Sports

GMC Prep running back Evan Stansey returns in 2026 after leading the Bulldogs in rushing last season. TREY NORRIS/Staff

GMC Prep running back Evan Stansey returns in 2026 after leading the Bulldogs in rushing last season. TREY NORRIS/Staff

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GMC Prep poised to build on past success

Trey Norris
Thursday, August 20, 2026
Georgia Military Prep enters the 2026 season with its sights set on taking another step forward under third-year head coach Gavin Tierce.Tierce took over the Bulldogs in 2024 and inherited a program that went winless over 10 games in his first season.
Rasha Ellison breaks loose for a big gain during Putnam County’s 24-21 scrimmage win over West Laurens on Friday night. LANCE MCCURLEY/Staff

Rasha Ellison breaks loose for a big gain during Putnam County’s 24-21 scrimmage win over West Laurens on Friday night. LANCE MCCURLEY/Staff

Putnam County rallies past West Laurens in scrimmage

Lance McCurley
Tuesday, August 18, 2026
Putnam County got a valuable preseason scrimmage test Aug. 14 against one of the state’s more experienced programs, with the War Eagles coming away with a 24-21 victory over West Laurens.
Lily Arthur takes a swing at the plate for Gatewood as the Gators continue their strong start to the season. Arthur has helped lead the way both at the plate and in the circle during Gatewood’s three-game winning streak. TREY NORRIS/Staff

Lily Arthur takes a swing at the plate for Gatewood as the Gators continue their strong start to the season. Arthur has helped lead the way both at the plate and in the circle during Gatewood’s three-game winning streak. TREY NORRIS/Staff

Gatewood softball off to solid start

Lance McCurley
Tuesday, August 18, 2026
Gatewood softball has turned a competitive start into a strong early-season run.The Gators entered Monday, Aug. 17, at 1-2 overall after dropping a pair of close games, but they left the day with a three-game winning streak and a 3-2 record.Gatewood opened the season Aug.
Abigail Roberts prepares to deliver a pitch from the circle during a recent game. KIM CASH/Contributed

Abigail Roberts prepares to deliver a pitch from the circle during a recent game. KIM CASH/Contributed

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Signs of improvement for Putnam softball

Lance McCurley
Wednesday, August 12, 2026
The scoreboard hasn’t been kind to the Putnam County softball team through its first two games of the new season, but the War Eagles are showing signs of progress.Putnam County opened the season with an 18-1 loss to Northside-Warner Robins Aug.
Loran Smith/File Photo

Loran Smith/File Photo

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Smith: On red-and-black — and silver

Loran Smith
Wednesday, August 12, 2026
Fall football practice has begun, and the natives are restless — not with criticism, but with anticipation and expectations. This has been the way it is since shoulder pads were invented.
Putnam County quarterback Caleb Reeves (14) drops back in the pocket with running back Elijah Dunn (3) providing pass protection during a padded camp in Eatonton last month. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

Putnam County quarterback Caleb Reeves (14) drops back in the pocket with running back Elijah Dunn (3) providing pass protection during a padded camp in Eatonton last month. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

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Putnam looks to measure up against West Laurens

Lance McCurley
Wednesday, August 12, 2026
Putnam County will get one of its biggest tests of the preseason Friday when it hosts West Laurens in a scrimmage.For head coach Joel Harvin and his team, the matchup is about much more than simply getting back on the field.
Gatewood quarterback Blake Brannen scrambles out of the pocket for a first down against Edmund Burke. TREY NORRIS/Staff

Gatewood quarterback Blake Brannen scrambles out of the pocket for a first down against Edmund Burke. TREY NORRIS/Staff

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Preparation key to Gators’ early success

Lance McCurley
Wednesday, August 12, 2026
Gatewood is heading into the regular season with a little more confidence after using a pair of preseason scrimmages to identify weaknesses and make improvements. The Gators hosted Edmund Burke Academy on July 31, before facing Central Fellowship Christian Academy in Eatonton last Friday.
Georgia inside linebacker Raylen Wilson (5) tackles Mississippi State quarterback Blake Shapen during a game in Starkville last season. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

Georgia inside linebacker Raylen Wilson (5) tackles Mississippi State quarterback Blake Shapen during a game in Starkville last season. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

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Dawgs lean on standard entering fall camp

Lance McCurley
Wednesday, August 5, 2026
The Georgia Bulldogs are ready to trade in offseason workouts, meetings, and conditioning for the grind of fall camp. With the 2026 season approaching, expectations remain high in Athens as Kirby Smart’s program looks to build on another successful year.
Putnam County junior quarterback Caleb Reeves lines up under center during a practice last week. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

Putnam County junior quarterback Caleb Reeves lines up under center during a practice last week. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

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The heat is on for Putnam football

Lance McCurley
Wednesday, August 5, 2026
With summer workouts complete, Putnam County has officially turned its attention toward the start of the 2026 football season.
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