Hayesville – Swain used a potent ground attack to grind out 362 rushing yards on their way to an easy 43-22 win over Hayesville. Junior Dylan Smith rushed for a career high 121 yards on 14 carries to lead the Maroon Devils rushing attack. For the Devils (3-3, 1-0) it was their first Smoky Mountain Conference game while the Jackets (3-3, 0-2) were playing their second.
The Devils built a 22-8 first half lead behind touchdown runs by Brody Sitton (15 yards) and Keshaun Beaner (2 yards). Sandwiched between the two runs Swain got a touchdown pass from Trent Wright to Dylan Smith that covered 8 yards. Wright also connected with Caleb Woodard for a two-point conversion. Cooper Reinert made good on the other two extra point tries.
In the second half Dylan Smith scored again on a 23 yard run. Sophomore Brodie Bowman finished off the Swain scoring. Bowman returned a Hayesville kickoff 85 yards for his first score. Then Bowman finished off the Swain scoring with a one yard plunge midway through the fourth quarter.
Dylan Smith added 24 yards on 2 receptions to his career high 121 rushing yards. Brody Sitton finished with 81 yards on 13 carries, while Keshaun Beaner had 46 yards on only 4 carries, and Chandler Norton finished with 41 yards on 6 carries.
Ice Littlejohn lead the Swain defense with 12 tackles. Issiah Bradley had 8 tackles and Ross Ensley finished with 7. Angel Bowers added another interception to his resume.
Swain returns home this Friday to face Cherokee, kickoff is set for 7:30 from Swain County Memorial Stadium.