Yellow Jackets Roll Past Highland Tech to Open Playoffs

By: Staff Report

The Mountain Buzz

It can be tough to carry regular-season momentum into the playoffs, but the Hayesville Yellow Jackets had no trouble doing just that Friday night. Hayesville dominated from start to finish, cruising by the Highland Tech Rams 41-0 in the opening round of the NCHSAA state playoffs.

The Yellow Jackets’ offense was firing on all cylinders, piling up 397 total yards behind standout performances from quarterback Peyton McGaha and running back Tre Graves.

Graves was a force on the ground, rushing for 125 yards and three touchdowns on just 14 carries. McGaha was equally impressive through the air, setting a new career-high with 186 passing yards while completing 81.8% of his throws and tossing two touchdowns. His top target, Colton Bruggers, hauled in 78 receiving yards and a score.

The victory marks McGaha’s best passing night yet — surpassing his previous high of 116 yards against Robbinsville earlier this season — and continues a pattern of dominant offensive showings for Hayesville. Friday’s win was their fourth by 33 points or more this year.

The Jackets’ running attack has become a defining feature of their success. Hayesville finished with 211 rushing yards, improving to a perfect 7–0 when surpassing the 200-yard mark on the ground.

Meanwhile, the defense has been just as strong, allowing only 14 total points across their last two games.

With the win, Hayesville improves to 7–4 overall and advances to the second round of the playoffs, where they’ll look to keep their momentum rolling. Highland Tech’s season ends with a 1–9 record after dropping their final three games.

Hayesville’s confidence is soaring at just the right time as they will be hitting the road for round two to face East Wilkes, a number 4 seed in the tournament.