St. Stephens sophomore tailback Izzy Payne eclipses 1,000-yard rushing mark, earns all-conference nod for 1st time in 2025

HICKORY, N.C. — An athlete’s success does not develop overnight. His or her craft must be harnessed to its full potential in a gradual process. St. Stephens High School sophomore Izzy Payne displayed his growth with the varsity football program the last two seasons. “My love for football came from my dad; he would show … Continue reading St. Stephens sophomore tailback Izzy Payne eclipses 1,000-yard rushing mark, earns all-conference nod for 1st time in 2025 →

Bandys High senior Samuel Hill looks to continue his juggernaut style of play on the defensive end during the 2024 season

CATAWBA, N.C. — As a prep sports athlete, one is not always simply handed the keys to the castle right away. Oftentimes, there is a grind before the coaching staff feels he or she is ready enough to take control. While some individuals get the chance to demonstrate one’s prowess as an underclassman, others have … Continue reading Bandys High senior Samuel Hill looks to continue his juggernaut style of play on the defensive end during the 2024 season →

Newton-Conover quarterback Logan Adair enters senior season in 2024 with great expectations under new coaching regime

NEWTON, N.C. — Being a galvanizing leader is tough in any sport, let alone football in what is considered the most important position on the field at quarterback. Newton-Conover High School senior Logan Adair felt the brunt of that as a first-year starter with the varsity program in 2023. When things go according to plan, … Continue reading Newton-Conover quarterback Logan Adair enters senior season in 2024 with great expectations under new coaching regime →

Junior tailback Brycen Gaither embraces use as an all-purpose athlete in St. Stephens’ climb to success on football field

HICKORY, N.C. — In almost any contact sport, there are position specialists and then there are utility athletes, meaning one can be placed in multiple positions as a jack-of-all trades and thrive. St. Stephens High School junior Brycen Gaither has been one of those latter student-athletes, particularly on the football field. Gaither, a dual-threat offensive … Continue reading Junior tailback Brycen Gaither embraces use as an all-purpose athlete in St. Stephens’ climb to success on football field →

Bunker Hill junior running back Jason Willis Jr. has impressive campaign in 2022 despite injury; he looks to showcase full talent in third year

CLAREMONT, N.C. — When one steps out onto a field or court, he or she prepares for the possibility that an injury can occur. It is up to that individual to let that setback define them or not. Bunker Hill junior running back Jason Willis Jr. chose not to let a hiccup be the deciding … Continue reading Bunker Hill junior running back Jason Willis Jr. has impressive campaign in 2022 despite injury; he looks to showcase full talent in third year →

Red Devils’ Lineberger carries family legacy into battle on the gridiron; the stalwart defensive anchor looks to unleash his all-state potential as a senior in 2023

NEWTON, N.C. — One’s aspirations in life come from inspiration in different places. In some instances, it could be the environment around an individual that shape’s one’s interests. In other cases, family or friends can affect one’s pathway. The latter sentiment can be applied to Newton-Conover High School senior Jordan Lineberger. For him, the apple … Continue reading Red Devils’ Lineberger carries family legacy into battle on the gridiron; the stalwart defensive anchor looks to unleash his all-state potential as a senior in 2023 →

SOMETHING TO PROVE: Newton-Conover senior linebacker Xavion Coulter looks to continue his dominant play during the 2021-22 season

NEWTON, N.C. — Intensity and aggression is the name of the game if one chooses to play on the defensive side of the ball in football. It isn’t for the faint of heart, and one has to be willing to go all out on a consistent basis. Simply put, some have it and some don’t. … Continue reading SOMETHING TO PROVE: Newton-Conover senior linebacker Xavion Coulter looks to continue his dominant play during the 2021-22 season →

SHADE OF FAITH: Red Devils senior running back Allan Shade ends prep career with stellar offensive outing

NEWTON, N.C — The prep varsity football season officially ended for all Catawba County teams on April 16, due to first-round exits from Maiden and Bunker Hill. Although it missed the state playoffs – finishing with a 2-4 overall record, as well as a matching South Fork 2A Conference record for fifth-place in the standings … Continue reading SHADE OF FAITH: Red Devils senior running back Allan Shade ends prep career with stellar offensive outing →

Red Devils’ running back Shade’s 4 TD performance, defensive prowess lead to 32-14 win over Bandys on ‘Senior Night’

NEWTON, NC - The Newton-Conover Red Devils varsity football team stepped onto its home field inside of Gurley Stadium on Friday night looking to make up for its season-opening loss to Lincolnton. Well, the Red Devils (1-1) did just that against rival Bandys (0-2) via a superb running game by senior tailback Allan Shade (218 … Continue reading Red Devils’ running back Shade’s 4 TD performance, defensive prowess lead to 32-14 win over Bandys on ‘Senior Night’ →

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 →