Black Knights Ground Game, Defense Too Much for Hayesville

The Robbinsville Black Knights flexed their muscle in a 29–10 win over the Hayesville Yellowjackets on Friday night, leaning on a punishing run game and a defense that flat-out smothered one of the conference’s top backs.

Robbinsville’s offensive identity was on full display. Isiac Collins ran with purpose, piling up 103 yards on 16 carries, consistently churning out first downs and setting the tone between the tackles. Kyzik Teesateskie provided the spark every time he touched the ball, slashing through the Yellowjacket defense for 91 yards and three touchdowns on just 12 carries. He ran behind a Black Knights offensive front that controlled the line of scrimmage from start to finish, blowing open lanes and wearing Hayesville down. Kellen Ensley was the anchor in the trenches, setting the tone physically and making his presence felt on both sides of the ball.

On the other side, Robbinsville’s Black Swarm defense answered the bell in a big way. They keyed on Hayesville’s workhorse Tre Graves, the SMC’s leading rusher, and limited him to just 51 yards on 17 touches. Time and again, Graves was met in the backfield by a wave of black jerseys, leaving Hayesville with little choice but to turn to the air.

To their credit, the Yellowjackets found some success there. Quarterback Peyton McGaha connected with wideout Ben Bethel for more than 100 yards and a touchdown, including a highlight-reel deep ball that gave Hayesville fans a reason to cheer. It was easily the Jackets’ best performance through the air this season and a bright spot they’ll try to build on down the stretch.

But on this night, Robbinsville’s formula of physical running, trench dominance, and a suffocating defense carried the day. The win also marked Lucas Fords first Smoky Mountain Conference victory as a Head Coach.