Macon County Fall Sports 2009 | Franklin - Highlands - Nantahala

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Macon County News

MACON COUNTY FALL SPORTS 2009 Franklin

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Highlands

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Nantahala

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2009

MACON COUNTY NEWS FALL SPORTS 2009

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2009

MACON COUNTY NEWS FALL SPORTS 2009

VOLLEYBALL VARSITY & JV HIGHLANDS DATE

August 25 August 26 September 1 September 3 September 8 September 9 September 10 September 16 September 17 September 22 September 29 October 1 October 5 October 6 October 13 October 15 October 19 October 21 October 24

OPPONENT

LOC.

J.V.

Cherokee Rabun County High Rosman Swain Hiwassee Dam Rabun County High Blue Ridge Rabun Gap Nantahala Cherokee Rosman Swain Blue Ridge Hiwassee Dam Rabun Gap Nantahala

Away Away Home Away Home Home Away Away Away Home Away Home Home Away Home Home

5:00 pm 5:00 pm 5:00 pm 5:00 pm 5:00 pm 5:00 pm 5:00 pm 5:00 pm 5:00 pm 5:00 pm 5:00 pm 5:00 pm

By Tony Wheeler — Staff Writer “Sometimes change is good,” said Josh Brooks, head coach of the varsity football program at Franklin High School. The team moved from the Mountain Athletic Conference this year to the Appalachian Athletic Conference, a move the coach said might bring some parity to the Friday night games by more realistically reflecting the population numbers between the competing schools. “The numbers are closer. A really big school won’t be playing smaller schools as often. Every four years the state looks at growth and realigns the conferences. We’ll get new rivals and new competition. A lot of challenges lay ahead for us, but we’ve got eight kids returning on offense and seven on defense. Our key positions now have the experience they didn’t have this time last year,” he said. “I like this team.” New to the Panthers’ schedule are North and East Henderson, Brevard, Pisgah and Tuscola. Smoky Mountain is now a conference game and T.C. Roberson moves to non-conference. Coach Brooks thinks Tuscola will be the toughest opponent, followed by Pisgah. He also said West Henderson is off to a great start this year and could pose a problem. Tuscola may become the best test of the Panthers, as Franklin faces the Mountaineers on their turf in the last game of the season before the playoffs. After going 5 and 7 in the win-loss col-

umn last season, Franklin’s best bet for this year is their added maturity. Leading the charge and returning as starting quarterback is Austin Bishop, a senior. He was solid in the first game against T.C. Roberson at home in August, throwing successfully 14 of 22 times for 115 yards with no interceptions, said the coach. “Austin has shown great maturity and a total recall of what we worked on last year. We’re looking to him for leadership, to make things happen and to open things up for the other kids to make plays. We want him to put us in position where we don't hurt ourselves. He’s missed on some of the deep routes, but we’re working to get a higher percentage on passing,” Brooks said. On offense, the Panthers try to run the ball about two-thirds of the time. In the first game, 42 running plays and 22 passing were about normal for the team, the coach said. “We really try to control the clock, to slow the game down,” Brooks said. “Try to keep our defense off the field and keep the chains moving down the sidelines - that’s what it’s all about.” And for that to happen, the Panthers will rely on key slots who are used to the hunkering down it takes for a winning season. Ryan Evers, a senior wide receiver looks promising. Evers started as a wide out and has moved to the corner and had two interceptions to start the season. Ben Carrion, a 6’3”, 250 lb. junior outSee FOOTBALL on page 4

VARSITY FOOTBALL DATE August 14 August 21 August 28 September 04 September 11 September 18 September 25 October 02 October 09 October 16 October 23 October 30 November 06 November 13

OPPONENT

August 15 August 20 August 27 September 03 September 10 September 17 September 24 October 01 October 08 October 15 October 22 October 29 November 05

TIME

OPPONENT

September 1 September 3 September 8 September 17 September 24 September 29 October 6 October 8 October 15

Hayesville Blue Ridge Murphy Highlands Robbinsville Hayesville Murphy Blue Ridge Highlands

— Away Owen (Scrimmage w/ JV) w 20-6 Home TC Roberson (endowment) w 19-13 Home Murphy l 30-20 Away Robbinsville w 10-6 Home Swain OPEN 7:30 pm Away Brevard OPPONENT 7:30 pm Home Pisgah August 15 Owen (Scrimmage w/7:30 Varsity)pm Away Smoky Mountain August 20 Madison 7:30 pm Home North Henderson August 27 OPEN 7:30 pm Away East Henderson September 03 OPEN Home West Henderson September 10 Smoky Mountain7:30 pm 7:30 pm Away TuscolaSeptember 17 TC Roberson September 24 Brevard 7:30 pm TBA 1st Round Playoffs October 01 October 08 October 15 October 22 October 29 November 05

OPPONENT T

Owen (Scrimmage w/ Varsity) Madison OPEN OPEN Smoky Mountain TC Roberson Brevard Pisgah Smoky Mountain North Henderson East Henderson West Henderson Tuscola

Pisgah Smoky Mountain North Henderson East Henderson West Henderson Tuscola

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NANTAHALA HIGH SCHOOL Pictured are: Assistant Coach Shannon West, Jessica Schoelzel, Alexis Flaig, Ashley Thomas, and Amy Solesbee. Not pictured: Coach Jacqueline Waters, Lauren Gearhart, Emily Davis, Evie Waters and Sabrina Bryant.

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1st Round of Playoffs

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Panthers football team faces new competition

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2009

MACON COUNTY NEWS FALL SPORTS 2009

Highlands volleyball faces some tough challenges

VARSITY VOLLEYBALL

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2009

MACON COUNTY NEWS FALL SPORTS 2009

VARSITY FOOTBALL

By Davin Eldridge — Contributing Writer

As the Highlands volleyball team scores a modest win against Blue Ridge this past Friday, Coach Kyle McKim credits his team’s success with diligent training. “The skill work has progressed wonderfully.” he said. “We’ve done a lot of hard work, and spent a lot of time practicing. It’s paying off, and we have won our first two matches starting out against Cherokee and Rabun County,” McKim explained. Compared with other teams, Highlands players are smaller in stature than most other schools’ volleyball teams. Noting his team’s height as being a challenge, the task of facing teams like Rosman, Swain and Hiawassee Dam must be met through more rigorous training. “The biggest challenge we have to overcome with those other teams, is winning the net battle,” McKim said. The effort of running the net efficiently was evident in the first two matches against Blue Ridge as Highlands pushed their opponents into several side-outs. In the second match, Highlands maintained a five-point lead on Blue Ridge at 17 points, and continued to communicate well. Stephanie Puchacz served strong throughout the period causing difficulty for her opponents to put it back in their court. “We’ve had to get a little more creative in actually focusing a lot more on our defense, keeping the ball in play, and moving the ball around. It’s hard for us to compete with the height of these bigger girls at the net,” explains McKim. “Rosman is fantastic this year. They play well as a team. Hiawasee Dam is the same way,” McKim said, acknowledging other daunting opponents. “One of our big goals this year has been to win our conference. For the last two years we have not won our conference.” This goal might be likely with players like Jenny Coram scoring aces on Blue Ridge. HIGHLANDS HIGH SCHOOL Sarah Power proved to be an asset who, along with others, scored side-outs on Blue Ridge, and scored an ace. “We’re really playing well Front Row, left to right: Stephanie Puchacz, Brie Schmitt, Courtney Rogers, Taylor Buras, Jenny Coram for where we are at, and we’re continuing to work on aspects of our Back Row: Coach Lindsey Gearhart, Shelby Johnson, Sarah Power, Marlee McCall, Coaches Caroline and Kyle McKim game.” As many as six dives were tallied to block tremendous Blue Ridge counters throughout a heated third match. There was no lack of effort throughout the game. “A lot of the things we have been working on are respect for oppoFront row, left to right: nents and officials and other coaches. These girls are learning that Jenny Coram, Sayne Feria, they’ve got to apply and commit themselves to everything they do. Kaitlin Lewis, Elizabeth Whether that’s volleyball or their school work. A lot of these values are Strawn what we are trying to instill in these girls,” McKim said. Back row: Coach Lindsey Endurance was key to this recent Highlander win over Blue Ridge. Gearhart, Elizabeth Gordon, Whereas Highlands had only one substitute player benched throughJessica Gagne, Hayden out the game, their opponent had been changing out much more freBates, quently with several more substitute players. Coaches Caroline and Kyle “I don’t have a bench. I’ve got one, sometimes two subs and that’s McKim it. So most of my girls are playing [on the court] the entire time,” Coach McKim explained. Coach McKim has implemented more plyometrics into his training, producing not only injury prevention, but quickness and agility. Plyometrics is a form of power training that enables a muscle to reach maximum force in the shortest possible time. This focuses on reflex and agility, and is a typical exercise pursued by athletes of many sports. “No injuries this year. And I’ve gotten good leadership from three captains that has helped our team chemistry; Brie Schmitt, Marlee McCall, and Courtney Rogers.” In short, Highlands has had the clear advantage of putting the ball back on the other side of the net this past game. What can be certain is the focus in practice and goal of working hard has rendered a win for Highlands, scoring 25 to Blue Ridge’s 15 in the final match. “We’ve definitely done better, but it was a pretty good game. We will definitely work more with our setters,” said Power, commenting on the outcome of the game. “We played good,” said McKim. Optimism has not fallen short for the Highlands volleyball team, nor effort. Highlands will go on to face recurring opponent Nantahala on Thursday, Sept.17 at Nantahala, then they’ll take on Cherokee at home on Sept. 22.

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FRANKLIN HIGH SCHOOL Back Row (L-R): Chris Southard, Andre Dewhurst, Chanz Fritz, Ben Carrion, Thomas Evans, Cody Brabson, Kaleb Shepherd, Casey Brooks, Brandon Piper, J.D. Standfield Fourth Row: Landon Grant, Kyle Southard, Patrick Penland, Zach Pruitt, Jordan Talley, Ryan Evers, Blaine Clark, Isaac Campbell, Brent Posey Coaches from left: Seth Adams, Scott Hartbarger, Jeff Cloer, Tim Hawkins, Dan Reitmeier, Josh Brooks, Bob Kuppers, Warren Winchester, Jay Brooks, Ed Trull, Tony Plemmons, Cayman Brooks Second Row: Blake Allen, Dewayne Isaacs, Andy Phommakisone, Austin Bishop, Tim McAllister, Brandon Williams, Robbie Knepp, Jacob Young, Parrish Young First Row: Santiago Belman, Seth Horniak, Tyler Rodgers, Nathan Raby, Matt Impagnatelli, Austin Gibson, Jamie Rostallon, Eric Olvera Manager girls from left: Lisa Long, Kristi Corbin and Liz Tippett on the right

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2009

MACON COUNTY NEWS FALL SPORTS 2009

FOOTBALL Continued from page 2

side linebacker and defensive tackle, is a two-way street, the coach said. He’s a threat to tackle on offense or defense and will see a lot of playing time. Nathan Raby, a sophomore defensive back playing the free safety slot, started the last nine games of the year last season and has returned to the team with a lot of experience, the coach said. Brooks went on to explain that the free safety slot is like the quarterback of the secondary team - essential. By communicating with the strong safety Landon Grant, “He and Nathan help us to be in the right coverage,” Coach Brooks said. Nose guard Santiago Belman should come in handy, too. Belman, a senior at 5’8” and 220 lbs., is a returning All-Conference player Brooks considers the best defensive lineman in the conference. so it seems the Panthers have

MACON COUNTY NEWS FALL SPORTS 2009

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JUNIOR VARSITY SOCCER

a lot going for them this year. “Like I said, I like this team,” Brooks said. “Their attitude, chemistry and efforts have all been good. The kids are molding into fine young men. The best part for the coaches is we get to influence them through the game of football to be better men and to create memories that will last a lifetime. Plus, we’re all blessed to live in the finest sports community in Western North Carolina,” he said. Bishop, the starting quarterback, wants to throw the ball more and move it around without interceptions. He said the coaches expect more from the seniors on the team because they’ve been around longer. “We’ve got a better attitude and outlook now and we think we can go far as a team. If we take care of ourselves, everything else will fall in place. It felt good to beat T.C. Roberson. It showed us our potential, what we’re capable of,” he said. Sounds like the Panthers want to leave some paw prints and tear up some turf. We say “Go Panthers!”

