Yellow Jackets Come from Behind for Dramatic Victory

(Photo by the Mountain Buzz) Colin Walker takes control and keeps the ball away from an advancing Wildcat. Walker had a pair of goals in Hayesville's victory.

By Travis Dockery

Sports Writer

HAYESVILLE, N.C. — Adiel Hernandez scored three goals and Colin Walker added two, including the winner with 1:47 left in the second overtime, as Hayesville rallied past Andrews 5-4 on Monday, Aug. 31 in a Smoky Mountain Conference boys soccer opener that needed extra time to settle.

A spirited crowd filed into Frank R. Long Memorial Stadium to watch the Yellow Jackets’ first match of the season.

Hayesville struck first. Hernandez finished with 26:47 remaining in the first half to put the Jackets in front. Andrews answered quickly, tying the score with 21:18 left, then taking the lead with 11:22 remaining. The Wildcats added a penalty kick with 18 seconds on the clock and went to the locker room ahead 3-1.

The second half belonged to Hayesville’s comeback. Hernandez scored again with 24:01 left, cutting the deficit to 3-2. Walker evened it at 3-3 with 19:35 remaining in regulation, sending the conference matchup into overtime.

The first extra period produced no goals. The second one decided the night.

Andrews went back in front 4-3 with 8:05 left in the second overtime period. Hernandez answered on a penalty kick with 6:23 remaining, completing his hat trick and tying the match at 4-4. Walker then scored with 1:47 left to put Hayesville ahead 5-4. Hayesville's defense held strong in the closing seconds to secure the win.

Hayesville hosts Franklin Christian School at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 2.