Manhandling Raybun County
Jackets defeat Rabun County 31 to 14
 | | Photos by Bob Williams The yellow Jackets crash through the spirit banner to take the field at Sylva, where they did battle with the Mustangs of Smoky Mountain High School. |
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The Hayesville High School Yellow Jackets took the pigskin into their opponents' end-zone three times in the first quarter while holding Rabun County scoreless until midway in the second quarter last Friday. Also in the second quarter, the Jackets picked up two more TD's and an extra point for a 31 to 7 lead at half-time
For the second half, Coach Neil Setzer cleared the bench giving his less experienced players lots of playing time. The game ended with a 31 to 14 victory for Hayesville, their second win for the season.
At the opening of the game, the Jackets stormed on to the field determined to play, and play they did, demonstrating both running and passing agility.
Tim Shaffer, a junior running back, carried the ball 12 times for 131 yards and one TD. Quarterback Jonathan Shively, a senior, also picked up 76 yards carring the ball and passed for 210 yards completing 14 passes of 18 attempted. Shively connected four times to both Shaffer and Trevor Staton and twice each to Robert Rogers, Tino Scolaro and Tim Coker.
 | | Photos by Bob Williams Above: The Hayesville High School Cheerleaders entertained the crowd at halftime with an outstanding dance routine. |
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While the Jackets offense scored repeatedly, the Hayesville defense got plumb stingy with Rabun County. Junior Brett Moody had eight tackles and three assists in the game. Coach Setzer called him the "spark of our defense," but other players were hitting hard, too. Brandon Brooks and Tino Scolaro had 11 tackles between them. Jeffrey Updike and Trevor Staton, each had an interception.
Setzer, pleased with the outcome, said the team is improving with each game. He said the team's objective has changed slightly over the years. While we want to win games, it is equally important to develop skills and ability early in the season and to avoid injuries as much as possible. Setzer said the objective now is to be at full strength in the playoffs.
The Jacket currently have four players who are out with knee or ankle injuries. Setzer said he expects all of them to be back before the end of the season, and a couple of them within a week or two.
 | | Left: Trevor Staton (#9) runs out of the end zone before he can haul in this Jonathan Shively pass. |
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 | | Photos by Bob Williams Brandon Brooks (#11) of the Yellow Jackets gets by a blocker to stop the Rabun County. |
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 | | Photos by Bob Williams Hayesville's D.J. Anderson (#52) and Tim Shaffer (#11) race for the Rabun County quarterback as a pass sails to a receiver at left. |
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 | | Photos by Bob Williams Tino Scalaro (#34) takes a pass at the goal line. |
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