Hayesville Holds Off Enka in Thrilling 21-20 Victory

Coach McClure watches his team closely in the opening quarter.

HAYESVILLE, N.C. — Tre Graves ran for three touchdowns, including the game-winner with 3:29 remaining, as the Hayesville Yellow Jackets edged the Enka Jets 21-20 in a thrilling high school football showdown on Friday, Aug. 29, at Hayesville High School.

The Yellow Jackets (1-1) relied on Graves’ heroics and a stout defensive stand to secure the victory, stopping Enka’s two-point conversion attempt with 43 seconds left to preserve the one-point lead.

Enka (0-2) struck first with 7:09 left in the opening quarter when a quarterback keeper resulted in a 10-yard touchdown run, followed by a successful point-after attempt to take a 7-0 lead. Hayesville’s offense struggled early, with quarterback Payton McGaha’s desperation pass intercepted at the Jets’ 2-yard line by Enka’s defense with 2:24 remaining in the first quarter.

Hayesville’s defense answered late in the first, as Ben Bethel intercepted a pass with 22 seconds left, giving the Yellow Jackets possession at their own 12-yard line. The momentum shifted in the second quarter when Graves broke free for a 22-yard touchdown run, tying the game at 7-7 with 6:14 left in the half.

Penalties hampered Enka’s next drive, with 45 yards in infractions leading to a punt on 4th-and-55. Hayesville capitalized on the short field, starting at Enka’s 38-yard line. A personal foul penalty on the Jets for a hit out of bounds moved the Yellow Jackets to the 12-yard line, setting up Graves’ second touchdown of the night—a bruising run into the end zone with 51 seconds left in the half. The extra point gave Hayesville a 14-7 lead at the break.

The third quarter was a defensive stalemate, with neither team finding the end zone. Enka’s defense snagged another interception to open the quarter, but Hayesville’s defense stood firm, preventing the Jets from capitalizing.

In the fourth quarter, Enka fought back, tying the game at 14-14 with 8:03 remaining on a 10-yard touchdown pass and a successful PAT.

Hayesville responded with a clutch third-and-13 conversion from their own red zone, as McGaha connected on a pass that advanced the Yellow Jackets to Enka’s 28-yard line with five minutes left. Graves sealed his hat trick with a 9-yard touchdown scamper at the 3:29 mark, and the extra point put Hayesville ahead 21-14.

Enka mounted a late comeback, scoring on a 3-yard touchdown run with 43 seconds remaining, narrowing the gap to 21-20. Opting for the win, the Jets attempted a two-point conversion, but Hayesville’s defense stuffed the play, securing the victory.

Graves’ three touchdowns powered Hayesville’s offense, while the defense’s timely stops and Bethel’s interception proved critical. Enka’s early lead and late rally were not enough to overcome the Yellow Jackets’ resilience.

Hayesville (1-1) looks to build on the win as they continue their season, while Enka (0-2) aims to regroup for their next matchup.