Sports

Putnam Couny will likely run a two-quarterback system this season, with seniors Ethan Whatley (pictured) and Branan Griffin rotating in and out. LANCE MCCURLEY/Staff

Putnam Couny will likely run a two-quarterback system this season, with seniors Ethan Whatley (pictured) and Branan Griffin rotating in and out. LANCE MCCURLEY/Staff

War Eagles return veteran roster in 2025

Lance McCurley
Thursday, August 14, 2025
Putnam County is looking to take the next step in 2025 under third-year head coach Joel Harvin.The War Eagles have been in limbo the past two seasons, finishing with 6-5 and 5-6 records and losing in the first round of the postseason.
Gatewood sophomore quarterback Blake Brannen takes a snap from junior center Drew Burke during pre-season practice at Gatewood’s Sammons Field in Eatonton. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Gatewood sophomore quarterback Blake Brannen takes a snap from junior center Drew Burke during pre-season practice at Gatewood’s Sammons Field in Eatonton. IAN TOCHER/Staff

New look, fresh start for Gators

Ian Tocher
Thursday, August 14, 2025
After an outstanding 2023 campaign that ended with a tight 16-10 runner-up finish in the state final, the Gatewood Gators took a step back last year, finishing with a 5-5 regular season record and a first-round exit from the playoffs.
Gatewood freshman Lily Arthur has been a spark for the offense this season. TREY NORRIS/Staff

Gatewood freshman Lily Arthur has been a spark for the offense this season. TREY NORRIS/Staff

Gatewood bats stay hot

Lance McCurley
Thursday, August 14, 2025
The bats for Gatewood softball didn’t get rusty after a lopsided win over Trinity Christian in the season opener.The Lady Gators (3-1) scored 34 runs over the next three games, winning two and losing one.
Putnam County head coach Joel Harvin said senior Branan Griffin (8) played well on both sides of the ball in last week’s scrimmage against Washington County. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Putnam County head coach Joel Harvin said senior Branan Griffin (8) played well on both sides of the ball in last week’s scrimmage against Washington County. IAN TOCHER/Staff

War Eagles learn from scrimmages

Lance McCurley
Thursday, August 14, 2025
Putnam County head coach Joel Harvin learned a lot about his team over the past two weeks, as the War Eagles scrimmaged West Laurens and Washington County before hosting the team’s 2025 season opener at 7:30 p.m. Friday against Greene County.
Loran Smith/File Photo

Loran Smith/File Photo

Smith: Tom Cousins

Loran Smith
Thursday, August 14, 2025
There are many Biblical references to incompatibility in the afterlife for those who accumulated wealth on earth, and while no living person, sinner or saint, knows what awaits, I believe Tom Cousins will be in the quarters reserved for the most special of people.
The Putnam County War Eagles will host the Greene County Tigers for their season opener this Friday at Al Reaves Field for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

The Putnam County War Eagles will host the Greene County Tigers for their season opener this Friday at Al Reaves Field for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

Tigers, War Eagles to renew rivalry

Lance McCurley
Thursday, August 14, 2025
Greene County and Putnam County will renew their rivalry Friday at Al Reaves Field at 7.:30 p.m. in Eatonton.Last season, the Tigers defeated the War Eagles 28-20 in Greensboro at Tiger Stadium.Putnam spent the last two weeks scrimmaging West Laurens and Washington County.
Loran Smith/File Photo

Loran Smith/File Photo

Smith: Kirby’s kickoff

Loran Smith
Wednesday, August 6, 2025
I have been monitoring the start of each season of Georgia football for almost seven decades. There was never a time when there was not a rush of adrenaline accompanying that first day of practice.Yesteryear, the players reported on Labor Day weekend.
The 2025 GRPA 14U Girls Fastpitch Softball Class C State Champions include (back, l-r) Abigail Roberts, Maddie Tintle, Gracynn Rios, Colbie Stolley, Coaches Bryan Arthur and Chris Huskins, Mea Thrift, Gracie Lowery, Abby Mashburn, Layla Moore, and Kaylee Collis; and (front, l-r) Lily Arthur, Sylvie Huskins, and Alexis Thrift. CONTRIBUTED

The 2025 GRPA 14U Girls Fastpitch Softball Class C State Champions include (back, l-r) Abigail Roberts, Maddie Tintle, Gracynn Rios, Colbie Stolley, Coaches Bryan Arthur and Chris Huskins, Mea Thrift, Gracie Lowery, Abby Mashburn, Layla Moore, and Kaylee Collis; and (front, l-r) Lily Arthur, Sylvie Huskins, and Alexis Thrift. CONTRIBUTED

Putnam 14U softball wins GRPA state title

Lance McCurley
Wednesday, August 6, 2025
Putnam County’s 14U All-Star softball team recently won the 2025 Georgia Recreation and Park Association’s state title.
The Gatewood softball poses for a team photo after defeating Trinity Christian in the season opener last week. CONTRIBUTED

The Gatewood softball poses for a team photo after defeating Trinity Christian in the season opener last week. CONTRIBUTED

Lady Gators dominate Trinity Christian in opener

Lance McCurley
Wednesday, August 6, 2025
Gatewood softball began its season on the right foot, July 29, with a convincing win in Dublin over Trinity Christian. The Lady Gators cruised to an 11-1 victory, avenging a loss to the Lady Crusaders in last year’s season opener.“Starting the season with a dominant win is always good.
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