The student-run online newspaper for Starr's Mill High School

The Prowler
The student-run online newspaper for Starr's Mill High School

The Prowler
The student-run online newspaper for Starr's Mill High School

The Prowler
Daniel Stackhouse

Daniel Stackhouse, Sports Editor

Senior Daniel Stackhouse is a two-year member of The Prowler staff.  He is the Sports Editor.

All content by Daniel Stackhouse
Seniors Ryder Wagenknecht (left) and Chay Yeager (right) celebrate atop a dogpile at the end of the AAAAA state championship game against the Loganville Red Devils. Against a Loganville team vying for their fourth consecutive state title, the Panthers outplayed the Red Devils in two tight games to sweep Loganville 1-0 and 4-2 to win the state championship. This win was the first time Starr’s Mill has ever won the state championship. “It’s been a long time since I’ve been wanting one of these,” Yeager said. “We’ve earned it.” Next year, Wagenknecht will play at Flagler College and Yeager will play at Wofford College.

Destiny has arrived

Daniel Stackhouse, Sports Editor
May 28, 2021
Senior pitcher Daniel Courtney (right) hugs senior catcher Sean White (left) as the rest of the team crowds around them at the end of the AAAAA semifinal series against the Ware County Gators. In a tightly contested series, Starr’s Mill won in game three over the Gators to advance to the state championship for the first time since 2009. They will face the Loganville Red Devils, who are seeking their fourth consecutive state championship title at Truist Park starting next Tuesday at 5 p.m.

A long time coming

Daniel Stackhouse, Sports Editor
May 20, 2021

Coach’s Corner

Daniel Stackhouse, Sports Editor
May 19, 2021
From the Panther Pit

From the Panther Pit

Daniel Stackhouse, Sports Editor
May 19, 2021
The Lady Panthers lacrosse team walks off the field at the end of the A-AAAAA state championship game against the Blessed Trinity Lady Titans. Though they put up a fight, Blessed Trinity was too much of a dominant force to overcome, and the Lady Panthers fell 12-6. This was the first time in the season since early March that the team was not able to overcome a deficit they fell into. Even though they lost, this is the third straight year the Lady Panthers were, at worst, the state runner-up.

‘So much more than a trophy’

Daniel Stackhouse, Sports Editor
May 18, 2021
After serving as the head coach of the softball team for 20 years, Mark Williamson has decided to step down. His career record as head coach stands at 429-230-4. The team has made it to the state championship seven times and placed as the runner-up twice in 2003 and 2020.

All good things come to an end

Daniel Stackhouse, Sports Editor
May 17, 2021
Senior midfielder Jacqueline Broderick celebrates with her team after scoring a goal against the Northview Titans last Tuesday. In the A-AAAAA semifinals, the Lady Panthers hosted Northview where the Panthers won 12-11 in a close contest to make it to the state championship for the third year in a row. Broderick racked up three goals, an assist, and three ground ball controls. She and senior midfielders Jessica DeLuca and Addie McDaniel all had hat tricks.

Guess who’s back

Daniel Stackhouse, Sports Editor
May 14, 2021
Senior sprinter and anchor leg Will Knowlton crosses the finish line at the end of the boys 4x400 meter relay. The track team competed last Saturday in the Sectional B meet, which consisted of regions 2, 3, 6, and 7, sending 21 entrants from Starr’s Mill to state. One of those entries was the boys 4x400 relay team, who won their event with a time of 3 minutes and 21.29 seconds. “A lot of momentum going in [to sectionals], so today we wanted to keep up that mentality,” Knowlton said. “Just continue to do what we’ve been practicing. [Sectionals] is just a show of how we’ve practiced. We do practice perfectly, at high standards, so we knew it was going to replicate out on the field so we just wanted to do it how we practice.”

