Sports

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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.

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.

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.

Press photo/Will Woolever - Senior outside/opposite hitter Talley Kinsland attempts a spike versus Cherokee Aug. 15 on Tom Raby Court.

Volleyball starts season 3-0

Will Woolever

Tuesday, August 22, 2023

It’s three down, 17 to go for Panther volleyball. After months of preparation, on the week of Aug. 14 Franklin finally began their regular season, with nonconference matches against Robbinsville, Cherokee and Murphy. In dropping just one set all week, Bekah Brooks’ team kicked off 2023 with a bang.

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7 named All-M7C for Softball

Will Woolever

Tuesday, August 15, 2023

Panther softball had no shortage of talent in 2023. With nine All-Mountain Seven Conference players (seven First Team and two Honorable Mentions), six N.C.

Press file photo - Junior shortstop Ian Knepp throws to first versus A.C. Reynolds April 19 at McConnell Field.

Four named All-Mountain Seven for Panther baseball

Will Woolever

Tuesday, August 15, 2023

The arrow is trending up for Panther baseball. After a difficult 3-10 season in 2021, the past two years have seen steady improvement from the program, which has posted records of 9-9 and 11-10 in its first two years under head coach Jared Greenwood.

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Football readies for Week 1 vs. Murphy

Will Woolever

Tuesday, August 15, 2023

Panther football’s first regular season game is nigh. On the week of Aug. 7, Josh Brooks’ team geared up for a final week of preseason work, hosting scrimmages with Hayesville and Andrews at the Panther Pit.

Photo courtesy of Claire Ballard - Franklin Amateur Swim Team standouts (from left) Claire Ballard, Zoi Walker and Lana Walker are pictured at the Amateur Athletic Union Junior Olympics in Des Moines, Iowa.

FAST Fins recount Junior Olympics

Will Woolever

Tuesday, August 15, 2023

Three local swimmers have returned home from the nation’s most competitive amateur meet. Throughout the Franklin Amateur Swim Team season, Claire Ballard, Zoi Walker and Lana Walker have kept a close eye on their times, hoping to qualify for the Amateur Athletic Union Junior Olympics.

Press photo/Will Woolever - Freshman Dani Ledford sets a ball for her teammates in a preseason scrimmage July 26.

Freshmen impress for JV Volleyball

Will Woolever

Tuesday, August 1, 2023

The regular season draws near for Panther JV volleyball. For most of the past several weeks, Cindy Christie’s team has been hard at work, bringing this year’s freshmen into the fold and preparing for the fall campaign.

Press photo/Will Woolever - Senior setter/defensive specialist McCall Sanders pushes a ball over the net in a preseason scrimmage with T.C. Roberson at Smoky Mountain July 27.

Varsity volleyball readies for fall

Will Woolever

Tuesday, August 1, 2023

Panther volleyball is less than two weeks out from the regular season. For much of the past two months, Bekah Brooks’ team has been hard at work, bringing a new crop of varsity players up to speed and preparing for the fall campaign.