Story By Eli Sampson

The Sylvania Rams knew going into Thursday night's game with the Pisgah Eagles that they had an outside chance at making the state playoffs. A win over the Pisgah Eagles could punch their ticket to next week. Unfortunately, the Eagles were too much for the Rams. The Sylvania season came to an end at the hands of the Pisgah Eagles, 36-10. 

Pisgah received the first quarter kickoff, but a surprise onside kick was recovered by the Rams, giving Sylvania excellent field position and early momentum to start the game.

Pisgah’s defense started strong, but a huge third-down completion on a wheel route near their own sideline led to a huge conversion for the Rams.

Although they converted an early third down, the Pisgah defense remained strong, forcing a turnover on downs and beginning their first offensive possession of the game.

The Pisgah offense starts their first drive backed up in Sylvania territory, but the Eagles easily moved the ball down the field via short passes and screen passes to their quick wide receivers.

Sylvania’s defense tries to dig in as they put the Pisgah offense in a big fourth-and-five situation, but a short throw out to the flat to Landon Watkins leads to a Pisgah touchdown. The 2-point conversion was intercepted to make the score 6-0 midway through the first quarter.

On their second drive of the game, Sylvania drives the ball downfield with a strong performance from their running game to end the first quarter.

Pisgah’s defense makes a stand to start the second quarter and forces a turnover on downs after a desperation heave from Sylvania’s quarterback, Slaytor Waldrop, gets broken up in double coverage.

Pisgah offense cruises down the field by mixing the run and the pass, and a speed sweep to Landon Watkins leads to a Pisgah touchdown. Their second 2-point conversion of the night is a slant caught by Landon Watkins to make the score 14-0 early in the second quarter.

After going down 14-0, Sylvania’s offense answers with a 35-yard run down the left side by Sammy Anderson, who scores, and after the extra point is good, Sylvania cuts the lead in half to make the score 14-7 with 4:46 to go in the first half.

Pisgah’s offense matches again, but this time Sylvania’s defense makes a stand on 4th and 1. The defensive line got immediate penetration and got a tackle for loss and a turnover on downs to retain possession.

Sylvania’s offense drives down the field via the running game and Pisgah penalties, and converts a 35-yard field goal by Andrade, cutting down the Pisgah lead to 4.

Pisgah took a 14-10 halftime lead. 

Sylvania received the kickoff to start the second half and began its first drive. However, Pisgah's defense continued to excel against Sylvania's interior running game, managing to force a turnover on downs. They made a crucial stop on fourth and four, allowing Pisgah to regain possession with excellent field position for their first drive of the second half.

Pisgah easily matched into the red zone, but couldn’t produce any points, as the Sylvania defense made another impressive stand at the goal line by breaking up a touchdown pass in the corner of the end zone. The Rams retain possession deep in their own territory.

Pisgah’s defense forced an immediate three-and-out, forcing the Rams to punt. A terrible punt gave Pisgah’s offense great field position again to start their second drive of the half.

A quick third quarter ends with the same score, 14-10 in favor of Pisgah.

The first play of the 4th quarter was an easy completion in the flat for a Pisgah touchdown. A  trick play on the 2-point conversion was good to make the score 22-10.

An immediate Sylvania fumble gives the ball right back to the Pisgah offense with great field position yet again.

Pisgah didn’t waste the opportunity this time and scored again with a rushing touchdown to the left side by Landon Watkins. The 2-point conversion was successful, extending Pisgah's lead to 30-10.

Sylvania showed no signs of giving up as they successfully moved the ball with their running game. However, just as they were gaining momentum, an interception ended their drive. Pisgah's defense made a spectacular diving catch, regaining possession for their offense.

Sylvania’s defense doesn’t quit as they get another stop to force a three-and-out. The Pisgah punt pinned Sylvania’s offense deep into its own territory.

Sylvania’s offense was able to move the ball across midfield into Pisgah territory off a big run by Anderson. 

Pisgah’s defense made a huge hit on the quarterback for a fumble and a scoop and score for a touchdown. The extra point is no good, and the score is 36-10 in the 4th quarter.

Sylvania’s offense was unable to score on its last drive of the game, and the score remained 36-10.

Sylvania finishes the season with a record of 3-7.