Survival of the fittest

Daniel Stackhouse, Sports Editor
May 13, 2021
From the Panther Pit

From the Panther Pit

Daniel Stackhouse, Sports Editor
May 13, 2021

Coach’s Corner

Daniel Stackhouse, Sports Editor
May 12, 2021
Titoluwa Alofe

Titoluwa Alofe

Daniel Stackhouse, Sports Editor
May 11, 2021
Junior midfielder Nate Mitchell and an opposing Spartan fight for a loose ground ball during the Panthers’ quarterfinal game against Greater Atlanta Christian. The Panthers’ explosive season came to an end on Friday against the visiting Spartans in a 6-4 loss. Ground balls proved to be fatal for Starr’s Mill, as the team had 11 turnovers against the Spartans. In comparison, the Spartans only had six turnovers.

Not to be

Daniel Stackhouse, Sports Editor
May 10, 2021
From the Panther Pit

From the Panther Pit

Daniel Stackhouse, Sports Editor
May 6, 2021
Panthers crowd King’s Ridge senior midfielder and attacker Brennan Brown during the second round of the A-AAAAA GHSA state playoffs. Despite a slow start, Starr’s Mill erupted to dominate the Tigers in a 17-8 victory. Eight players scored for the Panthers and nine players collected ground balls. “Nobody thought that we could win without those [seniors] that left last year,” Schmidlkofer said. “These guys have proven that they can. I’m super, super proud of all the guys that are contributing.”

All in

Daniel Stackhouse, Sports Editor
May 5, 2021
Freshman outfielder Heath Whitlock sprints toward first base during the Panthers’ first round playoff series against the Tri-Cities Bulldogs. Starr’s Mill had the Bulldogs’ number, swiftly defeating Tri-Cities by mercy rule in two games. The team scored 27 runs off of 20 hits. Whitlock went five-for-seven at the plate and batted in four runs.

Clean sweep

Daniel Stackhouse, Sports Editor
April 29, 2021
From the Panther Pit

From the Panther Pit

Daniel Stackhouse, Sports Editor
April 29, 2021

Coach’s Corner

Daniel Stackhouse, Sports Editor
April 28, 2021
Senior forward Sara Evans evades Creekside during the Lady Panthers’ game against the Creekside Lady Tigers in the first round of the AAAAA state playoffs. Starr’s Mill struck fast and furiously, ultimately ending in a mercy rule victory 10-0. Evans led the team in goals with four. She will be playing soccer at the University of San Diego next year.

Lady Panthers mercy rule Creekside in first round of state playoffs

Daniel Stackhouse, Sports Editor
April 22, 2021
From the Panther Pit

From the Panther Pit

Daniel Stackhouse, Sports Editor
April 22, 2021

Coach’s Corner

Daniel Stackhouse, Sports Editor
April 21, 2021
Seniors across both soccer teams pose for photos alongside their families between their games on senior night. Both teams honored their seniors for their contributions to Starr’s Mill soccer over their high school years. The girls team struggled against a quick and aggressive Harrison team and lost 3-0. On the flipside, the boys thrashed Hampton, mercying them 10-0.

Soccer stars

Daniel Stackhouse, Sports Editor
April 20, 2021
Starr’s Mill baseball team poses with the region 2-AAAAA trophy following their game against the McIntosh Chiefs. The Panthers only needed one win against either McIntosh or Northside-Columbus to claim the region title, and they achieved their goal against the Chiefs. This is the program’s fourth consecutive region championship and eleventh in school history.

Stage one complete

Daniel Stackhouse, Sports Editor
April 19, 2021
The Prowler is hosting its first ever bracket challenge for the 2021 NCAA men’s basketball tournament. All Starr’s Mill students and faculty are welcome to enter and compete for a $30 Amazon gift card and a segment in a feature podcast.

Prowler Bracketology – Finals

Daniel Stackhouse and Tate Colson
April 16, 2021
From the Panther Pit

From the Panther Pit

Daniel Stackhouse, Sports Editor
April 16, 2021
Seniors pitcher Eli Jones (left) and outfielder Thad Ector (right) stand alongside their families during the baseball team’s season walk prior to their Tuesday game against the Whitewater Wildcats. After 11 seniors were honored by the team, the Panthers went straight to work against Whitewater. Despite a messy fifth inning, Starr’s Mill played well and defeated the Wildcats 4-3. Both Jones and Ector will play baseball at the University of South Carolina next year.

