Cherokee – The Maroon Devils used a stingy defense that forced two Cherokee turnovers, and ball control offense to post their second straight conference win friday by the score of 35-16.
The Maroon Devils fired out of the gates scoring on their second possession when Brodie Bowman handed the ball off to Keshaun Beaner, scoring 6 for the Devils on a one yard run. Holden Petty came on to make good on the first of what would be 5 extra points.
Swain’s offense kept the points on the board, the Maroon Devil defense kept a tight hold all night on Cherokee’s offense, and ultimately helped push the Devils into their second conference win. Coach Neil Blankenship commented on the job well done by the defense, “I thought they tackled very well, and did not allow any big plays from even forming up front. They especially did a great job of recognizing their sets and where Cherokee was trying to attack.” Going along with that, Johnny Woodard and Zeke Bradley both led the team with 6 tackles a piece. While Ice Littlejohn and Tanner Wiggins also carried the team with 5 tackles each. The resilient Maroon Devil defense put up two interceptions on the night, coming from both Brier Younce and Wren Gunter.
Brodie Bowman finished the game 5 of 8 passing for 81 yards. Bowman found Seth Parker, who made an acrobatic catch for a 39 yard touchdown reception, for the Devils second score of the game. Parker would finish with 3 catches for 73 yards.
The Maroon Machine were strong in their rushing game as well as Chris Miller led the team with 9 carries for 82 yards, while Dylan Smith finished with 73 yards on 8 attempts. Three of Smith’s eight carries resulted in touchdowns.
With this win the Devils improve their conference record 2-0. Next week they will see action again on the road at Andrews High School with kickoff set for 7:30.