FOOTBALL
Dogs, Cats earn honors
All-Conference honors for the Smoky Mountain Conference were announced last week, headlined by Murphy Bulldogs head coach Joseph Watson being named All-SMC Coach of the Year.
Bulldogs running back Cameron Clem was named SMC Back of the Year after rushing for 1,747 yards with 27 touchdowns.
From the Bulldogs, Clem, Kenyon Nichols, Kadence Leatherwood, Jerry Bui, Camden Breazeale, Ryan Payne, Brody Orton, Janthony Gooden, Jude Pinkerton, Will Shore, Dalton Farmer, Landen Lape and Charlie Graves were named to the All-SMC team.
From the Andrews Wildcats, Landon Greene, Eli Aguilar, Colton Rose and Will Roberts were named All-SMC.
PRO WRESTLING
Champs crowned
New champions were crowned Saturday night at the American Championship Wrestling Federation’s monthly event.
In the main event, The Freak defeated Digger James to win the ACWF heavyweight championship and Axel Gunn defeated Mike Clay to win the ACWF U.S. championship.
Also in action, ACWF tag team champs Frodo and Flex Ferguson defeated Mountain Man Jeremy Stiles and Gunn. Kevin Seiber defeated Miguel Payne. Jesus Freak defeated Virus. Billy Havoc won a triple threat against Robert Starr and MD King. Then in the match between Stryker and Killshot, there was a double count-out.
ACWF will return to the Peachtree Community Center on Saturday, Jan. 4, for its next event.
CYCLING
Mountain Ride back
The Cycle NC Mountain Ride is returning to western North Carolina next year. Next year’s event will be held in Sylva from Aug. 1-3, 2025.
This will be Sylva’s first time hosting the event. It was held in Murphy this summer.
The event brings more than 350 cyclists typically from 20-plus states. The weekend will feature two days of cycling, plus many off-bike activities to explore the area.
Chip Hofler, director of Cycle NC, said, “the cyclists who participate in the Weekend Mountain Ride typically hail from over 20 states and love exploring new small mountain towns with unique charter. The ability to camp right in downtown and have easy access to Sylva’s wonderful Main Street makes it the perfect setting for the Mountain Ride.”
BASKETBALL
Hawks get home win
The Nantahala boys basketball team won at home over conference opponents Blue Ridge Early College.
The Hawks faced their first Little Smoky Mountain Conference opponent Friday night.
Nantahala improves to 4-2 and 1-0 in the LSMC with their important win over Blue Ridge. They will play one more game before winter break when they take on Polk County, Tenn., on the road Friday.
Compiled by Sports Editor Cannon Crompton. Email items to sports@cherokeescout.com.