The boys of spring

Daniel Stackhouse, Sports Editor
April 15, 2021
Junior sprinter Sydney Blair keeps up with a runner from Hewitt-Trussville High School in Alabama during the annual Friday Night Lights meet. 18 boys teams and 21 girls teams gathered at Panther Stadium last Friday. Both boys and girls teams overall placed outside the top six. “It was great competition tonight,” track head coach Chad Walker said. “It was a lot of fun, a little bit chilly, but we’re going to build on this.”

All of the lights

Daniel Stackhouse, Sports Editor
April 12, 2021
Senior captain Austin Morris fights McIntosh sophomore Caleb Kreitner for the ball during the Panthers’ rivalry game against the Chiefs last Thursday. Both boys and girls teams played the Chiefs in the tenth annual ‘Battle of the Bubble’ games where the girls fell 4-2, and the boys triumphed in penalty kicks. The boys game remained scoreless all the way through, with senior goalie Andrew Cole racking up six saves. “Any game like this, such high stakes on the line, region championship against the cross-city rivals, everybody wants it so bad and I wanted really really bad,” Cole said. “I gave it everything I had tonight. Super proud of all the boys too.”

War in the bubble

Daniel Stackhouse, Sports Editor
April 5, 2021
Prowler Bracketology

Prowler Bracketology

Daniel Stackhouse and DJ Cadden
April 1, 2021

Coach’s Corner

Daniel Stackhouse, Sports Editor
March 31, 2021
From the Panther Pit

From the Panther Pit

Daniel Stackhouse and Abby Carter
March 26, 2021
Prowler Bracketology

Prowler Bracketology

Daniel Stackhouse and Rilee Stapleton
March 25, 2021
Senior outfielder Chay Yeager celebrates a solo home run with his teammates during the Panthers’ region game against the Northgate Vikings last Friday. After a tough week for the Panthers, they capped it off with a strong 7-1 victory over the Vikings. Yeager, a Wofford commit, went 2-4 at the plate. Along with the home run, he also scored a run off of a sacrificial groundout. “We started hitting a little bit now, so we’re playing better,” head coach Brent Moseley said. “We got to do the fundamentals of baseball, and when we do that we’re pretty good. When we don’t, we’re not pretty good.”

Getting the swing of things

Daniel Stackhouse, Sports Editor
March 24, 2021
McIntosh senior pitcher Brad Grasser gets ready to throw a pitch against the Panthers in the teams’ first meeting of the season last Friday. The Chiefs took advantage of sloppy fielding and shut down a powerful hitting core to hand Starr’s Mill their first loss in region play 6-2. Grasses came up big for the Chiefs, throwing three strikeouts and limiting the Panthers to two runs on the day. The Panthers have not scored lower than two runs since February.

An error has occurred

Daniel Stackhouse, Sports Editor
March 17, 2021
Due to the pandemic, prom is being held in Panther Stadium on April 24 from 8 p.m to 11 p.m. If students paid their junior or senior dues then their ticket is covered, If not, then the ticket costs $105 and can be purchased on myschoolbucks.

[Photo] Prom-ish

Katie Johnson, Staff Writer
March 15, 2021
Junior first baseman Ben Moseley watches an upcoming pitching during the Panthers’ region game against the Whitewater Wildcats yesterday. Despite a sluggish first six innings, the team came together at the bottom of the seventh to propel themselves to a 7-6 win in extra innings. Moseley went 3-4 at the plate, including the game-winning RBI. “Feel’s great [to clinch that win],” Moseley said. “It’s our field, we’re defending it.”

Home free

Daniel Stackhouse, Sports Editor
March 12, 2021
The Prowler is hosting its first ever bracket challenge for the 2021 NCAA men’s basketball tournament. All Starr’s Mill students and faculty are welcome to enter and compete for a $30 Amazon gift card and a segment in a feature podcast.

The madness is back

Daniel Stackhouse, Sports Editor
March 11, 2021
From the Panther Pit

From the Panther Pit

Daniel Stackhouse, Sports Editor
March 11, 2021
Senior Jess DeLuca covers a West Forsyth player during the Lady Panthers’ home opener against the West Forsyth Lady Wolverines this past Saturday. West Forsyth gave the Lady Panthers a snap back to reality in a 13-5 loss. West Forsyth had two girls record hat tricks. On the flipside, senior goalie Kaitlyn Donovan recorded 11 saves against West Forsyth.

