Sports

Suzanna Cabe slides safely into second base while executing a fourth-inning steal at Macon Middle School May 8. (Press photo/Will Woolever)

Suzanna Cabe slides safely into second base while executing a fourth-inning steal at Macon Middle School May 8. (Press photo/Will Woolever)

Softball routs Erwin, advances to Round 3

Will Woolever
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Panther softball is on to Round 3 of the state playoffs.Having earned a first-round bye as one of the 5A West’s top teams, they entered the tournament’s second round Friday, May 8, hosting Erwin at Macon Middle School.
Senior Tanner Jones tees off on Hole #6 at Highlands Falls Country Club during the 5A West Regional May 4. (Press photo/Will Woolever)

Senior Tanner Jones tees off on Hole #6 at Highlands Falls Country Club during the 5A West Regional May 4. (Press photo/Will Woolever)

Jones qualifies for state

Will Woolever
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Panther men’s golf’s talisman will compete for a state title.On May 4, the team traveled to Highlands Falls Country Club, hosting 43 other players for the 5A West Regional. There senior Tanner Jones advanced to state for the second straight year.
Anna Timan competes in the 100-meter hurdles at the Mountain Eight Conference Championships at North Henderson April 30. (Press file photo)

Anna Timan competes in the 100-meter hurdles at the Mountain Eight Conference Championships at North Henderson April 30. (Press file photo)

Girls track claims regional title, boys named runners-up

Will Woolever
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Panther women’s track and field are 5A West Champions. On May 8, both Franklin teams traveled to Jay M. Robinson High School (Concord) for the regional title meet, battling 18 other schools from Charlotte west.
Channing Ray pushes upfield versus North Henderson April 29. (Press photo/Will Woolever)

Channing Ray pushes upfield versus North Henderson April 29. (Press photo/Will Woolever)

Girls soccer secures best regular season in 10 years

Will Woolever
Tuesday, May 5, 2026
Panther girls soccer is near the end of their best season in years.On the week of April 27, they played three of their last five games, including Mountain Eight clashes with Tuscola and North Henderson.
Suzanna Cabe knocks a ball into center field versus West Henderson April 28. (Press photo/Will Woolever)

Suzanna Cabe knocks a ball into center field versus West Henderson April 28. (Press photo/Will Woolever)

Softball earns first-round bye

Will Woolever
Tuesday, May 5, 2026
Panther softball has earned a first-round state playoff bye.On the week of April 27, they played their last games of the regular season, comprised of three conference matchups with Henderson County foes. With two more blowout wins, they finished as one of the state’s top 5A teams.
(From left) Men's Track MVP Jonas Phillips, Women's Track MVP Anna Timan and Women's Field MVP Kamden Reis show off their plaques after the Mountain Eight Conference Championship meet at North Henderson April 30. (Press photo/Will Woolever)

(From left) Men's Track MVP Jonas Phillips, Women's Track MVP Anna Timan and Women's Field MVP Kamden Reis show off their plaques after the Mountain Eight Conference Championship meet at North Henderson April 30. (Press photo/Will Woolever)

Track sweeps M8C Championships

Will Woolever
Tuesday, May 5, 2026
Panther track and field are Mountain Eight Conference champs.On April 30, they traveled to North Henderson for the M8 Championships, seeking their fourth straight women’s title and their second straight from the men.
Freshman Reid Willis putts on the first green at the Franklin Golf Course March 18. (Press file photo)

Freshman Reid Willis putts on the first green at the Franklin Golf Course March 18. (Press file photo)

Men's Golf prepares for M8 Tourney's final round

Will Woolever
Tuesday, April 28, 2026
Panther men’s golf is nearing the end of their conference tournament.After ending the first round in third place, on April 21 they traveled to Springdale Resort in Canton for Round 2 of the Mountain Eight Championships.
Anderson Terrell (right) celebrates with teammates at home plate after his grand slam versus Smoky Mountain April 21. (Press photo/Will Woolever)

Anderson Terrell (right) celebrates with teammates at home plate after his grand slam versus Smoky Mountain April 21. (Press photo/Will Woolever)

Baseball sweeps Smoky

Will Woolever
Tuesday, April 28, 2026
Panther baseball’s regular season is nearing its end.On the week of April 20 they played three of their last five games, including Mountain Eight matchups with Tuscola and Smoky Mountain.
Kendall Rumans belts a first-inning double versus Smoky Mountain April 21. In helping Franklin to a six-win streak, the senior has broken team records for career doubles (47) and runs scored (135) as well as a WNC record for career RBIs (159). (Press photo/Will Woolever)

Kendall Rumans belts a first-inning double versus Smoky Mountain April 21. In helping Franklin to a six-win streak, the senior has broken team records for career doubles (47) and runs scored (135) as well as a WNC record for career RBIs (159). (Press photo/Will Woolever)

Softball wins sixth straight

Will Woolever
Tuesday, April 28, 2026
Panther softball is nearing the end of the year on a roll. Having outscored opponents 48-15 in their prior three games, Franklin entered the April 20 week red-hot, with games versus Enka and Smoky Mountain on tap.
Peyton Hurst chips off the first fairway at the Franklin Golf Course March 18. The ball is visible in the lower right. (Press file photo)

Peyton Hurst chips off the first fairway at the Franklin Golf Course March 18. The ball is visible in the lower right. (Press file photo)

Men's golf tees off conference tournament

Will Woolever
Tuesday, April 21, 2026
The Mountain Eight Conference Men’s Golf Championship is underway. After visiting two of the state’s top courses in Tobacco Road and Pinehurst, the Panthers spent the next two weeks preparing for the postseason.