Sports

The Putnam County War Eagles take the field before facing Laney on Friday night. T. MICHAEL STONE/Staff

The Putnam County War Eagles take the field before facing Laney on Friday night. T. MICHAEL STONE/Staff

War Eagles ready to take on Rebels

Lance McCurley
Wednesday, September 3, 2025
Following the season-opening win over Greene County, Putnam County is now looking to break a two-game losing streak.Morgan County and Laney dominated the War Eagles the last two weeks, and this Friday’s matchup won’t be any easier.
Loran Smith/File Photo

Loran Smith/File Photo

Smith: Darryl Jones

Loran Smith
Wednesday, August 27, 2025
Here in Columbus, the waters of Georgia’s most romantic river — the musical Chattahoochee — bring a lively atmosphere to a vibrant populace bent on creating a city that combines work and play, making it not only an attractive destination but also a place to put down roots.
Putnam County senior running back Omarion Butts (6) dives across the goal line late in the second quarter as a Morgan County defender failed to bring him down. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Putnam County senior running back Omarion Butts (6) dives across the goal line late in the second quarter as a Morgan County defender failed to bring him down. IAN TOCHER/Staff

War Eagles learn from loss to ‘Dogs

Lance McCurley
Wednesday, August 27, 2025
After a strong season debut against Greene County, Putnam County struggled in its second game of the season. The War Eagles played Morgan County on Friday at Bill Corry Stadium and were defeated 46-14 on a wet and rainy night.
Gatewood head coach Jeff Ratliff said sophomore Blake Brannen is already showing more patience and poise in his decision making as the team’s new quarterback. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Gatewood head coach Jeff Ratliff said sophomore Blake Brannen is already showing more patience and poise in his decision making as the team’s new quarterback. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Gatewood coach continues to believe in team

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, August 27, 2025
Gatewood fell 24-6 to the Trinity Christian Crusaders (1-1) last Friday to remain winless after two games. Still, head coach Jeff Ratliff said he saw things he liked in his team despite a slow start to its 2025 season.“It’s never easy. It’s hard, but we’re going to continue to get better as a team.
Georgia is expecting cornerback Ellis Robinson IV (1) to battle for the starting spot opposite of veteran Daylen Everette this season. COURTESY OF UGA ATHLETICS

Georgia is expecting cornerback Ellis Robinson IV (1) to battle for the starting spot opposite of veteran Daylen Everette this season. COURTESY OF UGA ATHLETICS

Dawgs focus on themselves ahead of opener

Lance McCurley
Wednesday, August 27, 2025
Georgia will get its 2025 season underway at home against non-conference opponent Marshall this week. The No. 4 Bulldogs were preparing for the Thundering Herd during practice last week.“Coaches started on Thursday, and players started on Friday.
Gatewood quarterback Blake Brannen is somewhere in the middle of the crowd as he gets pushed across the goal line by teammates for the Gators’ lone score on Friday night. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Gatewood quarterback Blake Brannen is somewhere in the middle of the crowd as he gets pushed across the goal line by teammates for the Gators’ lone score on Friday night. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Gatewood falls to Flint River in season opener

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, August 20, 2025
The new-look Gatewood Gators got off to a rough start Friday night, falling 20-6 to the visiting Flint River Academy Wildcats out of Woodbury.
Loran Smith/File Photo

Loran Smith/File Photo

Smith: George Patton

Loran Smith
Wednesday, August 20, 2025
On Sept. 19, 1964, a muggy night in Tuscaloosa, Ala., Joe Namath lined up under center for the first series, called for the snap, and dropped back to throw. As soon as he set up in the pocket, George Patton was in his face and threw the heralded Tide All-American for a nine-yard loss.
Morgan County and Putnam County will face off this Friday in Madison at Bill Corry Stadium for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff. LANCE McCURLEY/File photo

Morgan County and Putnam County will face off this Friday in Madison at Bill Corry Stadium for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff. LANCE McCURLEY/File photo

‘Dogs favored over War Eagles in rivalry game

Lance McCurley
Wednesday, August 20, 2025
Putnam County (1-0) and Morgan County (1-0) will renew their rivalry Friday night at Bill Corry Stadium in Madison. Last season, the Dogs defeated the War Eagles 42-28 in a shootout. Morgan is favored to win 48-16 this year, according to the Massey Ratings prediction by On3.com.
A pack of Putnam County defenders swarm a Greene County ball carrier in last week's 42-15 win over the Tigers. LANCE MCCURLEY/Staff

A pack of Putnam County defenders swarm a Greene County ball carrier in last week's 42-15 win over the Tigers. LANCE MCCURLEY/Staff

Putnam defense pivotal in win over Greene County

Lance McCurley
Tuesday, August 19, 2025
Putnam County’s offense, especially its running game, excelled in the team’s dominant win over rival Greene County on Aug. 15, but head coach Joel Harvin believes the defensive unit doesn’t get enough credit.
Putnam County senior running back Omarion Butts (6) runs past a Greene County defender on his way to the end zone. LANCE MCCURLEY/Staff

Putnam County senior running back Omarion Butts (6) runs past a Greene County defender on his way to the end zone. LANCE MCCURLEY/Staff

Ground game helps Putnam pound Greene

News Staff
Tuesday, August 19, 2025
Putnam County relied on a strong running game to defeat Greene County 42-15 in the season opener on Aug. 15.The War Eagles (1-0) had two running backs – senior Omarion Butts and sophomore Kumari – who made the biggest impact.
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