‌‘Reality‌ ‌check’‌

Daniel Stackhouse, Sports Editor
March 9, 2021
The Starr’s Mill boys soccer team celebrates with senior captain Brooklyn Muccillo following a goal during their game against the Whitewater Wildcats. Both soccer teams defeated Whitewater convincingly, the girls winning 6-2 and the boys winning 8-1. Muccillo scored four goals against Whitewater. “It all stems in training,” Muccillo said. “We know that we’re not doing the stuff off the field for no reason, and then when we do what we do, it translates into that game and it works out.”

To find one’s footing

Daniel Stackhouse, Sports Editor
March 8, 2021
Senior pitcher Daniel Courtney stands on the mound during the Panthers’ region opener against the Harris County Tigers. Courtney provided the jolt Starr’s Mill needed to take down the Tigers 5-1. Courtney only allowed four hits and threw five strikeouts against Harris County. “We just got to build off of this [win] and continue to play like we can,” Courtney said. “Continue to play in the region, just keep it up, and keep winning.”

It only takes a spark

Daniel Stackhouse, Sports Editor
March 5, 2021

Coach’s Corner

Daniel Stackhouse, Sports Editor
March 2, 2021
From the Panther Pit

From the Panther Pit

Daniel Stackhouse and Abby Carter
February 25, 2021
Senior outfielder, South Carolina commit, and MLB draft prospect Thad Ector moves up to bat in the Panthers’ first home game of the season against the North Forsyth Raiders this past Tuesday. Starr’s Mill came out swinging and kept the pressure on North Forsyth to take the game 11-1 in five innings. The Panthers took control early with six runs in the first inning and never looked back. Ector had a two-run homerun to help the Panthers extend their lead later in the game.

Leading off with promise

Daniel Stackhouse, Sports Editor
February 25, 2021
Freshman forward Mia Hargrove sets up for a free kick during the Lady Panthers’ home match against the St. Pius X Lady Golden Lions this past Tuesday. Due to an incomplete roster and inexperienced players on the field, the girls could not handle St. Pius and suffered a 4-0 defeat. Starr’s Mill had trouble getting past midfield all game long, only putting up one shot on goal. In contrast, St. Pius racked up 24 shots on goal on top of keeping the game in Panther territory.

‘Deer in headlights’

Daniel Stackhouse, Sports Editor
February 12, 2021
Senior Michael Townsend (left) and junior Malachi Townsend (right) move down the court with the basketball. The Townsend brothers have stood out on the boys team as a dominant and versatile pair. All their lives, they have pursued basketball excellence as they push each other to greater heights. Beyond that, the brothers have forged a strong brotherly bond off of the court.

The Brothers Townsend

Daniel Stackhouse, Sports Editor
February 10, 2021
Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Lavonte David waits for the upcoming snap during the team’s 31-23 wild card game win against the Washington Football Team at FedEx Field on Jan. 9. Last night, David and the Buccaneers successfully shut down the Kansas City Chiefs and their offense to win Super Bowl LV, 31-9. Kansas City did not score a single touchdown throughout the Super Bowl, the first time the team did not score a touchdown in a game since quarterback Patrick Mahomes took control under center. On top of six tackles, David helped contain Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, limiting Kansas City’s most productive receiver to 10 receptions and 133 yards.

Unsung heroes

Daniel Stackhouse, Sports Editor
February 8, 2021

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Daniel Stackhouse, Sports Editor
February 5, 2021

[Video] Coach’s Corner

Daniel Stackhouse, Sports Editor
February 5, 2021
From the Panther Pit

From the Panther Pit

Daniel Stackhouse, Sports Editor
February 4, 2021
Alestorm band members (left to right), vocalist Cristopher Bowes, guitarist Máté Bodor, drummer Peter Alcorn, keyboardist Elliot Vernon, and bassist Gareth Murdock, pose for a photo. With the rising popularity of sea shanties, I recommend this song for those that are hankering for some more cool music of this nature.

