Defense silences critics in 2023 debut
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Tanner Hedden (10) weaves through traffic during Friday’s season opener against East Surry. Photo courtesy of Danielle Crabtree
Robbinsville — It did not take long for the Knights to become accustomed to the unique atmosphere under the Big Oaks this year.
Cuttler Adams trampled his way to three rushing touchdowns, while tacking on a 73-yard scoring reception and an interception to aid the cause. Mix in Donovan Carpenter and Cooper Adams each rushing into the end zone; and a trio of Robbinsville defenders (Bryce Adams, Quinn Jumper and Zeke Silvers) scooping up fumbles, the Black Knights stunned the East Surry Cardinals 40-6 on Friday night.
Cuttler’s yardage came on just 14 carries; he now has 4,812 for his career — which brings him to within 1,352 of both the school and Smoky Mountain Conference record, held by Rylee Anderson (6,164, set between 2016-19).
In his first game back since breaking his collarbone during the regular-season showdown against Cherokee last year, Donovan Carpenter was 5-for-10, with 108 yards in the air. His tape-measure launch to Cuttler came with 3:57 left in the third quarter; by the end of the game, back-ups Bryce Adams and Luke Lovin all checked in for snaps at the position.
East Surry’s lone dent in the scoreboard came after the Knights had opened a 22-0 by the midway point of the second quarter. Matthew Edwards’ 22-yard reception from Luke Brunner was the only strike the 2A Cardinals could muster in their first trip to Graham County since falling 40-14 to Robbinsville in the second round of the 1999 playoffs.
The Knights held firm on defense throughout the game, stopping East Surry on a fourth-down conversion to begin the evening; and refusing to give up the goal-line after the Cardinals pulled a fast one to begin the second half, recovering an onside kickoff but failing to advance past the 1-yard line after Will Jones connected with Stephen Keener on a 38-yard pass.
The Cards only posted seven first downs to Robbinsville’s 20; the Black Knights outshined East Surry on the ground, 347 yards to the Cardinals 43.
Look for more coverage in the Aug. 24 edition of The Graham Star.