Bulldogs

Jeb Shuler, Drey Keener, Nathan Collins and Eddie Brooms (from left) could not contain their excitement after Robbinsville bested Murphy in a 62-60 overtime thriller Tuesday night. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Jeb Shuler, Drey Keener, Nathan Collins and Eddie Brooms (from left) could not contain their excitement after Robbinsville bested Murphy in a 62-60 overtime thriller Tuesday night. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Roll with the changes

Robbinsville – It’s official: the Smoky Mountain Conference has been put on notice. The Robbinsville Black Knights have grown weary of cellar-dwelling in the division and are changing the narrative.

Two games, two wins

Robbinsville – For the first time this season, the Black Knights strung together back-to-back wins.  A big conference victory over Rosman (2-18, 1-10) on Tuesday, Feb.

Black Knights involved in another near-miss

Highlands – It is an all-too-familiar scenario: the Robbinsville Black Knights, involved in another nailbiter. During Wednesday, Jan. 22’s make-up game at Highlands, the Knights (1-14, 0-8) found themselves in a 58-58 deadlock with the Highlanders (7-13, 2-2) in the closing seconds of regulation.

Knights mow down division

Robbinsville – Amidst a hectic week – filled with conference matches aplenty – Robbinsville wrestling rose to the occasion. The Knights disposed of Murphy 74-6 and Hayesville 60-17 in a Cherokee County tri-match Jan. 9, before traveling to Rosman and downing the Tigers 75-6.

3 games, 3 Lady Knights wins

Robbinsville – After a 4-game road trip, the Robbinsville Middle School basketball program returned to the friendly confines of home Tuesday. Stops at Andrews on Dec.
Robbinsville quarterback Nathan Collins (5) looks to outpace the defense of  Murphy’s Ray Rathburn during Friday’s third-round playoff game. Collins had two rushing touchdowns in the Knights’ 24-13 win over the Bulldogs. Photos by Byron Housley/The Graham Star

Robbinsville quarterback Nathan Collins (5) looks to outpace the defense of Murphy’s Ray Rathburn during Friday’s third-round playoff game. Collins had two rushing touchdowns in the Knights’ 24-13 win over the Bulldogs. Photos by Byron Housley/The Graham Star

Black Friday

Robbinsville – Long after most everyone was finished with their holiday shopping, Robbinsville took advantage of a home-field discount. The Black Knights (13-0) welcomed the Bulldogs (10-3) for the third round of the N.C.
The Robbinsville Black Knights get set at the line of scrimmage during the second half of Friday's 24-13 third-round playoff win over Murphy. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

The Robbinsville Black Knights get set at the line of scrimmage during the second half of Friday's 24-13 third-round playoff win over Murphy. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Knights advance to second-straight Western final

Robbinsville – Last year's 1A Western Regional Final pitted Murphy against Robbinsville. This year, that same match-up took place … only one round sooner.
Coach Lucas Ford (left) can't contain his excitement as Clayson Lane (15) and Lex Hooper (20) rejoice in the moment Friday night at Murphy, after Robbinsville moved the chains for the final time in a Smoky Mountain Conference title-clinching 17-14 win over the Bulldogs. Photos by Byron Housley/The Graham Star

Coach Lucas Ford (left) can't contain his excitement as Clayson Lane (15) and Lex Hooper (20) rejoice in the moment Friday night at Murphy, after Robbinsville moved the chains for the final time in a Smoky Mountain Conference title-clinching 17-14 win over the Bulldogs. Photos by Byron Housley/The Graham Star

What a Knight!

Murphy – In a high-stakes situation, Robbinsville hit the jackpot. The Black Knights (11-0) rallied from a halftime deficit Friday night at Murphy (9-2) to stun the Bulldogs 17-14, clinching the program’s first Smoky Mountain Conference title since 2015.

Robbinsville wins first conference title since 2015

Murphy – In a high-stakes situation, Robbinsville hit the jackpot. The Black Knights (11-0) rallied from a halftime deficit Friday night at Murphy (9-2) to stun the Bulldogs 17-14, clinching the program's first Smoky Mountain Conference title since 2015.