Sports

Lilly Tux races East Henderson's keeper to a loose ball at Macon Middle School April 15. (Press photo/Will Woolever)

Lilly Tux races East Henderson's keeper to a loose ball at Macon Middle School April 15. (Press photo/Will Woolever)

Girls soccer wins third straight

Will Woolever
Tuesday, April 21, 2026
Panther girls soccer is on a three-win streak.After beating archrival Smoky Mountain April 9, Franklin neared the halfway point of their conference schedule, playing two more Mountain Eight games the following week.
Meliah Mason (right) is mobbed by teammates at home plate after one of her two home runs versus North Henderson April 16. (Press photo/Will Woolever)

Meliah Mason (right) is mobbed by teammates at home plate after one of her two home runs versus North Henderson April 16. (Press photo/Will Woolever)

Softball routs Murphy, North

Will Woolever
Tuesday, April 21, 2026
It’s been a good week for Panther softball. After a difficult stretch versus Pisgah and West Stokes, on the week of April 13 Franklin faced another busy slate, including a trip to Murphy and a Mountain Eight series with North Henderson.
Will Rauers knocks a second-inning single versus East Henderson April 8. (Press photo/Will Woolever)

Will Rauers knocks a second-inning single versus East Henderson April 8. (Press photo/Will Woolever)

Baseball bests East Henderson, Enka

Will Woolever
Tuesday, April 14, 2026
Panther baseball has snapped a four-loss streak. Having opened their conference schedule with a narrow win at East Henderson, Franklin faced a difficult stretch through the next two weeks, going winless in Mountain Eight series with #3 Brevard and #1 Pisgah.
Photo courtesy of Amiee Bailey

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.