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(THOMAS WALLNER | THE GRAHAM LEADER) The Graham Leader is recognizing Keyton Newland of the Newcastle Bobcats as this week’s Athlete of the Week. Newland picked up four touchdowns offensively in the team’s loss to the May Tigers, while also being part of a key forced fumble. -
(ALEX HAVARDANSKY | THE GRAHAM LEADER) Rylee Moore (left) and Emily Hughes (right) go up for a block at the Lu Allen Tournament. Moore is one of the veteran leaders on the team. The Graham Leader is recognizing Moore as the week's Athelete of the Week.
As always, there were strong performances across the world of athletics with both Graham and Newcastle athletes.
As always, there were strong performances across the world of athletics with both Graham and Newcastle athletes. However, it was a particularly special week for the Lady Blues varsity volleyball team.
The Graham Leader is recognizing Rylee Moore of the Lady Blues and Keyton Newland of the Bobcats as Athletes of the Week.
Rylee Moore, Lady Blues Volleyball
The Lady Blues varsity volleyball team honored their seniors during their Tuesday, Sept. 23, matchup for their annual senior night celebration.
The Lady Blues overcame the Brownwood Lady Lions in four sets, winning sets two, three and four by scores of 25-13, 25-21 and 27-25 respectively.
Being that it was such a special occasion for the evening, it only felt fitting to recognize a senior on the team for this week’s addition.
Rylee Moore has served as a right side hitter in the front row for the Lady Blues this season and took the fight to Brownwood to help the team secure the victory.
Moore had five kills offensively for the Lady Blues on the night while also adding to her contributions with five blocks defensively.
The true celebration came after the team’s thrilling four-set victory over the Lady Lions.
Each of the team’s seven seniors were introduced to the Graham crowd with their families beside them for pictures. Afterward, each of the seniors were presented gifts by their fellow Lady Blues teammates and friends who they’ve grown with over the last four years.
After a large group photo things moved out to the foyer where each of the seniors were celebrated with custom posters decorated with pictures of them along with desserts and more exchanges of gratitude from the Graham community.
Lady Blues head coach Marci Faulk had words for the seniors that she hopes they carry with them after they graduate and move on to the next phases of their lives.
“Take what you’ve learned, not just in volleyball but in sports, and apply it to your marriage, parenting, your career, it will help, it will pay off,” Faulk said while starting to get choked up. “Ultimately that’s my goal. To raise strong, productive citizens, great mothers, great wives. At the end of the day that’s my ultimate goal.”
Keyton Newland, Bobcats Football
The Newcastle Bobcats hit their first roadblock of the season as they took on May Tigers in their matchup Friday, Sept. 19.
The Bobcats lost their first game of the season by a score of 60-42. Despite this though, there were still standout performers for Newcastle in the high scoring affair.
Arguably the best of these performances came from Keyton Newland. The junior put on an offensive clinic to help keep the team competitive throughout the contest.
Newland was a dynamic playmaker both through the air and on the ground for the Bobcats. Newland completed four passes in the game for 180 yards and three passing touchdowns.
The hybrid player also completed about 57% of his passes on the night. Additionally, Newland had a rushing touchdown on the night to make it four total during the game.
Additionally, Newland made an impact on defense with multiple tackles and was the catalyst of a key fumble
After facing Wichita Falls Christian Friday, Sept. 26, the Newcastle team will pick things back up at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3, against Jayton at home.
