THIS ONE’S FOR YOU: Blue Devils rise to the occasion in season-opening win over rival Bandys on Thursday night

CATAWBA, NC - Prep football is officially back, and what a way to kick-off the 2020-21 season than to have an opening battle between the Maiden Blue Devils and Bandys Trojans. These programs have butted heads time-and-time again, and the season opener on Thursday night was the 68th meeting between the two hated rivals. A … Continue reading THIS ONE’S FOR YOU: Blue Devils rise to the occasion in season-opening win over rival Bandys on Thursday night →

BORN TO RUN: Foard senior Karina Coulter finishes out prep cross country career strong as 3-time NCHSAA 2A All-State runner

NEWTON, NC - We all have some sort of aspirations in life, but not everyone fights for it. If one does, it can open up the floodgates for possibilities. The same is definitely true in the sports world. From the time an individual is young, there is a goal in mind for him or her … Continue reading BORN TO RUN: Foard senior Karina Coulter finishes out prep cross country career strong as 3-time NCHSAA 2A All-State runner →

EIGHT IS NOT ENOUGH: Foard volleyball claims back-to-back 2A state titles before heading back to 3A league; achieves 8th overall state championship win

NEWTON, NC – That's it. It's all over. Mission accomplished. Back-to-back state champions. The Fred T. Foard varsity volleyball team (19-0) became the sole survivor in the North Carolina High School Athletic Association 2A state championship in Cary, NC, on Jan. 23 at the expense of McMichael. “The thought of us being back-to-back state champions … Continue reading EIGHT IS NOT ENOUGH: Foard volleyball claims back-to-back 2A state titles before heading back to 3A league; achieves 8th overall state championship win →

Red Devils’ WR/DB Brandon Johnson named a Sports Illustrated All-American candidate

NEWTON – Wow. Just wow. That was the initial reaction of Newton-Conover rising senior and varsity football player Brandon Johnson when learning the news of him being among the candidates for Sports Illustrated's All-American selection. Candidates from North Carolina were officially selected on July 15 which include 55 potential All-Americans. With these many candidates on … Continue reading Red Devils’ WR/DB Brandon Johnson named a Sports Illustrated All-American candidate →

CURTAIN CALL: Lady Trojans’ senior second baseman Bailey Burton endures abrupt ‘last ride’

CATAWBA – It’s always a bittersweet moment when an athlete plays his or her respective sport for the final time. When one gets his or her way on how it ends, it’s emotional but rewarding. Nevertheless, when the rug gets pulled out from under a student-athlete and one’s not allowed to control the ‘last ride,’ … Continue reading CURTAIN CALL: Lady Trojans’ senior second baseman Bailey Burton endures abrupt ‘last ride’ →

FULL CIRCLE: Lady Red Devils crowned co-2A state basketball champions last week; earns 2nd title in program history

NEWTON – Champions again, and it feels so good. Championship glory has been restored once more at Newton-Conover High School as the Lady Red Devils' varsity basketball team brought home the 2019-20 2A state title last week. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the actual state championship game between Newton-Conover and Farmville Central wasn't played, but … Continue reading FULL CIRCLE: Lady Red Devils crowned co-2A state basketball champions last week; earns 2nd title in program history →

Newton-Conover senior athlete Mackenzie Johnson’s experiencing rarity in sports world

NEWTON – It's quite an unusual time for sports fans across the globe and an even more atypical time for student-athletes. Due to this COVID-19 pandemic, the high school spring sports season is quite unique. It's even more different, to say the least, for Newton-Conover High senior Mackenzie Johnson. Johnson – a three-sport athlete with … Continue reading Newton-Conover senior athlete Mackenzie Johnson’s experiencing rarity in sports world →

SISTERLY BOND: Bunker Hill senior pitcher Payton Bryant shares softball journey with younger sister Camryn Bryant

CLAREMONT, NC - Growing up is a tough feat for anybody. Maneuvering through life is a challenge – even in the world of sports – especially if one’s alone during the journey. Fortunately for Bunker Hill senior Payton Bryant and junior Camryn “Cami” Bryant, they have been able to experience the trials and tribulations of … Continue reading SISTERLY BOND: Bunker Hill senior pitcher Payton Bryant shares softball journey with younger sister Camryn Bryant →

HEART OVER HEIGHT: Bandys’ senior Quenten Maddox continues fight for collegiate basketball career

CATAWBA, NC - In the words of Sylvester Stallone's Rocky Balboa character, it’s not about how hard you hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. Bandys High senior Quenten Maddox has been fighting for what he has attained his whole life and he continues to battle for his dreams. … Continue reading HEART OVER HEIGHT: Bandys’ senior Quenten Maddox continues fight for collegiate basketball career →

FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAME: Blue Devils’ senior pitcher Ross Fowler reflects on final high school baseball season

MAIDEN, NC - It's tough to surmise what will officially become of the 2020 spring sports' season, but all one can do is hope, especially the senior athletes. For Maiden senior Ross Fowler, he is hopeful that his high school baseball career isn't over before his farewell season even really began. Fowler – a 6'1” … Continue reading FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAME: Blue Devils’ senior pitcher Ross Fowler reflects on final high school baseball season →