Sports

Gates Lanzarone stands in the batter’s box during a game against Jasper County on March 31. LANCE MCCURLEY/Staff

Gates Lanzarone stands in the batter’s box during a game against Jasper County on March 31. LANCE MCCURLEY/Staff

Lanzarone reflects on Putnam career, looks ahead to Reinhardt

Lance McCurley
Monday, July 6, 2026
Gates Lanzarone helped Putnam County baseball take an important step forward during his four-year career. Now, after leaving his mark on the War Eagles program, the former standout is preparing for the next chapter after signing with Reinhardt University.
Loran Smith/File Photo

Loran Smith/File Photo

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Smith: Times have changed

Loran Smith
Wednesday, July 1, 2026
Football teams across the country are preparing for the upcoming season. Even underclassmen, in many cases, are positioned to benefit financially through name, image, and likeness (NIL) opportunities while hoping to play well enough to reach the National Football League.
Beginning this season, former War Eagle Damoio’n Wright has taken his coaching talents to Gainesville High School. CONTRIBUTED

Beginning this season, former War Eagle Damoio’n Wright has taken his coaching talents to Gainesville High School. CONTRIBUTED

Former War Eagle to coach at Gainesville

Lance McCurley
Wednesday, July 1, 2026
Former Putnam County High School football player Damoio’n Wright is taking the next step in his coaching career. Wright recently joined the coaching staff at Gainesville High School after spending the past several seasons helping build one of Georgia’s premier football programs at Grayson.
Early during the 2025 season, Gatewood head coach Jeff Ratliff (center) held court with his players, cheerleaders, and parents of both near the 50-yard line at Sammons Field in Eatonton. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Early during the 2025 season, Gatewood head coach Jeff Ratliff (center) held court with his players, cheerleaders, and parents of both near the 50-yard line at Sammons Field in Eatonton. IAN TOCHER/Staff

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Gators look to take 2026 ‘one game at a time’

Lance McCurley
Wednesday, July 1, 2026
As Gatewood continues its summer workouts ahead of preseason practice, the Gators know they won’t have much time to ease into the 2026 season.
Caption: Putnam County running back Kumari Thomas tries to break a tackle during the team's intrasquad scrimmage on May 15. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Caption: Putnam County running back Kumari Thomas tries to break a tackle during the team's intrasquad scrimmage on May 15. IAN TOCHER/Staff

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War Eagles embrace challenging 2026 schedule

Lance McCurley
Wednesday, July 1, 2026
Following a productive June, Putnam County head coach Joel Harvin believes his team is better prepared to face a demanding 2026 schedule.
Abby Mashburn practices in the infield during a recent summer practice. CONTRIBUTED

Abby Mashburn practices in the infield during a recent summer practice. CONTRIBUTED

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New era begins for Putnam softball under Dyar

Lance McCurley
Wednesday, July 1, 2026
A new era is underway for the Putnam County softball program, and first-year head coach Gabriel Dyar has spent the early weeks of the summer laying a strong foundation.
Loran Smith/File Photo

Loran Smith/File Photo

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Smith: Enjoying European sports

Loran Smith
Wednesday, June 24, 2026
With the recent conclusion of the French Open, the second Grand Slam tournament of the tennis season, the sport's scene in Europe during June and July is a reminder of how captivating it is.In just a few days, Wimbledon will begin.
Georgia catcher Daniel Jackson sits in the dugout contemplating what might have been after the Bulldogs’ 11-4 loss to Oklahoma on June 17. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

Georgia catcher Daniel Jackson sits in the dugout contemplating what might have been after the Bulldogs’ 11-4 loss to Oklahoma on June 17. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

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Georgia falls to Sooners in CWS semifinal

Lance McCurley
Wednesday, June 24, 2026
OMAHA, Neb. — Georgia’s 2026 season came to an end June 17, as Oklahoma powered its way to an 11-4 victory over the Bulldogs in the College World Series semifinals at Charles Schwab Field.
Journey Waller (10) goes up for a layup during a playoff game against Chattooga on Feb. 25. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

Journey Waller (10) goes up for a layup during a playoff game against Chattooga on Feb. 25. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

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Lady War Eagles prep for season through summer games

Lance McCurley
Wednesday, June 24, 2026
Coming off a Final Four appearance, Putnam County girls head basketball coach Derrick Arrington returned to the gym with his team this summer. The focus was on development, competition, and preparing for the challenges that await during the 2026-27 season.
Gatewood players pose with their fourth consecutive state championship trophy last Friday in Statesboro. TREY NORRIS/Staff

Gatewood players pose with their fourth consecutive state championship trophy last Friday in Statesboro. TREY NORRIS/Staff

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Gatewood athletics succeeds in 2025-26 campaign

Lance McCurley
Wednesday, June 24, 2026
Gatewood School’s athletic programs continued their tradition of excellence during the 2025-26 school year, producing state championships, deep postseason runs, and strong finishes across multiple sports.“I thought we had a really good year athletically,” Gatewood Athletic Director Troy Burner said.
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