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See FHS Soccer story on page 10

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Front row (L-R): Juan Morales, Tony Gallardo, Leighton Birchard, Landon Sprinkle, Brett Gibson, Griff Hornsby, Kyle Sizemore Second Row (L-R): Rita Esterwood (coach), Devan Starnes, Charlie Flores, Miguel Arellano, Martin Jimenez, Miguel Lopez, Jose Ortiz, Miguel Esquivel, Trey Strickland, Joe Doster (coach)

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Franklin High School Marching Panther Band’s 2009 show is entitled “Once Upon a Dream” and features many Disney music favorites, including tunes from “Mickey the Sorcerer,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Little Mermaid,” “Fantasia” and “Night on Bald Mountain.” Music was taken from the “Fantasmic” show and arranged for the marching band by director Buddy Huckabee. The band has done a great job this year, said Huckabee, starting out with two early performances at home football games. Huckabee hopes that many people will continue to watch and enjoy the show as it evolves week by week throughout the season. “The students are loving the music, and are having fun with the show concept,” he said. “Fantasmic” tells the story of a little girl with her companion, a teddy bear. The bear, who dreams, is chased by dragons while the little girl acquires wizard powers and becomes a princess, Huckabee said. The band director said the music is family-friendly and is being enjoyed by folks of all ages. “Many people know these songs, young and old alike, and try to sing along,” he said. What most people don’t realize about the Marching Panther Regiment is that the half-time shows at football games don’t feature the entire performance, only a brief synopsis lasting a few minutes due to the time constraints of half-time. At the band competitions which begin this month at Enka, the entire production – props, the little girl, teddy bear and all – are performed. Huckabee encourages people who have only experienced the band by attending football games to also attend the competitions. “They’ll be pleasantly surprised,” he said. The band has grown tremendously in size in the past few years, pushing 100 members currently, and is one of the biggest high school bands in Western North Carolina. The band is the 2005 Gator Bowl Silver Division Grand Champions, and the 2008 Alamo Bowl Silver Division Grand Champions. “The students are absolutely loving this because it’s Disney. They are one of the hardest working bands I’ve been around. If they continue to perform the way they know how, they’ll be phenomenal,” he said. For more information about the Marching Panthers, visit www.smnet.net/fhsband. “Before it’s all over for the year, the band will have competed against 75 other schools in front of half a million people,” Huckabee said.

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FRANKLIN HIGH SCHOOL Band members are: Kelsey Apel, Andrew Beck, Danielle Brooks, Eleanor Brow, Gregory Brown, Sabrina Curtis, Dakota Fountain, James Guffey, Olivia Hart, Thomas Hartley, Katheryne Hicks, Ashley Jenkins, Olivia Johnson, Danielle Lewis, Martin Cole, Savannah Meyers, Matt Oschmann, Zachary Phillips, Erin Picklesimer, Abigail Rehkopf, Cody Rodgers, Kenneth Rodriguez, Emma Scott, Sarah Shiner, Ryan Sterline, Kaitlyn Sueyklang, Brittney Bishop, Courtney Blackburn, Rachael Carpenter, Angela Deetz, Alecia Gerra, Rikki Jay, Cody Keener, Maci Lewis, Caleb Moore, Johnathan Parrish, Jessica Scott, Alysia Stewart, Clinton Strain, Logan Wallace, Samuel Wallace, James Wilt, Vincent Agrusa, Brandon Andreu, Erich Baker, Jeffrey Bosio, Nicholas Brow, Christina Brucker, Parker Byrd, Donelle Chasse, Rachael Cook, Dereck Cope, Rebecca Dills, Terri Fountain, Brittney Green, Catherine Jaqua, Chelsie Jenkins, Sarah Johnson, Ethan McCall, Lily Mickler, Matt Nichols, Ricci Powell, Cody Queen, Lance Rehkopf, Jonathan Watson, Loranna Yglesias, Samantha Driver, Adam Lauffer, Sarah Martin, Victoria Meyers, Kyle Payne, Daniel Ruppe, Brooke Stewart, Carmen Vinson, Aimee Winkler, Lee Hovis Guards: Natasha Casner, Jordan Myers, Virginia Mason, Blair Long, Bridget Karcher, Katie Alland, Charlotte Bullis, Alyssa Shumaker

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2009

MACON COUNTY NEWS FALL SPORTS 2009

Cross Country getting better with every step

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2009

MACON COUNTY NEWS FALL SPORTS 2009

JUNIOR VARSITY FOOTBALL

CROSS COUNTRY

By Tony Wheeler — Staff Writer Denise Davis is coaching both the boys and girls cross country teams this year, with former Franklin High standout Jamey Halyburton as assistant coach. “We lost a lot of seniors last year so we are somewhat rebuilding, but we still have a solid core of runners,” Davis said. “Most of the runners did not get many miles in over the summer so we have had to start fresh with them. They are improving their times at each meet and some of the runners have already hit their PRs [personal records] over last year. We are not placing high as a team in meets yet, but they are rapidly improving,” the coach said. The coach said the girls have not yet run together as a full team. “We have had two Saturday meets where several runners could not make it and the Swain meet was rained out for the girls race,” she said. Still, things look promising for runners on both teams, she said. Canyon Woodward took fifth place overall at the Swain meet and was the fastest junior in the meet, said the coach. “It was his first 5K ever. It was his first race after just showing up one day for practice. Nobody had any idea he could do something like that — not me, not his father, not even himself. Canyon is part of that strong core, He’s very impressive. It’s super, we’re excited about it,” Davis said. The coaches are excited about other runners, too. Kyle Brown ran his first 5K at Swain and was the Panthers’ second fastest runner. Tanner Stamey, another new runner, finished in the team’s top five, followed closely by Eduardo Altiminaro and Andy English, also new runners. “Olivia Boss, a new runFRANKLIN HIGH SCHOOL ner for the girls, has been one of the front runners and all the girls are making rapid progress on improving their times. We have a meet at Hayesville coming up and should have the Front row: Rachelle Simons, Olivia Boss, Andy Smith, Kyle Brown, Charlotte Bullis, Blair Long whole girls team together for the first time,” Davis said. Second Row: Jimena Jimenez, Jordan Ridao, Lilly Knoepp, Tanner Stamey, Danielle Corbin, Laura Freeman, Holly Bullis The coach said her goals are to see the athletes enjoy the Back: Assistant Coach Jamey Halyburton, Jake Tallent, Ben Rodriguez, Jacob Bingham, James Wilt, Colten Ledford, Eduardo Altiminaro, sport of running and continue to run throughout their lives. She Coach Denise Davis Not pictured: Canyon Woodward, Devon Suominen, Michael Henderson, Jennifer Richter, Rajonda Davis also wants the runners to gain the self-confidence needed to reach their potential and set new personal records during the season. “I enjoy working with the type of athlete who chooses cross country as their sport. They are hardworking, self-motivated athletes, who not only push themselves in order to better themselves, but they do it for the benefit of the team as well,” she said. The team is focusing a bit more on the races closer to home this year, so they don’t have to travel as much— places like Rabun Gap, Swain and Hayesville, the coach said. She said TIME MEET LOCATION DATE Hayesville was especially good competition, even though it’s not a conference team. TBA Hayesville August 22 Hayesville Invitational In high school cross country, teams are given a schedule of the area meets. The coaches can 9:40 am Jackson Park August 29 WNCCCC then pick which races they want their team to compete in. At a meet, only two events are held – the boys 5K and then the girls 5K. Times and placements are recorded to determine September 09 OPEN winners. The score is based on the top five placements of each team. Low score wins, like 4:30 pm Hayesville September 16 Hayesville in golf. “The boys start first and the race is 3.1 miles through a trail or course. It's not a road. Western Carolina Univ. September 19 WCU Invitational Everybody starts at the same time, and it’s not unusual to see a hundred kids at a race,” Davis September 23 OPEN said. Enloe Farm 5:00 pm October 01 Franklin Invitational The team will be running in Asheville again in preparation for the conference meet, the Erwin 4:30 pm October 07 Erwin Invitational biggest race of the year for the Panthers unless they place well there and continue. At the Rabun Gap 4:30 pm October 09 Rabun Gap conference meet in October, all of the teams in the conference compete. The top seven teams go on to regional play and from there, the top four from the region go on to compete in the Jackson Park TBA October 17 ACC Conference state championships. Jackson Park 10:00 am October 31 Regionals Before that, Davis wants to see the runners get their miles in and improve their personal Greensboro 10:00 am November 07 State Meet records. “All you can ask for is for them to keep getting better and better,” she said. They keep placing higher and higher in the meets, so they’re getting there,” she said.

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FRANKLIN HIGH SCHOOL Back Row (L-R): Ben Watson, Jakob Sayer, Hunter Garrett, Levi Wilson, Jacob Davis, Justin Bohner, Chris Placa, Jay Hartbarger, Eli Cunningham, John Marr, Matthew Mathis Fourth Row: Braden Ledford, Jeb Brewer, Jordan Talley, Jeff Baty, Dillon Cabe, Stephen Tice, Chantz Fritz, Jose Medford, Jordan Tallent, Gavin Hopkins Third Row: Tyler Bowman, Jacoby Demont, Austin Gibson, Cody Lindley, Patrick Gillespie, Fuquan McKinnon, Hunter Collins, Cody Viar, Jake Corbin, Jacob Martin, Gerry Breault Second Row: Sean Mayhorn (not on team), Creedence Julian (No longer on team), Tanner Shepherd, Coaches: Ryan Raby, Jeff Graham, Ryan Haley, Cayman Brooks; Hunter Gilhaus, Anthony Bell, Dean Dodge First Row: Richie Thomas, Jackson Roper, Tanner Piper, Tyler Rodgers, Nick Ledford, Devon Buchanan, Eric Olvera, Jimmy Ear, Blake Randall Not Pictured: Dax Lloyd, Juan Perez, Ray McKinnon

“I like this team ... Their attitude, chemistry and efforts have all been good. The kids are molding into fine young men. The best part for the coaches is we get to influence them through the game of — Coach Brooks football to be better men and to create memories that will last a lifetime.

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2009

MACON COUNTY NEWS FALL SPORTS 2009

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2009

MACON COUNTY NEWS FALL SPORTS 2009

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Picture from front to back left to right: Maggie Corbin, Ericka Phillips, Sara Pullium, Latoya Livingston, Kelsey Crawford, Danielle Collins, Alyssa Anglin, Ashley Crawford, Leah Stamey, Tori Dragoo, Natasha Church, Amanda Holland, Ashley Brock, Ansley Taylor, Tabitha Jones, Sarah Woodruff, Sissy Simpson, Savannah Jenkins, Taylor Rogers, Richard Moses Junior Varsity – Opposite Page: Front L-R: Candace Moore, Tori Mills and Rachell Phillips Middle L-R: Amber Sadlowski, Jordan Field and Kaylee Marsengill Back L-R: Macey Lewis, Abby Rehkopf, Miranda Caffee, Angelina McCall, and Jackie Combs

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HIGHLANDS HIGH SCHOOL Front Row (starting with #4): Tyler Converse, Clayton Dunn, Tim Fogle, Cody St. Germain, Timba Lama, Andrew Renfro, Bryon Neuman, Ricky Reyes, Kevin Dickey, Will Mathiowdis Back Row: Assistant Coaches Will Dieterich and Gray Alexander- players Clayton Creighton, Spencer Houston, Cord Strawn, Felipe Ruiz, Taylor Osteen, Isaac Beavers, Samuel Wheeler, Justin Watson, Cai Roman, Head Coach Chris Green Not Pictured: Michael Shearl, Robbie Vanderbilt

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2009

MACON COUNTY NEWS FALL SPORTS 2009

Highlanders looking to juniors for strength By Davin Eldridge – Contributing Writer

With ferocious energy, the offensive players of the Highlands soccer team were motivating one another through calls and creative criticism while training hard at Zachary Park on Friday, Sept. 11. If the hard work at that practice was any indication, the Highlanders are committed to being a strong team which could translate into an exciting year for them. The Highlanders are relying more heavily on the experience of their junior players more this year than last. “We’re a fairly young team, we only have one senior. [We] have a lot of juniors and a lot of sophomores,” said Coach Chris Green. “We lost five seniors last year, all starters. We lost our keeper, we lost our sweeper, we lost our stopper, and we lost our center mid along with one striker. We lost a lot last year,” Green added. The team is lacking the strength of senior players. However this leaves much room to grow, even in the shadow of last year’s team. Coach Green is adamant about retaining the ex-

perience and success of the team, leading him to focus more on unrealized abilities. “We are going to work on our offense some more, create some more opportunities, [and] quit relying on long balls so much,” said Green. “We’ve had a good start,” said Green. “Our senior, Will Mathiowdis, is our captain, and he does a really good job. Our other captain is Cord Strong. Will plays center-mid. Cord, a junior, plays right-back on defense.” What can be seen in this young team is the potential to grow. There are several juniors with ample playing experience which Green will use to his advantage. “I think we have a good chance to get five or six all-conference players this year. We had three all regional last year, so I would like to have at least that many this year. Our biggest problem this year has been our finishing and scoring, so we are working on finishing drills and set plays,” said the coach. In response to this change in teams, Green has implemented some in depth training that incorporates hard work, as well as cooperation and communication among the less experienced players. With

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2009

MACON COUNTY NEWS FALL SPORTS 2009

JUNIOR VARSITY CHEERLEADING

a current standing of 2-2, the team seems intent on making this year as successful as possible. The team has their sights set on a few teams that appear to be strong. “Hayesville is going to have a really good team this year. I think Swain is going to be an improved team,” answered the coach, when questioned about teams he is looking out for. “We play Hayesville on Monday. It’s a big game, our first

conference game and it’s away,” he added. Green is preparing for several games that will run closely with one another, and must stress the importance of playing as hard at practice as they do at games. “They all obviously know each other extremely well. They’re all good friends and spend time with one another outside of school,” the Coach commented on team bonding.

