Sports - Randolph Record

25 Aug

Elder Labonte to be honored at Caraway Speedway

Randolph RecordSportsBob Labonte, Bobby Labonte, Caraway speedway, Late Models division, NASCAR

Bob Labonte, rear, poses with his sons Bobby Labonte, left, and Terry Labonte, right. (Courtesy photo) SOPHIA -- Bob Labonte will be inducted into Caraway Speedway’s Wall of Fame on Saturday during the speedway’s 57th anniversary night. He’ll join Wayne “Speedy” Thomas, Ronald Fox, Banner Shelton and Archie Adams, Sr. in the Wall of Fame’s Class of 2022. Bob Labonte is the father of NASCAR Cup champions Terry Labonte and Bobby Labonte and grandfather of Justin Labonte. Bob Labonte was born in 1933 in Rumford, Maine and turned 89 this year. He became interested in racing when he was 16…

24 Aug

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Cristian Cruz

Randolph RecordSportsAsheboro, Asheboro Blue Comets, athlete of the week, Cristian Cruz, Mid-Piedmont Conference, prep sports, soccer

Asheboro | boys’ soccer Asheboro began the season with going 3-0 during the first week, boosted by Cruz’s production. The senior striker and midfielder had a total of three goals and four assists in those games. It was a strong opening stretch for the Blue Comets, who outscored their first three opponents by a combined score of 16-2. Asheboro has a steady diet of non-conference games before beginning Mid-Piedmont Athletic Association play with a Sept. 26 home game against Oak Grove. This week began well for Asheboro. On Monday night at home, the Blue Comets blanked 2021 Class 3-A state…

22 Aug

Prep Roundup: Cougars begin strong in volleyball: Blue Comets kick in gear in soccer

Randolph RecordSportsAsheboro Blue Comets, prep sports, Southwestern Randolph Cougars

Asheboro goalkeeper David Agudelo makes a stop against Southwestern Randolph’s Fernando Hernandez during last week’s game. (PJ Ward-Brown/Randolph Record). Here’s how some area teams fared at the beginning of the new school year: Volleyball Reigning Class 2-A state champion Southwestern Randolph began the season with a sweep of host Asheboro in a non-conference match last Wednesday. The Cougars won 25-14, 25-15, 25-8. Southwestern Randolph received 14 kills from Madelyn Smith, while Gracie Hodgin added nine kills and six aces. Raegan LeRoy provided 21 assists and four digs. The Cougars capped the week by playing in a two-day tournament at East…

20 Aug

Prep Football: Randleman blanks Asheboro in opener; PG rolls; SWR, Trinity score big

Randolph RecordSportsAdam Cole, Asheboro Blue Comets, Blake Brewer, Chase Whitaker, Dominic Payne, Easton Clapp, prep football, Randleman football, Randleman Tigers, Shane Timmons, Stratton Barwick

Randleman’s Anthony Santos tries to pull away from Asheboro’s Julian Faz on Friday night. (PJ Ward-Brown/Randolph Record) ASHEBORO – Randleman clicked better in the second half of a 24-0 season-opening victory Friday night at Asheboro. The Blue Comets never got into a groove. Those factors allowed the Tigers to avenge last year’s season-opening loss. “They had to live with last year’s score all year,” Randleman coach Shane Timmons said of his players. Even as they wasted a few chances until late in the first half, there were reasons for the Tigers to be pleased. “They kind of got the butterflies…

18 Aug

Randleman must start season minus standout Dobias

Bob SuttonSportspiedmont athletic conference, prep football, Randleman athletics, Randleman football, Randleman Tigers, Shane Timmons, Thomas Dobias

Randleman’s Thomas Dobias won’t be on the field at the start of the season after knee surgery. (Bob Sutton/Randolph Record) Surgery means Tigers linebacker / running back will miss at least a month RANDLEMAN – Randleman junior Thomas Dobias, considered one of the top football players in Randolph County, underwent arthroscopic surgery to repair a torn meniscus Thursday. He’s expected to play this season for the Tigers after missing four to six weeks. “I should be back for the start of conference play,” said Dobias, who plays linebacker and running back. Randleman, which opens the season Friday night at Asheboro,…

17 Aug

Southwestern Randolph Cougars find more roles for Clapp

Bob SuttonSportsAdam Cole, Easton Clapp, piedmont athletic conference, prep football, Seth Baxter, Southwestern Randolph Cougars, Southwestern Randolph football

Even in a new position, Easton Clapp should have ample chances to carry the ball for Southwestern Randolph. (File photo) After record season, Southwestern Randolph seeks to keep it going ASHEBORO – Trying to follow the best season in school history, Southwestern Randolph has moved one of its best players to another position. Makes good sense to the Cougars. They enter this season with Easton Clapp, the hard-running ball carrier, taking snaps at quarterback. Don’t worry, his mentality hasn’t changed. “I knew I was going to have to play quarterback this year,” said Clapp, who had been a running back.…

17 Aug

Experienced Providence Grove Patriots look primed for more on football field

Bob SuttonSportsCalvin Brown, Chase Whitaker, Luke Thomas, piedmont athletic conference, prep football, Providence Grove athletics

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…

17 Aug

Asheboro Blue Comets intent on collecting confidence, winning in football

Bob SuttonSportsAsheboro Blue Comets, Asheboro football, Blake Brewer, Hakemme Butler, Mid-Piedmont Conference, prep 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…

17 Aug

Randleman Tigers plan on quick football turnaround

Bob SuttonSportsChristian Long, piedmont athletic conference, prep football, Randleman athletics, Randleman football, Shane Timmons, Thomas Dobias

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…

17 Aug

Eastern Randolph Wildcats load up for more football success

Bob SuttonSportsBurton Cates, Eastern Randolph athletics, piedmont athletic conference, prep football, Stratton Barwick

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,…