Hayesville Opens Season with Traditional Rivalry Game at Towns County

HAYESVILLE, N.C. — The Hayesville Yellow Jackets open the 2026 football season Friday night with a familiar cross-border rivalry, traveling to face the Towns County Indians in Hiawassee, Georgia.

The non-conference matchup kicks off both teams’ seasons and continues a long-standing series between the neighboring mountain communities. Hayesville, a 2A program in the Smoky Mountain Conference, finished 7-5 overall and 3-3 in conference play last season, advancing to the second round of the NCHSAA 2A playoffs before falling to East Wilkes. Towns County went 7-3 in 2025, matching one of the best records in program history under coach Jason Roquemore.

Head coach Chad McClure returns for Hayesville after guiding the Yellow Jackets to a 7-5 season in 2025. Key returners include senior running back/outside linebacker Daemien Soto, senior quarterback/defensive back Lance Coker, senior tight end/defensive end Johan Webb, and junior wide receiver/defensive back Donivin Soto. Last season’s offensive production was driven heavily by graduated standout Tre Graves, who averaged 144.2 rushing yards per game and scored 23 total touchdowns. Losing a key element of the offense will be a challenge, but that opens up a window for a new name to step up.

In the last 10 games between the teams, Hayesville's record is 7-3 against the Indians.

The rivalry game, traditionally well-attended, is scheduled for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff on Friday, August 21.