A Patton runner churns upfield in a scrimmage against West Caldwell.

Led by coach Chris Powell (center), Draughn's team prays together before breaking the postgame huddle at the Burke County Jamboree in Valdese on Aug. 11.

A Freedom player looks to pass during the team's jamboree scrimmage against Newton-Conover.

Members of the Freedom team talk during a jamboree scrimmage.

East Burke assistant coach Matt Childers (right) talks with a player during a jamboree scrimmage versus North Iredell.

The Cavaliers offense prepares to snap the ball during a jamboree scrimmage.

EB's backfield springs into action during a play at the jamboree.

Freedom's Jaylen Barnett looks to pass in a jamboree scrimmage.

Draughn's Eli Tillery passes in an Aug. 9 scrimmage at Bunker Hill.

Can Draughn deliver an encore?

Draughn's Ethan Miller (left) gains yardage during a preseason scrimmage at Bunker Hill.

The Draughn football team faces a unique challenge this fall, both among this year’s Burke County teams and in a historical context for the Wildcats’ program. Draughn won a program-record 13 games, claimed its first-ever conference title and reached the West Regional final. Is Draughn content or ready for a big encore?

Draughn fall sports team capsules

VOLLEYBALL Last year’s record: 15-10 overall, first in WHC 1A/2A; lost 3rd round 1A state playoffs Returning players: Allison Auton, Speed Hatley, Helena Hatley, Addison Aldridge, Addison Poteat, …

Draughn 2023 football schedule

Aug. 18 at Hunter Huss Aug. 25 Patton Sept. 1 East Burke Sept. 8 Chase Sept. 15 Owen* Sept. 22 at Avery County* Sept. 29 at Mitchell* Oct. 6 Madison* Oct. 13 Rosman* Oct. 20 Bye Oct. 27 at Mountain …

East Burke fall sports team capsules

VOLLEYBALL Last year’s record: 15-10 overall, third in CVAC 2A; lost 1st round 2A state playoffs Returning players: Katherine Greene, Caroline Pruitt, Addy Fortenberry, Allison Teague Other key …

East Burke 2023 football schedule

Aug. 18 at Patton Aug. 25 Freedom Sept. 1 at Draughn Sept. 8 Bye Sept. 15 Maiden* Sept. 22 at Bandys* Sept. 29 Newton-Conover* Oct. 6 Bunker Hill* Oct. 13 at Lincolnton* Oct. …

East Burke seeks to end frustration

Levi Coble runs hard versus North Iredell during a scrimmage this preseason. Coble is one of three returning East Burke players who rushed for 600 or more yards last fall.

It’s perhaps the most promising yet also the most maddening situation for any football team. A series of close losses versus quality competition, showing the promise of what could be but coming with the bitter pill of merely being almost good enough. And it’s a scenario East Burke hopes to put to rest in 2023.

Freedom Patriots

Freedom counting on youth movement

JAMES LYNCH JR. / THE PAPER Elijah McMeans wrestles a Newton-Conover player down for a tackle during the preseason.

Freedom is accustomed to winning football games, with 11 conference championships and 11 10-win seasons all-time. The Patriots have finished .500 or better and reached the state playoffs in each full season (not counting the COVID-condensed spring 2021 season) since 2010. But the Patriots haven’t won big in nearly a decade.

Freedom fall sports team capsules

VOLLEYBALL Last year’s record: 1-21 overall, sixth in NWC 3A/4A Returning players: Aniya Bell, Ava Whitaker, Caroline McRacken, Haven Gladden, Mary Taylor, Kelbony Clark, Kaitlyn Hagmann Other key …

Freedom 2023 football schedule

Aug. 18 at Bunker Hill Aug. 25 at East Burke Sept. 1 Forestview Sept. 8 Patton Sept. 15 at Chase Sept. 22 Bye Sept. 29 Hibriten* Oct. 6 at South Caldwell* Oct. 13 Ashe County* Oct. 20 Watauga* Oct. …

Patton fall sports team capsules

VOLLEYBALL Last year’s record: 16-7 overall, third in MF7 2A; lost 2nd round 2A state playoffs Returning players: Piper Atkins, Lindsey Devine, Abigail Carpenter, Kate Clark, Reece Edwards, Anna …

Patton 2023 football schedule

Aug. 18 East Burke Aug. 25 at Draughn Sept. 1 Wilkes Central Sept. 8 at Freedom Sept. 15 Polk County* Sept. 22 Bye Sept. 29 East Rutherford* Oct. 6 at R-S Central* Oct. 13 Brevard* Oct. 20 at …

Patton program hits reset button

JAMES LYNCH JR. / THE PAPER Patton's Burke Wilson looks to pass during a preseason scrimmage. Wilson, a junior, will start at quarterback after seeing some action at the position last year as well.

As the Patton football team reinvents itself this season under a new coaching staff and new offensive and defensive schemes, it is doing so with one primary goal in mind with New coach Ryan Goggio — to break a playoff drought that hits five years this November ...

Read the 2023 Fall Sports Preview

It's time for football! A photo gallery