Adams breaks record; Knights dominate Gryphons in playoff opener

Robbinsville – When Rylee Anderson hung up his jersey for the final time in 2019, he did it on perhaps the biggest high possible for a running back: fresh off a state title and fully cemented as the school (and conference) all-time rushing leader.

Cuttler Adams debuted with the varsity Knights the following year, in what is often referred to as the “COVID” season. Football across North Carolina was played from February-May 2021, in lieu of the traditional fall slate. Highly touted from Peewees to JV, he still saw limited time as he awaited his chance to shine: following his debut high-school season, Adams had 296 rushing yards on just 49 attempts.

But when he moved to No. 1 on the depth chart for his sophomore campaign, he made the most of the opportunity. His 10th- and 11th-grade seasons were split between 2,193 and 2,202 yards of effort; suddenly, Anderson’s seemingly-untouchable mark was looking vulnerable.

Entering Friday’s first-round playoff game against Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy (No. 32 Western seed, 2-9), Adams needed just 109 rushing yards to pass Anderson. He took the first touch of the evening … eight yards. Later, he posted the two-point conversion that followed Darion Ledbetter’s 55-yard touchdown reception from Donovan Carpenter – the first of many strikes for Robbinsville (No. 1, 10-1) in a 55-7 drubbing of the visiting Gryphons.

The suffocating “Black Knights Swarm” shut down Thomas Jefferson on its first series and following the 3-and-out punt, Adams was handed the ball.

He stopped 81 yards later – touchdown, Robbinsville.

The Gryphons’ second offensive attempt was a bit lengthier, but the outcome was the same. This time, Kage Williams was the first carrier from scrimmage. The fullback rumbled 20 yards for a first down.

Adams was tasked with the next run. He went 27 yards – reaching 6,171 for his career.

The record was finally his.

“I’m so blessed to be a part of a community program and the atmosphere Robbinsville brings,” Adams said in a post-game interview with The Graham Star. “I want to thank my coaches for always being there for me and pushing me to my best ability. I want to thank the linemen, who are the real men and deserve the credit, because without them I get nothing.

“I want to thank my parents, who always took the time to push me and take me whenever or whatever to accomplish my dreams. I’m truly blessed and always believe and have faith. Most of all, I want to thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who led me all the way and He is the main one who gets all the glory.”

He did not let up. Runs of 14 and 10 yards were divided around a 1-yard Williams gain; the 10-yarder was his second time finding the end zone in the game.

Already up 22-0 at the end of the first quarter, Robbinsville gave its depth chart the spotlight. Chase Calhoun scored on a 63-yard sprint early in the second; moments later, Cooper Adams picked off Gryphons’ quarterback Noah Kimbrell. Cooper soon pushed his way across the goal line on a 4-yard scoring tuck; another punt opened the path for Quinn Jumper to strike not once, but twice on consecutive series’ for the Black Knights.

Cuttler and Calhoun both ran in successful conversions, but kicker Dalton Wiggins got a prime opportunity to shore up his PAT skills. Ultimately, he went 3-for-6 on extra points in the ball game. His final attempt followed the last Robbinsville score of the evening: a 5-yard scamper by Ryelon Waldroup.

The Knights led 55-0 before Thomas Jefferson made sure to avoid the shutout: Kimbrell charged ahead 18 yards on a keeper with 5:50 to go and David Magana split the uprights for the PAT.

Cuttler barely edged Cooper for the team lead in rushing: the elder Adams had 141 yards to Cooper’s 131. Depending on your perspective, the worst (or best) part is yet to come for opponents: with Robbinsville safely inside Big Oaks Stadium until the state finals, Cuttler can run wild and simply build upon his legacy.

Cuttler will go into the second round of the postseason at 6,196 in the books – and counting. He now sits 26th all-time in the state; Anderson is 30th. Kevin Parks rushed 10,895 yards for West Rowan between 2006-09 to set the statewide benchmark.

“It has always been my dream to break this record – but breaking a record is one thing: the memories, passion and love for my team is the greatest thing of my football career,” Cuttler added. “When we beat Swain on Senior Night (Oct. 27), the team gathered up and just talked about the Lord, and all the trials we’ve been through.

“At the end, we’ve come together as one. We’ve become a brotherhood.”

All told, the Black Knights amassed 488 rushing yards to the Gryphons’ 32 on Friday. Carpenter’s touchdown pass to Ledbetter was his only heave of the night, but Thomas Jefferson still only mustered seven first downs against Robbinsville’s 21.

Kyzik Teesateskie also picked off Kimbrell in the third stanza; Williams, Tytan Teesateskie and Kasen Buchanan all dropped Kimbrell for sacks in the shellacking.

By virtue of Mountain Island Charter (No. 16, 8-3) defeating Alleghany (No. 17, 4-7) in a 27-22 thriller Friday, the Raptors are next up on Robbinsville’s pursuit of a 15th state championship. The match-up is tentatively set for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff Friday, Nov. 10 under the Big Oaks; the game will be live-streamed exclusively at grahamstarsports.com.

Smoky Mountain Conference Round-Up

1st Round of Playoffs: Nov. 3, 2023

-Thomasville (No. 11, 8-3) defeated Andrews (No. 22, 4-7), 49-6;

-Starmount (No. 12, 10-1) beat Cherokee (No. 21, 5-6), 35-21;

-Hayesville (No. 14, 7-4) shutout Christ the King (No. 19, 5-6), 28-0;

-Murphy (No. 10, 8-3) downed Polk County (No. 23, 4-7), 57-21;

-Robbinsville (No. 1, 10-1) defeated Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy (No. 32, 2-9), 55-7;

-Swain County (No. 9, 10-1) fanned Avery County (No. 24, 4-7), 47-0.

2nd Round Schedule: Nov. 10, 2023

-Hayesville at Eastern Randolph (No. 3, 10-1);

-Murphy at Bishop McGuinness (No. 7, 6-5);

-Robbinsville vs. Mountain Island Charter (No. 16, 8-3);

-Swain County at Bessemer City (No. 8, 6-5).