Greg Tisho runs for one of his 3 touchdowns in Friday’s 44-7 win over Franklin
BRYSON CITY, WNC – For the Maroon Devils the fact that they hadn’t defeated Franklin in seven straight meetings weighed heavily on everyone associated with the football program. The losing streak plus a number 2 ranking behind Albemarle in the AP 1A poll, had the Maroon Devils carrying a chip on their shoulder the size of a boulder. It didn’t take the Devils long to vanquish the streak and send a strong statement to the rest of the state.
Swain scored on their first 3 possessions to take a commanding 21-0 lead in the first quarter. Eventually Swain posted a 44-7 win over the Panthers to snap their losing streak against Franklin.
The Maroon Devil passing attack was simply too much for the Panthers. Greg Tisho hauled in 5 passes for 202 yards and 3 touchdowns. His 202 yards was the second most receiving yards in school history. Raymius Smith was sharp as he connected on 12 of 14 passes for 216 yards and 4 touchdowns.
Smith capped the Devils first drive of the game with a 8 yard touchdown pass to Matthew Maennle. The Smith to Maennle touchdown and Colyn Petty extra point gave Swain the lead with 9:40 left in the first quarter.
Smith followed that by hitting Tisho in stride across the middle for a 45 yard touchdown strike. Then less than two minutes later he found Tisho again, this time for a 39 yard strike. Colyn Petty made good on both extra point attempts to make the score 21-0.
After using a quick strike approach in the first quarter the Devils settled into a more traditional attack in the second quarter. Running back Garrett Lane capped an 11 play 75 yard drive with a 26 yard touchdown run.
To open the third quarter it was Smith finding Tisho again, this time for a 78 yard touchdown strike. Following the Petty extra point the Devils led 35-0.
The Greg Tisho show continued into the next Franklin possession. Franklin was forced to punt. It would be Tisho who broke through untouched to block the punt, which rolled out of the back of the endzone for a safety, giving the Devils a 37-0 advantage.
On the ensuing kick, following the safety, Matthew Maennle worked his return magic, returning the kick 56 yards to the Panther 5 yard line. One play later Garrett Lane scored his second touchdown of the night and the Devils final touchdown with a 5 yard run.
Franklin’s sole touchdown came on a Zane Fox 7 yard run, with 2:11 remaining in the game.
The Devils move to 4-0 on the season and will open Smoky Mountain Conference play this coming friday as they host Robbinsville.