Carolina Panthers End of the Season Review

by: Knox Buxton

The Carolina Panthers won their season finale 44-38 in overtime against the Atlanta Falcons. I enjoyed watching the game and I was happy with the way Bryce Young performed to end the season. Young passed for 251 yards and 3 touchdowns, he also rushed for 24 yards and 2 touchdowns. He made the jump from being labeled as one of the biggest busts during the beginning of this season to being 1st among Quarterbacks in total touchdowns in weeks 16-18. Bryce Young also had a top 10 passer rating and no turnovers in the final 3 weeks.

The Panthers main problem to end this season was their defense. Losing Derrick Brown and Shaq Thompson hurt the defense a lot to start the season and it didn’t get any better at the end when Jaycee Horn went out for the last week. Horn was really the only good part of the defense this season because he was the only one to get selected to participate in the pro bowl. I think if the Panthers can build up the defense this offseason and add an elite wide receiver to pair with Bryce Young, they could definitely make a run and surprise a lot of people next season. If I was the General Manager of the Carolina Panthers, I would look to add Tee Higgins or Garrett Wilson if we could get one of them for the right price. I would also go out and draft the best defensive players available in the draft and make sure the players on the defense that got hurt are good to go to start next season. The Panthers have the 8th pick in this year’s draft and there are a lot of ways it could go when it comes to making their selection but ultimately, I think it will need to be a defensive player. Their defense finished at the bottom of the league in pretty much every category, but I don’t think it should be super hard to fix. In conclusion, even though Carolina finished with a 5-12 record, I think the future is bright and Bryce Young is the guy for them.

What is the Best Fruit?

By: Stirling Tindal

          One of the best tasting and most nutritious sources of food is fruit. Today I will be comparing fruit and determining which is the best. 

          Some of the best fruits are strawberries, oranges, pomegranates, grapes, apples, and bananas. Each of these fruits have an extremely juicy and satisfying taste. I will be judging these off of their ease of eating, taste, and how filling they are. 

          Bananas are a great fruit in sports because of their potassium. They are very easy to eat with only having to take off the peel. It has more of a bland taste but still a good flavor. Bananas will fill you up pretty well and are great for more situations than just being hungry.

          I never had a pomegranate until recently but was very surprised as to how it tasted. It is one of the sweetest fruits I’ve had. The only problem with it is that you have to eat around little seeds. Plus there is not much fruit around the seed so it doesn’t really fill you up at all. Pomegranates are still a great fruit but the seeds are the main thing holding it back.

          Grapes are a great snack and can be frozen for a different taste. I prefer grapes thawed and I also only like purple grapes. I’m not a fan of the sour taste or the green and the crunchy feeling of the frozen ones. They are very easy to eat and have a great taste however they are not something you’ll want to eat to fill you up.

          Apples are a classic fruit. When you think of the word fruit you think of apples. There are many different kinds of apples. A good apple is one of the best things ever but it’s very rare to find it. They are super easy to eat and can fill you up pretty well, but their taste can be very bland or perfect. Most of the time it is bland and that’s what holds down apples from being the best.

           Oranges are one of the best tasting fruits. All oranges taste good unlike apples. Oranges also will fill you up if it’s the right size. It would be the perfect fruit if it weren’t for its breakable shield that it has for a skin. It shouldn’t take me more than five minutes to open a fruit and stab the inside of my fingernail with its skin. Oranges are so close to being the best if it had no peel.

          Strawberries are magnificent. There is no other way to describe them. Strawberries’ taste is so sweet and the texture is perfect. They are one of the easiest to eat and have a little stem to hold them. On top of that, it is probably the most filling of fruit I know. Strawberries are nearly perfect and are by far my favorite fruit. If I see a platter full of every fruit, I will be eating all of the strawberries first.

