Sports

Photo courtesy of World’s Strongest Man/Todd Burandt. Franklin native Thomas Evans hurls a roughly 50-lb. kettlebell at this summer’s World’s Strongest Man competition in Myrtle Beach.

Photo courtesy of World’s Strongest Man/Todd Burandt. Franklin native Thomas Evans hurls a roughly 50-lb. kettlebell at this summer’s World’s Strongest Man competition in Myrtle Beach.

Evans enters highest level of competitive strongmen

News Staff
Tuesday, September 5, 2023
A Franklin native is continuing his climb to the top of the competitive strongman rankings. For the past several years, FHS grad and former NFL player Thomas Evans has been honing a new skill, traveling the country to compete in feats of near-impossible strength.
Press photo/Will Woolever Junior outside/opposite hitter Cali Queen sets a ball versus Tuscola Aug. 29 on Tom Raby Court.

Press photo/Will Woolever Junior outside/opposite hitter Cali Queen sets a ball versus Tuscola Aug. 29 on Tom Raby Court.

Volleyball still unbeaten at 7-0

Will Woolever
Tuesday, September 5, 2023
Seven matches into the season, Panther volleyball remains undefeated. After losing just one set through their first five matches, on the week of Aug. 28 Franklin faced two Mountain Seven Conference opponents, hosting Tuscola on Tom Raby Court and traveling to Pisgah to take on the Black Bears.
Press photo/Will Woolever. Junior defensive back Braylon Dezarn intercepts a Swain deep pass near midfield in the second quarter.

Press photo/Will Woolever. Junior defensive back Braylon Dezarn intercepts a Swain deep pass near midfield in the second quarter.

Panthers fall to Swain’s Maroon Devils

Will Woolever
Tuesday, September 5, 2023
Panther football remains winless.  After falling to Murphy and Robbinsville in their first two games of the season, on Sept. 1 Josh Brooks’ team traveled to Swain for a nonconference clash. Despite a strong first half and more production on offense, Franklin fell to the Maroon Devils 40-13.
Press photo/Will Woolever - Senior Ulises Padron-Perez (left) puts a BREC defender on skates Aug. 21.

Press photo/Will Woolever - Senior Ulises Padron-Perez (left) puts a BREC defender on skates Aug. 21.

Soccer destroys BREC, Highlands

Will Woolever
Tuesday, August 29, 2023
It’s been a good week for Panther men’s soccer. After dropping their first match of the season 5-1 to Enka, on the week of Aug. 21 Franklin had a chance to build some momentum.
Press photo/Will Woolever - Junior setter/right side hitter Emma Ledford makes a diving save against East Henderson Aug. 24.

Press photo/Will Woolever - Junior setter/right side hitter Emma Ledford makes a diving save against East Henderson Aug. 24.

Volleyball starts 5-0, earns 1st M7C win

Will Woolever
Tuesday, August 29, 2023
It’s five down, 15 to go for Panther volleyball. After starting their season with three straight wins, on the week of Aug. 21 Franklin sought to keep their streak alive with matches versus Hayesville and East Henderson.
Press photo/Will Woolever - Junior Josh McGaha hits Robbinsville quarterback Donovan Carpenter as he throws.

Press photo/Will Woolever - Junior Josh McGaha hits Robbinsville quarterback Donovan Carpenter as he throws.

Football falls to Robbinsville

News Staff
Tuesday, August 29, 2023
Panther football remains winless after two games. After a tough season-opening loss to Murphy, on Aug. 25 Josh Brooks’ team traveled to Robbinsville for a Week 2 clash with the Black Knights.
Press graphic

Press graphic

Tough second half fells soccer

Will Woolever
Tuesday, August 22, 2023
It was a tough start to the season for Panther men’s soccer. After months of offseason work, on Monday, Aug. 14, Franklin finally kicked off their fall campaign, traveling to Enka on the first official day of the N.C. High School Athletic Association season.
Press file photo - Senior Logan Russo crosses the finish line at last year’s 3A West Regional in Morganton.

Press file photo - Senior Logan Russo crosses the finish line at last year’s 3A West Regional in Morganton.

Talented cross country prepares for 2023

Will Woolever
Tuesday, August 22, 2023
The time is now for Panther cross country. For the past few years, Franklin’s distance runners have steadily improved, with both men’s and women’s teams competing in the 3A State Championship last fall.
Press photo/Will Woolever - Junior Braydon Hervey bulldozes a Murphy defender at the Panther Pit Aug. 18.

Press photo/Will Woolever - Junior Braydon Hervey bulldozes a Murphy defender at the Panther Pit Aug. 18.

Football falls to Murphy in opener

Will Woolever
Tuesday, August 22, 2023
It was a tough start to the season for Panther football.  On Aug. 18, fans packed the Panther Pit for Franklin’s season opener, a non-conference clash with 1A powerhouse Murphy. Despite falling behind 34-0 at the half, Josh Brooks’ team looked much better in the second en route to a 41-14 defeat.