In a crucial Region 1-4A clash, Elizabethton had the upper hand.
The Cyclones erupted for 34 unanswered points to take a 44-10 victory at Greeneville in one of the region’s most anticipated matchups this season. Elizabethton extended their winning streak to 23 games dating back to last season.
The first half was a back-and-forth battle.
After the teams traded possessions to open up the game, Bryson Rollins and Jake Roberts connected for a 68-yard touchdown. Sean Smithdeal added the extra point to give ether Cyclones a 7-0 lead with 5:57 left to play in the opening stanza.
Greeneville, however, answered as Nick Ieezi took the opening kickoff into the red zone and then added a short touchdown to tie the game at 7-7 going to the second.
Elizabethton opened the scoring in the second quarter after marching down the field, but being held to a 26-yard field goal by Smithdeal.
After the Greene Devils evened things back up with 1:13 to play, the EHS offense went back to work quickly and efficiently with a quick drive that was capped when Rollins scored on a one-yard run to give Elizabethton a 16-10 lead at the half.
The second half was all Elizabethton.
The Cyclones opened the scoring when a scrambling Rollins found Roberts wide-open for the 53-yard touchdown.
LaDarian Avery extended the EHS lead on the next drive with a six-yard run, and Cade Russell returned an interception deep into Greeneville territory to set-up a quick three-yard touchdown from Rollins.
Elizabethton capped off the scoring in the final quarter when Rollins scored on a nine-yard run.
The junior Rollins finished 15-of-22 passing for 228 yards and two scores while adding 130 yards on the ground with 24 attempts and three touchdowns. Nate Stephens had 13 carries for 51 yards. Avery finished with four runs for 19 yards.
Parker Hughes had six catches for 56 cards for the Cyclones.
Elizabethton is slated to return to action on Thursday at Sullivan South.
