High School Sports

For the Panthers’ soccer team, second place is no longer good enough.

The Carroll County High School boys have finished second in NCKC the last two years in a row and are determined to hang a banner this season.

“We didn’t maximize our full potential with our seniors class and junior class,” head coach Ben Crutcher said, whose team ended last season with an 8-11-1 record. “… This year, we expect a lot of good things, especially from our senior class.”

CCHS soccer will host a Veterans Night Aug. 20 during a varsity doubleheader against Henry County. Active duty and retired military in the area will be recognized for their service. The girls will play at 6 p.m. followed by the boys at 7:30 p.m. The Carroll County High School Honor Guard will present the colors and perform a gun routine. Girls head coach Greg Damron said he also has gotten approval for the National Guard armory to bring tanks to the field if they wish. Carroll players will switch out their normal home uniforms for camouflage t-shirts. 

The Lady Panthers golf team defeated the visiting Lady Raiders 224-226 in their season-opening match Monday at General Butler State Resort Park.

Freshman Jayden Bailey shot Carroll’s lowest score with a 52, followed closely by freshman Taylor Hayden. Junior Hannah McMahan shot a 55, and seventh grader Ciara Hamilton shot a 64 to round out the scoring for Carroll. Also competing were junior Ashli Childs, 65, and freshman Natalie Bennett.

Trimble’s Kate Staples medaled, shooting a 45.

After finishing near the bottom of the region last season (5-18), the Lady Panther volleyball team has re-grouped and is ready to wipe the slate clean.

“I’m excited and ready to start anew,” head coach Kristen Hooper said. “I think we’re going to be a really strong team this year. I feel like we get a lot of energy from our younger ones and experience from our older ones. It makes for a very good combination to drive us towards our goals and succeed.”