Quick Hit with Daniel Stackhouse

Daniel Stackhouse, Sports Editor
January 28, 2021
Joey Sulkowski

Joey Sulkowski

Daniel Stackhouse, Sports Editor
January 22, 2021
From the Panther Pit

From the Panther Pit

Daniel Stackhouse, Sports Editor
January 21, 2021
I present the Region 2-AAAAA championship trophy to the Starr’s Mill football team after their 38-7 victory over the McIntosh Chiefs last season. Since I really started getting into sports, I have grown to love several aspects of them. Covering Panther football’s 2018 quarterfinal game against the Dutchtown Bulldogs signifies my favorite sports moment and symbolizes why sports matter.

Why sports matter to me

Daniel Stackhouse, Sports Editor
January 14, 2021

Coach’s Corner

Daniel Stackhouse, Sports Editor
January 13, 2021
From the Panther Pit

From the Panther Pit

Daniel Stackhouse and Abby Carter
December 12, 2020

Coach’s Corner

Daniel Stackhouse, Sports Editor
December 11, 2020
Starr’s Mill offense communicates in a huddle during their round two state playoff game against the Coffee Trojans where the Panthers were eliminated 24-9. Starr’s Mill put up a good fight, but Coffee was able to outperform the Panthers late in the game to take the win. The Panther offense controlled the clock for over half an hour of game time, but set a season low in points scored with only one touchdown and a safety. Whether it be a strong punting game, a flustered backfield, or going up against an overall stronger program, here are the final three takeaways of the season.

Gameday Takeaways, Playoffs – Round 2

Daniel Stackhouse, Sports Editor
December 9, 2020
Head coach Chad Phillips talks with the offense during a timeout in the Panthers’ second round playoff game against the Coffee Trojans. Starr’s Mill ran with the Trojans for a while, but progressively lost control as the game went on, resulting in a 24-9 loss to eliminate Starr’s Mill from the playoffs. Against Coffee, Starr’s Mill set a season low for points scored and a season high for points allowed.

Just like that, it was over

Daniel Stackhouse, Sports Editor
December 7, 2020
Sophomore Will Yarbrough throws a pass during the Panthers’ first round playoff game against the Mundy’s Mill Tigers last Friday where they won 63-6. It looked like every piece of the team came through to pull off an explosive victory. Yarbrough had a solid game all around with 80 all-purpose yards, three touchdowns, and one interception. Whether it be how the offense clicked, the might of the defense, or the carousel at running back showing how dangerous they are, there is much to take away from a blowout win that helped Starr’s Mill advance to the round of 16.

Gameday Takeaways, Playoffs – Round 1

Daniel Stackhouse, Sports Editor
December 2, 2020
Starr’s Mill offensive line faces off against the Mundy’s Mill defensive line during the first round of the GHSA AAAAA playoffs at Panther Stadium. Every Tuesday, “Gameday Takeaways” will offer analysis of the most recent football game. This column will provide unique talking points driven by live observations and data, bringing full coverage all season long.

Gameday Takeaways

Daniel Stackhouse, Sports Editor
December 2, 2020
Starr’s Mill offense huddles up during their first round of the GHSA AAAAA state playoffs last Friday against the Mundy’s Mill Tigers. The Panthers fired on all cylinders early to take a substantial lead and never lost control, winning the game 63-6. The offense broke the record for points scored in a game, originally set at 61 against Stockbridge in 2001. Seven different scored players for Starr’s Mill

‘It’s do or die’

Daniel Stackhouse, Sports Editor
November 30, 2020
Tyler Glover

Tyler Glover

Daniel Stackhouse, Sports Editor
November 27, 2020

[Video] Coach’s Corner

Abby Carter, Staff Writer
November 25, 2020
From the Panther Pit

From the Panther Pit

Daniel Stackhouse, Abby Carter, Katie Johnson, and Cecily Shaber
November 20, 2020
Senior Andres Moc lines up for the next snap during Panther football’s final regular season game against the McIntosh Chiefs at McIntosh High School. Starr’s Mill focused on developing their offensive game amidst great performances by a reliable running back and an explosive defensive line. Moc led the Panther defense with two sacks against the Chiefs in the 38-7 victory.

