Varsity Girls Tennis

The Varsity Girls’ tennis team, coached by Gayle High, had yet another impressive year. The team finished 12-4 and making the state tournament as a 7 seed. Although the Lady Eagles had an early exit in the state tournament, their regular season play was nothing short of impressive. Led by Sophomore Julia High, Junior Samantha Sconyers, and 8^th Grader Haven Ross the varsity girls’ tennis team was able to finish second in the conference. The girls had remarkable wins over powerhouse Cary Christian and cross town rivals Faith Christian. 1 seed Julia High and 2 seed Samantha Sconyers were both named on the All-Conference team while 8^th grader Haven Ross was named All-Conference honorable mention. Not only was Julia High selected on the all-Conference team, but she was also named the CIC Conference Player of the Year. The tennis team is only losing one senior, Sabrina Morrison, leading everyone to believe that the girls are only getting better.

Varsity Girls Volleyball

The Varsity Girls’ Volleyball team fought their way to a respectable 9-8 record under second year coach Gary Smith. The team had an early exit from the conference tournament, losing to Halifax in four sets in a hard fought match against a good team. While disappointed with the early exit, the Varsity Volleyball Team was able to beat their cross town rivals, Faith Christian, in both games this year.  The girls were led by a group of seniors: Ashley Bissette, Hunter Cuthrell, Deanna Mayo, Rachel Williams, Landin Johnson, Anna Claire Thompson, and Mackenzie Butler. All season long, Co-Captain Landin Johnson battled an ongoing knee injury, limiting her at times. Despite Johnson’s injury, Speaking Captain Hunter Cuthrell, along with others, was able to step up and lead the Lady Eagles to another solid season. The volleyball team will be losing many valuable parts, but Coach Gary Smith is excited to work with the upcoming talent he has.

Varsity Football

As seen in the Boys Fall Sports Preview, the varsity football team had extremely high expectations under the guidance of Coach B.W. Holt after coming off of their first state championship.  Despite the pressure, it’s fair to say they have lived up to these expectations. The Eagles varsity football team is sitting pretty at 7-0, with their last regular season game on October 24 at Cary Christian. Despite injuries to Quarterback Brice Andracchio and Defensive End Jae’Quan Mills, they have been able to perform in the big moments and take advantage of any situation given to them. The Eagles have already clinched the 1 seed in the state tournament, which is a key factor in getting the elusive second state championship. Cheer on the varsity football team as they wind up the regular season and head into post-season play.
Varsity Boys Soccer

The Varsity Boys’ soccer team started off strong, before hitting a few bumps in the road. After starting 3-1, with their only loss to a highly skilled Arendell Parrot Academy, they lost one of their key offensive players, Junior Hunter Franks, for four weeks due to injury. After this, the Eagles struggled to keep players healthy and fit while heading into the difficult part of their schedule. Luckily, halfway through the season, Jack Thorp, Reid Johnson, Linwood Jones, Brandon Griffin, and Collin Richardson all joined the team to give the team a total of five subs. Coach Larry Smith played a never-ending chess match all year long, trying to figure out the right formations to fit the injured Eagles and match up well against each opponent. The Eagles finished the season at 7-8-1 and finished fourth in the conference. Grayson Reams led the team with 12 goals while Brendan Acker led the team with 15 assists. Colby Kirkpatrick, Davis Brown, and Noah Hux were able to hold down the defense all year long, despite constantly being contested. Even though the soccer team is losing a few key seniors, they still have high expectations for next season, returning many offensive threats.

Cross Country

The Girl’s Cross Country has had a great year, winning runner-up in conference and they will be competing in states Friday, October 24th.  They are led by runners Caitlyn Vester, Meg Deyton, Hailey McCall, Isabel Rommel, Amy Lerro, and Ann Claire Roberson. The runners have worked hard all year and are led by Conference Coach-of-the-year recipient Michelle Meadows.  The Girl’s team has a bright future, with promising runners Caitlyn Vester, Isabel Rommel, Hailey McCall, Vivian Rogers, and Lindy Pittman returning next year. The Boy’s Cross Country did not have enough athletes to compete as a team.  However, the runners have excelled individually and pushed the girl’s team in practice and meets.  The boy’s runners Davis Brown, Spencer Bullock, Roney Harris, and Stephen Ward have had impressive times in meets, and have exemplified the Rocky Mount Academy competitive spirit.

As fall sports come to a close at Rocky Mount Academy, it’s fair to say that each team had a good run. The Eagles certainly made a statement in the new Costal Independent Conference. Be sure to come and support our football team as they are the heavy favorite in the state championship.  While the Eagles close out this season, fans and athletes alike can look forward to the excitement that the winter sports season is sure to bring.