Burnsville – Victory almost evaded the defending Smoky Mountain Conference champions, but persistence won out.
Robbinsville entered halftime of Aug. 29’s JV trek to Mountain Heritage with a 16-12 lead, but found itself trailing the hosting Cougars 20-16 at the dawn of the fourth.
Still in a hole with three minutes to go, the Knights conjured up some black magic to convert a 3rd-and-15 situation into the go-ahead touchdown – thanks to quarterback Braylon Blevins firing a missile to Eli Lambert. Mountain Heritage could not produce a reply and Robbinsville escaped Burnsville with a 22-20 win.
“(This was a) good team win,” said Robbinsville head coach Wren Millsaps. “This was a game dominated in time of possession by the opponent. We only ran six total offensive plays in the first half and had a 16-12 lead.
“When (Mountain) Heritage took the lead in the fourth, our team showed what they were made of; the defense came up strong to close the game out. I’m proud of what we accomplished, but just like last wee, we as a coaching staff want more.”
Scoring was handled by Elijah Kirkland (rushing touchdown and three conversion runs); Cameron Allison (rushing touchdown); Xamuel Wachacha (touchdown reception) and Lambert’s receiving touchdown. Many of the Knights on the field Aug. 29 were on the squad that fell 38-6 to Mountain Heritage last year, so last week’s triumph exacted a large measure of revenge.
Robbinsville (2-0) looks to keep its momentum rolling into today’s divisional opener, which will see the Black Knights travel to Cherokee. Kickoff at Ray Kinsland Stadium will be at 6 p.m.
“We hope to be firing on all cylinders over the next few weeks,” Millsaps added.