NCHSAAFB

Members of the Robbinsville Black Knights fight back tears of disappointment Dec. 11, after being handed the 1A state runner-up trophy following a 9-8 loss in the championship game to Wilson Preparatory Academy. From left are Kyzik Teesateskie, Luke Lovin, Ryelon Waldroup, John Dominguez, Dane Daniels, head coach Lucas Ford, Kellen Ensley, Isiac Collins and Kasen Buchanan. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Members of the Robbinsville Black Knights fight back tears of disappointment Dec. 11, after being handed the 1A state runner-up trophy following a 9-8 loss in the championship game to Wilson Preparatory Academy. From left are Kyzik Teesateskie, Luke Lovin, Ryelon Waldroup, John Dominguez, Dane Daniels, head coach Lucas Ford, Kellen Ensley, Isiac Collins and Kasen Buchanan. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Black Knights fall in state title game

The box score from Dec. 11, 2025's 1A state championship game between Wilson Preparatory Academy and Robbinsville. Chapel Hill – Heartbroke. That's the only way to describe the sentiment on Robbinsville's side of the field inside UNC's Kenan Stadium on Dec.
Members of the Robbinsville Black Knights address the media during Thursday's 1A state championship, post-game press conference. From left are head coach Lucas Ford, Isiac Collins, Kellen Ensley and Luke Lovin. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Members of the Robbinsville Black Knights address the media during Thursday's 1A state championship, post-game press conference. From left are head coach Lucas Ford, Isiac Collins, Kellen Ensley and Luke Lovin. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Black Knights fall in 1A title game

Chapel Hill — Robbinsville's quest for a 16th state championship ended in heartbreak Thursday afternoon, as the Black Knights fell 9-8 to the Wilson Preparatory Academy Tigers in the 1A title game.
The Robbinsville Black Knights gather for the final home, post-game chat of the 2025 season Nov. 28, moments after clinching the 1A Western Regional title on Bob Colvin Field at Modeal Walsh Memorial (Big Oaks) Stadium. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

The Robbinsville Black Knights gather for the final home, post-game chat of the 2025 season Nov. 28, moments after clinching the 1A Western Regional title on Bob Colvin Field at Modeal Walsh Memorial (Big Oaks) Stadium. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Black Knights vie for 16th championship

* 1A state title game preview Chapel Hill – By the time many of you open your mailbox, Robbinsville's state-championship fate will have already been determined.
The Robbinsville Black Knights gather in the middle of Bob Colvin Field on Friday, moments after defeating South Davidson to capture the program's 14th 1A Western Regional championship. Photos by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

The Robbinsville Black Knights gather in the middle of Bob Colvin Field on Friday, moments after defeating South Davidson to capture the program's 14th 1A Western Regional championship. Photos by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Robbinsville heading back to the ‘ship

The box score from Nov. 28, 2025's 1A Western Regional championship game between South Davidson and Robbinsville. Robbinsville – One week from today, the Black Knights will be playing for a 16th state championship.
Kyzik Teesateskie’s first-quarter catch Friday was one that will be discussed for years to come. The only pass thrown to the senior was snagged behind the helmet of East Columbus cornerback Gabriel Green and quickly resulted in a 34-yard scoring reception. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Kyzik Teesateskie’s first-quarter catch Friday was one that will be discussed for years to come. The only pass thrown to the senior was snagged behind the helmet of East Columbus cornerback Gabriel Green and quickly resulted in a 34-yard scoring reception. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Gator haters

The box score from Nov. 21, 2025's game between East Columbus and Robbinsville. Robbinsville – In a performance that was eerily similar to their playoff opener Nov. 14, the Black Knights dictated the pace of Friday's third-round postseason showdown from the word "go." Hosting East Columbus (No.

Middle school hoops plucks Eagles

Hiwassee Dam – After loading up the bus and inputting coordinates for the westernmost school in North Carolina on Nov. 13, Graham County's middle school basketball program took care of business in decisive fashion.
Robbinsville’s Isiac Collins (7) dismisses the defensive effort of Andrews’ Isaac Vaught on a third-quarter rushing attempt during Friday’s second-round playoff game. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Robbinsville’s Isiac Collins (7) dismisses the defensive effort of Andrews’ Isaac Vaught on a third-quarter rushing attempt during Friday’s second-round playoff game. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Total annihilation

The box score from Nov. 14, 2025's game between Andrews and Robbinsville.
Robbinsville’s Dane Daniels (76) provides some free air time for Kyzik Teesateskie on Friday, after the latter scored his second rushing touchdown at Cherokee. The senior running back leads the Black Knights with 12 touchdowns and enters the postseason with 571 yards on the ground in 2025. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Robbinsville’s Dane Daniels (76) provides some free air time for Kyzik Teesateskie on Friday, after the latter scored his second rushing touchdown at Cherokee. The senior running back leads the Black Knights with 12 touchdowns and enters the postseason with 571 yards on the ground in 2025. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Knights dismantle Braves in season finale

The box score from Oct. 31, 2025's game between Robbinsville and Cherokee. Cherokee – For a brief moment in time, it appeared that Halloween's regular-season conclusion was going to be a close ballgame.
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.