Call of Duty Black Ops 2

By: Braelen Lewis

Call of duty is a game that has been around for quite awhile, back when the Xbox 360 was the newest console. This game holds a special place in my heart due to the great memories I made playing it with my friends and the great stories I watched unfold playing their campaigns. My first and favorite call of duty game I have ever played is call of duty black ops 2 which I love so dearly due to the great campaign and extremely fun multiplayer. Most importantly though the thing that made this game so important to me was the zombies mode because it was the first one I ever played and the best. I can remember vividly in my mind playing that game with my brother all the time and each and every map. My favorite map was called transit which often received a lot of hate but to me it was the perfect map due to how different it was to its counterparts. It was so different due the fact that instead of just one area to play in you could get on the bus and travel to individual different smaller parts of the map each with their own secrets to uncover. Another aspect of the game that I loved so much was the unique weapons in the game compared to the newer games because back then there were no bad weapons each were unique and had their own aspects that made them so unique to use. Certainly the newer games that have come out in the recent years do have their own kinks that make them fun to play but they could never recapture the atmosphere that was call of duty black ops 2. This game will forever hold a special place in my heart as my favorite call of duty game of all time. 

Why Hire Belichick?

By: Carson Wilsey

The college football community went into shock when Bill Belichick was announced as the new head coach of the University of North Carolina (UNC) football program. Considering Belichick’s stellar NFL career, this decision might seem out of the ordinary. His hiring, however, might be just what UNC needs in the long run to elevate their football program to a championship level. 

In the NFL, Bill Belichick left an unmatched legacy. Belichick showed year after year that he can assemble teams that are capable of winning championships,proven by his six Super Bowl victories, eight conference titles, and numerous division titles. At UNC, a team that has been chasing stability and elite-level excellence for years, this track record of success is desperately required. Efficiency, discipline, and a strategic attitude are the primary focus of Belichick’s team-building methods, and these characteristics will possibly help the Tar Heels compete with the best football teams in the country. UNC would gain an advantage in games that has been lacking for far too long thanks to Bill’s unmatched talent identity, system development, and in-game adjustments. 

It speaks for itself that Belichick is regarded as a coach who turns players into elite NFL players. Numerous players, like Rob Gronkowski, Randy Moss, and Tom Brady, who thrived under Belichick’s coaching have gone on to have Hall of Fame careers. His straightforward style and emphasis on training and the basics may have a comparable impact at the collegiate level, assisting UNC’s athletes in becoming NFL-ready players. Building a successful college program requires attracting and developing elite players, and Belichick’s ability to teach the fundamentals while motivating players to reach their full potential could put UNC’s talent pool near the best in the nation.

Belichick’s ability to create a winning culture is among the key factors in his success. The New England Patriots gained a reputation for discipline, hard effort, and prioritizing team achievement over individual honors under his leadership. UNC’s football program might benefit greatly from this cultural change.

Boykin Spaniels

By: Cooper Scott

I remember when I was in Elementary school, I used to beg my parents for a puppy. In 4th grade, I got a Boykin Spaniel puppy for Christmas. I named her Millie; she is the most energetic and loyal dog I have ever met in my life. She sleeps with me every night, and always greets me at the door when I come home. My dad decided we were going to send her to school for obedience and to get trained to be a hunting dog. We got two years of hunting out of her until we decided we were going to get her bred to have puppies. On March 12th 2020, She had seven puppies. My brother, sister, and my mom all got a puppy. Miller, Mj, Phoebe, and Millie all run around and play everytime they can. Until one day Millie went to get groomed and jerked away from the groomer. Millie came home thay day and had no use of her back legs. We took her to the vet, and the vet said it was from the medicine she took. We waited a few days and noticed she progressively got worse. We took her to Cvets in Columbia and she had broken a vertebrae in her back and had to get surgery. She recovered very fast because she is so strong willed and energetic. She still chases deer and lives her normal life, but a little bit slower. Mj (Millie Jr.) is my brother’s dog, and he is the hunter. Mj was trained by the same trainer as Millie, 

Except he knows hand signals. Miller, my mom’s dog, is the biggest one out of all of the puppies. He is the clumsiest and the most loving dog out of all of them. Phoebe is my sister’s dog and she is the smallest out of all the puppies and is definitely the meanest one. My family loves all of the dogs and they love us too. I’m so glad I begged for a Boykin Spaniel puppy in Elementary school. 

