The Cyclones gave it their best. However, Science Hill pulled out in the end.
Elizabethton rallied but was unable to sneak away with a win at Kermit Tipton Stadium on Friday night as the Hilltoppers escaped with a 28-21 victory.
The Cyclones saw Science Hill strike first as Justin Bedard scored on a quarterback sneak from a yard out with just over eight minutes to play.
Hunter Tyree hit Jalen Smith for an 11-yard catch, but the Cyclones were forced to punt on the ensuing drive. The Hillltoppers, however, were unable to extended as a 28-yard FG went wide as Elizabethton trailed 7-0 at the end of the first quarter.
Elijah Mathes extended the Science Hill lead two minutes into the second quarter with a 42-yard touchdown run. The Cyclones answered when Conner Johnson grabbed a pick six with a 25-yard return for the score.
After a missed Hilltopper field goal attempt, Logan Norman powered the Cyclones down the field, and Jermiah Turner scored on a three-yard touchdown run. Dylan Nordby’s extra point knotted the game at 14-14 with just over a minutes to play in the half.
The Hilltoppers, however, answered right before the half as Bedard found Tyrek Perkins for a touchdown with just under 20 seconds left to give SHHS a 21-14 lead at the break.
After forcing the Science Hill offense off the field to start the second half to set up a one-yard touchdown run from Norman to tie the game at 21-21.
Cameron Coleman recorded an interception later in the quarter for the Cyclones, but the Elizabethton drive stalled. Another missed field goal by Science Hill sent the game into the final quarter tied at 21-21.
The Cyclones moved the ball to open the fourth quarter to midfield, but a sack ended the drive on fourth down at midfield. On the ensuing possession, Science Hill scored the game winner as Bedard hit Jordan Holley for a 13-yard touchdown pass with six minutes remaining in the game.
Elizabethton moved the ball deep into Science Hill territory after Jalen Smith nabbed an interception. However, time expired before Elizabethton could even the score.
Tyree went 9-of-14 for 71 yards passing.
Norman tallied 80 rushing yards on 12 carries to lead Elizabethton, while Corey Russell carried the ball 12 tines for 78 yards. Turner added seven carries with 72 yards.
Elizabethton returns to action next Friday with the debut of Citizen’s Bank Stadium against Johnson County.
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