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2009 FALL SPORTS PREVIEW CREDITS Colin Gooder - Editor Betsey Gooder - Advertising Director Vickie Carpenter - Photographer Teresa S. Tabor - Copy Editor Tony Wheeler - Staff Writer Davin Eldridge - Contributing Writer Randall Barres - Graphic Designer

www.maconnews.com email: [email protected] 107 HIGHLANDS ROAD EAST FRANKLIN SHOPPING CENTER (828) 369-6767 (82 8) 369-1684

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MACON COUNTY NEWS FALL SPORTS 2009

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2009

Lady Panther volleyball team: Young team calm and strong against competition By Tony Wheeler — Staff Writer

VARSITY VOLLEYBALL

Coming on the heels of a winning season last year at 14-11 and already at 4-0 early in this season, the Franklin girls volleyball team is preparing for an even better record this year, and it stems from the fact that they believe in themselves, the coach said. Anna Shields, head coach of the program, said she’s building the team around three basic words – trust, sacrifice and belief. “We’re going into a new conference where one team has dominated. [West Henderson has won the state championship six times, has 654 wins, and is currently defending the title.] We believe we can beat teams like that and be in the championship games,” she said. The girls are excited about the fresh season and have bonded well as a team, the coach said. Physical conditioning and summer workouts have helped the team improve on both offense and defense. They have played well and are impressive so far, having tied for first place overall at a volleyball camp at Clemson University, and beat their old rival Enka in what is now a non-conference game. “We beat them solid, and even though we’re a young and rebuilding team, we’re competing well,” Shields said. Shields chose 11 girls from the August tryouts — three seniors, four juniors and four sophomores. Two from each group are starting players. “They’re all leaders. It’s a solid team. All of them are getting the job done on different nights. Someone always steps up to fill a needed role because it’s a team effort,” she said. FRANKLIN HIGH SCHOOL Because the state realigned the school conferences this year, Shields said there were a lot of scrimmages Front Row: Lindsay Simpson, Jamie Tipton, Meesha Fowler-Berken, Kortney Conner, Erin Moffitt, Shannon Crisp, Karey Conner, Ashley Wice scheduled with non-conference teams Back Row standing (L-R): Chelsea Stanfield, Assistant Coach Amanda Dowdle, Katie Peck, Head Coach Anna Shields, Caitlin Raby last year, therefore enabling the Lady Panthers “to see what we’d be up against. If the team continues at the level team an ability to make great digs and they’re on, we can be a top contender for passes. She also brings spirit, Shields said. conference and continue on to the state Senior Meesha Fowler-Berken, a right championships. We’ve got to go all the way side blocker, moved here from Arkansas and and we can do this. We believe. We all say ‘I has quickly adapted to the team and works DATE OPPONENT LOC. J.V. VARSITY believe in Franklin High School,’” she said. well with the sports program. The starters include two returning All Last but not least is the libero, the coach — August 13 (Sat.) Scrimmage Asheville Christian — Conference players, both setters and hitters said. Taking that significant lead position is Scrimmage — August 15 (Sat.) Enka — – senior Ashley Wice and sophomore Lind- sophomore Katie Peck. “Katie is now a Rabun Gap w August 17 w Franklin say Simpson. Senior left side blocker Kort- starter who moved up from the jayvees. ney Conner is bringing lots of skill to the She’s shown vast improvement to move up Erwin w August 18 w Erwin offense, according to the coach, and is a to such a slot, and is a highly-skilled passer Enka w August 20 w Enka great left side hitter. She’s also improved and defensive specialist,” Shields said. w August 25 w Franklin Asheville Christian playing defense, and Shields calls her an The libero is a back-row player who is a w August 27 w Franklin Erwin “all-around” player. Conner’s sister Karey, passing and defensive specialist, and is a sophomore left and middle blocker, is very fairly new to the high school competitions, w September 1 w Franklin Enka consistent at the net during an offensive at- Shields said. The position has been used in w September 3 w Brevard Brevard tack, and sophomore Chelsea Stanfield, a international, club, and college volleyball w September 8 l Franklin Pisgah big lefty up from the jayvee team, can play since 2002 and is slowly making it into the w September 10 w Smoky Mountain Smoky Mountain either the middle or right side, Shields said. high school games after being allowed at the Junior Erin Moffitt (a team captain along start of the 2006 season. The libero can reSeptember 12 Rabun Gap Rabun Gap cancelled cancelled with Conner and Wice) plays the back row place any player on the back row without it September 15 Franklin North Henderson 5:00 pm 6:00 pm well and does a good job of passing on de- counting as a substitute. She wears a distinct September 17 East Henderson East Henderson 5:00 pm 6:00 pm fense and serving. The coach said she has jersey to be easily recognized by officials. September 22 Franklin West Henderson 5:00 pm 6:00 pm Moffitt play three rotations in the back, then Assistant coach Amanda Dowdle said the September 24 Tuscola Tuscola 5:00 pm 6:00 pm she puts in junior Caitlyn Raby, a middle Lady Panthers are unique this year – calm and left blocker. “Caitlyn is very tall and in- and strong and not easily rattled by misSeptember 29 Franklin Brevard 5:00 pm 6:00 pm timidating, one of the better blockers. She takes. “I see a big difference in composure October 1 Pisgah Pisgah 5:00 pm 6:00 pm has good jumping ability and brings on a from last year,” she said. October 5 Franklin Swain 5:00 pm 6:00 pm good offense with her blocks,” the coach The sophomore setter Simpson agreed. October 6 Franklin Smoky Mountain 5:00 pm 6:00 pm said. “Last year we’d get behind, make a couple Shields said she also has talent coming off of mistakes and then couldn’t pull ourselves October 8 North Henderson 5:00 pm North Henderson 6:00 pm the bench to fill big roles. Jamie Tipton, a out of the hole. We just couldn’t do it. This October 13 Franklin East Henderson 5:00 pm 6:00 pm junior right/left blocker, has a solid serve year we don’t worry if we get behind four October 15 West Henderson West Henderson 5:00 pm 6:00 pm and can play any position needed at any or five points, we work ourselves out of it. October 20 Franklin Tuscola 5:00 pm 6:00 pm given time. Shannon Crisp, a junior who We try to get better each and every day.” came up from the jayvee squad, brings to the

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2009

MACON COUNTY NEWS FALL SPORTS 2009

reach that goal, I’ll be happy if I keep my losses to one or two. Brevard was tough on me, but my biggest challenge will be Annie Cloer of West Henderson, I’ve heard a lot of good things about her. Right now, I’m working to get my second serve stronger so the opponents won’t be able to put it into play as easily. Our team is younger this year, which I think is a good thing. We lost three seniors, but people stepped and we filled their slots easily,” she said. Herman also dropped a couple of games in beating her opponent 6-1, 6-1. but she explained “Careless mistakes cost me those games, but when I get far ahead of somebody I try to work on shots I’m not so good at or would normally be afraid to attempt, like slices, lobs, drop shots and using different angles and going for down-the-line shots. My backhand is good, so I’m working to improve my forehand and put some spin on it. I feel really good about the season. We’re strong in our top six and I think we can beat anybody,” she said. One thing that has helped the team this year is the conditioning program. The exercise routine the girls are put through is one of the best around, the coach said. “We time out our practice sessions at three hours each,” he said, “and the first 45 minutes are nothing but hard conditioning. They expect it, accept it, and then move on. I don’t think there’s another team that puts quite this much emphasis on being in shape. But I expect my girls to be strong and last long. Some of the teams will fade in strength by the end of the season.” “The girls are a close-knit group, like a sorority. Very few of the high school teams have representatives from each class, freshmen through seniors. But we do, and the girls don’t even consider class differences. They don’t look at things like that, they look at what’s good for the team,” said Blanton. “This is what I love to do. We didn’t have a high school team when I was coming up, so maybe this is the way I’m dealing with that. I was disappointed I didn’t have a team to play on, so this is how I make up for it. I enjoy this, hoping I’m not only teaching tennis lessons, but life lessons they’ll use down the road.” Blanton said from day one of practice the team has it in their minds to play at the state level. They are also a thrill to watch, he said. So join him in the watching. To support the team, go on down that road to the rec park tennis courts, and give ’em a holla. You’ll probably hear one of those famous tennis grunts comin’ back at ya. It’s almost like having a little slice of Wimbledon right in your own back yard.

13

TENNIS

FRANKLIN HIGH SCHOOL (L-R) First Row: Morgan Hagan, Kaitlyn Sutton Second Row: Coach Ron Mashburn, Cori Sellers, Katie Rogers, Savannah Herman, Nikki Vallely, Deven Quigley, Head Coach Rick Blanton Third Row: Carrie Doster, Carmen Vinson, Andrea Bell, Maci LeQuire, Michaela Hilliard, Cassie Doster Not available for photo: Emily Esterwood & Aubrey Brokaw

GOLF

VOLLEYBALL VARSITY & J.V.

GIRLS GOLF DATE

LOCATION COURSE

TIME

Sept. 3 Sept. 8 Sept. 10 Sept. 14 Sept. 16 Sept. 21 Sept. 24 Sept. 28 Oct. 1 Oct. 5 Oct. 13 Oct. 14 Oct. 19 Oct. 26 Oct. 27

Mill Creek Franklin TBA Brevard TBA E. Henderson Mill Creek Franklin Sequoyah Nat’l Cherokee TBA OPEN Black Mt. Owen N. Henderson Crooked Creek Lake Junaluska Enka Maggie Valley Tuscola Etowah W. Henderson TBA Conference Municipal Asheville TBA State Meet TBA State Meet

3:00 pm 3:00 pm 3:00 pm 3:00 pm 3:30 pm 3:00 pm 3:30 pm 3:00 pm 3:00 pm 3:00 pm 1:00 pm 1:00 pm 3:00 pm TBA TBA

FRANKLIN HIGH SCHOOL (L-R) Keirston Hedden, Cortney Medlock, Shawna McDowell, Sally Schieffelin, Lacey Tucker, Carly Payseur and Lisa Lee

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MACON COUNTY NEWS FALL SPORTS 2009

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2009

Lady Panther tennis team learn to be more aggressive on the court By Tony Wheeler — Staff Writer Early in the season at a home match against North Henderson, the greatest excitement for the FHS tennis team seemed to come from the fact that the expected thunderstorms didn’t show up and the games went on as planned. The girls handled their opponents quickly and easily, at times seeming almost bored and nonchalant at the competition, or lack thereof. One by one they left the fenced confines of the courts to walk up the hill to the spectator’s area and report the final scores to the coaches. One by one the voices of the Lady Panther netters blended into monotony. “Six-love, six-love coach. She wasn’t much of a problem.” The team keeps adding to an undefeated streak that stands at seven at this writing. With a record of 12 and 4 for last year, and returning talent excited to go against the unknown of a new conference, things are looking good, said head coach Rick Blanton. The main difference in this season, he says, is the getting away from their nemeses. “Roberson and Asheville High are unbeatable, and they always have been. It never mattered how good we were, and we’ve been good for years, they’re just unstoppable. We’re excited to be away from that now, because now we can show people what we’re truly capable of, and how good we are, and always have been,” Blanton said. The team faces each opponent twice during the season, so last year’s record reflects the fact that Roberson and Asheville High were the only losses for the Lady Panthers. “We’ve had solid teams for the past four or five years but just couldn’t beat programs like Roberson’s. They were state champs last year and only lost one player this season. We’re glad to get away from it,” he said. As truth speaks to power, Blanton and the girls seem to be settling into their own zone of strength and resolve now, recognizing they’ve always been winners, whether realized and trumpeted or not. With 20 events scheduled for the season, there are plenty of playing opportunities for them to show those qualities. “I’ve got a lot of freshmen on the team, but they’ve all played through the middle grades and all summer. I hate to call it my dugout, but I’ve got three years worth of talent just waiting to step up. Tennis has nothing to do with age or what grade a person’s in, it’s all about who has the skills,” the coach said. The top six spots — “seeds” in tennis lingo — comprise the main competition at the high school level. Each school’s best six play each other in singles matches, which are the most important. The other players join the elite and pair up for doubles competitions. The seeds are determined by challenges among the players. Whoever beats her BFF moves to the top of the food chain. Last year’s rookie sensation,

GIRLS TENNIS DATE

OPPONENT

August 18 August 24 August 26 August 31 September 2 September 8 September 9 September 10 September 14 September 15 September 16 September 21 September 22 September 23 September 28 September 30 October 5 October 6 October 7 October 12 October 14

Enka Enka Brevard Pisgah Smoky Mtn. North Henderson East Henderson Walhalla West Henderson Walhalla Tuscola Brevard Rabun Gap Pisgah Smoky Mtn. North Henderson East Henderson Rabun Gap West Henderson Tuscola AAC Regional Qualifier 1st Round Dual State Playoffs Individual Regionals