Body Weight Training Versus Heavy Weight

By: Andrew Howle

To achieve fitness, one can engage in two primary training methods: heavy and bodyweight training. Heavy weight training involves the use of physical, tangible tools to enhance body strength, while bodyweight training leverages one’s own body weight against gravity to build muscle strength. Both training methods offer numerous benefits, and a balanced incorporation of both into your workout routine is key. This balance reassures individuals that they are making the right choices for their fitness journey. 

Heavyweight typically involves leaving your home to go to a gym. This is because many people need adequate training tools at home. In addition, gym equipment is expensive to buy for a house. This is different from bodyweight training because you can train your body weight at home without any cost. A person can achieve the ideal physique using either type of training. I like heavyweight training the most because it is instrumental in playing football. It does not bother me going to the gym daily to train to achieve my goals. I try to work in an average amount of body weight training into my usual workout plan per week. A few heavyweight exercises are loaded bench press, squatting, and deadlift. To compare, a few bodyweight exercises are pull-ups, sit-ups, and push-ups. These different types of workout training plans can achieve any goal. It is just the preference of the person. The general environment for heavy weight training is usually in a gym surrounded by unknown people. It is a great way to meet new people that have a common interest in working out. Training bodyweight can be done at home in the peace of your home. This is more appealing to some people that are not very social.

To conclude, a person can train using either type of workout plan and still achieve success. This success can be in the form of improved strength, endurance, muscle tone, or overall health. However, I recommend heavy heavyweight training to become stronger at many olympic lifts.

Best CFB player of all time 

By: Bryce Hanson

Now when it comes to regular NFL football the MVP is always a quarterback and the GOAT is a quarterback, but College Football is a bit different. College football actually understands that people catch the quarterback’s pass and people run the ball down to the one yard line so that the quarterback could run it in. So today I will be talking about who I think the best college football player of all time is. 

This time I’m doing it a little bit differently, by not doing the criteria, but by sheer skill of the players. Now I know it will be controversial to not put Joe burrow and Tim Tebow but these people had the talent around them to make them good. The difference between them and the players I’m about to name is that these players created for themselves and their talent did the winning. First I’ll talk about Ashton Jeanty, who plays for a sorry Boise State team and took them to the College Football Playoff. He is breaking we haven’t seen be touched in thirty years with a people stacking the box every down. Now I already hear people saying he’s playing bad competition but he had a legacy game against the number one team in the nation. He definitely deserves to be in the conversation for the best. Next is Reggie Bush who had the Heisman taken away from him but it still doesn’t take away from his talent. Like Jeanty, Bush faced loaded boxes and still put up insane numbers. Also like Jeanty the PAC 10 wasn’t the strongest defensive conference back then but he still played good team and had great performances. 

Why Ford Motor Company is Better

By: Tyler Jordan

Ford Motor Company has long been recognized as one of the leaders in the automotive industry, and it continues to outperform many competitors for several reasons. From its rich history to its innovation in design and technology, since 1903 Ford has earned its reputation as a company that consistently delivers high-quality vehicles. They are partners with the luxury brand Lincoln

The company transformed  mass production with the introduction of the Model T in 1908, making cars affordable  to the average American. Today, Ford continues to push boundaries with cutting-edge  modern day technologies. Its investment in electric vehicles (EVs), such as the all-electric Ford Mustang Mach-E and the Ford F-150 Lightning, showcases its commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency. 

