Sports

Putnam County quarterback Ethan Whatley (12) hands the ball off to running back Omarion Butts (6) during a game against Morgan County on Friday, Aug. 22. LANCE McCURLEY/File photo

Putnam County quarterback Ethan Whatley (12) hands the ball off to running back Omarion Butts (6) during a game against Morgan County on Friday, Aug. 22. LANCE McCURLEY/File photo

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Thomasville grounds War Eagles with shutout in first round

Lance McCurley
Thursday, November 20, 2025
Behind a strong effort on both sides of the ball, Thomasville advanced to the second round of the state playoffs after a 38-0 blanking of Putnam County last Friday night.Putnam County head coach Joel Harvin thinks his team just didn’t execute its game plan, which is what led to the loss.
The 2025 State Champion Gatewood shotgun team was led by head coach Jacob Fried (far left), with help from Jason Cheek, Kevin Courchaine, Keith Davis, Jake Hill, Rich Lingle, Brandon Pierce, Walt Rocker, and John Wojtas. CONTRIBUTED

The 2025 State Champion Gatewood shotgun team was led by head coach Jacob Fried (far left), with help from Jason Cheek, Kevin Courchaine, Keith Davis, Jake Hill, Rich Lingle, Brandon Pierce, Walt Rocker, and John Wojtas. CONTRIBUTED

Gatewood shotgun wins state title – again

Ian Tocher
Thursday, November 20, 2025
The Gatewood Gators shotgun team recently solidified its place among Georgia’s elite athletic programs, capturing its 10th state championship over the last 12 years.This latest title came on Nov.
Georgia cornerback Demello Jones (15) totaled four tackles, including being credited with half a tackle for loss and a pass breakup against the Longhorns. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

Georgia cornerback Demello Jones (15) totaled four tackles, including being credited with half a tackle for loss and a pass breakup against the Longhorns. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

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Georgia defense gets ‘down and dirty’ against Longhorns

Lance McCurley
Thursday, November 20, 2025
Georgia delivered its best defensive performance of the season against Texas this past Saturday in a 35-10 win. The Longhorns struggled to get anything going offensively, as the Bulldogs’ defense was dominant.
Georgia tight end Lawson Luckie (7) celebrates after hauling in a six-yard touchdown catch against Texas. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

Georgia tight end Lawson Luckie (7) celebrates after hauling in a six-yard touchdown catch against Texas. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

HORNS DOWN! Dawgs’ dominate 4th-quarter in win over Texas

Lance McCurley
Thursday, November 20, 2025
Georgia put on a masterful display of domination Saturday night at home, especially in the fourth quarter of its 35-10 victory over Texas.The Bulldogs (9-1, 7-1), who led 14-10 going into the final quarter, performed better than the Longhorns when it mattered most.
Coming off two bye weeks following the end of its regular season schedule, No. 20 seed Putnam County is gearing up to take on No. 13 Thomasville this Friday in a first-round playoff pairing. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

Coming off two bye weeks following the end of its regular season schedule, No. 20 seed Putnam County is gearing up to take on No. 13 Thomasville this Friday in a first-round playoff pairing. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

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Putnam to face powerful Thomasville offense

Lance McCurley
Wednesday, November 12, 2025
Following two bye weeks, Putnam County hits the field this Friday for the first round of the state playoffs.The War Eagles finished the season with a 5-5 overall record and are the No. 20 seed in the Class A Division I power rankings. They’ll have a tough test in the round of 32 against No.
Early this 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 this 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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Warriors end Gatewood’s 2025 season

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, November 12, 2025
The Gatewood Gators made the long 195-mile, one-way trek last Friday to Damascus to face Southwest Georgia Academy for a playoff game. They returned to Eatonton a few hours later, however, with their season ended by a 30-18 loss to the Warriors.
Georgia heavily recruited Arch Manning (16) before he committed and signed with Texas. (Courtesy of Texas Athletics)

Georgia heavily recruited Arch Manning (16) before he committed and signed with Texas. (Courtesy of Texas Athletics)

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Georgia defense ready to face Texas QB Arch Manning

Lance McCurley
Wednesday, November 12, 2025
Georgia pursued quarterback Arch Manning and was once the leader in his recruitment before he chose Texas.
Georgia wide receiver Zachariah Branch (1) celebrates with teammate Dillon Bell (86) after he scored a touchdown in the second quarter against Mississippi State on Saturday, Nov. 8. Courtesy of UGA Athletics

Georgia wide receiver Zachariah Branch (1) celebrates with teammate Dillon Bell (86) after he scored a touchdown in the second quarter against Mississippi State on Saturday, Nov. 8. Courtesy of UGA Athletics

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Dawgs maul Miss State with ‘total team effort’

Lance McCurley
Wednesday, November 12, 2025
In a battle of Bulldogs, No. 5 Georgia dominated Mississippi State in all three phases of the game.The visiting Bulldogs played well on offense, defense, and special teams to pull off a 41-21 win in Starkville.
Jmari Greene was Putnam County’s leading scorer as a junior last season, averaging 18.8 points per game. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

Jmari Greene was Putnam County’s leading scorer as a junior last season, averaging 18.8 points per game. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

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War Eagles recognized as No. 1 in preseason poll

Lance McCurley
Wednesday, November 12, 2025
The Putnam County boys basketball team is coming off one of its best seasons in program history.The War Eagles finished their 2024-25 campaign 27-3 overall and reached the Elite Eight of Class A Division I playoffs. Last year, they started outside of SandySpiel.
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