Shutout Win for the JV Jackets Over Cherokee in Home-Opener

(Photo by Travis Dockery) Caden McClure carries the ball and a Cherokee Brave down the field to gain yards for the Yellow Jackets.

HAYESVILLE, N.C. — Caden McClure scored two rushing touchdowns and Luke Buckner accounted for two scores Thursday, Sept. 3 as the Hayesville High School junior varsity football team blanked Cherokee 29-0 in a Smoky Mountain Conference game at Frank R. Long Memorial Stadium.

Quarterback Luke Buckner tiptoes down the sideline to move Hayesville towards the goal line.

The large, sun-soaked crowd came alive when Jack Bethel opened the scoring with 4:04 left in the first quarter, catching a touchdown pass from Buckner in the end zone. The extra point gave the Yellow Jackets a 7-0 lead.

McClure broke through Cherokee's defense for a 73-yard touchdown run with 6:39 remaining in the second quarter. Hayesville converted the 2-point try to make it 15-0.

Matthew Cothren intercepted a pass with 1:25 left in the half, giving the Yellow Jackets possession at their own 1-yard line. Following a methodical offensive drive, Buckner scored on a 39-yard quarterback keeper as time expired in the second quarter. The extra point pushed the lead to 22-0 at halftime.

McClure added a 4-yard touchdown run with 2:57 left in the third quarter. The extra point was good and was the final point scored in the contest, giving the Jackets the 29-0 win.

The victory improves Hayesville's record to 3-0 on the season. Next up for the Jackets is a road game against Mountain Heritage on Thursday, Sept.10 at 6 p.m.