HAYESVILLE, N.C. — Towns County could not hold a late lead, dropping a heartbreaker, 13-12, to Hayesville, N.C. Friday night on the road.
However, the Indians did get what appeared to be the game-winning score with just 36 seconds left in the game on a touchdown pass from Connor Chastain. But it was waved off on a controversial, offensive pass interference call.
Towns County (0-1) had one last chance after the penalty but could not convert on a 4th-and-22 and turned the ball over on downs inside the Yellow Jackets' 10.
Hayesville (1-0) took the early lead in the first quarter, but the Indians rallied to take the lead before halftime on a Chastain rushing touchdown and a touchdown pass to Stone Chauncey.
The key play turned out to be Hayesville stopping a fake PAT 2-point conversion attempt after the first Indians score. Towns went for another 2-point try after its second score but were also denied.
After a scoreless third quarter, Hayesville scored with just over two minutes left to retake the lead.
The Indians had a nearly 2-to-1 yardage advantage and held the Yellow Jackets to just five first downs for the game. But penalties stymied several Towns County drives.
