Bob Sutton

551 Posts
Experienced Providence Grove Patriots look primed for more on football field

Experienced Providence Grove Patriots look primed for more on football field

Chase Whitaker will remain a key part of Providence Grove’s defense, but his role might expand on offense. (PJ Ward-Brown/Randolph Record) Providence Grove’s large senior class could pay off CLIMAX – Two of the most productive players from Providence Grove’s special 2021 football team are gone. But don’t feel bad for the Patriots because they’re bustling with experience. “A lot of people assume that we’re going to be pretty good,” said coach Calvin Brown, whose roster has 22 seniors. “I think that experience and being a year older is going to make a difference. We’re not relying on a lot…
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Asheboro Blue Comets intent on collecting confidence, winning in football

Asheboro Blue Comets intent on collecting confidence, winning in football

Asheboro coach Blake Brewer, here at practice earlier this month, will try to help the Blue Comets head in the right direction. (PJ Ward-Brown/Randolph Record) Asheboro seeks change from five-year stretch of doldrums ASHEBORO – There’s no reason for members of the Asheboro football team to dwell on the past. What’s ahead is the exciting part for the Blue Comets. “The expectations are higher,” senior safety DJ Headen. “Another year to prove ourselves.” Asheboro has dipped to the depths in recent seasons, but that hasn’t depleted optimism. Coming off a one-win season, the Blue Comets are anxious to change the…
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Randleman Tigers plan on quick football turnaround

Randleman Tigers plan on quick football turnaround

Quarterback Christian Long is hoping for a smoother season in his second year as Randleman’s starter. (PJ Ward-Brown/Randolph Record) Randleman reaches for rapid rebuild after rough season RANDLEMAN – The quest to return to the top is in the works for the Randleman football team. “We’re not who we want to be yet, but we’re getting pretty close,” senior quarterback Christian Long said. “I think the mentality going into this year is different. I don’t think we’re all the way there yet.” A sudden dip has given the Tigers a sense of urgency entering the season, which begins Friday night…
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Eastern Randolph Wildcats load up for more football success

Eastern Randolph Wildcats load up for more football success

Stratton Barwick will be at the controls of the offense again for Eastern Randolph. (PJ Ward-Brown/Randolph Record) Eastern Randolph wants to build on last year’s dominance RAMSEUR – Remaining the best football team in Randolph County is only part of the quest for Eastern Randolph. The Wildcats would like to build on that. With a foundation along the offensive line and enough talent swirling around at other positions, they could be on their way. Third-year starter Stratton Barwick is at quarterback and four offensive linemen are back from a year ago. Eastern Randolph finished with a 10-1 record last season,…
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Sunday early voting removed in Randolph County

Sunday early voting removed in Randolph County

ASHEBORO – There will still be weekend early voting in Randolph County for the 2022 general election, but there will be a slightly different twist. The Randolph County Board of Elections voted to nix a Sunday early voting date for this fall. Instead, there will be three Saturdays when early voting is conducted. Melissa Johnson, who’s director of the county’s Board of Elections, said there was interest from some citizens to restore a Sunday date at last week’s August meeting. However, that decision had been made nearly a month earlier and needed to remain in place based on the board’s…
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Brannon drives in runs in first pro game

Brannon drives in runs in first pro game

Brooks Brannon, shown here with Randleman during the Class 2-A state playoffs in May, has had a strong start to his professional career. (File photo) Ex-Randleman star then triples twice in second game Former Randleman catcher Brooks Brannon’s second professional plate appearance resulted in a two-run single Saturday in the Florida Complex League at JetBlue Park in Fort Myers, Fla. “It was amazing,” Brannon said of the feeling in a text to Randolph Record. Brannon, who was a ninth-round draft pick of the Boston Red Sox last month, went 1-for-2 with a walk and a strikeout in his debut for…
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New Asheboro AD sees grand potential, calls Blue Comets ‘a sleeping giant’

New Asheboro AD sees grand potential, calls Blue Comets ‘a sleeping giant’

Wes Berrier, the new athletics director for Asheboro High School, checks out the first day of football practice last week. (PJ Ward-Brown/Randolph Record) ASHEBORO – Wes Berrier’s view of athletics at Asheboro High School is one of great potential. He’d like to see the Blue Comets’ programs return to prominence. “A sleeping giant,” the new athletics director said. “I feel I’m coming in at a great time. I’m expecting big things as far as our athletics.” Berrier officially became the athletics director this summer, though he filled that role for the final couple of months of the 2021-22 school year…
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Early showdowns dot Randolph County prep schedules

Early showdowns dot Randolph County prep schedules

Asheboro boys' soccer players celebrate a goal during a game last year, which turned out to be a good season for the Blue Comets (File photo) High school sports games and matches for the 2022-23 school year begin next week with competitions that count on the records. For most sports in the North Carolina High School Athletic Association, the first date for competition comes Monday (Aug. 15). Here are a few notable events on early schedules: •  On Aug. 15, Southwestern Randolph travels to Central Davidson in the first boys’ soccer game with Jimmy Walker back in charge as coach…
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Defending champ Cougars eager to see impact of changes for volleyball season

Defending champ Cougars eager to see impact of changes for volleyball season

Coley Shiflet is bound to be a key player again for Southwestern Randolph’s volleyball team. (File photo) Southwestern Randolph gears up for volleyball season after 2021 state title ASHEBORO — Southwestern Randolph’s volleyball team has a few different components this season. There will be a new offensive make-up and a key transfer with the Cougars. But one thing they don’t want to change is the rate of success. “There’s a lot of excitement in our gym,” coach Darby Kennedy said. “They want to hold onto the title and defend that title.” Southwestern Randolph is the reigning Class 2-A state champion.…
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Troutman transfers out of UCA

Troutman transfers out of UCA

Basketball standout heads to private school for senior season BURLINGTON — One of the most highly recruited boys’ basketball players in Randolph County in the upcoming senior class will no longer will be playing for a school in the county. Ashton Troutman is transferring from Uwharrie Charter Academy to The Burlington School. He said he’s looking for more exposure and a higher level of competition. “Just being in a basketball environment and for a good team,” Troutman said. “I would have never flirted with the idea of leaving if it wasn’t for basketball.” Troutman, a 6-foot-7½, 205-pound post player, was…
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