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Maroon Devils coaches get real with players, with a strong message in the first half to keep their head in the game after Franklin scores two touchdowns in the first quarter.
Hannah Styles
hstyles@thesmokymountaintimes.com
Last Friday’s football game was a must see. With Swain and Franklin both ranked 2-0, fans knew this would be a nail-biting game.
From the moment the Devils stepped onto the field they looked determined to put up a fight, but the Panthers pounced on the scoreboard with a touchdown with seven minutes left in the first quarter. With one minute 23 seconds left in the first quarter, Franklin scored again making the score 14-0. In the second quarter, they scored yet again, ending the first half with 21-0.
The Devils looked discouraged and defeated, but after halftime they came back swinging. With eight and a half minutes left in the third quarter, junior Gabe Lillard passed to senior Donnavin Groenewold for a touchdown, followed by a point after by senior Gavin Lanning, making the score 21-7.
You could tell that Swain’s energy and confidence was up as the fans went wild. With only two minutes left in the fourth quarter, the Devils scored again in the same fashion; Gabe Lillard passed to Donnavin Groenewold for a touchdown, followed by a point after by Gavin Lanning, ending the game with 21-14.
Although Swain couldn’t pull out the win for this game, defense worked hard, holding Franklin to zero points in the second half.
Coach Neil Blankenship said that the team made some adjustments at half time and mainly talked about their body language.
“I think the change in the second half was the players’ body language. They believed they could play and had a lot more energy,” Coach Blankenship said. “I’m proud of the kids for fighting in the second half. Franklin was up 21-0, they could’ve just laid down and quit but they didn’t. I’m disappointed because I think it was a game that we should’ve won. We lost some points with turnovers and just not getting in the end zone. That’s really what we’ve got to work on.”
Gabe Lillard made a career high in passing yards and completions with 151 yards and 9 of 19 passing. Donnavin Groenewold received seven of those completions for a reception career high. On defense, Carson Taylor had 11 tackles, Nathan Bogdanowicz had 10, and Cooper Hyatt with 9.
Mountain Heritage
This Friday, the Maroon Devils will take on Mountain Heritage at home.
“Mountain Heritage is a really good football team. They’re going to try to run the ball down our throats, and we’ve got to be ready. I’m still looking at film trying to get a better idea of them. We’re preparing for a good game,” Coach Blankenship said.