Sports

Gatewood’s head track and field coach Jeff Ratliff (yellow shirt) called his boys team’s rise from fifth overall to second statewide — thanks to an outstanding win in the 4X400-meter relay — “competition in its purest form.” CONTRIBUTED

Gatewood’s head track and field coach Jeff Ratliff (yellow shirt) called his boys team’s rise from fifth overall to second statewide — thanks to an outstanding win in the 4X400-meter relay — “competition in its purest form.” CONTRIBUTED

Dramatic relay lifts Gators to state runner-up

Lance McCurley
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
The Gatewood boys track and field team turned in one of the most impressive performances at the GIAA Class AA state meet on May 2, overcoming the odds to finish as state runners-up after a dramatic final push in the 4x400-meter relay.
The Lady Gators piled up the points in the May 2 Class AA state meet, enough to propel the team to third place. CONTRIBUTED

The Lady Gators piled up the points in the May 2 Class AA state meet, enough to propel the team to third place. CONTRIBUTED

Record-setting Gatewood girls place third at state meet

Lance McCurley
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
The Gatewood girls' track and field team delivered one of its strongest performances of the season on May 2 at the GIAA Class AA state meet at Strong Rock Christian, finishing third overall while setting multiple school records and earning several podium finishes along the way.
Putnam County’s Jonathan Acostas (9), who scored the War Eagles’ lone goal in their Elite Eight matchup, is comforted by a teammate following the loss to Barrow Arts & Sciences Academy. SKYLA MORRIS/Staff

Putnam County’s Jonathan Acostas (9), who scored the War Eagles’ lone goal in their Elite Eight matchup, is comforted by a teammate following the loss to Barrow Arts & Sciences Academy. SKYLA MORRIS/Staff

Putnam boys soccer falls in Elite Eight

Lance McCurley
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
One minute away from overtime and a chance to continue its playoff run, the Putnam County boys soccer team suffered a heartbreaking 2-1 loss to Barrow Arts and Sciences Academy (BASA) on May 5 in the GHSA Class A Division I Elite Eight.
Ben Brennan had three hits and scored three runs in the Gators' 7-5 win vs Pinewood last Monday in Eatonton. TREY NORRIS/Staff

Ben Brennan had three hits and scored three runs in the Gators' 7-5 win vs Pinewood last Monday in Eatonton. TREY NORRIS/Staff

Gatewood gears up for playoffs

Trey Norris
Thursday, May 7, 2026
Gatewood’s baseball team split its first two meetings last Monday and Wednesday in a late-season four-game series against Pinewood, earning a 7-5 win in Eatonton before dropping a 4-3 decision in Bellville.The Gators’ pitching rotation continued to shine in Game 1, with Ben Pearson working 6.
Loran Smith/Columnist

Loran Smith/Columnist

Smith: Orlean Castronis

Loran Smith
Thursday, May 7, 2026
The National Football Foundation’s Georgia chapter recently recognized Orlean Castronis with its Distinguished American Award. She is a retired journalist and the widow of one of the most popular players and coaches ever to wear the Red and Black.
Putnam County freshman Aubree Butts will represent the War Eagles in the 200-meter dash at next week’s state meet after qualifying with a fifth-place finish at sectionals last weekend. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

Putnam County freshman Aubree Butts will represent the War Eagles in the 200-meter dash at next week’s state meet after qualifying with a fifth-place finish at sectionals last weekend. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

Three War Eagles qualify for state meet

Lance McCurley
Thursday, May 7, 2026
Putnam County’s track and field program will be represented on one of the biggest stages in Georgia next week.Three War Eagles athletes punched their tickets to the GHSA Class A Division I state meet in Athens on Tuesday, May 12, with strong performances at the sectional round.
Senior Natalie Sills (18) has been a key piece to Gatewood’s success this season. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

Senior Natalie Sills (18) has been a key piece to Gatewood’s success this season. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

Confident Lady Gators head into postseason

Lance McCurley
Thursday, May 7, 2026
The Gatewood girls soccer team is heading into the state playoffs with confidence and momentum after one of its strongest performances of the season, a double-overtime battle against top-ranked Central Fellowship Christian.
Putnam County's Reynaldo Espinoza (16) and Edwin Garcia (2) celebrate with teammate Jonathan Acostas (9) after he scored a goal last week against Vidalia. LANCE MCCURLEY/Staff

Putnam County's Reynaldo Espinoza (16) and Edwin Garcia (2) celebrate with teammate Jonathan Acostas (9) after he scored a goal last week against Vidalia. LANCE MCCURLEY/Staff

War Eagles roll past Vidalia, punch ticket to Elite Eight

Lance McCurley
Monday, May 4, 2026
The No. 3 seed Putnam County boys soccer team found its rhythm at the right time last week against Vidalia.Behind a fast-starting offense and a balanced scoring effort, the War Eagles rolled past the No.
Putnam County senior R.J. Hines (left) scored the War Eagles' lone goal in a 1-0 victory over Dade County on April 22. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Putnam County senior R.J. Hines (left) scored the War Eagles' lone goal in a 1-0 victory over Dade County on April 22. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Putnam boys soccer edges Dade County in first round

News Staff
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
Putnam County didn’t waste any time making a statement in the postseason.Just 30 seconds into its first-round matchup in the GHSA Class A Division I state playoffs, the War Eagles found the back of the net — and that proved to be all they needed in a 1-0 victory over Dade County on April 22.R.J.
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