Andrea Bell, has once again stormed the courts, leaving her indelible footprint, now even better than before. As an unknown, she rocketed to the top at tryouts last year and comes back as a sophomore remaining the top-seeded player. “Her serve is even better now and she has a tremendous drop shot,” Blanton said. “She’s unique in that she uses the mental part of the game to defeat her opponents. She Sophomore Savannah Herman, the #3 seed on the Franklin tennis team skillfully returns the ball. figures out what by beating a teammate,” he said. they’re good at and avoids it, while exploiting their weaknesses.” At the #4 slot, sophomore Aubrey Brokaw’s accomplishments are So much of playing the game of tennis well depends on gaining almost daunting. New to the team and already at a high notch/niche confidence in your level of skill, the coach said. Savannah Herman, due to quick, fancy footwork on the court, her newfound fame almost a sophomore and the #3 seed, is a perfect example of that, he said. “I overwhelmed her. But not quite. “She was a little intimidated at first,” saw her skills, her talent and realized what she’s capable of a long the coach said, “but the jitters quickly disappeared.” time before she did. Now that she’s figured it out on her own, she’s Maci LeQuire, a junior who is seeded fifth, covers the court as well become aggressive and her play has improved dramatically,” he said. as anyone around, Blanton said. “She’s extremely quick and can get Playing tennis well also involves such aggression, the coach said. to any shot that makes it past the net. She’s especially good with shots “The most difficult part of teaching or coaching the game is to get that fall deep near the line, and she’s so consistent, she can hit with them to understand that playing an offensive style of game is better you all day.” than playing defense. Most people are happy to stand in the back Nikki Valley, a 10th grader in the #6 slot, is known for her net work. court and rally baseline to baseline all day long. The first time they try Learning how to come to the net is one of the most difficult tasks in to come to the net or make a challenging shot, it goes all wrong for tennis. “Nikki’s one of the best net players I’ve ever had,” said the them and they’re afraid to make a mistake again. I have to get them coach, “and I’ve had plenty.” She is domineering and intimidating at out of that thinking. The best way to learn in life is by making misthe approach, he said. takes and figuring out how to correct them. Once the girls get that, Bell holds the honor of being ranked 121st in the state for girls 16 they start blistering the court,” he said. and under, quite an impressive nod to her ability. Yet she and the #3Kaitlyn Sutton joined the team as a freshman and is now the #2 seeded Herman, the cream of the crop, were the only ones to give up seed in her junior year. “She’s been very consistent all along,” the games on this particular day, the only ones who couldn’t join the othcoach said. “Her forte is keeping the ball in play with good, intelligent ers in saying “love” when reporting the scores on the hilltop. “Sixshots.” one, six-one,” they echoed, maybe mixing a bit of perturbedness to Following Bell, the remaining seeds are Sutton, Savannah Herthe previous girls’ boredom and nonchalance when telling results. man, Aubrey Brokaw, Maci LeQuire and Nikki Valley. Blanton says How is it that top seeds would be the only ones giving up games to the second, third and fourth positions are so close that any one of the opposing Knights of North Henderson? “I made some unforced them could move to the second errors and she had a couple of winners. I learned today that I hit betseed on any given day. “Someter and return better on the harder balls, but she just wasn’t hitting times, though, they have more very many hard ones to me.” trouble playing challenge Bell said she knew loss to Roberson and Asheville last year, and matches against each other than LOC. TIME hopes to be undefeated now she doesn’t have to face them again. “I they do in competition. They know that may seem unrealistic, but I’m undefeated so far. If I can’t don’t want to hurt any feelings

Home Away Away Home Away Home Away Away Home Home Away Home Home Away Home Away Home Away Away Home TBA TBA TBA

w w w w w w w w 4:00 pm 5:00 pm 4:00 pm 4:00 pm 4:00 pm 4:00 pm 4:00 pm 4:00 pm 4:00 pm 4:00 pm 4:00 pm 4:00 pm TBA TBA

Andrea Bell storms back strong as a sophomore retaining her position as the #1 seed.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2009

First Row, Left to Right: Amber Cook, Kacie Peck, Lacey Harwood, Lori Morgan, Deena Gibson, Jordann Wood, Danielle Jimison, Kelsey Sheffield, Amy Underwood

MACON COUNTY NEWS FALL SPORTS 2009

JUNIOR VARSITY VOLLEYBALL

Back row, standing: Haylee Overholt, Coach Amanda Dowdle, Shelby Klein, Coach Anna Shields, Maggie Stewart

FRANKLIN HIGH SCHOOL

JV volleyball team can’t look to past for help Different team faces higher level of competition By Tony Wheeler — Staff Writer

“One thing I’ve told the girls they can’t do is compare themselves with last year’s team. It won’t help to even think about it. Last year we were undefeated in all 20 games (there are no state championship games in junior varsity volleyball). This is a totally different team. We’ve seen the other teams play, and the competition level probably went up,” said Amanda Dowdle, head coach of the Franklin High School team. Indeed, it is a very different team, with only four returning players, four incoming freshmen from the middle school, and four who have never played the game before this year. Dowdle considers her volleyball program one constantly under construction. She builds the players up and the team serves as a feeder program for the varsity. She says the team has greatly improved during summer clinics and won in their division at a camp in Clemson. “We’re really starting from scratch. From day one to now it’s been baby steps, but I have a part in getting them to where they’ll be the best during their varsity years,” Dowdle said. Teamwork is the key to the team’s success, the coach said. In an exercise that shows its importance, the 12 girls and the coach all take a popsicle stick and write a goal on the stick. The coach then gathers the sticks and puts them together in a stack. “You can break one stick,” she said “but put them together and you can’t break 13.” Dowdle keeps the stack of sticks under her coach’s chair at each game, to remind and inspire the kids. The teams choose words they use as a team motto. “Belief” is the word used throughout the program, and “trust” was chosen by the jayvees. “The three groups (the previously mentioned groups of four) have to learn to trust, both each other and the coach. When we get that trust, we’ll be in good shape,” Dowdle

said. The team is in the gym paracticing from the day school lets out and the team record is always a reflection of their determination, hard work and sacrifices, the coach said. “Last year, after the last win, the girls didn’t want to leave the floor, they wanted to practice. That shows me how much they love the game and that’s where I get my satisfaction as a coach,” she said. The four returning from that team are this year’s captains – left side blocker Lori Morgan, middle blocker Jordann Wood, setter Kacie Peck and libero Deena Gibson. One thing that has impressed the coach this year is that the girls are showing improvement in each game. She said Morgan is the most consistent and will see more playing time than she did last year. “She’s a good server and passer and goes over and beyond the call of duty. She’s a good leader and a positive role model,” Dowdle said. Middle blocker Jordann Wood is the go-to person on the team, a leader in stats in every game and a player who leads by example, the coach said. “I couldn’t ask for two better leaders than those two,” she said. The most improved player is the libero Deena Gibson, a sophomore. At that position, she plays a leading role on the team. “I didn’t know if she would make it last year and she’s now a captain. I’m very impressed and pleased at her improvement,” Dowdle said. Rounding out the captains, the coach said Kacie Peck has done well by moving from the back row to the setter position and has adjusted nicely. The incoming freshmen from the middle school have worked hard, are coachable, have improved and have great attitudes and the newcomers now know the game and can serve, having definitely improved, Dowdle said. “As long as we trust and believe, we’ll have a successful season,” she said.

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2009

MACON COUNTY NEWS FALL SPORTS 2009

Franklin soccer team gets a new coach, a new attitude, and a fresh start

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2009

MACON COUNTY NEWS FALL SPORTS 2009

11

VARSITY SOCCER

By Tony Wheeler — Staff Writer

Franklin midfielder Krash Gooder moves in to attempt to score during a game against Highlands High School.

The Panther varsity soccer team is off to a good start this season. After winning only four of 20 games last year, the team has three straight wins to start, and is poised to accomplish its loftiest goal - to make the playoffs. With a new coach, a new defensive format and an aggressive attitude trickling down from seniors who want to go out with a bang, it could happen. “We polled the players about their goals for this year and, to a man, said they wanted to make the playoffs. Some say it’s a lofty goal, but with players like this, we can do it,” said head coach Ken Neitz. Neitz has 20 years coaching experience in volleyball, baseball and soccer. He always wanted to coach soccer and began coaching rec league players until the opportunity came up to coach the high school team. He said the Panthers are seeking stability in the soccer program. “The seniors on the team are seeing the fourth coach in as many years. I’m here to stay and I’ve told them that,” he said. “We’re hoping to bring them the stability they need. From the staff on down, we’re working hard to meet our goals. Some goals are subtle, some lofty; the boys are working to impress the Above, Franklin’s Dakota Cabe steals the ball away from his Tallulah opponent new staff.” and readies to defend the goal against two forwards. The team had summer workouts twice a week and Below, Richard Olvera breaks away with the ball from a Highlands player. there seemed to be more interest in the game this year. Where 25 kids were usually showing up each season, Neitz said he had 37 show up for the August tryouts. “It was a great turnout,” the coach said. “We don’t like to cut kids, but we like that much competition for playing positions.” The coach credits his staff for some of the increase in interest. “Franklin is a football town. We could never compete with football here, but we can make soccer a stronger sport in the area, and I believe that’s what we’re doing.” Neitz said his coaching staff is trying to reach out to the community. The coaches are instrumental to the Macon County Soccer Club, formed to bring the game to the forefront, to show kids what’s going on in the area, he said. It must be working, as the additional tryouts suggest. Which, of course helps the feeder programs Macon coaches are so proud of. Talk to any coach of any sport, from the rec league to the high school grades, and they each proclaim they are on the same page in grooming athletes to compete at the highest level. Neitz has two players on the varsity team that he coached in the rec league (Jaric Keener and new head coach. Krash Gooder) and three ninthAs with any change in coaches, shakeups happen. One of the first graders (Krash Gooder, Jose Morthings Neitz did after assuring the team he’d be around for them — gado and Sergio Reyes) who have “God willing, the school willing” — was to turn the defensive strataccomplished enough in the sport egy on its head. In a move still considered “outside the box” and conto be able to take their varsity potroversial in prep school soccer, he took the traditional diamond sitions earlier than usual. The stars defense with stopper and sweeper and changed to a four-man flatin the universe and the stars on the back defense. And he expects to hear the critics, as any new coach turf seem to be aligning for the

DATE

OPPONENT

LOC.

August 8

AC Reynolds

JB Lewis Complex

All Day

(Jamboree Scrimmages)

TC Roberson Highlands Enka Tallulah Falls North Buncombe Rabun Gap Brevard Pisgah Smoky Mtn. North Henderson East Henderson West Henderson Tallulah Falls Tuscola Brevard Pisgah Smoky Mtn. North Henderson East Henderson West Henderson Tuscola

Away Away Home Home Away Home Away Home Away Home Away Home Away Away Home Away Home Away Home Away Home

5:00 pm No Game l No Game l No Game No Game No Game 5:00 pm 5:00 pm 5:00 pm 5:00 pm No Game 5:00 pm No Game No Game 5:00 pm 5:00 pm 5:00 pm 5:00 pm 5:00 pm

August 24 August 26 August 27 September 2 September 8 September 10 September 14 September 16 September 21 September 23 September 28 September 30 October 1 October 5 October 7 October 12 October 14 October 19 October 21 October 26 October 28

JV

VARSITY All Day cancelled w 2-1 w 2-0 w 4-1 l 6-2 t 2-2 7:00 pm 7:00 pm 7:00 pm 7:00 pm 7:00 pm 7:00 pm 6:00 pm 7:00 pm 7:00 pm 7:00 pm 7:00 pm 7:00 pm 7:00 pm 7:00 pm 7:00 pm

FRANKLIN HIGH SCHOOL Standing: Coach Ken Neitz, James Emrick, John Kopp, Rafael Zalapa, Jesse Langston, Jesse Wagner, Dakota Cabe, Jaric Keener, Coach Guy Gooder, Coach Chris Thornton Kneeling: Kristen Neitz - manager, Krash Gooder, Richard Olvera, Angel Mendoza, Austin Holland, Cameron Leach, Lance Rehkopf, Eric Olvera, Jesus Damian, Dani Thornton - manager Not Pictured: Jose Morgado

SEE JV SOCCER PHOTO ON PG. 17

would, but he also expects the results the young men are accomplishing to belie the critics. “Once we get this system down, we can compete with anybody, anywhere,” he said. In the first game, the Panthers beat Highlands 2 to 1. Next came the tossing of Enka 2-zip. Then came a defeat of Tallulah Falls School in Georgia, 4-1. The Panthers’ defense and offense are looking to become a well-oiled machine. Against Highlands, the defensive stopper,

Angel Mendoza, got a rare assist-on-goal from a defensive kick. “He’s pretty special,” Neitz said. “He was used to playing offense and since I’ve moved him to defense he’s dominated the game. I’ll be very surprised if he doesn’t make All-Conference. He’s that good.” The junior varsity team has also grown in number this year, and shows promise. “The JVs did well in scrimmages, and 6 or 7 of them played with the varsity team throughout the summer conditioning pro-

gram.” That bodes well for the varsity, who will get those players from the feeder program in the future. “As head coach of the varsity, part of my job is to get some of these kids playing college ball,” Neitz said. “Then, people will take our program seriously. The support of the athletic department, the faculty and the community means a lot to these kids. Everybody is rooting us on and we’re rooting each other on.”

