Charlotte Country Day Buccaneers make first trip to Bryson City

by Brandon Stephens 

(Bryson City) – – There are some high expectations for the 2023 Swain County Maroon Devil football team after some “close but no cigar” football games.  That’s a saying I have never really understood, but the lack of understanding in the saying is also appropriate to apply it to the 2022 Swain season.  There was a lot of great talent that proved it could play well with power teams like Franklin, Pisgah, and Robbinsville.  Then there were games where there were too many turnovers and miscues that sunk the Maroon Devils into a depression during games with Cherokee, Murphy, Hayesville, and Dade County (Ga).  Sherman Holt didn’t ride into Bryson City in a convertible to a ticker tape parade announcing the only thing Swain County has to fear is fear itself.  But, there is a feeling that some solid work in the off-season and this summer has taken place to make this season one that could be infamous for Maroon Devil opponents.  Coach Holt feels like the preseason scrimmages shows Swain County football is back, and maybe happy days will be here again.  38 players are on the varsity team with 11 seniors, a veteran quarterback and really good running back in Reese Winchester and Joshua Collins.  There is more too it than just two players.  There is a big dependable line for the defense and offense.  The men in the trenches like Nse Uffort and Nolan Fisher will be play makers and leaders for the team up front.  Some youth like Drew Scaggs is expected to contribute a verse.

There is limited knowledge about the Charlotte Country Day Buccaneers.  The Bucs went 4-and-7 on the season and played some power teams like Rabun Gap-Nacoochee and Asheville School (Independent).  Mostly they faced independent Christian charter schools around central North Carolina.  Charlotte Country Day will be tall, athletic, and built for speed.  Look for a spread offense, lots of passing, and a defense that “flys to the football.”  Otherwise let’s ask Coach Holt to tell you all about the Swain County Maroon Devils and what is to be expected with the Buccaneers this coming Friday night (August 18, 2023).

Swain County and Charlotte Country Day will kick off at 7:30 in Bryson City’s Memorial Stadium at Swain County High School.

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