Tigers

Robbinsville's Eli Lambert leaves an ambush of Tigers in his wake Friday at Rosman. Lambert had a career night, reeling in two scoring receptions and also returning a punt for a touchdown in the Black Knights' rout. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Robbinsville's Eli Lambert leaves an ambush of Tigers in his wake Friday at Rosman. Lambert had a career night, reeling in two scoring receptions and also returning a punt for a touchdown in the Black Knights' rout. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Black Knights joust Tigers

The box score from Oct. 17, 2025's game between Robbinsville and Rosman. Rosman – The host school had one chance to make a good impression – and swiftly failed. In response, Robbinsville scored early and often to dismantle Rosman 61-0 at Silversteen Memorial Stadium on Friday.
Kasen Buchanan (55) sacks Murphy quarterback Brady Grant to end the first half of action Friday. Photos by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Kasen Buchanan (55) sacks Murphy quarterback Brady Grant to end the first half of action Friday. Photos by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Clash of the titans

The box score from Oct. 10, 2025's game between Robbinsville and Murphy. Murphy – It was a low-scoring game, in which both teams gained 15 first downs and one program ended up with just one offensive yard more than the other.
Devin Burchfield intercepts a Rosman pass during the Sept. 11 JV football game. Photo by Lexie Anderson/The Graham Star

Devin Burchfield intercepts a Rosman pass during the Sept. 11 JV football game. Photo by Lexie Anderson/The Graham Star

JVs tame Tigers

Robbinsville – Opening the Smoky Mountain Conference portion of their season with a loss is not something the junior varsity Black Knights are accustomed to. However, the Sept.
Luke Lovin evades the pursuit of Tuscola defenders while gaining positive yardage in Friday's season opener. Lovin will be Robbinsville's quarterback for the 2025 season. Photos by Bella Eddings/The Graham Star

Luke Lovin evades the pursuit of Tuscola defenders while gaining positive yardage in Friday's season opener. Lovin will be Robbinsville's quarterback for the 2025 season. Photos by Bella Eddings/The Graham Star

SMC football: Not for the weak of heart

There's a reason a mention of Smoky Mountain Conference football sends shivers down the spines of opponents far and wide – the reputation of the division speaks for itself.
Avery Webster makes a running catch in right field Monday against Rosman. Photo by Lexie Anderson/The Graham Star

Avery Webster makes a running catch in right field Monday against Rosman. Photo by Lexie Anderson/The Graham Star

Black Knights drop slugfests

Robbinsville – Even with 20 combined runs in their last two games, the Black Knights are still on a quest for win No. 1 this season.
Rylen Orr was named the Opening Day starter for the Robbinsville Black Knights in Feb. 27’s season debut at Towns County, Ga. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Rylen Orr was named the Opening Day starter for the Robbinsville Black Knights in Feb. 27’s season debut at Towns County, Ga. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Black Knights begin season with tough losses

Benton Gibby fires the ball from the warning track during Monday’s home opener against Towns County. Photo by Jacquline Gayosso/The Graham Star Hiawassee, Ga.
Knox Orr controls Alleghany’s Elijah Barker during the second round of the state dual-team postseason Saturday. Orr went on to pin Barker and clinch a third-round berth for Robbinsville. Photos by Bella Eddings/The Graham Star

Knox Orr controls Alleghany’s Elijah Barker during the second round of the state dual-team postseason Saturday. Orr went on to pin Barker and clinch a third-round berth for Robbinsville. Photos by Bella Eddings/The Graham Star

3rd round bound

Robbinsville – There’s a reason the third round of the dual-team postseason is dubbed the “Elite 8.” The Black Knights found out after Wednesday’s press deadline if their duals roster was strong enough to withstand another tough evening of competition, as Robbinsville (No.
Luke Lovin earned his first win of the year April 18 against Rosman, posting 6 ⅔ innings of work against the Tigers. Photo by Jacquline Gayosso/The Graham Star

Luke Lovin earned his first win of the year April 18 against Rosman, posting 6 ⅔ innings of work against the Tigers. Photo by Jacquline Gayosso/The Graham Star

Round 1 goes to the Jackets

Hayesville – On the surface, everything that the Black Knights have clawed and scraped at this season was lost Monday. Nothing could be further from the truth – there’s still a lot of baseball and a lot of scenarios that could easily play out in Robbinsville’s favor.
Graylen Orr fires a ball to first during Monday’s conference opener against Swain. Orr manned the hill in Robbinsville’s first win of the season last week. Photo courtesy of Miranda Buchanan/Robbinsville High School Yearbook

Graylen Orr fires a ball to first during Monday’s conference opener against Swain. Orr manned the hill in Robbinsville’s first win of the season last week. Photo courtesy of Miranda Buchanan/Robbinsville High School Yearbook

No Gray area

Rosman – Over the course of 101 pitches, Graylen Orr dazzled, danced and hoodwinked the Rosman Tigers (0-4). The hosts ultimately mustered just three hits in response to the Black Knights senior, who fanned 10 in a complete-game effort.
Ethan Orr patiently awaits his chance to swing Monday against Towns County, Ga. The next day, Orr homered and pitched a complete game for Robbinsville, helping lift the Black Knights to a 5-3 home win over Rosman. Photo courtesy of Fala Welch/Contributing Photographer

Ethan Orr patiently awaits his chance to swing Monday against Towns County, Ga. The next day, Orr homered and pitched a complete game for Robbinsville, helping lift the Black Knights to a 5-3 home win over Rosman. Photo courtesy of Fala Welch/Contributing Photographer

Not your average Knights

Robbinsville – Just 2 ½ weeks ago, the Black Knights were 0-6 and had only played one seven-inning game to start the season. Counting Tuesday’s 5-3 home victory over Rosman, Robbinsville has went 5-2 to put the bumpy opening of the campaign in the rearview mirror.