10

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2009

MACON COUNTY NEWS FALL SPORTS 2009

Franklin soccer team gets a new coach, a new attitude, and a fresh start

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2009

MACON COUNTY NEWS FALL SPORTS 2009

11

VARSITY SOCCER

By Tony Wheeler — Staff Writer

Franklin midfielder Krash Gooder moves in to attempt to score during a game against Highlands High School.

The Panther varsity soccer team is off to a good start this season. After winning only four of 20 games last year, the team has three straight wins to start, and is poised to accomplish its loftiest goal - to make the playoffs. With a new coach, a new defensive format and an aggressive attitude trickling down from seniors who want to go out with a bang, it could happen. “We polled the players about their goals for this year and, to a man, said they wanted to make the playoffs. Some say it’s a lofty goal, but with players like this, we can do it,” said head coach Ken Neitz. Neitz has 20 years coaching experience in volleyball, baseball and soccer. He always wanted to coach soccer and began coaching rec league players until the opportunity came up to coach the high school team. He said the Panthers are seeking stability in the soccer program. “The seniors on the team are seeing the fourth coach in as many years. I’m here to stay and I’ve told them that,” he said. “We’re hoping to bring them the stability they need. From the staff on down, we’re working hard to meet our goals. Some goals are subtle, some lofty; the boys are working to impress the Above, Franklin’s Dakota Cabe steals the ball away from his Tallulah opponent new staff.” and readies to defend the goal against two forwards. The team had summer workouts twice a week and Below, Richard Olvera breaks away with the ball from a Highlands player. there seemed to be more interest in the game this year. Where 25 kids were usually showing up each season, Neitz said he had 37 show up for the August tryouts. “It was a great turnout,” the coach said. “We don’t like to cut kids, but we like that much competition for playing positions.” The coach credits his staff for some of the increase in interest. “Franklin is a football town. We could never compete with football here, but we can make soccer a stronger sport in the area, and I believe that’s what we’re doing.” Neitz said his coaching staff is trying to reach out to the community. The coaches are instrumental to the Macon County Soccer Club, formed to bring the game to the forefront, to show kids what’s going on in the area, he said. It must be working, as the additional tryouts suggest. Which, of course helps the feeder programs Macon coaches are so proud of. Talk to any coach of any sport, from the rec league to the high school grades, and they each proclaim they are on the same page in grooming athletes to compete at the highest level. Neitz has two players on the varsity team that he coached in the rec league (Jaric Keener and new head coach. Krash Gooder) and three ninthAs with any change in coaches, shakeups happen. One of the first graders (Krash Gooder, Jose Morthings Neitz did after assuring the team he’d be around for them — gado and Sergio Reyes) who have “God willing, the school willing” — was to turn the defensive strataccomplished enough in the sport egy on its head. In a move still considered “outside the box” and conto be able to take their varsity potroversial in prep school soccer, he took the traditional diamond sitions earlier than usual. The stars defense with stopper and sweeper and changed to a four-man flatin the universe and the stars on the back defense. And he expects to hear the critics, as any new coach turf seem to be aligning for the

DATE

OPPONENT

LOC.

August 8

AC Reynolds

JB Lewis Complex

All Day

(Jamboree Scrimmages)

TC Roberson Highlands Enka Tallulah Falls North Buncombe Rabun Gap Brevard Pisgah Smoky Mtn. North Henderson East Henderson West Henderson Tallulah Falls Tuscola Brevard Pisgah Smoky Mtn. North Henderson East Henderson West Henderson Tuscola

Away Away Home Home Away Home Away Home Away Home Away Home Away Away Home Away Home Away Home Away Home

5:00 pm No Game l No Game l No Game No Game No Game 5:00 pm 5:00 pm 5:00 pm 5:00 pm No Game 5:00 pm No Game No Game 5:00 pm 5:00 pm 5:00 pm 5:00 pm 5:00 pm

August 24 August 26 August 27 September 2 September 8 September 10 September 14 September 16 September 21 September 23 September 28 September 30 October 1 October 5 October 7 October 12 October 14 October 19 October 21 October 26 October 28

JV

VARSITY All Day cancelled w 2-1 w 2-0 w 4-1 l 6-2 t 2-2 7:00 pm 7:00 pm 7:00 pm 7:00 pm 7:00 pm 7:00 pm 6:00 pm 7:00 pm 7:00 pm 7:00 pm 7:00 pm 7:00 pm 7:00 pm 7:00 pm 7:00 pm

FRANKLIN HIGH SCHOOL Standing: Coach Ken Neitz, James Emrick, John Kopp, Rafael Zalapa, Jesse Langston, Jesse Wagner, Dakota Cabe, Jaric Keener, Coach Guy Gooder, Coach Chris Thornton Kneeling: Kristen Neitz - manager, Krash Gooder, Richard Olvera, Angel Mendoza, Austin Holland, Cameron Leach, Lance Rehkopf, Eric Olvera, Jesus Damian, Dani Thornton - manager Not Pictured: Jose Morgado

SEE JV SOCCER PHOTO ON PG. 17

would, but he also expects the results the young men are accomplishing to belie the critics. “Once we get this system down, we can compete with anybody, anywhere,” he said. In the first game, the Panthers beat Highlands 2 to 1. Next came the tossing of Enka 2-zip. Then came a defeat of Tallulah Falls School in Georgia, 4-1. The Panthers’ defense and offense are looking to become a well-oiled machine. Against Highlands, the defensive stopper,

Angel Mendoza, got a rare assist-on-goal from a defensive kick. “He’s pretty special,” Neitz said. “He was used to playing offense and since I’ve moved him to defense he’s dominated the game. I’ll be very surprised if he doesn’t make All-Conference. He’s that good.” The junior varsity team has also grown in number this year, and shows promise. “The JVs did well in scrimmages, and 6 or 7 of them played with the varsity team throughout the summer conditioning pro-

gram.” That bodes well for the varsity, who will get those players from the feeder program in the future. “As head coach of the varsity, part of my job is to get some of these kids playing college ball,” Neitz said. “Then, people will take our program seriously. The support of the athletic department, the faculty and the community means a lot to these kids. Everybody is rooting us on and we’re rooting each other on.”

12

MACON COUNTY NEWS FALL SPORTS 2009

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2009

Lady Panther tennis team learn to be more aggressive on the court By Tony Wheeler — Staff Writer Early in the season at a home match against North Henderson, the greatest excitement for the FHS tennis team seemed to come from the fact that the expected thunderstorms didn’t show up and the games went on as planned. The girls handled their opponents quickly and easily, at times seeming almost bored and nonchalant at the competition, or lack thereof. One by one they left the fenced confines of the courts to walk up the hill to the spectator’s area and report the final scores to the coaches. One by one the voices of the Lady Panther netters blended into monotony. “Six-love, six-love coach. She wasn’t much of a problem.” The team keeps adding to an undefeated streak that stands at seven at this writing. With a record of 12 and 4 for last year, and returning talent excited to go against the unknown of a new conference, things are looking good, said head coach Rick Blanton. The main difference in this season, he says, is the getting away from their nemeses. “Roberson and Asheville High are unbeatable, and they always have been. It never mattered how good we were, and we’ve been good for years, they’re just unstoppable. We’re excited to be away from that now, because now we can show people what we’re truly capable of, and how good we are, and always have been,” Blanton said. The team faces each opponent twice during the season, so last year’s record reflects the fact that Roberson and Asheville High were the only losses for the Lady Panthers. “We’ve had solid teams for the past four or five years but just couldn’t beat programs like Roberson’s. They were state champs last year and only lost one player this season. We’re glad to get away from it,” he said. As truth speaks to power, Blanton and the girls seem to be settling into their own zone of strength and resolve now, recognizing they’ve always been winners, whether realized and trumpeted or not. With 20 events scheduled for the season, there are plenty of playing opportunities for them to show those qualities. “I’ve got a lot of freshmen on the team, but they’ve all played through the middle grades and all summer. I hate to call it my dugout, but I’ve got three years worth of talent just waiting to step up. Tennis has nothing to do with age or what grade a person’s in, it’s all about who has the skills,” the coach said. The top six spots — “seeds” in tennis lingo — comprise the main competition at the high school level. Each school’s best six play each other in singles matches, which are the most important. The other players join the elite and pair up for doubles competitions. The seeds are determined by challenges among the players. Whoever beats her BFF moves to the top of the food chain. Last year’s rookie sensation,

GIRLS TENNIS DATE

OPPONENT

August 18 August 24 August 26 August 31 September 2 September 8 September 9 September 10 September 14 September 15 September 16 September 21 September 22 September 23 September 28 September 30 October 5 October 6 October 7 October 12 October 14

Enka Enka Brevard Pisgah Smoky Mtn. North Henderson East Henderson Walhalla West Henderson Walhalla Tuscola Brevard Rabun Gap Pisgah Smoky Mtn. North Henderson East Henderson Rabun Gap West Henderson Tuscola AAC Regional Qualifier 1st Round Dual State Playoffs Individual Regionals

Andrea Bell, has once again stormed the courts, leaving her indelible footprint, now even better than before. As an unknown, she rocketed to the top at tryouts last year and comes back as a sophomore remaining the top-seeded player. “Her serve is even better now and she has a tremendous drop shot,” Blanton said. “She’s unique in that she uses the mental part of the game to defeat her opponents. She Sophomore Savannah Herman, the #3 seed on the Franklin tennis team skillfully returns the ball. figures out what by beating a teammate,” he said. they’re good at and avoids it, while exploiting their weaknesses.” At the #4 slot, sophomore Aubrey Brokaw’s accomplishments are So much of playing the game of tennis well depends on gaining almost daunting. New to the team and already at a high notch/niche confidence in your level of skill, the coach said. Savannah Herman, due to quick, fancy footwork on the court, her newfound fame almost a sophomore and the #3 seed, is a perfect example of that, he said. “I overwhelmed her. But not quite. “She was a little intimidated at first,” saw her skills, her talent and realized what she’s capable of a long the coach said, “but the jitters quickly disappeared.” time before she did. Now that she’s figured it out on her own, she’s Maci LeQuire, a junior who is seeded fifth, covers the court as well become aggressive and her play has improved dramatically,” he said. as anyone around, Blanton said. “She’s extremely quick and can get Playing tennis well also involves such aggression, the coach said. to any shot that makes it past the net. She’s especially good with shots “The most difficult part of teaching or coaching the game is to get that fall deep near the line, and she’s so consistent, she can hit with them to understand that playing an offensive style of game is better you all day.” than playing defense. Most people are happy to stand in the back Nikki Valley, a 10th grader in the #6 slot, is known for her net work. court and rally baseline to baseline all day long. The first time they try Learning how to come to the net is one of the most difficult tasks in to come to the net or make a challenging shot, it goes all wrong for tennis. “Nikki’s one of the best net players I’ve ever had,” said the them and they’re afraid to make a mistake again. I have to get them coach, “and I’ve had plenty.” She is domineering and intimidating at out of that thinking. The best way to learn in life is by making misthe approach, he said. takes and figuring out how to correct them. Once the girls get that, Bell holds the honor of being ranked 121st in the state for girls 16 they start blistering the court,” he said. and under, quite an impressive nod to her ability. Yet she and the #3Kaitlyn Sutton joined the team as a freshman and is now the #2 seeded Herman, the cream of the crop, were the only ones to give up seed in her junior year. “She’s been very consistent all along,” the games on this particular day, the only ones who couldn’t join the othcoach said. “Her forte is keeping the ball in play with good, intelligent ers in saying “love” when reporting the scores on the hilltop. “Sixshots.” one, six-one,” they echoed, maybe mixing a bit of perturbedness to Following Bell, the remaining seeds are Sutton, Savannah Herthe previous girls’ boredom and nonchalance when telling results. man, Aubrey Brokaw, Maci LeQuire and Nikki Valley. Blanton says How is it that top seeds would be the only ones giving up games to the second, third and fourth positions are so close that any one of the opposing Knights of North Henderson? “I made some unforced them could move to the second errors and she had a couple of winners. I learned today that I hit betseed on any given day. “Someter and return better on the harder balls, but she just wasn’t hitting times, though, they have more very many hard ones to me.” trouble playing challenge Bell said she knew loss to Roberson and Asheville last year, and matches against each other than LOC. TIME hopes to be undefeated now she doesn’t have to face them again. “I they do in competition. They know that may seem unrealistic, but I’m undefeated so far. If I can’t don’t want to hurt any feelings

Home Away Away Home Away Home Away Away Home Home Away Home Home Away Home Away Home Away Away Home TBA TBA TBA

w w w w w w w w 4:00 pm 5:00 pm 4:00 pm 4:00 pm 4:00 pm 4:00 pm 4:00 pm 4:00 pm 4:00 pm 4:00 pm 4:00 pm 4:00 pm TBA TBA

Andrea Bell storms back strong as a sophomore retaining her position as the #1 seed.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2009

First Row, Left to Right: Amber Cook, Kacie Peck, Lacey Harwood, Lori Morgan, Deena Gibson, Jordann Wood, Danielle Jimison, Kelsey Sheffield, Amy Underwood

