Bryson City – The Maroon Devils kicked off the 2017 football season Friday by hosting Tuscola. Last season the Mountaineers took a 49-6 win over the Devils while rushing for 399 yards. The first half looked at times like the Mountaineers were on their way to another 400 yard rushing night, after finishing the first 2 quarters with 247 yards. But this year the Maroon Devils had a different idea, as they limited Tuscola to a little over 40 yards rushing in the second half.
In the end it would be turnovers that doomed the Maroon Devils. After batting the Mountaineers to a 14-14 tie in the first half Swain fumbled away the opening possession of the 2nd half. More over they gave it to the Mountaineers on their own 20 yard line, setting up a short field for Tuscola.
The Mountaineers used 5 plays to cover the 20 yards. Bailee Ewart carried it 4 yards for the go ahead touchdown. Ben Katt converted his 3rd extra point of the night, giving Tuscola a 21-14 lead. Little did anyone know at the time, but it would be the last time either team scored.
Heading into the season the Maroon Devils largest question mark was their running game, that featured four running backs, of which three had not gained a 100 yards combined in their career. Swain took pressure off of the running game, by putting their offense in the capable hands of senior quarterback Brodie Bowman.
Swain’s passing attack cancelled out their lack of a running game, as Bowman finished with a career high 224 yards, while the running game finished with 53 yards. Bowman was 17 of 30 (both career highs). It would be Bowman who accounted for both Swain touchdowns.
The first coming on a 1 yard plunge with 6:26 remaining in the 2nd quarter. Holden Petty kicked the extra point to put the Devils up 7-0.
Swain’s second score came a couple of series later, just before the half. Bowman hooked up with senior receiver Seth Parker for a 14 yard touchdown pass. Petty’s extra point tied the game at 14 with just 42 seconds remaining in the first half.
Senior Brier Younce joined Bowman with a career high game. Younce would finish with 11 receptions and 157 yards, both career highs. Younce also played stellar on defense, finishing with a career high 12 tackles.
Senior Wren Gunter finished with 10 tackles on defense, while Will Paul had 9 and Holden Petty finished with 8.
Swain finished with 6 turnovers, 3 fumbles and 3 interceptions, all of which were costly.
Make no mistake the Maroon Devils had their chances in this game, and were in this game for all 48 minutes, that was not the case last year in the 49-6 blowout.