Sports

Press file photo - Senior Johnathon Collier is pictured grabbing a rebound in the fourth annual UNIFY March Madness game this spring.

Press file photo - Senior Johnathon Collier is pictured grabbing a rebound in the fourth annual UNIFY March Madness game this spring.

Panthers earn NCHSAA Commissioner’s Cup

Will Woolever
Tuesday, June 6, 2023
One of the N.C. High School Athletic Association’s most prestigious awards is returning to Franklin.
Photo courtesy of Clinton Taylor/Franklin Panther Sports Network - Panther athletes show off their men’s state title banner at the 3A State Track and Field Championships in Greensboro May 19.

Photo courtesy of Clinton Taylor/Franklin Panther Sports Network - Panther athletes show off their men’s state title banner at the 3A State Track and Field Championships in Greensboro May 19.

Track and field ends historic year

Will Woolever
Tuesday, June 6, 2023
It’s been a good year for Panther track and field. With two 3A men’s titles and two top-three women’s finishes at this year’s 3A Indoor and Outdoor State Championships, 2022-23 will be a year long remembered in the annals of Panther athletics.
Press graphic

Press graphic

NCHSAA approves new Classes

Will Woolever
Tuesday, May 30, 2023
Change is coming to the state’s high school athletic conferences. For the past several years, the N.C. High School Athletic Association has differed from those of comparable states, dividing its more than 400 member schools into four massive classifications.
Press photo/Will Woolever - Eighth-grade shortstop/pitcher Will Rauers (#11) is mobbed by teammates at home plate after his three-run homer in the Blue Ridge Athletic Conference Championship.

Press photo/Will Woolever - Eighth-grade shortstop/pitcher Will Rauers (#11) is mobbed by teammates at home plate after his three-run homer in the Blue Ridge Athletic Conference Championship.

What a year for Macon Middle School athletics

News Staff
Tuesday, May 30, 2023
Athletics throughout the 2022-2023 school year have been nothing short of dominant for Macon Middle School. Across all seasons, the Panthers had one collective goal: to collect hardware. I would say their goal was met, if not far surpassed.
Press photo/Will Woolever - Senior Seth Brewer accepts the Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year award from assistant athletic director Ryan Haley at the FHS Athletic Awards Ceremony May 25.

Press photo/Will Woolever - Senior Seth Brewer accepts the Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year award from assistant athletic director Ryan Haley at the FHS Athletic Awards Ceremony May 25.

Athletes honored at awards night

Will Woolever
Tuesday, May 30, 2023
On May 25, Franklin High School athletes, coaches and family members gathered in the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts for the 2022-23 FHS Athletic Awards Ceremony.
Photo courtesy of Matt Bradley

Photo courtesy of Matt Bradley

Younce, Cassada sign with college programs

News Staff
Tuesday, May 23, 2023
Two Panther track and field standouts will compete at the next level. At a joint ceremony May 16 on Tom Raby Court, seniors Renae Younce (center left) and Blake Cassada signed official offer letters with college programs.
Eighth-grade center fielder Damion Bowles throws back to the infield during the Blue Ridge Athletic Conference Championship game May 11 at McConnell Field.

Eighth-grade center fielder Damion Bowles throws back to the infield during the Blue Ridge Athletic Conference Championship game May 11 at McConnell Field.

Unbeaten season for MMS baseball

Will Woolever
Tuesday, May 23, 2023
Macon Middle School baseball are conference champions. For the past few years, wins have been hard to come by for the program, with players forced to watch their rivals win the Blue Ridge Athletic Conference.
Catcher Kamden Reis slides into second base during the Blue Ridge Athletic Conference Championship game at Macon Middle School May 11.

Catcher Kamden Reis slides into second base during the Blue Ridge Athletic Conference Championship game at Macon Middle School May 11.

MMS softball claims BRAC title

Will Woolever
Tuesday, May 23, 2023
Macon Middle School softball are conference champions. After an undefeated season in the Blue Ridge Athletic Conference last year, this year’s team entered 2023 with high expectations.
Press photo/Will Woolever - Panther men’s track and field is pictured at the 3A West Regional meet May 12. The team won the 3A Outdoor State Championship at North Carolina A&T May 19.

Press photo/Will Woolever - Panther men’s track and field is pictured at the 3A West Regional meet May 12. The team won the 3A Outdoor State Championship at North Carolina A&T May 19.

Men’s track wins state title

Will Woolever
Tuesday, May 23, 2023
Make it two in a row for Panther men’s track. After taking home an Indoor State Championship in February, Franklin became the team to beat in the 3A Division this outdoor season, entering every meet with a proverbial target on their backs.