Moore, Strawbridge named Athletes of the Week

Fall sports are fast coming to a close and winter sports are right around the corner. Graham’s volleyball team ended its playoff run last week with a tough loss to Decatur, while football playoffs just got underway this week.

Before basketball season officially takes over, there were some football and volleyball players who earned recognition for their performances recently and throughout the entire season.

Rylee Moore of the Graham Lady Blues volleyball team and Ty Strawbridge from the Newcastle Bobcats football team earned selections as The Graham Leader’s Athletes of the Week.

Rylee Moore, middle blocker/right-side hitter, Graham volleyball

Moore just completed her first season as a member of the varsity volleyball team and she made her time count. She started most of the season for the Lady Blues at the right-side hitter spot after she moved there from the middle blocker position.

Starting so many games as a sophomore is an accomplishment in any sport and Moore showed improvement throughout the season in a new position. She often recorded a number of kills and blocks in each game she played.

During the last week, the Lady Blues played two playoff games starting with their bi-district match-up against Sweetwater. Moore was a contributor on the floor for most of the game until midway through a set, she suffered an injury after landing wrong trying to record a block.

The injury kept Moore out of the rest of the game — which saw Graham win a bi-district championship — and ended her season a game before the rest of the team. But even in the season-ending loss to Decatur, Moore was on the sideline in a walking boot cheering on her teammates and supporting in any way she could.

Though this season has ended for Graham’s volleyball team, the future is bright for Moore as she’ll have two years remaining to play and contribute to the Lady Blues.

“This is (Moore’s) first year on varsity. She has always been a middle but this season she moved over and played right side for us,” head coach Marci Faulk said. “Her number one responsibility is to put up a big block for the other team's outside hitter. She really worked hard to develop into a solid blocker. I am excited to see her continue to improve over the next couple of years.”
 
Ty Strawbridge, fullback/defensive end, Newcastle football

Strawbridge is one of a handful of seniors on Newcastle’s roster but he’s been a standout player his entire high school career. His contributions this season have helped the Bobcats to a 9-1 regular season record and have set them up for a potentially long playoff run.

During last week’s win over district opponent Forestburg, Strawbridge made his presence felt in the game that only lasted two quarters due to Newcastle’s domination. He played both sides of the ball and offensively recorded 24 yards rushing on two carries, seven yards receiving on one catch and made three tackles and had a fumble recovery on defense.

Before the season started, Strawbridge was listed by Dave Campbell’s Texas Football as the preseason district defensive MVP. While that award is yet to be given out, Strawbridge has been a leader on Newcastle’s defense the entire season.

He’s regularly caused havoc in the backfield of opposing teams and often leads the team or is near the top in tackles.

Strawbridge is averaging 6.6 tackles per game this year which is second on the team and he leads the team in receiving yards per game where he averages 59.4.

“Ty has been a special player for us; he is one of our main leaders,” head coach Isiah Archer said. “He has changed the way many of our kids see the weight room and locker room through his hard work. Ty is a very smart, hard-working young man and we are blessed to have him be a part of our family.”