All in sports
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.
Then came the bottom of the seventh inning, a moment that will forever be recounted in Lexington baseball lore. With the score still deadlocked and the tension almost unbearable, Roman Keith stepped up to the plate. The crowd collectively held its breath, the rhythmic thud of the beach balls silenced, replaced by a singular, focused hum of anticipation. Keith, known for his clutch hitting, took a deep breath, eyes locked on the pitcher. The first pitch was a blur, a fastball that whizzed by for a strike. The second, a breaking ball, was fouled off. With two strikes, the stadium went utterly silent, every fan willing the ball to find the sweet spot of Keith’s bat.
The roar of the crowd, the crack of the bat, and the aroma of ballpark favorites are all set to return to Holt Moffitt Field this Thursday at 6:00 PM as your very own Lexington Flying Pigs host Game One of the Divisional Playoffs! This is not just another game; it's an invitation to experience the pinnacle of local baseball as the Flying Pigs embark on their quest for championship glory.
This year, "The Huddle" is ready to take you closer to the action than ever before. We're not just reporting scores; we're immersing ourselves in the heart of the game. Our team will be bringing you live coverage from the sidelines, capturing the raw emotion, the crucial plays, and the unforgettable moments as they happen. Imagine being able to follow your favorite team's drive, cheer on a game-winning touchdown, or witness a crucial defensive stop, all in real-time, right there with Davidson Local.
Over the course of 75 years, the Lexington Swim Club has been solidified as a sanctuary within the community, somewhere where we can gather and connect as a whole, away from the chaos of everyday life and the responsibilities that follow.
This season has been a remarkable journey for the Lexington Flying Pigs. From the first game to the last, they have played with heart, passion, and a commitment to excellence. Their success is a story of community, family, and the power of unwavering support. As they prepare to enter the tournament, they do so not just as a team, but as a community, united in their pursuit of a championship. The legacy of this incredible season will be felt long after the final game is played, and the memories will be cherished by every fan who stood in the pouring rain, cheering for their beloved Flying Pigs.
On Thursday at Bulldog territory, Assistant Coach Travis Leonard of Thomasville High School discussed the lineman preparation at the school. He shared insights into how the program is actively building and working towards a winning season, focusing on developing plays and strengthening fundamental skills.
The Yellow Jackets showed impressive early form in their recent scrimmage, demonstrating a strong offensive and defensive presence that has fans optimistic for the season. Despite the promising display, Assistant Coach Clodfelter was quick to temper expectations, emphasizing the critical role of continued preparation. "This was a good start," Clodfelter stated, "but success in the regular season will hinge entirely on our dedication to daily practice and meticulous game planning. We need to preach preparation every single day."
