Franklin

Bass Woods scored the final touchdown of the Robbinsville PeeWees’ season and recorded a pair of conversion runs in Saturday's Cracker Bowl game against Franklin. Photos by Lexie Anderson/The Graham Star

Bass Woods scored the final touchdown of the Robbinsville PeeWees’ season and recorded a pair of conversion runs in Saturday's Cracker Bowl game against Franklin. Photos by Lexie Anderson/The Graham Star

Robbinsville PeeWees, Midgets fall in Cracker Bowl

Cherokee – Two Robbinsville teams qualified for the annual Smokey Mountain Youth Conference Cracker Bowl. But in an unusual occurrence, the Black Knights returned home empty-handed. The Robbinsville PeeWees (No. 1, 9-1) were upset by the No.
Zaelyn Phillips swats the ball over a pair of Rosman defenders during Tuesday's four-set victory over the Lady Tigers. Photo by Bella Eddings/The Graham Star

Zaelyn Phillips swats the ball over a pair of Rosman defenders during Tuesday's four-set victory over the Lady Tigers. Photo by Bella Eddings/The Graham Star

Lady Knights snap 5-match losing streak

Robbinsville – Following a tough slate, the Lady Knights reaped all the benefits of returning back home Tuesday.
Isiac Collins carries a trio of Franklin defenders en route to Robbinsville’s only touchdown Friday. Photos by Lexie Anderson/The Graham Star

Isiac Collins carries a trio of Franklin defenders en route to Robbinsville’s only touchdown Friday. Photos by Lexie Anderson/The Graham Star

Knights unable to halt balanced Panthers

The box score from Aug. 29, 2025's game between Franklin and Robbinsville.
After making a reception during the July 10, 7-on-7 scrimmage against Tuscola, Isiac Collins weaves through the Mountaineer defense. Photos by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

After making a reception during the July 10, 7-on-7 scrimmage against Tuscola, Isiac Collins weaves through the Mountaineer defense. Photos by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Early glimpse

Waynesville – This week marks the end of Robbinsville’s most-active offseason in many years. Athletes, coaches and the Black Knights fan base are reinvigorated by a regime change; in return, attendance for summer workouts has been higher than usual.
Robbinsville’s Easton Shuler (2) tries to beat the relay throw to home plate during Game 1 of April 9’s doubleheader against Franklin. Photo by Bella Eddings/The Graham Star

Robbinsville’s Easton Shuler (2) tries to beat the relay throw to home plate during Game 1 of April 9’s doubleheader against Franklin. Photo by Bella Eddings/The Graham Star

Black Knights giving divisional foes fits

After returning to the postseason picture in 2024 – their first appearance since 2011 – and collecting 10 wins for the first time since 2010, the Black Knights entered 2025 with a lot of optimism.
Senior Ethan Webster sprawls out to pin McDowell’s Antonio Molina during Nov. 12’s home dual. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Senior Ethan Webster sprawls out to pin McDowell’s Antonio Molina during Nov. 12’s home dual. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Taking on all comers

The Black Knights have dove right into the deep end of the talent pool during their first official week of matches this year. Hosting a tri-match with Franklin and McDowell on Nov. 12, Robbinsville knocked off the Panthers 54-24 and the Titans 46-21.
Senior Tanner Hedden was all fired up after dropping Braydon Hervey for a first-quarter loss Friday. Giving kudos to Hedden for the stop is Isiac Collins (7). Photos by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Senior Tanner Hedden was all fired up after dropping Braydon Hervey for a first-quarter loss Friday. Giving kudos to Hedden for the stop is Isiac Collins (7). Photos by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Panthers win rematch

The box score from Aug. 30, 2024's game between Robbinsville and Franklin. Franklin – To say the Panthers have improved ten-fold from this time last year would be an understatement.
Robbinsville quarterback Bryce Adams breaks away from the pursuit of East Surry’s Luke Bruner during Friday’s 21-19 loss to the Cardinals. Photos courtesy of JR Willoughby Photography

Robbinsville quarterback Bryce Adams breaks away from the pursuit of East Surry’s Luke Bruner during Friday’s 21-19 loss to the Cardinals. Photos courtesy of JR Willoughby Photography

Mistakes prove costly

The box score from Aug. 23, 2024's game between Robbinsville and East Surry. Pilot Mountain – Things got off to an exciting start, but went off the rails quickly.
Senior Liz Carpenter (20) prepares for a pass to freshman Daphne Barlow (5) during Aug. 12’s season opener against T.C. Roberson. Photo by Royce Worbington/The Graham Star

Senior Liz Carpenter (20) prepares for a pass to freshman Daphne Barlow (5) during Aug. 12’s season opener against T.C. Roberson. Photo by Royce Worbington/The Graham Star

Why you play the game

Robbinsville – The Lady Knights continued to work against non-conference action before delving into divisional play next week. After sweeping the T.C. Roberson Lady Rams in Aug. 12’s debut, Robbinsville (2-1) ran into another defending conference champion Aug. 14: the Franklin Lady Panthers.

Jetting toward success

Candler – While others were spending time with loved ones or traveling for the holiday, Robbinsville’s wrestling program was busy plying its craft. The dedication paid dividends, as you could look anywhere on the results for Nov.