Black Knights turn on cruise control in playoff opener
Robbinsville – Following the North Carolina High School Athletic Association's latest realignment of classifications across the state – including the expansion to eight levels of competition – Robbinsville was heavily-favored as the team to beat in 1A.
Well-rested after receiving a first-round bye, the Black Knights showed why the hype was legitimate in their 2025 postseason debut Friday, beginning their journey toward a 16th state championship by dismantling Smoky Mountain Conference foe Andrews 56-7 under the Big Oaks at Modeal Walsh Memorial Stadium.
The lopsided affair included a remarkable 42-point barrage from Robbinsville (No. 1 Western seed, 8-3) in the first quarter. Kyzik Teesateskie scored on the first play from scrimmage by cutting around the right side and dashing 49 yards to the end zone – just 15 seconds after kickoff. Isiac Collins went on to record a touchdown plunge from two yards out with 8:55 left in the segment, before Benton Gibby found the goal line from seven yards out with 5:43 remaining, and Teesateskie caught a short pass from Luke Lovin and turned in a 25-yard touchdown at 3:49.
Reeling from the quick, 28-0 deficit, Andrews (No. 9, 2-10) fumbled twice before the dust could settle. Luke Green recovered the first hiccup for Robbinsville and moments later, Tucker Jones trotted across the plane on a 12-yard scoring pass. The ensuing kickoff led to Elijah Kirkland scooping up another Wildcats miscue, which netted a 23-yard touchdown sprint that finally put an end to the outpour.
Robbinsville tacked on another bit of insurance in the third quarter – thanks to a 70-yard, downfield rumble by Teesateskie – before Andrews struck paydirt in the fourth on a two-yard Kelby Waldroup touchdown push. The Knights later solidified their dominance by handing the ball to freshman Mason Silvers, who crossed the goal line from 30 yards out with 3:27 to go.
Zander Lucksavage was a perfect 8-for-8 on PATs in the game for Robbinsville, while Myca Gibson booted the extra point for Andrews.
The Black Knights now shift their attention to the No. 5-seeded East Columbus (3-8) Gators, who will make a 375-mile trip to Graham County for the third round. Kickoff on Bob Colvin Field will be at 7 p.m., Friday, Nov. 21.