Rosman – The Andrews varsity football team is the only Smoky Mountain Conference squad that started the 2024 season with a win after defeating Rosman 42-14 on Friday night.
The Wildcats scored two touchdowns in the first half, with one in each quarter, while holding the Tigers scoreless. After halftime, the Cats came out and scored 21 points in the third quarter and capped off their win with another touchdown in the fourth quarter. Rosman was held to two touchdowns in the second half, with one in each quarter.
Possession of the ball was dominated by Andrews. They spent just over 31 minutes with possession, which is more than half of the game. Rosman only had the ball for just over 16 minutes.
On offense for the Wildcats, running back Eli Aguilar had 23 carries for 145 yards with three touchdowns. Fullback Holden Todd had a touchdown on seven carries for 35 yards. Everett Tatham was 1-4 for six yards from the pocket, but on the ground he had 14 carries for 77 yards with a touchdown.
Fullback LaDannien Rattler had six carries for 75 yards. Kelby Waldroup had three carries for 30 yards, and Braxton Rickett had one reception for six yards. Overall, the Wildcats had 53 carries for 362 yards and five touchdowns Friday night at Rosman.
Head coach James Phillips said getting to scrimmage Smoky Mountain, which was cancelled due to weather, would have helped the team. He added that they made some mental errors early in the game, like multiple penalties in the first quarter, but they will work on that heading into the next game.
Phillips felt like Rosman played hard, and they prepared for that. His halftime message was to pick up the intensity, and the team responded with 21 points in the third quarter.
Phillips said a lot of seniors stepped up and were leaders in the game against Rosman. Tatham was very efficient, and Aguilar had a great game on both sides of the ball.
He mentioned multiple players who had a good game on both sides of the ball, such as Colton Rose, Landon Greene, Kencade Watkins and Jerry Cable. LaDannien Rattler is emerging as a good fullback, which was evident in this game.
The team will have a week off before facing Hayesville. To prepare for that game, Phillips said despite not loving an off week this early in the season, they will clean up things they have seen so far. They will work on fundamental and technical items to make improvements along with special teams.
After the week off, on Friday, Sept. 6, the Wildcats will host Hayesville. The game is designated as non-conference, so will not impact the conference standings.
The Yellow Jackets lost 49-7 to Asheville School last week. Despite rushing for 245 yards and having 14 yards in the air, they only came up with one touchdown. Hayesville will also have a week off before the matchup at Andrews.