Robbinsville – Andrews’ 2025 football season came to an end in the second round of the state 1A playoffs, when the Wildcats fell to Robbinsville 56-7.
The Wildcats left the field for the final time this season Friday night after their matchup against their fellow Smoky Mountain Conference opponent. The lopsided affair included a 42-point barrage from Robbinsville (No. 1 Western seed, 8-3) in the first quarter.
Kyzik Teesateskie scored on the first play from scrimmage by cutting around the right side and dashing 49 yards to the end zone – just 15 seconds after kickoff.
Isiac Collins went on to record a touchdown plunge from two yards out with 8:55 left in the segment, before Benton Gibby found the goal line from seven yards out with 5:43 remaining, and Teesateskie caught a short pass from Luke Lovin and turned in a 25-yard touchdown at 3:49.
Reeling from the quick, 28-0 deficit, Andrews (No. 9, 2-10) fumbled twice before the dust could settle. Luke Green recovered the first hiccup for Robbinsville and moments later, Tucker Jones trotted across the plane on a 12-yard scoring pass.
The ensuing kickoff led to Elijah Kirkland scooping up another Wildcats miscue, which netted a 23-yard touchdown sprint that finally put an end to the out pour.
Robbinsville tacked on another bit of insurance in the third quarter – thanks to a 70-yard, downfield rumble by Teesateskie – before Andrews struck pay-dirt in the fourth on a two-yard Kelby Waldroup touchdown push.
The Knights later solidified their dominance by handing the ball to freshman Mason Silvers, who crossed the goal line from 30 yards out with 3:27 to go.
Zander Lucksavage was a perfect 8-for-8 on ext in the game for Robbinsville, while Myca Gibson booted the extra point for Andrews.
Wildcats head coach Jason Johnson said they didn’t take care of the football in Friday night’s game against the best team in 1A.
“We made mistakes, and like all good football teams, they make you pay, and they made us pay,” Johnson said.
Gabe Aguilar stood out to Johnson. He said that Aguilar has been working hard all season and played well against Robbinsville.
The Wildcats ended the season with a 2-10 record. They earned wins over Rosman during the regular season and College Prep & Leadership Academy in the first round of the playoffs.
Kelby Waldroup was their leading rusher and Logan Shuler was their leading receiver. Brady McLelland led the passing attack despite dealing with injury late in the regular season.
Johnson’s first season as head coach wrapped up Friday night and he said he learned a lot in his first season leading the Wildcats. He said that there’s a lot of things that the head coach does both on and off the field.
He also said that he learned to put a lot of trust in his assistant coaches, as well as managing his young football team.
Johnson also added, “I’d like to thank Andrews High School and the community for all the support they’ve given me this year and the Wildcat football team this year. It’s been great and looking forward to next year and having a better season next year.”