Robbinsville – Domination.
That’s the best way to summarize how the reigning Smoky Mountain Conference champions attained victory in their 2024 debut Aug. 22, as the JV Black Knights struck early and often to send the Mitchell Mountaineers packing 38-6 at Big Oaks Stadium.
Though Robbinsville head coach Wren Millsaps was understandably pleased with the outcome, he still wants the team to strive for an immaculate showing each time they take the field.
“I enjoyed the win and the boys should be proud,” said Millsaps. “However, this year the goal is ‘perfection.’ I have some of the highest expectations for this team that I have ever had. My goal is to prepare this team to compete for state championships and they expect to get better and better every week.
“The old saying, ‘practice makes perfect’ is wrong. Perfect practice makes perfect. That’s the goal every snap: perfection.”
Following a Benton Gibby interception early in the game, Cameron Allison burst through the Mitchell defense on an 89-yard touchdown run. Penalties bit the Mountaineers in a sour manner early in the second, with a safety being recorded on a backpedal play to make the score 9-0.
Gibby later posted a resounding sack, which led to a possession switch and a 6-yard scamper across the goal line by Avery Farley.
Robbinsville picked right up where it left off in the second half, with Braylon Blevins floating a 20-yard scoring pass into the hands of Xamuel Wachacha. Roughly two minutes later, Colton McCoy dashed into the end zone on a 9-yard carry.
The Knights’ final joust was a 2-yard push by Elijah Kirkland with 4:18 left on the clock. Mitchell scored a charity touchdown with 2:48 left on a 52-yard rush.
In addition to his touchdown reception, Wachacha was 3-of-4 on extra point attempts.
Robbinsville travels to Burnsville to face Mountain Heritage today at 6 p.m. The Black Knights fell 38-6 last year to the Cougars.
“They are always one of the best – if not the best-coached team we face yearly,” Millsaps added.