Hapeville – Swain traveled 3 plus hours to open their football season Friday night. They made the trip worthwhile by posting a hard fought 32-28 win over Hapeville Charter. After a shaky start the Devils offense got going, scoring 32 points over the game’s final 3 quarters, taking their first win of the season.
In the initial stages the game had all the makings of a Hapeville runaway. Swain fumbled on their 3rd play from scrimmage, after taking the opening kickoff. Following the turnover it took Hapeville one play to find the endzone on a 31 yard touchdown pass. The extra point gave the Hornets a 7-0 lead.
Swain fumbled the ball away on their next possession as well, setting Hapeville up with the ball around midfield. The Hornets drove the ball to the Maroon Devil 10 before the Devil defense stiffened and forced a turnover on downs.
Following the turnover on downs the Maroon Devils offense came alive, driving the ball 90 yards on 10 plays. Facing a 3rd and 19 yards to go, the Devils quarterback Trent Wright hooked up with Angel Bowers for a key 21 yard gain, giving Swain a first and goal from the 3 yard line. Two plays later Derek Fortner scored from 2 yards out. Swain tied it at 7 on the Cooper Reinert point after.
Swain scored on the next drive to take their first lead of the night. The Devils recovered a fumble on the kickoff following their touchdown. From there they drove 44 yards on 5 plays, capped by an 8 yard run by Chris Miller.
Hapeville would answer to open the 2nd half, scoring twice to retake the lead, 20-14.
The Maroon Devils reeled off three straight touchdowns to take control of the game. Quarterback Trent Wright had a hand in all 3 of the touchdowns. Wright scored twice on runs of 6 yards and 3 yards. Sandwiched in between Wright connected with tight end Caleb Woodard for a 48 yard touchdown pass. The scoring left Swain up 32-20 late in the 4th quarter.
Hapeville made one last ditch effort, scoring a final touchdown on a 1 yard run by quarterback Mack Green.
Swain finished with 264 yards rushing. Chris Miller paced Swain with 76 yards on 11 carries, while Brody Sitton finished with 59 yards on 8 carries. Wright finished 5 of 6 passing for 73 yards and a touchdown.
It seems odd to say, but the Devils gave up over 400 yards of offense to the Hornets, but played well. Issiah Bradley finished with 6 tackles, 2 for loss, and had a sack. Caleb Woodard finished with a team high 7 tackles. Angel Bowers was nearly flawless from his cornerback position, defending every ball thrown his way and coming away with an interception.