Bakersville – From the opening kickoff Friday night, Mitchell’s line dominated the 1A Western Regional Final.
The end result was a five-touchdown showcase by Mountaineers junior quarterback Ty Turbyfill, as Mitchell ended the Robbinsville Black Knights’ postseason run with a 34-21 victory at Memorial Stadium.
“There’s really not much to say. Their line did a fantastic job, and we just couldn’t block them up front,” Robbinsville head coach Dee Walsh said.
Mitchell (No. 2 seed, 13-2) did its homework coming into the game and mirrored much of what has given the Knights (No. 4 seed, 10-4) success this season: lengthy possessions and a stubborn ground game.
The Mountaineers netted success throughout the evening behind Turbyfill, who came into the game leading Mitchell in both rushing and passing yards. Mitchell’s offensive line opened up plenty of holes for Turbyfill to weave through, which resulted in 201 rushing yards and all five Mountaineers scores. Mitchell’s lone flaw on the board was a shanked extra point in the second quarter.
Normally a threat to an opponent’s backfield, Robbinsville only dropped Turbyfill once for a loss: a second-quarter sack by senior Ben Wachacha. Two of the Mountaineers’ touchdowns came in transition, after Gage Young and Carter Hoyle picked off Knights senior quarterback Dasan Gross in the second half.
Robbinsville was held scoreless until the third quarter, when Cuttler Adams broke free for a 47-yard score. The Knights then enjoyed some success off a Tytan Teesateskie fumble recovery in the fourth, which led to a 17-yard heave from Gross to Kage Williams.
Gross scored the final touchdown of the game on a 10-yard keeper with 28 seconds left in the affair.
“This game was one that no senior is ready for; it was a dogfight and they came to play,” tight end Eddie Brooms said. “This season has been one to remember, and I love these boys and the coaches, no matter what.
“I want to thank this town and the fans for being so good to me and this team.”