When it comes to durability, Ford’s reputation is unmatched, especially with its trucks. The “Built Ford Tough” slogan isn’t just for marketing the real deal. Ford’s F-Series, including the F-150, has been the best-selling truck in the United States for over 40 years.Selling millions every single year. These trucks are known for their amazing  build quality, powerful engines, and long-lasting performance. Whether it’s the towing capacity or off-road capability, Ford trucks are trusted by professionals and adventure enthusiasts alike. And are very customizable to fit everyone’s needs. Which makes them a true fan favorite. They can customize it however they want and still be affordable.Ford offers a wide range of vehicles, from affordable compact cars to luxury models like the Lincoln brand. The company’s focus on quality control and customer satisfaction means that buyers can feel confident in the value they are getting. Ford’s strong after-sales service and warranty programs further solidify its status as a consumer first brand.

I personally love Ford and have owned all fords and they put customers first and make amazing vehicles that will fit all your needs and wants.

Why Home Alone is the best Christmas movie ever

By: Benson Elmore

When you think of great christmas movies you probably think of the classics like Elf, and A Christmas Story, or other great movies. But when you really think about the greatest movie in Christmas movie history, the answer is obviously the undisputed greatest of all time, Home Alone. 

This movie is one of the greatest and most comedic movie experiences you can get, not to mention this is only the FIRST ONE. Even though the second and third movies are not as good as the original one, these movies are on the S tier (which is the highest one) of christmas movies. 

As a professional movie expert myself, I have seen the classics that everyone argues is better, but in all reality, we all know that the home alone trilogy take spot one, two, and three. If you do not agree with this take then you are simply biased.

 When it comes to the acting skill, Macaulay Culkin really shows off his raw talent. His character and acting skills carry the trilogy to greatness. 

Another reason this movie is the greatest of all time is because of how creative the directing crew was in the making of this pure masterpiece. Who in the world would think of all of the creative traps that Kevin set up in the movie. I mean, how does anyone on this planet not enjoy this movie. When it comes to the directing crew and the creativity of this movie, the proof is in the pudding. This movie is top tier.

 “Home Alone is a timeless holiday classic that blends heartwarming family moments with slapstick comedy and thrilling action. The film’s humor, memorable performances, and iconic scenes, combined with a strong message about family and the holiday spirit, make it a beloved movie that continues to captivate audiences of all ages. Its charm and humor have solidified it as a Christmas favorite.” New York Times Magazine states. 

Overall, this movie is the greatest movie of all time. There are unlimited reasons why it is better than any other movie, and if you honestly think that any other movie is better than you are not a true holiday movie fan.  

High School 

By: Alexis Dawkins

Now that I am wrapping up my last first semester in high school I want to reflect on some things. This could be for rising seniors or for rising freshmen next year. I have learned people skills, work ethic, and more. 

As a freshman I came into school knowing everyone but being scared to death. I had gone to Wilson Hall since first grade so this was not a new experience for me but I was full of fear. “This is what determines the rest of my life. “If I do bad these next few years I won’t get into a good college.” “I can’t wait to graduate.” As you can see I had mixed emotions causing me to feel many different ways. I soon learned that I was being a little dramatic about some things but I also learned that I needed to work harder in school. I did not do as much as I should have when it came to academics which I realize now that I should have but I’m doing okay now.  

Sophomore year was just there for me. Nothing crazy happened and I was not nervous. I did well in school and did things with friends but this year was not significant by any means. 

Junior year I started to worry a little more about grades and college but I still did the same as always which was average. After the first semester I started realizing that things were getting real. The seniors I’ve grown up with were about to leave and we were about to take their spot. 

As a senior now with one semester left I’m understanding what everyone was talking about when they talked about “senioritis”. I do have mixed emotions about it though. I can not wait to have my diploma in my hands but also I am going to miss this time and these people. Senior year is flying by and I’ve heard people say that but I never believed it was this fast until I got to where I am today.