Sports

Putnam County senior Bill Waters won the high jump at the GHSA Class A Division I state track meet May 12 at UGA’s Spec Towns Track. CONTRIBUTED

Putnam County senior Bill Waters won the high jump at the GHSA Class A Division I state track meet May 12 at UGA’s Spec Towns Track. CONTRIBUTED

STATE CHAMPION

Lance McCurley
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
ATHENS — Bill Waters Jr. saved his best for last.
Bobby Cox

Bobby Cox

Bobby Cox

Loran Smith
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
There is something inspiring about a ballpark where those who professionally inhabit one of those big-league shrines can’t wait to start their day within its friendly confines.
Mikey Padula led the way for Gatewood April 27 at Harbor Club, shooting an 82. TREY NORRIS/Staff

Mikey Padula led the way for Gatewood April 27 at Harbor Club, shooting an 82. TREY NORRIS/Staff

Gators finish second at state golf tourney

Lance McCurley
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
The Gatewood boys golf team capped a strong season with a runner-up finish April 27 at Harbor Club in Greensboro. The Gators posted a team score of 347, 11 strokes behind state champion David Emanuel Academy.
Putnam County seniors Ethan Whatley (left) and Gates Lanzarone (right) recently signed letters of intent to continue their baseball careers at the collegiate level. CONTRIBUTED

Putnam County seniors Ethan Whatley (left) and Gates Lanzarone (right) recently signed letters of intent to continue their baseball careers at the collegiate level. CONTRIBUTED

Lanzarone, Whatley sign to play at next level

Lance McCurley
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
The Putnam County baseball program celebrated two more athletes taking the next step in their athletic careers as seniors Ethan Whatley and Gates Lanzarone officially signed to continue playing at the next level.
Lawson Moore struck out 13 batters while allowing just three hits in a six-inning game shutout against Brentwood. TREY NORRIS/Staff

Lawson Moore struck out 13 batters while allowing just three hits in a six-inning game shutout against Brentwood. TREY NORRIS/Staff

Gatewood baseball advances to state semifinals

Trey Norris
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
Gatewood advanced to its sixth consecutive GIAA Class 2A baseball state semifinal playoff series following 8-5 and 12-0 wins over Brentwood last Thursday at home in Eatonton.The Gators dominated game two with a season-high five home runs off the Eagles’ pitching staff.
Faith Watkins (left) and Aubree Butts (right) were the only Putnam County girls track and field athletes to qualify for the GHSA Class A Division I state meet. CONTRIBUTED

Faith Watkins (left) and Aubree Butts (right) were the only Putnam County girls track and field athletes to qualify for the GHSA Class A Division I state meet. CONTRIBUTED

Watkins, Butts show promise for Putnam at state meet

Lance McCurley
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
ATHENS — Putnam County track and field girls athletes Faith Watkins and Aubree Butts capped their seasons on one of Georgia’s biggest stages May 12, competing in the GHSA Class A Division I state meet at the University of Georgia’s Spec Towns Track.
Putnam County High School head football coach Joel Harvin (center) addressed his team following the annual Spring Game to help assess talent and determine positions before the next season begins. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Putnam County High School head football coach Joel Harvin (center) addressed his team following the annual Spring Game to help assess talent and determine positions before the next season begins. IAN TOCHER/Staff

War Eagles wrap up spring practice

Lance McCurley
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
After losing a strong senior group and several key linemen, Putnam County entered the spring with plenty of questions to answer.By the end of spring practice, head coach Joel Harvin said he felt like the War Eagles had started finding some of those answers.
Natalie Sills (18) was among seven seniors the Gatewood girls soccer team lost to graduation at the end of this season. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Natalie Sills (18) was among seven seniors the Gatewood girls soccer team lost to graduation at the end of this season. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Lady Gators’ soccer season ends in Elite Eight

Lance McCurley
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
The 2026 season ended for the Gatewood girls soccer team May 13 with a 2-0 loss to Central Fellowship Christian Academy in the GIAA Class 2A Elite Eight in Macon.
Gatewood senior Kimberly Mendez set the tone early for the Gators on Friday night, scoring a natural hat trick in the first half against First Preparatory Academy. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Gatewood senior Kimberly Mendez set the tone early for the Gators on Friday night, scoring a natural hat trick in the first half against First Preparatory Academy. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Gatewood powers past First Preparatory Academy, advances to Elite Eight

Lance McCurley
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
The Gatewood girls soccer team is heading to the GIAA Class 2A Elite Eight after a dominant 5-1 victory over First Preparatory Academy in the opening round of the state playoffs.
Joelle Lukens served as the Lady War Eagles’ No. 1 singles player. LANCE MCCURLEY/Staff

Joelle Lukens served as the Lady War Eagles’ No. 1 singles player. LANCE MCCURLEY/Staff

Putnam tennis teams’ seasons cut short

Lance McCurley
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
The Putnam County boys' and girls' tennis teams both had their seasons end in the GHSA Class A Division I state tournament. Their campaigns featured postseason wins, competitive matchups, and an emotional farewell to a large and influential senior class.The girls entered the tournament as the No.
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