Rowan Ellis

In a fierce showdown between the Cherokee Braves and the Swain County Maroon Devils, Cherokee secured a hard-fought 27-14 win on senior night. The game was a testament to the intensity of this longstanding rivalry, as both teams traded big plays, and momentum shifts all night.

Swain took control early in the first quarter. After bringing a punt to midfield, Swain executed a 40-yard pass from running back Glaspie to Corey Stilwell, bringing them within striking distance at Cherokee’s 10-yard line. A direct snap to Glaspie allowed him to punch it in from 7 yards out, giving Swain an early 6-0 lead, though the two-point conversion attempt fell short.

Cherokee’s initial drives were plagued by penalties and incompletions, leading to a punt after an incomplete pass to Luke Smith on third-and-11. Swain took advantage on their next possession, converting several first downs thanks to plays from Stilwell, Glaspie, and James Arch. However, Swain’s drive stalled at third-and-8, and they missed a field goal attempt, maintaining their 6-0 lead.

The Devil’s defense sparked some momentum when Colton Shuler made a tackle for loss, and Houston Hornbuckle followed up with a crucial interception. Swain earned a first down with a QB sneak but later faced a fourth-and-21, coming up short and turning the ball over.

Cherokee’s offense then found its rhythm, with RunningBack Brandon Santiago and Quarterback Jonathon Saylor leading the way. After a rush for a first down by Santiago, Saylor connected with Luke Smith, followed by a 33-yard pass to Shiloh Owle and a 31-yard gain to Smith again. Santiago capped off the drive with a 3-yard rushing touchdown, and the extra point was good, giving Cherokee a narrow 7-6 lead.

Swain was forced into a quick three-and-out and punted the ball back. Cherokee’s next drive showed promise, but an interception by James Arch turned the momentum back to Swain. Though Swain made a strong push, including a big gain by Glaspie, time expired on their final pass attempt before halftime, leaving Cherokee with a 7-6 edge.

The second half started slowly for both teams, with Cherokee’s offense stalling under a series of penalties that led to a fourth-and-30 and a punt. Swain couldn’t capitalize, going three-and-out as well. Cherokee’s offense advanced thanks to a defensive pass interference penalty and a recovered fumble in their backfield, but Stilwell intercepted a pass, shifting the momentum once again.

Swain immediately capitalized. On their first play after the interception, Glaspie broke free for an explosive 56-yard rushing touchdown. This time, the two-point conversion succeeded, putting Swain up 14-7 and setting up an intense fourth quarter.

Cherokee looking to respond, with a big first-down rush by Shiloh Owle, Santiago’s rushes brought them within 3 yards of the end zone. Santiago completed the drive with a short touchdown run, though the extra point was unsuccessful, leaving Swain clinging to a 14-13 lead.

In a critical moment for Swain, a fumble in the backfield was recovered by Cherokee’s Drallen Ledford. Santiago capitalized again with an 11-yard touchdown run, though Hornbuckle intercepted the two-point attempt, giving Cherokee a 19-14 lead. Swain’s attempt to reclaim the lead fell short when their fourth-and-6 pass was incomplete, resulting in a turnover on downs.

Cherokee tried to extend their lead but was stopped on fourth-and-1. With only four minutes remaining, Swain had a final chance to rally, but a fumble by Glaspie was recovered by Cherokee’s Michel Gayosso, shifting momentum yet again. A defensive penalty gave Cherokee another first down, allowing Santiago to add one last rushing touchdown, along with a successful two-point conversion, making the score 27-14 and giving Santiago his 4th rushing touchdown on the night.

Swain tried to mount a comeback, moving the ball with a first-down pass to Glaspie, but Cherokee’s Javin Garcia intercepted a pass with a minute left, sealing the victory. Cherokee knelt out the clock to celebrate a 27-14 win.