Gameday Takeaways, Week 9

Daniel Stackhouse, Sports Editor
November 18, 2020
Head coach Chad Phillips hoists the region 2-AAAAA trophy in front of the football team after their victory against the McIntosh Chiefs last Friday. The Panthers took care of business to demolish the Chiefs 38-7. With this win, Starr’s Mill clinched its fifth region championship in a row. This is also their ninth region championship in program history, breaking the county record previously owned by Sandy Creek with eight.

Back to back to back to back to back

Daniel Stackhouse, Sports Editor
November 17, 2020
Image of the Starlight Brigade in the music video with the same name by Tupper Ware Remix Party. “Starlight Brigade” is just the song anybody could use to get them hyped up with an electric rock space adventure.

Quick Hit with Daniel Stackhouse

Daniel Stackhouse, Sports Editor
November 14, 2020
Senior offensive lineman Vee Holcomb awaits a snap during the Panthers’ final region home game against the Whitewater Wildcats this past Friday. On top of the Panther defense pulling off their third consecutive shutout, the Panther offense had one of their best games yet to pull out a convincing 42-0 win against a county rival. “We knew we needed to win this game to be sitting good in the region,” Holcomb said. “So we all knew as seniors [that] tonight was our last regular season home game, so it meant something to us.”

Gameday Takeaways, Week 8

Daniel Stackhouse, Sports Editor
November 12, 2020
Sophomore running back Greigh Joseph makes his way down an empty field en route to a 98-yard touchdown during the Panthers’ final region home game against the Whitewater Wildcats. The offense had a breakout game that propelled the team to a 42-0 victory and still in control of their destiny in the region. The offense as a whole had its most productive game yet with 464 total yards and six touchdowns. Joseph had a decent night himself with five carries for 106 yards and a touchdown.

That’s so offensive!

Daniel Stackhouse, Sports Editor
November 12, 2020
All-star softball duo

All-star softball duo

Daniel Stackhouse, Sports Editor
November 11, 2020
Junior Lilli Backes commits to the University of North Carolina

Junior Lilli Backes commits to the University of North Carolina

Daniel Stackhouse, Sports Editor
November 8, 2020
From the Panther Pit

From the Panther Pit

Daniel Stackhouse, Abby Carter, and Kyleigh Wetzstein
November 6, 2020
Sophomore running back Greigh Joseph dives forward during the Panthers’ home region game against the Griffin Bears this past week. The entire team came together to pull off a solid 21-0 shutout to widen the gap within the region. Even though the Panther offense only accumulated a total of 217 yards, they scored 21 points for just the second time this season. Whether it be the value of maturity, an explosive defensive line, or the progression of the learning curve, here are three takeaways from this past week’s game.

Gameday Takeaways, Week 7

Daniel Stackhouse, Sports Editor
November 3, 2020

Coach’s Corner

Daniel Stackhouse, Sports Editor
November 3, 2020
Sophomore quarterback Will Yarbrough makes his way downfield during the Panthers’ third region game against the Griffin Bears at Panther Stadium. Despite some struggles, the Panther offense made some big plays, while the defense kept Griffin in check to culminate in a 21-0 shutout. Yarbrough ran the ball five times for 71 yards and two touchdowns. For only the second time this season, and first time in region play, the Panthers scored 21 or more points.

Bears down, spirits up

Daniel Stackhouse, Sports Editor
November 1, 2020
Cody Calafiore (middle) celebrates making it to the final three with fellow houseguests Nicole Franzel and Enzo Palumbo in season 22 of the CBS reality TV show “Big Brother.” “Big Brother: All-Stars” came to its conclusion last night. Calafiore dominated the game and it all paid off when he won the $500,000 grand prize by a 9-0 vote over Palumbo. Whether it be socially or strategically effective or being a competition beast, Calafiore played every aspect of the Big Brother game flawlessly, and earned the victory after losing in the first round six years ago.

Perfect redemption

Daniel Stackhouse, Sports Editor
October 29, 2020
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