MACON COUNTY NEWS FALL SPORTS 2009

JUNIOR VARSITY VOLLEYBALL

Back row, standing: Haylee Overholt, Coach Amanda Dowdle, Shelby Klein, Coach Anna Shields, Maggie Stewart

FRANKLIN HIGH SCHOOL

JV volleyball team can’t look to past for help Different team faces higher level of competition By Tony Wheeler — Staff Writer

“One thing I’ve told the girls they can’t do is compare themselves with last year’s team. It won’t help to even think about it. Last year we were undefeated in all 20 games (there are no state championship games in junior varsity volleyball). This is a totally different team. We’ve seen the other teams play, and the competition level probably went up,” said Amanda Dowdle, head coach of the Franklin High School team. Indeed, it is a very different team, with only four returning players, four incoming freshmen from the middle school, and four who have never played the game before this year. Dowdle considers her volleyball program one constantly under construction. She builds the players up and the team serves as a feeder program for the varsity. She says the team has greatly improved during summer clinics and won in their division at a camp in Clemson. “We’re really starting from scratch. From day one to now it’s been baby steps, but I have a part in getting them to where they’ll be the best during their varsity years,” Dowdle said. Teamwork is the key to the team’s success, the coach said. In an exercise that shows its importance, the 12 girls and the coach all take a popsicle stick and write a goal on the stick. The coach then gathers the sticks and puts them together in a stack. “You can break one stick,” she said “but put them together and you can’t break 13.” Dowdle keeps the stack of sticks under her coach’s chair at each game, to remind and inspire the kids. The teams choose words they use as a team motto. “Belief” is the word used throughout the program, and “trust” was chosen by the jayvees. “The three groups (the previously mentioned groups of four) have to learn to trust, both each other and the coach. When we get that trust, we’ll be in good shape,” Dowdle

said. The team is in the gym paracticing from the day school lets out and the team record is always a reflection of their determination, hard work and sacrifices, the coach said. “Last year, after the last win, the girls didn’t want to leave the floor, they wanted to practice. That shows me how much they love the game and that’s where I get my satisfaction as a coach,” she said. The four returning from that team are this year’s captains – left side blocker Lori Morgan, middle blocker Jordann Wood, setter Kacie Peck and libero Deena Gibson. One thing that has impressed the coach this year is that the girls are showing improvement in each game. She said Morgan is the most consistent and will see more playing time than she did last year. “She’s a good server and passer and goes over and beyond the call of duty. She’s a good leader and a positive role model,” Dowdle said. Middle blocker Jordann Wood is the go-to person on the team, a leader in stats in every game and a player who leads by example, the coach said. “I couldn’t ask for two better leaders than those two,” she said. The most improved player is the libero Deena Gibson, a sophomore. At that position, she plays a leading role on the team. “I didn’t know if she would make it last year and she’s now a captain. I’m very impressed and pleased at her improvement,” Dowdle said. Rounding out the captains, the coach said Kacie Peck has done well by moving from the back row to the setter position and has adjusted nicely. The incoming freshmen from the middle school have worked hard, are coachable, have improved and have great attitudes and the newcomers now know the game and can serve, having definitely improved, Dowdle said. “As long as we trust and believe, we’ll have a successful season,” she said.

9

8

MACON COUNTY NEWS FALL SPORTS 2009

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2009

Lady Panther volleyball team: Young team calm and strong against competition By Tony Wheeler — Staff Writer

VARSITY VOLLEYBALL

Coming on the heels of a winning season last year at 14-11 and already at 4-0 early in this season, the Franklin girls volleyball team is preparing for an even better record this year, and it stems from the fact that they believe in themselves, the coach said. Anna Shields, head coach of the program, said she’s building the team around three basic words – trust, sacrifice and belief. “We’re going into a new conference where one team has dominated. [West Henderson has won the state championship six times, has 654 wins, and is currently defending the title.] We believe we can beat teams like that and be in the championship games,” she said. The girls are excited about the fresh season and have bonded well as a team, the coach said. Physical conditioning and summer workouts have helped the team improve on both offense and defense. They have played well and are impressive so far, having tied for first place overall at a volleyball camp at Clemson University, and beat their old rival Enka in what is now a non-conference game. “We beat them solid, and even though we’re a young and rebuilding team, we’re competing well,” Shields said. Shields chose 11 girls from the August tryouts — three seniors, four juniors and four sophomores. Two from each group are starting players. “They’re all leaders. It’s a solid team. All of them are getting the job done on different nights. Someone always steps up to fill a needed role because it’s a team effort,” she said. FRANKLIN HIGH SCHOOL Because the state realigned the school conferences this year, Shields said there were a lot of scrimmages Front Row: Lindsay Simpson, Jamie Tipton, Meesha Fowler-Berken, Kortney Conner, Erin Moffitt, Shannon Crisp, Karey Conner, Ashley Wice scheduled with non-conference teams Back Row standing (L-R): Chelsea Stanfield, Assistant Coach Amanda Dowdle, Katie Peck, Head Coach Anna Shields, Caitlin Raby last year, therefore enabling the Lady Panthers “to see what we’d be up against. If the team continues at the level team an ability to make great digs and they’re on, we can be a top contender for passes. She also brings spirit, Shields said. conference and continue on to the state Senior Meesha Fowler-Berken, a right championships. We’ve got to go all the way side blocker, moved here from Arkansas and and we can do this. We believe. We all say ‘I has quickly adapted to the team and works DATE OPPONENT LOC. J.V. VARSITY believe in Franklin High School,’” she said. well with the sports program. The starters include two returning All Last but not least is the libero, the coach — August 13 (Sat.) Scrimmage Asheville Christian — Conference players, both setters and hitters said. Taking that significant lead position is Scrimmage — August 15 (Sat.) Enka — – senior Ashley Wice and sophomore Lind- sophomore Katie Peck. “Katie is now a Rabun Gap w August 17 w Franklin say Simpson. Senior left side blocker Kort- starter who moved up from the jayvees. ney Conner is bringing lots of skill to the She’s shown vast improvement to move up Erwin w August 18 w Erwin offense, according to the coach, and is a to such a slot, and is a highly-skilled passer Enka w August 20 w Enka great left side hitter. She’s also improved and defensive specialist,” Shields said. w August 25 w Franklin Asheville Christian playing defense, and Shields calls her an The libero is a back-row player who is a w August 27 w Franklin Erwin “all-around” player. Conner’s sister Karey, passing and defensive specialist, and is a sophomore left and middle blocker, is very fairly new to the high school competitions, w September 1 w Franklin Enka consistent at the net during an offensive at- Shields said. The position has been used in w September 3 w Brevard Brevard tack, and sophomore Chelsea Stanfield, a international, club, and college volleyball w September 8 l Franklin Pisgah big lefty up from the jayvee team, can play since 2002 and is slowly making it into the w September 10 w Smoky Mountain Smoky Mountain either the middle or right side, Shields said. high school games after being allowed at the Junior Erin Moffitt (a team captain along start of the 2006 season. The libero can reSeptember 12 Rabun Gap Rabun Gap cancelled cancelled with Conner and Wice) plays the back row place any player on the back row without it September 15 Franklin North Henderson 5:00 pm 6:00 pm well and does a good job of passing on de- counting as a substitute. She wears a distinct September 17 East Henderson East Henderson 5:00 pm 6:00 pm fense and serving. The coach said she has jersey to be easily recognized by officials. September 22 Franklin West Henderson 5:00 pm 6:00 pm Moffitt play three rotations in the back, then Assistant coach Amanda Dowdle said the September 24 Tuscola Tuscola 5:00 pm 6:00 pm she puts in junior Caitlyn Raby, a middle Lady Panthers are unique this year – calm and left blocker. “Caitlyn is very tall and in- and strong and not easily rattled by misSeptember 29 Franklin Brevard 5:00 pm 6:00 pm timidating, one of the better blockers. She takes. “I see a big difference in composure October 1 Pisgah Pisgah 5:00 pm 6:00 pm has good jumping ability and brings on a from last year,” she said. October 5 Franklin Swain 5:00 pm 6:00 pm good offense with her blocks,” the coach The sophomore setter Simpson agreed. October 6 Franklin Smoky Mountain 5:00 pm 6:00 pm said. “Last year we’d get behind, make a couple Shields said she also has talent coming off of mistakes and then couldn’t pull ourselves October 8 North Henderson 5:00 pm North Henderson 6:00 pm the bench to fill big roles. Jamie Tipton, a out of the hole. We just couldn’t do it. This October 13 Franklin East Henderson 5:00 pm 6:00 pm junior right/left blocker, has a solid serve year we don’t worry if we get behind four October 15 West Henderson West Henderson 5:00 pm 6:00 pm and can play any position needed at any or five points, we work ourselves out of it. October 20 Franklin Tuscola 5:00 pm 6:00 pm given time. Shannon Crisp, a junior who We try to get better each and every day.” came up from the jayvee squad, brings to the

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2009

MACON COUNTY NEWS FALL SPORTS 2009

reach that goal, I’ll be happy if I keep my losses to one or two. Brevard was tough on me, but my biggest challenge will be Annie Cloer of West Henderson, I’ve heard a lot of good things about her. Right now, I’m working to get my second serve stronger so the opponents won’t be able to put it into play as easily. Our team is younger this year, which I think is a good thing. We lost three seniors, but people stepped and we filled their slots easily,” she said. Herman also dropped a couple of games in beating her opponent 6-1, 6-1. but she explained “Careless mistakes cost me those games, but when I get far ahead of somebody I try to work on shots I’m not so good at or would normally be afraid to attempt, like slices, lobs, drop shots and using different angles and going for down-the-line shots. My backhand is good, so I’m working to improve my forehand and put some spin on it. I feel really good about the season. We’re strong in our top six and I think we can beat anybody,” she said. One thing that has helped the team this year is the conditioning program. The exercise routine the girls are put through is one of the best around, the coach said. “We time out our practice sessions at three hours each,” he said, “and the first 45 minutes are nothing but hard conditioning. They expect it, accept it, and then move on. I don’t think there’s another team that puts quite this much emphasis on being in shape. But I expect my girls to be strong and last long. Some of the teams will fade in strength by the end of the season.” “The girls are a close-knit group, like a sorority. Very few of the high school teams have representatives from each class, freshmen through seniors. But we do, and the girls don’t even consider class differences. They don’t look at things like that, they look at what’s good for the team,” said Blanton. “This is what I love to do. We didn’t have a high school team when I was coming up, so maybe this is the way I’m dealing with that. I was disappointed I didn’t have a team to play on, so this is how I make up for it. I enjoy this, hoping I’m not only teaching tennis lessons, but life lessons they’ll use down the road.” Blanton said from day one of practice the team has it in their minds to play at the state level. They are also a thrill to watch, he said. So join him in the watching. To support the team, go on down that road to the rec park tennis courts, and give ’em a holla. You’ll probably hear one of those famous tennis grunts comin’ back at ya. It’s almost like having a little slice of Wimbledon right in your own back yard.

13

TENNIS

FRANKLIN HIGH SCHOOL (L-R) First Row: Morgan Hagan, Kaitlyn Sutton Second Row: Coach Ron Mashburn, Cori Sellers, Katie Rogers, Savannah Herman, Nikki Vallely, Deven Quigley, Head Coach Rick Blanton Third Row: Carrie Doster, Carmen Vinson, Andrea Bell, Maci LeQuire, Michaela Hilliard, Cassie Doster Not available for photo: Emily Esterwood & Aubrey Brokaw

GOLF

VOLLEYBALL VARSITY & J.V.

