Elizabethton took care of business on Thursday night.
Bryson Rollins accounted for five touchdowns as the Cyclones pulled away in the second half for a 42-14 victory over Sullivan South in Colonial Heights.
It was the 24th consecutive win for the Elizabethton program, and the Cyclones clinched a No. 1 seed for the playoffs.
After the Elizabethton defense forced a South punt to open the game, Rollins and Parker Hughes connected for a 23-yard touchdown pass. Sean Smithdeal added the extra point to take a 7-0 lead.
The Cyclones pushed the lead to 14-0 as Braden Holly caught a 14-yard pass for Rollins for the score.
In the second quarter, possessions were hard to come by for EHS as South held the ball for most of the quarter – including a two-yard touchdown run with 6:16 left in the half.
Elizabethton maintained a 14-7 advantage at the break.
In the third quarter, it was all Cyclones.
Rollins capped off the opening drive of the second half with a 12-yard touchdown run, and then added a three-yard score on Elizabethton’s next drive. That pushed the Cyclones lead to 28-7 after three complete quarters.
Elizabethton added another score with just over five minutes remaining in the game as Rollins ran in from seven yards out. The score was set-up by some hard running from Cade Russell.
After South added a late touchdown, Nate Stephens broke free for a 91-yard touchdown to account for the final score of the night.
Rollins finished the night with 19 carries for 146 yards, while going 6-of-7 for 80 yards passing. Russell finished with 101 yards on 14 carries, while Stephens ended the game with 92 yards rushing.
Hughes had five catches for 50 yards. Jake Roberts added an interception for the Elizabethton defense.
Elizabethton is slated to wrap up the regular season on Friday, Oct. 30, as Sullivan Central visits Citizens Bank Stadium for Senior Night and Homecoming 2020.
