Sports

Photo courtesy of Amiee Bailey

Young places 3rd at NHSCA Nationals

Will Woolever

Tuesday, April 14, 2026

Panther wrestling’s State Champion is a high school All-American. Recently, Garrett Young (right), Devlin Bailey (left) and Justin Gonzalez traveled to Virginia Beach for the National High School Coaches’ Association High School Nationals. There Young reached the Consolation Finals in the 215-lb.

Press file photo - Anna Timan wins the girls 100-meter dash at the Western Carolina Kickoff meet in Cullowhee March 6.

Track breaks records in SC

Will Woolever

Tuesday, April 14, 2026

Panther track and field continues to rewrite Franklin’s school record book. On the weekend of April 9-11 the team divided their forces, sending different athletes to meets in Rabun Gap and South Carolina. Versus some of the Southeast’s toughest opponents, multiple Panthers turned in historic times.

Press photo/Will Woolever. Junior captain/center back Sadie Collins clears a ball from danger versus Tuscola April 1.

Girls soccer ties Tuscola in thrilling match

News Staff

Tuesday, April 7, 2026

Panther girls soccer has entered the toughest part of their season. Having won their first conference match at East Henderson March 23, on the week of March 30 Franklin continued their Mountain Eight schedule, playing two quality opponents in Pisgah and Tuscola.

Press photo/Will Woolever

Brooks earns statewide award

Will Woolever

Tuesday, April 7, 2026

Panther football’s leader has earned his most prestigious accolade yet. Recently, the N.C. High School Athletic Association Foundation named head coach Josh Brooks a recipient of its 2026 Tony Webb Outstanding Coach Award.

Photo submitted. Panther men’s golf is pictured at Pinehurst Resort in Moore County April 1.

Boys golf visits Pinehurst, Tobacco Road

Will Woolever

Tuesday, April 7, 2026

It was a week to remember for Panther men’s golf. Nearing the tail end of another strong regular season, the team’s coaches rewarded players with a special Easter break trip, visiting some of the state’s most hallowed golf ground.

Press file photo. Franklin High and Macon Middle Schools’ cheer teams take part in a special performance at an FHS home basketball game Feb. 6.

Cheer wins state titles

Will Woolever

Tuesday, April 7, 2026

Panther cheer and dance has completed a state title sweep. After months of spurring on their classmates and attending their own competitions, Franklin High School and Macon Middle School recently took part in the N.C. Cheerleading Coaches’ Association State Championships.

Press file photo - Bryce Bradley tracks his ball’s flight down the first fairway at the Franklin Golf Course last month.

Golf impresses in Mountain Eight matches

Will Woolever

Tuesday, March 31, 2026

It was a busy week for Panther men’s golf. On the week of March 23, the team geared up for a jam-packed schedule, playing matches at Springdale, Maggie Valley and Highlands Falls. Versus all seven of their Mountain Eight Conference rivals, Franklin consistently finished among the leaders.

Press photo/Will Woolever - Gabe Harrison (second from left) runs the 100-meter dash at WCU March 6.

Track shatters 33-year Record

Will Woolever

Tuesday, March 31, 2026

Panther track and field continues to rewrite the school record book. On the week after Spring Break the team had a jam-packed schedule, traveling to three meets in just three days. In three competitive meets including the Adidas Indoor Nationals, several Panthers turned in top performances.

Press photo/Will Woolever - Kendall Rumans belts a first-inning RBI double versus Brevard March 24.

Softball wins fifth straight

Will Woolever

Tuesday, March 31, 2026

Panther softball is on a hot streak. On the week of March 23, they entered the heart of their conference schedule, playing Mountain Eight games with Tuscola and Brevard. In sweeping a two-game series and avenging an earlier loss, Franklin won their fifth straight game.

Young men’s tennis team earns first victory

Will Woolever

Tuesday, March 24, 2026

Panther men’s tennis has its first win of the year. After the Spring Break holiday, the team returned to action on the week of March 16, traveling to Tuscola and Rabun Gap. With their first win of the year over Tuscola, a young Panther team improved their Mountain Eight Conference record to 1-1.