Stephens Throws for 503 Yards as Walker Valley Tops McMinn
CLEVELAND, Tenn. — A fireworks show broke out on the scoreboard Friday night at “The MAC,” where Walker Valley and McMinn County combined for 96 points in a wild Region 3-5A shootout. When the dust settled, it was the Mustangs who galloped away with a 54-42 victory — just their second win over the Cherokees in the last 17 years.
The 10th-ranked Mustangs racked up a staggering 691 yards of offense, led by senior quarterback Chase Stephens, who carved up the McMinn secondary with 503 passing yards and five touchdowns on 25-of-34 completions. His five-score night set the tone for an offensive performance that marked Walker Valley’s highest point total ever in the rivalry.
Big-Time Playmakers
Stephens spread the ball around, but his top targets delivered huge nights:
McMinn Keeps Pace
Despite Walker Valley’s record-breaking pace, McMinn kept the game within reach thanks to the explosive running of Jakaryn “Peanut” Dyer, who sprinted for 165 yards and three touchdowns on 18 carries. Quarterback Luke Lawson added 321 passing yards and two scores through the air, with Nathan Kessler leading Cherokee receivers with 143 yards and a touchdown.
Defense Bends, but Breaks McMinn’s Momentum
While neither defense held the upper hand for long stretches, Walker Valley created the turnovers that proved decisive. The Mustangs picked off four passes, with key interceptions from Tyler Goldman, Kaleb Jackson, and Aiden Burns halting Cherokee drives.
Mustang head coach Drew Akins credited his staff and players for bouncing back after last week’s loss to Bradley Central.
Game Flow
Walker Valley struck first with a Stephens-to-Hayden connection in the opening quarter, then built a 24-7 lead in the second. McMinn rallied late in the half to trim the margin to 24-14. The back-and-forth continued after the break, but each time the Cherokees closed the gap, Stephens and his receivers answered with another long strike.
The decisive blow came midway through the fourth when Stephens found Boyd wide open for a 68-yard score, pushing the Mustangs ahead 48-28. McMinn added two late touchdowns, but Walker Valley’s offense and clock control sealed the victory.
Looking Ahead
With the win, Walker Valley (2-1, 1-0 Region 3-5A) takes an early edge in the region race, while defending champion McMinn County (2-1, 0-1) slips behind. The Mustangs will return home Friday to host winless Chattanooga Central in non-region play.
The 10th-ranked Mustangs racked up a staggering 691 yards of offense, led by senior quarterback Chase Stephens, who carved up the McMinn secondary with 503 passing yards and five touchdowns on 25-of-34 completions. His five-score night set the tone for an offensive performance that marked Walker Valley’s highest point total ever in the rivalry.
Big-Time Playmakers
Stephens spread the ball around, but his top targets delivered huge nights:
- Sawyer Boyd, a Miami (Ohio) track signee, hauled in nine catches for 187 yards and two touchdowns, including a 68-yard strike that blew the game open in the fourth quarter.
- Roman Eulo, an Austin Peay commit, piled up 239 yards on eight receptions and added a short rushing score.
- Luke Hayden proved to be Stephens’ go-to in the red zone, scoring three touchdowns on five catches.
McMinn Keeps Pace
Despite Walker Valley’s record-breaking pace, McMinn kept the game within reach thanks to the explosive running of Jakaryn “Peanut” Dyer, who sprinted for 165 yards and three touchdowns on 18 carries. Quarterback Luke Lawson added 321 passing yards and two scores through the air, with Nathan Kessler leading Cherokee receivers with 143 yards and a touchdown.
Defense Bends, but Breaks McMinn’s Momentum
While neither defense held the upper hand for long stretches, Walker Valley created the turnovers that proved decisive. The Mustangs picked off four passes, with key interceptions from Tyler Goldman, Kaleb Jackson, and Aiden Burns halting Cherokee drives.
Mustang head coach Drew Akins credited his staff and players for bouncing back after last week’s loss to Bradley Central.
“Last week was on us as a staff — we didn’t prepare them well enough,” Akins said. “This week, Coach Tyler Pope had a perfect game plan and our guys executed it. Chase was incredible, the offensive line gave him time, and we made the plays we needed to win.”
Game Flow
Walker Valley struck first with a Stephens-to-Hayden connection in the opening quarter, then built a 24-7 lead in the second. McMinn rallied late in the half to trim the margin to 24-14. The back-and-forth continued after the break, but each time the Cherokees closed the gap, Stephens and his receivers answered with another long strike.
The decisive blow came midway through the fourth when Stephens found Boyd wide open for a 68-yard score, pushing the Mustangs ahead 48-28. McMinn added two late touchdowns, but Walker Valley’s offense and clock control sealed the victory.
Looking Ahead
With the win, Walker Valley (2-1, 1-0 Region 3-5A) takes an early edge in the region race, while defending champion McMinn County (2-1, 0-1) slips behind. The Mustangs will return home Friday to host winless Chattanooga Central in non-region play.