GIRLS GOLF DATE

LOCATION COURSE

TIME

Sept. 3 Sept. 8 Sept. 10 Sept. 14 Sept. 16 Sept. 21 Sept. 24 Sept. 28 Oct. 1 Oct. 5 Oct. 13 Oct. 14 Oct. 19 Oct. 26 Oct. 27

Mill Creek Franklin TBA Brevard TBA E. Henderson Mill Creek Franklin Sequoyah Nat’l Cherokee TBA OPEN Black Mt. Owen N. Henderson Crooked Creek Lake Junaluska Enka Maggie Valley Tuscola Etowah W. Henderson TBA Conference Municipal Asheville TBA State Meet TBA State Meet

3:00 pm 3:00 pm 3:00 pm 3:00 pm 3:30 pm 3:00 pm 3:30 pm 3:00 pm 3:00 pm 3:00 pm 1:00 pm 1:00 pm 3:00 pm TBA TBA

FRANKLIN HIGH SCHOOL (L-R) Keirston Hedden, Cortney Medlock, Shawna McDowell, Sally Schieffelin, Lacey Tucker, Carly Payseur and Lisa Lee

14

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2009

MACON COUNTY NEWS FALL SPORTS 2009

Highlanders looking to juniors for strength By Davin Eldridge – Contributing Writer

With ferocious energy, the offensive players of the Highlands soccer team were motivating one another through calls and creative criticism while training hard at Zachary Park on Friday, Sept. 11. If the hard work at that practice was any indication, the Highlanders are committed to being a strong team which could translate into an exciting year for them. The Highlanders are relying more heavily on the experience of their junior players more this year than last. “We’re a fairly young team, we only have one senior. [We] have a lot of juniors and a lot of sophomores,” said Coach Chris Green. “We lost five seniors last year, all starters. We lost our keeper, we lost our sweeper, we lost our stopper, and we lost our center mid along with one striker. We lost a lot last year,” Green added. The team is lacking the strength of senior players. However this leaves much room to grow, even in the shadow of last year’s team. Coach Green is adamant about retaining the ex-

perience and success of the team, leading him to focus more on unrealized abilities. “We are going to work on our offense some more, create some more opportunities, [and] quit relying on long balls so much,” said Green. “We’ve had a good start,” said Green. “Our senior, Will Mathiowdis, is our captain, and he does a really good job. Our other captain is Cord Strong. Will plays center-mid. Cord, a junior, plays right-back on defense.” What can be seen in this young team is the potential to grow. There are several juniors with ample playing experience which Green will use to his advantage. “I think we have a good chance to get five or six all-conference players this year. We had three all regional last year, so I would like to have at least that many this year. Our biggest problem this year has been our finishing and scoring, so we are working on finishing drills and set plays,” said the coach. In response to this change in teams, Green has implemented some in depth training that incorporates hard work, as well as cooperation and communication among the less experienced players. With

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2009

MACON COUNTY NEWS FALL SPORTS 2009

JUNIOR VARSITY CHEERLEADING

a current standing of 2-2, the team seems intent on making this year as successful as possible. The team has their sights set on a few teams that appear to be strong. “Hayesville is going to have a really good team this year. I think Swain is going to be an improved team,” answered the coach, when questioned about teams he is looking out for. “We play Hayesville on Monday. It’s a big game, our first

conference game and it’s away,” he added. Green is preparing for several games that will run closely with one another, and must stress the importance of playing as hard at practice as they do at games. “They all obviously know each other extremely well. They’re all good friends and spend time with one another outside of school,” the Coach commented on team bonding.

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2009 FALL SPORTS PREVIEW CREDITS Colin Gooder - Editor Betsey Gooder - Advertising Director Vickie Carpenter - Photographer Teresa S. Tabor - Copy Editor Tony Wheeler - Staff Writer Davin Eldridge - Contributing Writer Randall Barres - Graphic Designer

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2009

MACON COUNTY NEWS FALL SPORTS 2009

VARSITY CHEERLEADING

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2009

MACON COUNTY NEWS FALL SPORTS 2009

SOCCER

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2009

MACON COUNTY NEWS FALL SPORTS 2009

Cross Country getting better with every step

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2009

MACON COUNTY NEWS FALL SPORTS 2009

JUNIOR VARSITY FOOTBALL

CROSS COUNTRY

By Tony Wheeler — Staff Writer Denise Davis is coaching both the boys and girls cross country teams this year, with former Franklin High standout Jamey Halyburton as assistant coach. “We lost a lot of seniors last year so we are somewhat rebuilding, but we still have a solid core of runners,” Davis said. “Most of the runners did not get many miles in over the summer so we have had to start fresh with them. They are improving their times at each meet and some of the runners have already hit their PRs [personal records] over last year. We are not placing high as a team in meets yet, but they are rapidly improving,” the coach said. The coach said the girls have not yet run together as a full team. “We have had two Saturday meets where several runners could not make it and the Swain meet was rained out for the girls race,” she said. Still, things look promising for runners on both teams, she said. Canyon Woodward took fifth place overall at the Swain meet and was the fastest junior in the meet, said the coach. “It was his first 5K ever. It was his first race after just showing up one day for practice. Nobody had any idea he could do something like that — not me, not his father, not even himself. Canyon is part of that strong core, He’s very impressive. It’s super, we’re excited about it,” Davis said. The coaches are excited about other runners, too. Kyle Brown ran his first 5K at Swain and was the Panthers’ second fastest runner. Tanner Stamey, another new runner, finished in the team’s top five, followed closely by Eduardo Altiminaro and Andy English, also new runners. “Olivia Boss, a new runFRANKLIN HIGH SCHOOL ner for the girls, has been one of the front runners and all the girls are making rapid progress on improving their times. We have a meet at Hayesville coming up and should have the Front row: Rachelle Simons, Olivia Boss, Andy Smith, Kyle Brown, Charlotte Bullis, Blair Long whole girls team together for the first time,” Davis said. Second Row: Jimena Jimenez, Jordan Ridao, Lilly Knoepp, Tanner Stamey, Danielle Corbin, Laura Freeman, Holly Bullis The coach said her goals are to see the athletes enjoy the Back: Assistant Coach Jamey Halyburton, Jake Tallent, Ben Rodriguez, Jacob Bingham, James Wilt, Colten Ledford, Eduardo Altiminaro, sport of running and continue to run throughout their lives. She Coach Denise Davis Not pictured: Canyon Woodward, Devon Suominen, Michael Henderson, Jennifer Richter, Rajonda Davis also wants the runners to gain the self-confidence needed to reach their potential and set new personal records during the season. “I enjoy working with the type of athlete who chooses cross country as their sport. They are hardworking, self-motivated athletes, who not only push themselves in order to better themselves, but they do it for the benefit of the team as well,” she said. The team is focusing a bit more on the races closer to home this year, so they don’t have to travel as much— places like Rabun Gap, Swain and Hayesville, the coach said. She said TIME MEET LOCATION DATE Hayesville was especially good competition, even though it’s not a conference team. TBA Hayesville August 22 Hayesville Invitational In high school cross country, teams are given a schedule of the area meets. The coaches can 9:40 am Jackson Park August 29 WNCCCC then pick which races they want their team to compete in. At a meet, only two events are held – the boys 5K and then the girls 5K. Times and placements are recorded to determine September 09 OPEN winners. The score is based on the top five placements of each team. Low score wins, like 4:30 pm Hayesville September 16 Hayesville in golf. “The boys start first and the race is 3.1 miles through a trail or course. It's not a road. Western Carolina Univ. September 19 WCU Invitational Everybody starts at the same time, and it’s not unusual to see a hundred kids at a race,” Davis September 23 OPEN said. Enloe Farm 5:00 pm October 01 Franklin Invitational The team will be running in Asheville again in preparation for the conference meet, the Erwin 4:30 pm October 07 Erwin Invitational biggest race of the year for the Panthers unless they place well there and continue. At the Rabun Gap 4:30 pm October 09 Rabun Gap conference meet in October, all of the teams in the conference compete. The top seven teams go on to regional play and from there, the top four from the region go on to compete in the Jackson Park TBA October 17 ACC Conference state championships. Jackson Park 10:00 am October 31 Regionals Before that, Davis wants to see the runners get their miles in and improve their personal Greensboro 10:00 am November 07 State Meet records. “All you can ask for is for them to keep getting better and better,” she said. They keep placing higher and higher in the meets, so they’re getting there,” she said.

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FRANKLIN HIGH SCHOOL Back Row (L-R): Ben Watson, Jakob Sayer, Hunter Garrett, Levi Wilson, Jacob Davis, Justin Bohner, Chris Placa, Jay Hartbarger, Eli Cunningham, John Marr, Matthew Mathis Fourth Row: Braden Ledford, Jeb Brewer, Jordan Talley, Jeff Baty, Dillon Cabe, Stephen Tice, Chantz Fritz, Jose Medford, Jordan Tallent, Gavin Hopkins Third Row: Tyler Bowman, Jacoby Demont, Austin Gibson, Cody Lindley, Patrick Gillespie, Fuquan McKinnon, Hunter Collins, Cody Viar, Jake Corbin, Jacob Martin, Gerry Breault Second Row: Sean Mayhorn (not on team), Creedence Julian (No longer on team), Tanner Shepherd, Coaches: Ryan Raby, Jeff Graham, Ryan Haley, Cayman Brooks; Hunter Gilhaus, Anthony Bell, Dean Dodge First Row: Richie Thomas, Jackson Roper, Tanner Piper, Tyler Rodgers, Nick Ledford, Devon Buchanan, Eric Olvera, Jimmy Ear, Blake Randall Not Pictured: Dax Lloyd, Juan Perez, Ray McKinnon

“I like this team ... Their attitude, chemistry and efforts have all been good. The kids are molding into fine young men. The best part for the coaches is we get to influence them through the game of — Coach Brooks football to be better men and to create memories that will last a lifetime.

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2009

MACON COUNTY NEWS FALL SPORTS 2009

FOOTBALL Continued from page 2

side linebacker and defensive tackle, is a two-way street, the coach said. He’s a threat to tackle on offense or defense and will see a lot of playing time. Nathan Raby, a sophomore defensive back playing the free safety slot, started the last nine games of the year last season and has returned to the team with a lot of experience, the coach said. Brooks went on to explain that the free safety slot is like the quarterback of the secondary team - essential. By communicating with the strong safety Landon Grant, “He and Nathan help us to be in the right coverage,” Coach Brooks said. Nose guard Santiago Belman should come in handy, too. Belman, a senior at 5’8” and 220 lbs., is a returning All-Conference player Brooks considers the best defensive lineman in the conference. so it seems the Panthers have

MACON COUNTY NEWS FALL SPORTS 2009

17

JUNIOR VARSITY SOCCER

a lot going for them this year. “Like I said, I like this team,” Brooks said. “Their attitude, chemistry and efforts have all been good. The kids are molding into fine young men. The best part for the coaches is we get to influence them through the game of football to be better men and to create memories that will last a lifetime. Plus, we’re all blessed to live in the finest sports community in Western North Carolina,” he said. Bishop, the starting quarterback, wants to throw the ball more and move it around without interceptions. He said the coaches expect more from the seniors on the team because they’ve been around longer. “We’ve got a better attitude and outlook now and we think we can go far as a team. If we take care of ourselves, everything else will fall in place. It felt good to beat T.C. Roberson. It showed us our potential, what we’re capable of,” he said. Sounds like the Panthers want to leave some paw prints and tear up some turf. We say “Go Panthers!”

FRANKLIN HIGH SCHOOL

See FHS Soccer story on page 10

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Front row (L-R): Juan Morales, Tony Gallardo, Leighton Birchard, Landon Sprinkle, Brett Gibson, Griff Hornsby, Kyle Sizemore Second Row (L-R): Rita Esterwood (coach), Devan Starnes, Charlie Flores, Miguel Arellano, Martin Jimenez, Miguel Lopez, Jose Ortiz, Miguel Esquivel, Trey Strickland, Joe Doster (coach)

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Franklin High School Marching Panther Band’s 2009 show is entitled “Once Upon a Dream” and features many Disney music favorites, including tunes from “Mickey the Sorcerer,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Little Mermaid,” “Fantasia” and “Night on Bald Mountain.” Music was taken from the “Fantasmic” show and arranged for the marching band by director Buddy Huckabee. The band has done a great job this year, said Huckabee, starting out with two early performances at home football games. Huckabee hopes that many people will continue to watch and enjoy the show as it evolves week by week throughout the season. “The students are loving the music, and are having fun with the show concept,” he said. “Fantasmic” tells the story of a little girl with her companion, a teddy bear. The bear, who dreams, is chased by dragons while the little girl acquires wizard powers and becomes a princess, Huckabee said. The band director said the music is family-friendly and is being enjoyed by folks of all ages. “Many people know these songs, young and old alike, and try to sing along,” he said. What most people don’t realize about the Marching Panther Regiment is that the half-time shows at football games don’t feature the entire performance, only a brief synopsis lasting a few minutes due to the time constraints of half-time. At the band competitions which begin this month at Enka, the entire production – props, the little girl, teddy bear and all – are performed. Huckabee encourages people who have only experienced the band by attending football games to also attend the competitions. “They’ll be pleasantly surprised,” he said. The band has grown tremendously in size in the past few years, pushing 100 members currently, and is one of the biggest high school bands in Western North Carolina. The band is the 2005 Gator Bowl Silver Division Grand Champions, and the 2008 Alamo Bowl Silver Division Grand Champions. “The students are absolutely loving this because it’s Disney. They are one of the hardest working bands I’ve been around. If they continue to perform the way they know how, they’ll be phenomenal,” he said. For more information about the Marching Panthers, visit www.smnet.net/fhsband. “Before it’s all over for the year, the band will have competed against 75 other schools in front of half a million people,” Huckabee said.

