Robbinsville thumps Rosman in season debut
Robbinsville – They scored early and they scored often.
In the end, the Robbinsville Black Knights began their quest to successful defend the 1A state title with a 56-6 victory over Rosman.
The game ended a 14-month layoff for Robbinsville football, which had last suited up Dec. 14, 2019 to win the program 15th state crown.
Understandably, the players were ready to get back out on the gridiron.
“It’s time for all this to get opened back up and everybody get back as close to normal as they can,” Robbinsville head coach Dee Walsh said. “These kids need to be able to enjoy school and enjoy sports.
“Like a lot of other schools, our kids have done their due diligence. We’ve told them that we can’t make any promises, but at some point, you are going to get to play. They kept working and I think they’re being rewarded for it.”
The Knights trampled their way to 217 yards on the ground, with Turner Jackson leading the crowded rushing line with 71 yards on five carries. Nathan Collins and Lex Hooper had two rushing touchdowns apiece in the win, with Collins and Dasan Gross combining for 126 yards in the air. Brock Adams also snagged a receiving touchdown for Robbinsville.
Defensively, the trio of Collins, Gross and Hooper each picked off Rosman passes throughout the evening. Carlos Wesley had four tackles and four assists for the Black Knights, as well.
“We were tickled. All of our kids got to play and it was exciting,” said Walsh. “Everyone knows how talented our first group is, but it’s hard to leave them in there when we get the ball three times and we score three times. The future of the program looks bright and we want everybody playing all they can.”
Robbinsville will travel to Hayesville on Friday for its next foray into the 2021 docket.
The last time the two programs met, the Black Knights picked up a 55-10, home victory on Oct. 4, 2019. The Yellow Jackets fell to Franklin in their season opener Monday night, 28-7.
Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m.