GAME PREVIEWS: Unbeatens Newton-Conover, Hibriten battle in Lenoir

By CHRIS HOBBS HobbsDailyReport.com Previewing tonight’s varsity football games (all statistical references are unofficial totals): NEWTON-CONOVER (3-0) at HIBRITEN (4-0), 7:30 p.m. A measuring stick game for both teams as they meet for the first time since 2008. The thought they’ll possibly see each other again in the state playoffs is a reasonable one because both are considered among the …

BLAST FROM THE PAST: Harper has never forgotten his Catawba County roots

By CHRIS HOBBS HobbsDailyReport.com CATAWBA – He left before the season began to chase his dream, but tonight would’ve been one that’s right up Justin Harper’s alley because he loves football and especially a big football game. Void of a sudden phone call with a great opportunity to resume coaching college football and focus on reaching his ultimate goal, Harper …

HIGH SCHOOL ROUNDUP: St. Stephens JVs score 48, overwhelm Fred T. Foard

HobbsDailyReport.com St. Stephens High had 322 yards of total offense and got rushing scores from five players on Thursday night, rolling past Fred T. Foard 48-0 on the road in junior varsity football. Freshman Rhyeem Craig averaged 13.6 yards per carry and scored two rushing TDs to lead St. Stephens (2-1). Matthew Hancock, Zach McLauchlin, Luke Johnson and Malik Hilton …

HIGH SCHOOL X-C: Trojans’ McAllister, Tigers’ Trimm win titles at Murray’s Mill

HobbsDailyReport.com CATAWBA – Sarah Faith McAllister of Bandys and Ben Trimm of Fred T. Foard won individual titles, and the East Burke boys and Fred T. Foard girls were team championships Thursday in the Murray’s Mill Open Cross Country. McAllister ran the course in 20 minutes, 20.39 seconds to finish ahead of Bunker Hill’s Caroline Hilliard (21:42.57. Trimm finished in …

HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS GOLF: McDonald leads Hickory to conference victory

HobbsDailyReport.com GRANITE FALLS – Anna McDonald was medalist on Thursday in the opening Northwestern 3A-4A girls’ golf match of the season, leading Hickory High to a team win. McDonald shot a round of 36 in a nine-hole match at Orchard Hills Golf Club as Hickory edged McDowell by 11 strokes. Team scores 1. Hickory 136; 2. McDowell 147; 3. Freedom …