Sports

Loran Smith/File Photo

Loran Smith/File Photo

Smith: Horace King

Loran Smith
Thursday, September 11, 2025
There is redeeming serendipity when you interact with a former player who had his day in the sun, overcoming stiff challenges but maturing into senior citizen status with humility and thanksgiving.
Putnam County senior wide receiver Jayson Smith (14) took a reverse and scored the game-winning touchdown against Haralson County this past Friday. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

Putnam County senior wide receiver Jayson Smith (14) took a reverse and scored the game-winning touchdown against Haralson County this past Friday. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

War Eagles defeat Rebels in dramatic fashion

Lance McCurley
Thursday, September 11, 2025
Putnam County evened its record at 2-2 with a dramatic 16-14 upset of Haralson County last Friday in Tallapoosa.The War Eagles beat the Rebels on the last play from scrimmage. Trailing 14-10 with the clock winding down, Putnam ran a reverse.
Gators head coach Jeff Ratliff said he’s seen steady improvement throught this season’s first four games from sophomore quarterback Blake Brannen, and expects his prgression to continue. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Gators head coach Jeff Ratliff said he’s seen steady improvement throught this season’s first four games from sophomore quarterback Blake Brannen, and expects his prgression to continue. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Gators lose close one, but coach is encouraged

Ian Tocher
Thursday, September 11, 2025
The Gatewood Gators almost pulled off a big upset Friday night in Americus, but Southland Academy capitalized on some big runs and late mistakes to hold on to a 28–25 victory at home.
Georgia running back Chauncey Bowens (33) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown against Austin Peay on Saturday. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

Georgia running back Chauncey Bowens (33) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown against Austin Peay on Saturday. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

Dawgs overcome offensive woes to defeat Austin Peay

Lance McCurley
Thursday, September 11, 2025
Georgia defeated FCS foe Austin Peay 28-6 on Sept. 6 in a game that included a two-hour lightning delay.The Bulldogs overcame a sloppy performance on offense to beat the Governors.
Georgia running back Nate Frazier (3) scored two touchdowns against Austin Peay last Saturday. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

Georgia running back Nate Frazier (3) scored two touchdowns against Austin Peay last Saturday. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

Georgia to face high-powered Vols offense

Lance McCurley
Thursday, September 11, 2025
No. 6 Georgia will face its first test of the season next Saturday in its SEC and road opener against No. 15 Tennessee.The Bulldogs (2-0) are coming off wins against weaker competition in Marshall and Austin Peay.
Putnam County senior safety RJ Hines held Rebel quarterback Paxton Ray in check and didn’t let him scramble much for extra yardage in last Friday’s win. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

Putnam County senior safety RJ Hines held Rebel quarterback Paxton Ray in check and didn’t let him scramble much for extra yardage in last Friday’s win. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

Putnam defense was difference maker over Haralson

Lance McCurley
Thursday, September 11, 2025
The Putnam County defense made great strides this past Friday night against Haralson County.Coming into the game, the Rebels had the highest scoring offense in Class A Division I, averaging 39.0 points per game, while the War Eagle defense had allowed 35.6 points per contest.
Loran Smith/File Photo

Loran Smith/File Photo

Smith: Love of the game

Loran Smith
Wednesday, September 3, 2025
In Athens earlier this week, I timed a trip uptown via Lumpkin Street to immerse myself in the phalanx of students, watching them cross the street all the way to the bottom of the hill and up past Joe Brown Hall toward the canopy of trees of North Campus.
Laney’s Matthew White fights his way past Putnam defenders as he marches his way into the end zone. T. MICHAEL STONE/Staff

Laney’s Matthew White fights his way past Putnam defenders as he marches his way into the end zone. T. MICHAEL STONE/Staff

Mistakes plague Putnam in Laney loss

Lance McCurley
Wednesday, September 3, 2025
Mistakes aren’t good for any football team, but Putnam County just had too many of them last Friday against Laney.The War Eagles (1-2) had five turnovers, which helped the Wildcats (2-1) secure a 46-16 win at Al Reaves Field in Eatonton.Putnam County struggled offensively because of turnovers.
Gatewood head coach Jeff Ratliff still believes in his team after its 0-3 start. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Gatewood head coach Jeff Ratliff still believes in his team after its 0-3 start. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Gatewood suffers 26-14 loss to Lions

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, September 3, 2025
Gatewood is off to a disappointing 0-3 start this season after falling 26-14 to Loganville Christian Academy (2-1) on the road last Friday.Still, “the game was much closer than the score indicates,” Gators head coach Jeff Ratliff stated in his weekly post-game address to team parents and boosters.
Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton (14) accounted for four touchdowns in the team’s 45-7 win over Marshall on Saturday. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton (14) accounted for four touchdowns in the team’s 45-7 win over Marshall on Saturday. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

Stockton leads Georgia past Marshall in opener

Lance McCurley
Wednesday, September 3, 2025
Georgia easily defeated Marshall in its season opener on Saturday, largely due to the performance of quarterback Gunner Stockton.In his first start at Sanford Stadium for the No. 4 Bulldogs, Stockton scored four touchdowns in the lopsided 45-7 victory.
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