Bessemer City – Last week was a tumultuous week for Maroon Devil Athletics and Swain High School as they mourned the loss of their beloved athletic trainer Carrie Powell. The Maroon Devil football capped the week with a 2nd round playoff game at Bessemer City, it was the first game for Swain in any sport since the death of Powell. Swain showed early on that they intended to play for Carrie by taking a lead they would not relinquish on their 2nd play offensively. The Devils would cruise to a 42-7 win over homestanding Bessemer to advance.
Senior running back Josiah Glaspie dashed 81 yards on Swain’s second offensive play. Josh Collins got in on the act on the Devils second possession as he scored from 9 yards out. Collins added another touchdown with four minutes remaining before halftime.
Glaspie opened the second half scoring with a 43 yard dash. Reese Winchester connected with Keyanthae Graham for a 17 yard touchdown. James Stroman capped the scoring with a 1 yard plunge.
The Maroon Devil defense limited the Yellow Jackets to only 5 yards rushing on the night and 142 yards total. On the offensive end the Devils pounded out 420 yards on the ground.
Josiah Glaspie turned in his career high rushing finishing with 207 yards on 15 carries and a pair of touchdown runs. Josh Collins added 109 yards on 12 carries and a pair of touchdowns.
The win sets up a rematch with Robbinsville in the 3rd round of the playoffs this Friday at Robbinsville.