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FRANKLIN HIGH SCHOOL Band members are: Kelsey Apel, Andrew Beck, Danielle Brooks, Eleanor Brow, Gregory Brown, Sabrina Curtis, Dakota Fountain, James Guffey, Olivia Hart, Thomas Hartley, Katheryne Hicks, Ashley Jenkins, Olivia Johnson, Danielle Lewis, Martin Cole, Savannah Meyers, Matt Oschmann, Zachary Phillips, Erin Picklesimer, Abigail Rehkopf, Cody Rodgers, Kenneth Rodriguez, Emma Scott, Sarah Shiner, Ryan Sterline, Kaitlyn Sueyklang, Brittney Bishop, Courtney Blackburn, Rachael Carpenter, Angela Deetz, Alecia Gerra, Rikki Jay, Cody Keener, Maci Lewis, Caleb Moore, Johnathan Parrish, Jessica Scott, Alysia Stewart, Clinton Strain, Logan Wallace, Samuel Wallace, James Wilt, Vincent Agrusa, Brandon Andreu, Erich Baker, Jeffrey Bosio, Nicholas Brow, Christina Brucker, Parker Byrd, Donelle Chasse, Rachael Cook, Dereck Cope, Rebecca Dills, Terri Fountain, Brittney Green, Catherine Jaqua, Chelsie Jenkins, Sarah Johnson, Ethan McCall, Lily Mickler, Matt Nichols, Ricci Powell, Cody Queen, Lance Rehkopf, Jonathan Watson, Loranna Yglesias, Samantha Driver, Adam Lauffer, Sarah Martin, Victoria Meyers, Kyle Payne, Daniel Ruppe, Brooke Stewart, Carmen Vinson, Aimee Winkler, Lee Hovis Guards: Natasha Casner, Jordan Myers, Virginia Mason, Blair Long, Bridget Karcher, Katie Alland, Charlotte Bullis, Alyssa Shumaker

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2009

MACON COUNTY NEWS FALL SPORTS 2009

Highlands volleyball faces some tough challenges

VARSITY VOLLEYBALL

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2009

MACON COUNTY NEWS FALL SPORTS 2009

VARSITY FOOTBALL

By Davin Eldridge — Contributing Writer

As the Highlands volleyball team scores a modest win against Blue Ridge this past Friday, Coach Kyle McKim credits his team’s success with diligent training. “The skill work has progressed wonderfully.” he said. “We’ve done a lot of hard work, and spent a lot of time practicing. It’s paying off, and we have won our first two matches starting out against Cherokee and Rabun County,” McKim explained. Compared with other teams, Highlands players are smaller in stature than most other schools’ volleyball teams. Noting his team’s height as being a challenge, the task of facing teams like Rosman, Swain and Hiawassee Dam must be met through more rigorous training. “The biggest challenge we have to overcome with those other teams, is winning the net battle,” McKim said. The effort of running the net efficiently was evident in the first two matches against Blue Ridge as Highlands pushed their opponents into several side-outs. In the second match, Highlands maintained a five-point lead on Blue Ridge at 17 points, and continued to communicate well. Stephanie Puchacz served strong throughout the period causing difficulty for her opponents to put it back in their court. “We’ve had to get a little more creative in actually focusing a lot more on our defense, keeping the ball in play, and moving the ball around. It’s hard for us to compete with the height of these bigger girls at the net,” explains McKim. “Rosman is fantastic this year. They play well as a team. Hiawasee Dam is the same way,” McKim said, acknowledging other daunting opponents. “One of our big goals this year has been to win our conference. For the last two years we have not won our conference.” This goal might be likely with players like Jenny Coram scoring aces on Blue Ridge. HIGHLANDS HIGH SCHOOL Sarah Power proved to be an asset who, along with others, scored side-outs on Blue Ridge, and scored an ace. “We’re really playing well Front Row, left to right: Stephanie Puchacz, Brie Schmitt, Courtney Rogers, Taylor Buras, Jenny Coram for where we are at, and we’re continuing to work on aspects of our Back Row: Coach Lindsey Gearhart, Shelby Johnson, Sarah Power, Marlee McCall, Coaches Caroline and Kyle McKim game.” As many as six dives were tallied to block tremendous Blue Ridge counters throughout a heated third match. There was no lack of effort throughout the game. “A lot of the things we have been working on are respect for oppoFront row, left to right: nents and officials and other coaches. These girls are learning that Jenny Coram, Sayne Feria, they’ve got to apply and commit themselves to everything they do. Kaitlin Lewis, Elizabeth Whether that’s volleyball or their school work. A lot of these values are Strawn what we are trying to instill in these girls,” McKim said. Back row: Coach Lindsey Endurance was key to this recent Highlander win over Blue Ridge. Gearhart, Elizabeth Gordon, Whereas Highlands had only one substitute player benched throughJessica Gagne, Hayden out the game, their opponent had been changing out much more freBates, quently with several more substitute players. Coaches Caroline and Kyle “I don’t have a bench. I’ve got one, sometimes two subs and that’s McKim it. So most of my girls are playing [on the court] the entire time,” Coach McKim explained. Coach McKim has implemented more plyometrics into his training, producing not only injury prevention, but quickness and agility. Plyometrics is a form of power training that enables a muscle to reach maximum force in the shortest possible time. This focuses on reflex and agility, and is a typical exercise pursued by athletes of many sports. “No injuries this year. And I’ve gotten good leadership from three captains that has helped our team chemistry; Brie Schmitt, Marlee McCall, and Courtney Rogers.” In short, Highlands has had the clear advantage of putting the ball back on the other side of the net this past game. What can be certain is the focus in practice and goal of working hard has rendered a win for Highlands, scoring 25 to Blue Ridge’s 15 in the final match. “We’ve definitely done better, but it was a pretty good game. We will definitely work more with our setters,” said Power, commenting on the outcome of the game. “We played good,” said McKim. Optimism has not fallen short for the Highlands volleyball team, nor effort. Highlands will go on to face recurring opponent Nantahala on Thursday, Sept.17 at Nantahala, then they’ll take on Cherokee at home on Sept. 22.

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FRANKLIN HIGH SCHOOL Back Row (L-R): Chris Southard, Andre Dewhurst, Chanz Fritz, Ben Carrion, Thomas Evans, Cody Brabson, Kaleb Shepherd, Casey Brooks, Brandon Piper, J.D. Standfield Fourth Row: Landon Grant, Kyle Southard, Patrick Penland, Zach Pruitt, Jordan Talley, Ryan Evers, Blaine Clark, Isaac Campbell, Brent Posey Coaches from left: Seth Adams, Scott Hartbarger, Jeff Cloer, Tim Hawkins, Dan Reitmeier, Josh Brooks, Bob Kuppers, Warren Winchester, Jay Brooks, Ed Trull, Tony Plemmons, Cayman Brooks Second Row: Blake Allen, Dewayne Isaacs, Andy Phommakisone, Austin Bishop, Tim McAllister, Brandon Williams, Robbie Knepp, Jacob Young, Parrish Young First Row: Santiago Belman, Seth Horniak, Tyler Rodgers, Nathan Raby, Matt Impagnatelli, Austin Gibson, Jamie Rostallon, Eric Olvera Manager girls from left: Lisa Long, Kristi Corbin and Liz Tippett on the right

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2009

MACON COUNTY NEWS FALL SPORTS 2009

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2009

MACON COUNTY NEWS FALL SPORTS 2009

VOLLEYBALL VARSITY & JV HIGHLANDS DATE

August 25 August 26 September 1 September 3 September 8 September 9 September 10 September 16 September 17 September 22 September 29 October 1 October 5 October 6 October 13 October 15 October 19 October 21 October 24

OPPONENT

LOC.

J.V.

Cherokee Rabun County High Rosman Swain Hiwassee Dam Rabun County High Blue Ridge Rabun Gap Nantahala Cherokee Rosman Swain Blue Ridge Hiwassee Dam Rabun Gap Nantahala

Away Away Home Away Home Home Away Away Away Home Away Home Home Away Home Home

5:00 pm 5:00 pm 5:00 pm 5:00 pm 5:00 pm 5:00 pm 5:00 pm 5:00 pm 5:00 pm 5:00 pm 5:00 pm 5:00 pm

By Tony Wheeler — Staff Writer “Sometimes change is good,” said Josh Brooks, head coach of the varsity football program at Franklin High School. The team moved from the Mountain Athletic Conference this year to the Appalachian Athletic Conference, a move the coach said might bring some parity to the Friday night games by more realistically reflecting the population numbers between the competing schools. “The numbers are closer. A really big school won’t be playing smaller schools as often. Every four years the state looks at growth and realigns the conferences. We’ll get new rivals and new competition. A lot of challenges lay ahead for us, but we’ve got eight kids returning on offense and seven on defense. Our key positions now have the experience they didn’t have this time last year,” he said. “I like this team.” New to the Panthers’ schedule are North and East Henderson, Brevard, Pisgah and Tuscola. Smoky Mountain is now a conference game and T.C. Roberson moves to non-conference. Coach Brooks thinks Tuscola will be the toughest opponent, followed by Pisgah. He also said West Henderson is off to a great start this year and could pose a problem. Tuscola may become the best test of the Panthers, as Franklin faces the Mountaineers on their turf in the last game of the season before the playoffs. After going 5 and 7 in the win-loss col-

umn last season, Franklin’s best bet for this year is their added maturity. Leading the charge and returning as starting quarterback is Austin Bishop, a senior. He was solid in the first game against T.C. Roberson at home in August, throwing successfully 14 of 22 times for 115 yards with no interceptions, said the coach. “Austin has shown great maturity and a total recall of what we worked on last year. We’re looking to him for leadership, to make things happen and to open things up for the other kids to make plays. We want him to put us in position where we don't hurt ourselves. He’s missed on some of the deep routes, but we’re working to get a higher percentage on passing,” Brooks said. On offense, the Panthers try to run the ball about two-thirds of the time. In the first game, 42 running plays and 22 passing were about normal for the team, the coach said. “We really try to control the clock, to slow the game down,” Brooks said. “Try to keep our defense off the field and keep the chains moving down the sidelines - that’s what it’s all about.” And for that to happen, the Panthers will rely on key slots who are used to the hunkering down it takes for a winning season. Ryan Evers, a senior wide receiver looks promising. Evers started as a wide out and has moved to the corner and had two interceptions to start the season. Ben Carrion, a 6’3”, 250 lb. junior outSee FOOTBALL on page 4

VARSITY FOOTBALL DATE August 14 August 21 August 28 September 04 September 11 September 18 September 25 October 02 October 09 October 16 October 23 October 30 November 06 November 13

OPPONENT

August 15 August 20 August 27 September 03 September 10 September 17 September 24 October 01 October 08 October 15 October 22 October 29 November 05

TIME

OPPONENT

September 1 September 3 September 8 September 17 September 24 September 29 October 6 October 8 October 15

Hayesville Blue Ridge Murphy Highlands Robbinsville Hayesville Murphy Blue Ridge Highlands

— Away Owen (Scrimmage w/ JV) w 20-6 Home TC Roberson (endowment) w 19-13 Home Murphy l 30-20 Away Robbinsville w 10-6 Home Swain OPEN 7:30 pm Away Brevard OPPONENT 7:30 pm Home Pisgah August 15 Owen (Scrimmage w/7:30 Varsity)pm Away Smoky Mountain August 20 Madison 7:30 pm Home North Henderson August 27 OPEN 7:30 pm Away East Henderson September 03 OPEN Home West Henderson September 10 Smoky Mountain7:30 pm 7:30 pm Away TuscolaSeptember 17 TC Roberson September 24 Brevard 7:30 pm TBA 1st Round Playoffs October 01 October 08 October 15 October 22 October 29 November 05

OPPONENT T

Owen (Scrimmage w/ Varsity) Madison OPEN OPEN Smoky Mountain TC Roberson Brevard Pisgah Smoky Mountain North Henderson East Henderson West Henderson Tuscola

Pisgah Smoky Mountain North Henderson East Henderson West Henderson Tuscola

LOC.

TIME

Away Home

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Away Away Home Away Home Away Home Away Home

rain out 7:00 pm 7:00 pm 7:00 pm 7:00 pm 7:00 pm 7:00 pm 7:00 pm 7:00 pm

LOC.

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Away Home Away Home Away Home Home Away Away

5:00 pm 6:00 pm 5:00 pm 6:00 pm TBA 5:00 pm 5:00 pm 6:00 pm 6:00 pm

NANTAHALA HIGH SCHOOL Pictured are: Assistant Coach Shannon West, Jessica Schoelzel, Alexis Flaig, Ashley Thomas, and Amy Solesbee. Not pictured: Coach Jacqueline Waters, Lauren Gearhart, Emily Davis, Evie Waters and Sabrina Bryant.

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J.V. FOOTBALL DATE

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w w l l l w w 6:00 pm 5:00 pm 6:00 pm 6:00 pm 6:00 pm 6:00 pm 6:00 pm 6:00 pm 6:00 pm

1st Round of Playoffs

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Panthers football team faces new competition

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(828) 369-8177

348 Depot Street • Franklin, NC

WE SUPPORT THE PANTHERS!

(828) 369-8628 • 145 Highlands Road • Franklin, NC

Matt

Oil Change • Tire Rotation • Air Filter • Brakes State Inspection Station Hazel Some Mechanical Work Competitive Prices, Fleet Service, FREE Pick Up & Delivery Service In Town

Red Residential / Commercial NC License #33104

Office: (828) 369-5044 Fax: (828) 369-8194

177 Sloan Road • Franklin, NC 28734

Jacob

HOURS: Mon. - Fri., 8am - 5:30pm Sat., 8am - 4pm

Tim

ROG SCHURMAN

Tel. (828) 349-4836 291 Highlands Rd. • Franklin, NC Locally Owned and Managed

19

The

Macon County News

MACON COUNTY FALL SPORTS 2009 Franklin

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Highlands

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Nantahala