NCHSAAFB

Robbinsville High School principal David Matheson (right) presents Black Knight players (from left) Carlos Wesley, Grady Garland, Kamron McGuire, Clayson Lane and Rylee Anderson with the 1A Western Regional Championship trophy, moments after a 28-14 win over Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy on Friday night. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Robbinsville High School principal David Matheson (right) presents Black Knight players (from left) Carlos Wesley, Grady Garland, Kamron McGuire, Clayson Lane and Rylee Anderson with the 1A Western Regional Championship trophy, moments after a 28-14 win over Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy on Friday night. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Knights reach 1A state title game

Robbinsville – For the first time since 2015, Robbinsville is heading to the state finals. The Black Knights (14-0) defeated the visiting Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy Gryphons (12-2) to win the 1A Western Regional Championship Friday night, 28-14.
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.
Even Alleghany defensive back Lucas Wigg (31) could not slow down Robbinsville’s Lex Hooper on Nov. 21. The Knights’ running back scored three touchdowns in a 40-22, second-round playoff win over the Trojans. Photos by Byron Housley/The Graham Star

Even Alleghany defensive back Lucas Wigg (31) could not slow down Robbinsville’s Lex Hooper on Nov. 21. The Knights’ running back scored three touchdowns in a 40-22, second-round playoff win over the Trojans. Photos by Byron Housley/The Graham Star

Trojan horse

Robbinsville – It’s time for Knights/Bulldogs II. Only this time, it will be under the Big Oaks. Robbinsville (12-0) knocked off the visiting Alleghany Trojans (4-9) in the second round of the 1A state playoffs on Nov.
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.