Photo by Jason Brown:
Knight Billy Fifer (#32) runs the ball in the second quarter against Arcola Friday night.

•September 19, 2018•

By Jason Brown
NP Sports Editor

The Arthur-Lovington/Atwood-Hammond football team could not overcome a stilted second quarter against Arcola Friday night in Arthur.
With a 14-point lead to end the first quarter, the Purple Riders took advantage of ALAH miscues to pull away for a 27-0 halftime lead.
“We played three quarters strong, but the 12 minutes in that second quarter were definitely a struggle,” said ALAH head coach Ryan Jefferson. “Couldn’t move the ball on offense, had a snap go over the punter’s head, and gave up another 13 unanswered points in a hurry.”
At that point, after playing such a strong first quarter, Jefferson knew his team just needed to get out of the first half without error so they could keep the score the same until he could make adjustments for the second half.
In the second half, the Knights shutout the Riders and scored within the 5:04 left in the third quarter when Adam Day scored a rushing touchdown, and Aaron Likens kicked the extra point. Read More

•September 12, 2018•

By Jason Brown
NP Sports

Ryan Jefferson picked up his first win as Arthur-Lovington/Atwood-Hammond’s head football coach on the road against Martinsville Friday night.
In the wet, sloppy conditions, Jefferson expected most teams in the area would have to rely on a ground game.
“We knew going in we would be running the ball most of the night,” said Jefferson. “They did have a hard time slowing our run game. We gained almost 300 yards of offense again but also probably left another 50 to 100 yards and a couple more scores on the field because of a few fumbles.”
Despite that, the Knights’ offense still racked up 33 points, and the defense dominated for its first shutout of the year.
“I’m happy with our offensive production once again, but it’s been the story the last two games,” Jefferson said. “We cannot continue to turn the ball over, especially in our own territory which we have had a bad habit of doing.”
On a fourth down and 10, ALAH scored its first touchdown with 7:49 left in the first period when Brady Borntreger completed a 15-yard touchdown run. Read More

•September 12, 2018•

The Sullivan girls’ golf team improved its record to 6-1, and several players scored personal bests.
Addison Darush was medalist with a score of 43, and Irie Dulin followed with a 49. Read More

Photo by RR Best
Marissa Herschberger led the ALAH Knights team with 19 assists.

•September 12, 2018•

By Jason Brown
NP Sports

The Arthur-Lovington/Atwood-Hammond volleyball team won two matches and lost one this past week.
The Knights knocked off Martinsville and Sullivan but lost to Monticello.
“Our team keeps going back to the quote, ‘The man on top of the mountain didn’t land there,’” said coach Emily Crossman. “With graduating so many key players and having girls play next to each other who never have before, we keep taking one day at a time, trying to learn from each opportunity and improve each day. We are all about putting in the work to get to where we want to be in October.”
Monday night, ALAH defeated the Redskins in straight sets, 25-12, 25-14.
Taylor Powell totaled seven kills, three aces and two digs, and Makenzie Brown added two aces, three kills, a block and a dig
Addi Tinkle served three aces and had three digs, and six other Knights recorded at least one dig.
Last Tuesday against Martinsville, ALAH won in straight sets, 25-16, 25-18.
Taylor Powell led the team with 13 kills, and Marissa Herschberger led the team with 19 assists.
“Taylor Powell is a force,” said Crossman. “She is a steady six rotation player that gets the job done. Marissa has moved into the setting role for us this year seamlessly. She is just an athlete who pours her heart and soul into her play. Those two girls have been leading the pack, helping the newcomers to learn and get accustomed to our system.” Read More