Devils are looking to change the outcome of their meeting a year prior and leave with a win this time around. As the game starts off slow, both defenses are looking to prove themselves as Swain’s Reese Winchester grabs an interception, only to have Smoky Mountain’s Malachi Mcneely answer back with an interception of his own.

 

The first quarter comes to a close, still with either team yet to get on the board. However a fumble recovery by Joe Hill and penalties against Swain put the Mustangs in field goal range to go up 3-0. The Mustangs continue this trend with a fumble recovery by Will Ashe, heating up the passing game with Quarterback Jarek Jones marching their offense downfield. This led into a 10 yard rush by Isaiah Mcneely to get Smoky in the endzone, putting them up 10-0. Swain bounces back with the passing game as Reese Winchester adds up 83 passing yards on just two separate plays, resulting in a touchdown reception to Keyanthae Graham to put the devils within one score, 10-7.

As the first half expires the Devils look to keep the offense going, as Winchester throws a screen pass to backup Quarterback Andruw Cody who finds receiver Corey Stilwell to get Swain County inside the 5 yard line. Running Back Joshua Collins follows up the electrifying play by rushing into the endzone to give the Devils the lead, 14-10. With the offense going 3 and out the defense recovered another fumble, and along with Swain’s penalties the Mustangs were looking at a 4th and short conversion. As the Mustangs decide to keep it on the ground, Winchester stops the running game with a tackle for loss to give Swain County the ball once again.

 

 

The 4th Quarter begins with a slow start as the Mustangs can’t get anything going. The Devils used the rushing and passing game to march down field, but cannot convert on 4th down. With the clock winding down, Smoky Mountain looks to come back. That however would not be the case as Swain’s Andruw Cody comes down with an acrobatic interception to give the Devils the ball with less than 3 minutes to go. Before they have to punt, Swain gets the clock down to 30 seconds, putting the pressure on the Mustangs. After a few quick checkdowns to Da’mare Williams, Swain’s lineman Nse Uffort records a sack to seal the game for the Devils, Final score 14-10.

 

 

Look Ahead: Swain will stay at home and will face the Franklin Panthers as they look to continue their winning streak. Smoky will look to bounce back with a win as T.C. Roberson will travel to meet the Mustangs at Home.