All in sports
The high school football playoffs are officially underway for the 2025 season, and several Davidson County squads are set to light up the gridiron this Friday, November 7th. From perennial contenders to surging dark horses, the first round of the NCHSAA bracket promises intense action and showcases some of the region's top athletic talent.
First and foremost, it would be a great deal for me to say that you have to pay homage when it is due. As the basketball season emerges, I’d like to highlight two hometown legends who are continually making a difference in students' lives both on and off the court. I can say these words of emphasis because I know these gentlemen personally, and these men truly deserve their flowers while they are still here.
The air in Lexington is electric, charged with the palpable excitement of high school football playoffs! The Lexington Yellow Jackets have officially punched their ticket, clinching a coveted playoff berth, and the best part? Their first-round game will be played right here at home. Their initial opponent will be West Stanley High School of Stanley County, and if Head Coach Charles Morman's enthusiasm is any indication, the Yellow Jackets are more than ready to defend their hive.
For the first time in school history, the Central Davidson High School girls’ tennis team has captured the Pac 7 Conference Championship — and they did it in commanding fashion.
After his junior year, Holt entered the transfer portal, seeking a new opportunity to maximize his minutes and impact. This led him to Mercer University, where he enrolled as a junior.3 The move proved beneficial, offering him a more prominent role on the court. During his first season with the Bears in 2023-2024, he played in 32 games, making 17 starts.4 He averaged 7.3 points and 4.7 rebounds per game, leading the team with an exceptional 65.6% shooting percentage from the field. His career highlights at Mercer include a season-best 23-point effort where he was a perfect 11-for-11 from the field, showcasing his reliable scoring touch near the basket.
Davidson County native and publisher Antionette Kerr reflects on faith, love, and laughter as she marks another year around the sun. In her latest column, she shares birthday lessons born of small-town roots, barbecue smoke, and the enduring grace that carries her — raven and all — down life’s backroads.
First-year volleyball head coach Mekyiaa Walker expressed her deep affection for her players and pride in their achievements. She spoke passionately about the commitment and dedication the Chargers showed every day. "They have worked incredibly hard to get where they are now," Coach Walker said. Looking ahead, she is eager for the next season, confident in the momentum they’ve built and ready to "unwrap what the Chargers have in store for a new beginning."
The 2025 schedule has seen the Spartans navigate tough non-conference matchups, including a hard-fought 20-17 victory over rival North Davidson and a narrow one-point loss to Eastern Alamance (31-32) that serves as the team's only blemish. With a 5-1 record and a 2-0 lead overall in the conference, Central Davidson has set a high bar for itself. The team is now focused on maintaining its dominant trajectory through the rest of the conference schedule, with sights set firmly on a deep playoff run. The Spartan Uprising is well underway, and the Central Davidson community is rallying behind a team that is delivering a memorable season of high-stakes football.
Lexington, NC – Friday nights under the lights are often where legends are born, and for Lexington Yellow Jackets senior Kamari McDonald, September 8th, 2023, will forever be etched in the annals of North Carolina high school football. In a dominant 40-0 shutout victory over East Davidson, McDonald didn't just make an impact; he rewrote the NCHSAA record books, recording an unprecedented three interception returns for touchdowns.
As the new wrestling season approaches, the atmosphere at Lexington High is buzzing with anticipation. Head coach Michael McKay, a former wrestler for the school himself, is leading a program with a clear vision: to build not just great athletes, but great people. While the team faces the challenge of a new conference and the departure of key seniors, McKay remains optimistic, focusing on the talent that remains and the strong foundation of his coaching staff.
May's professional journey began when he was selected by the San Diego Chargers in the seventh round of the 1992 NFL Draft with the 174th overall pick. He spent five seasons with the Chargers, from 1992 to 1996, establishing himself as a reliable player. After his time in San Diego, he moved to the Seattle Seahawks, where he played for three seasons from 1997 to 1999. Over his eight-season career, May's professional stats as a tight end included 26 receptions, 238 receiving yards, and 1 touchdown. While these stats may not be flashy, they reflect a player who was a crucial part of his team, often contributing through blocking and special teams, roles that are vital to a team's success but aren't always reflected in the stat sheet.
Thomasville Coach Bradley George believes tonight's rivalry game against the Lexington Yellow Jackets will be one for the history books, a testament to his team's hard work and perseverance. "We've had some tough days of practice," George said, "but it's all led up to this moment. This game should be one for the ages."
His legacy extended far beyond the announcer's booth. He created an atmosphere at the stadium that was electric, playing old-school music that made you feel like it was Saturday morning and time to clean house. His music choices were legendary, but his life lessons were what truly resonated. I remember a time when he was so displeased with me that he pulled me aside for a serious talk about my future. As a young and hardheaded teenager, I had no idea what I wanted to do after high school. He looked at me with an intensity that made me think he might "pluck" me, but instead, he offered encouragement. He saw something in me that I didn't see in myself.
n the later years of his coaching career, Tim Holt Sr. passed the torch to his son, Timothy "TJ" Holt Jr. It was a seamless transition, a passing of the baton from one generation of community leaders to the next. From a distance, you could see the foundation his father had laid out for him: a simple, powerful mantra of "conquer and repeat." This wasn’t just about winning; it was about mastering the fundamentals and repeating them until they became second nature.
In a wide-ranging conversation, Lexington native Alexis Beverly shared her journey from discovering volleyball by chance in middle school to becoming head coach of both the high school and middle school teams. Beverly reflected on why she loves the game’s team-first spirit, her path through Catawba College and work in sports and physical therapy, and how her calling eventually led her back home.
The journey was a constant series of unexpected challenges and unforgettable moments. On the first day of summer, Tobin was surprised by a sudden snowfall, forcing him to camp in freezing conditions. His encounters with wildlife were frequent and varied, including a mountain lion in Montana, two rattlesnakes, wild horses, and an antelope in New Mexico. One particularly grueling stretch in Wyoming saw him cycle 100 miles with no access to food or water. He also conquered the highest peak he had ever summited, reaching 12,000 feet in Colorado. Out of the 31 nights on the trail, Tobin spent 22 of them camping under the stars, embracing the wild.
That simple philosophy of treating people with respect and kindness was the foundation of his coaching and teaching. It was also the secret to the success of his girls' basketball team. Williams's first year was a challenge, with the team securing only one win. But he was relentless, and he assembled a coaching staff that shared his vision: Coach Maury Holt, Assistant Coach Angela Pittman, Assistant Coach Tyrone Terry, and later, Assistant Coach Alexis Fowler. Together, they transformed the program, with the team going undefeated in their fourth year—a historic first for Lexington Middle School.
Holt’s connection to the sport runs deep. A decorated athlete in her own right, she was a high school track star and later earned the title of Track & Field MVP. Her own experiences have shaped her belief in the power of the sport, and she’s determined to share that with the next generation. This year marks a significant milestone for Lexington, as it’s the first time the Parks & Recreation department has launched a track & field team. The excitement is palpable, and according to Holt, it's a collective effort. She highlights that everyone working alongside her is a volunteer, dedicating their time and energy out of a shared desire to see the program thrive and grow.
Looking ahead, Lily Ervin's basketball journey is far from over. Her exceptional high school career has paved the way for her to continue playing at the collegiate level, as she plans to attend Mount Olive University. This next chapter promises to be an exciting one, as she brings her proven skills, dedication, and competitive spirit to a new environment. Her story serves as an inspiration to aspiring young athletes in Lexington, demonstrating that with hard work and determination, dreams can indeed become a reality.
