08/31/2026
MOUNTAINEERS WEATHER THE STORM: Tuscola Overcomes Overnight Delay and Torrential Downpour to Defeat Cherokee, 55-21
WAYNESVILLE, NC — Good football teams find ways to win, regardless of the opponent, the environment, or the elements. This weekend at Historic C.E. Weatherby Stadium, the Tuscola Mountaineers did not just defeat the Cherokee Braves 55-21; they put on a masterclass in mental toughness, physical dominance, and absolute ball security.
In a game that required two days, featuring an overnight lightning delay, and a second-half torrential downpour, Tuscola (2-0) proved they could handle the storm. The victory also served as a continued celebration for the 90th anniversary of Weatherby Stadium.
Part I: The Friday Night Interruption.
The matchup kicked off on Friday night under threatening skys. Tuscola struck first, but Cherokee (1-1) fought back immediately. Braves running back Kingston Welch punched in a 1-yard touchdown run, and Nick Paramo tacked on the extra point to tie the game at 7-7 late in the first quarter.
Just as the game was heating up, the sky lit up. Severe lightning forced officials to halt play and clear the stadium. After a lengthy evaluation of the radar, the game was officially suspended and rescheduled for Saturday evening. For many high school programs, an overnight delay breaks momentum and fractures focus. For Tuscola, it proved to be an extended halftime as they staff went to work making adjustments late into the night.
Part II: Heavy Rain and Flawless Ex*****on.
When play resumed on Saturday night, so did the heavy weather. By the start of the second quarter, a persistent rain transformed into a downpour that lasted through the third quarter.
Under these conditions, footballs become slick, and passing games evaporate. It is the exact environment where turnovers decide outcomes. This is where the Mountaineers shined, Tuscola finished the game with zero fumbles lost.
Tuscola's defensive front flew off the ball. They consistently reset the line of scrimmage in the Cherokee backfield, stuffing the inside run and forcing the Braves into predictable, long-yardage situations. Whenever Cherokee attempted to string together a drive in the second and third quarters, the Mountaineer defense stepped up with critical, drive-halting stops. The secondary played tight, disciplined coverage, erasing any quick passing windows, while the linebackers swarmed to the ball on the perimeter to prevent Cherokee's athletes from finding space on the slick surface.
The Mountaineer offensive line completely dominated Cherokee’s front seven, opening up massive running lanes that grew wider as the game wore on. Running backs Sam Trantham, and Ty Walker, put on an clinic. The duo combined for a six touchdowns on the night, consistently breaking tackles and outrunning the Cherokee secondary on a slick surface. QB Isaiah Hyatt was again a difference maker in the passing game as well as with his feet. WR Elijah Pruitt continues to show he is one of the premier two way players in WNC. Kicker Kohl Rudd perfect on extra points.
Box Score Summary
Final Score: Tuscola 55, Cherokee 21
Total Offense: Tuscola 447 yards (292 Rushing)
Turnovers: Tuscola 0 lost fumbles
Records: Tuscola (2-0), Cherokee (1-1)
OFFENSIVE (37 Plays, 447 Yards, 7 TDs; 29 Carries, 292 Yards, 5 TDs; 5-7 Passing, 155 Yards, 2 TDs)
Ty Walker: 3 Carries, 30 Yards, 2 TDs; 2 Catches, 56 Yards, 1TD
Elijah Pruitt: 3 Catches, 99 Yards, 1 TD
Isaiah Hyatt: 4-6 106 Yards, 1 TD
Sam Trantham: 26 Carries, 262 Yards, 3 TDs; 1-1 49 Yards, 1 TD
DEFENSIVE
Jake Durbin: 2 Tackles, 1 Fumble Recovery
Ty Walker: 14 Tackles, 1 TFL
Elijah Pruitt: 3 Tackles, 1 INT, 61-yard TD, 1 Forced Fumble
Ty Lucas: 4 Tackles
Nick Messer: 2 Tackles
Everett Messer: 5 Tackles, 2 TFL
Sam Trantham: 1 Tackle
Chace Smalley: 4 Tackles, 1 TFL
Noah Burgess: 8 Tackles, 1 INT
Tilman Fama: 1 Tackle
Kohl Rudd: 2 Tackles
Henry Spivey: 2 Tackles
Bowen Hoyle: 3 Tackles
Brenyn Hatton: 2 Tackles, 1 TFL
Kameron Frizzell: 2 Tackles
Walker Boone: 1 Tackle, 1 TFL
Eli Bulko: 1 Tackle
Drew Early: 1 Tackle
Quinton Wilson: 1 Tackle
Owen Land: 1 Tackle
SPECIAL TEAMS
Kohl Rudd 7 for 7 XPs, 1 Touchback
