Adams dominates scoreline in divisional kickoff
Bryson City – It might have been the lowest yardage Cuttler Adams has recorded this season, but sometimes the impact a player makes cannot be measured by statistics.
Now at 3,615 yards for his career – and still 1 ½ seasons to go before taking his final handoff – Robbinsville’s preeminent running back literally accounted for all of the Black Knights’ offense in the Sept. 29 divisional opener at Swain County, combining respective 2-, 3- and 3-yard pushes across the goal line in the first, second and fourth quarters, with a trio of successful conversion runs that lifted Robbinsville past the Maroon Devils, 24-16.
“First and foremost, I always thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, for giving me the opportunity to play – and share the gospel –through the game of football,” said Adams, who also picked off Swain County quarterback Reese Winchester in the second quarter. “We knew it was gonna be a tough game – and a battle – as soon as we stepped onto the field. We knew everyone had to do their job and not get down when something bad happened.”
If you are a fan of smash-mouth football, the clash was right up your alley. Both offenses were held under 200 yards and, as a result, things on the field got testy in the jostle.
“Something we said was to keep your cool and not run your mouth, because we knew that if we ran our mouth – or said anything back – it could cost us the game,” Adams said. “The whole team was telling each other that, and that’s what makes us special: we know what to do to win, and discipline is a big key to winning.
“Everybody did an extraordinary job and we got the win.”
Adams only had 74 yards on 21 carries, but started his packed evening by scoring on the first drive of the game, with 5:46 left in the first quarter.
The Devils replied with a 4:22 possession that ended with a fourth-and-16 heave from Winchester into the hands of Joseph Glaspie, who weaved through players to score from 25 yards out. Joshua Collins then ran in the conversion to bring the score back to a stalemate.
Adams’ interception spurned his first 3-yard touchdown of the game, which came with 4:27 left in the first half. Swain pulled the battle back to even when Collins found an opening and sprinted 61 yards to score. The Devils used some chicanery to score the conversion, as the ball ended up in the hands of Gabe Lillard for a toss to Winchester.
The scoring trifecta was completed by Adams with 9:01 left in the game. A rabid Swain County fanbase was later quietened when the final offensive gasp came up short.
Braves up next
Robbinsville will play its first home conference game of the season Friday, welcoming the Cherokee Braves on Hall of Fame Night.
Cherokee (1-5, 0-1) is in the midst of a rebuilding campaign. The Braves have only bested Rosman this season and lost their divisional debut 49-14 at Murphy on Sept. 29.
Relying heavily on a ground-based attack, Cherokee’s offense has been led by Chase Calhoun (374 yards) and quarterback Kaden Smith (280 rushing; 344 passing).
Cherokee only has eight seniors on its roster.