Sports

Putnam County running back Omarion Butts (6) rushes for a touchdown during the second quarter of last Friday's game against Lamar County. LANCE MCCURLEY/Staff

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War Eagles falter in fourth against Trojans

Lance McCurley

Wednesday, October 22, 2025

Putnam County suffered another heartbreaking loss in the fourth quarter last week against Lamar County.Earlier this season, the War Eagles led Social Circle 28-14 going into the fourth quarter.

Gatewood head coach Jeff Ratliff knows his team faces a big challenge in taking on defending state champion Brentwood this Friday, but feels that preparation, effort, and the boost of an enthusiastic hometown crowd could deliver a win. IAN TOCHER/Staff

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Gators take on tough opponent Friday

Ian Tocher

Wednesday, October 22, 2025

Gatewood (3-6, 2-2) made the trek to Waynesboro last Friday and headed home after suffering a 20-0 shutout by Edmund Burke Academy (6-3, 3-1). It marked the fourth straight win for the Spartans over the Gators.“I know you have heard the expression, ‘Mama said there would be days like this.

Loran Smith/File Photo

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Smith: Home tailgating

Loran Smith

Wednesday, October 22, 2025

The tailgate parties, where football aficionados swarm with a passion, which have become centerpieces of campus scenes, don’t just take place near the confines of a stadium — the imposing edifice that originated with the Colosseum in Rome in 80 A.D.

Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton rumbles into the end zone for a rushing touchdown. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

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Luckie, Stockton lead Georgia offense over Rebels

Lance McCurley

Wednesday, October 22, 2025

Gunner Stockton and Lawson Luckie delivered strong performances for Georgia in its 43-35 win over Ole Miss. The two Bulldogs played a key role in the team’s offensive success, totaling a season-high 510 yards against the Rebels on Saturday.

Georgia defensive lineman Quintavius Johnson (33) and linebacker CJ Allen (3) bring down an Ole Miss ball carrier. LANCE MCCURLEY/Staff

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Dawgs complete comeback over Ole Miss

Lance McCurley

Wednesday, October 22, 2025

Georgia put on a clinic in the fourth quarter against No. 5 Ole Miss to earn a big, come-from-behind win.The Rebels led by nine points entering the final period of regulation, but the No. 9 Bulldogs scored 17 unanswered points to get the 43-35 victory.

Gatewood softball coach Dena Stancil (center, green shorts) poses with her senior players this season (l-r): Natalie Sills, Lily Huskins, Riley Roberts, Ellie McMillian, and Cora Tkacik. CONTRIBUTED

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Gatewood’s softball season ends early

Lance McCurley

Wednesday, October 22, 2025

The Gatewood softball team’s season ended last week in the GIAA Class AA state playoffs.The Lady Gators started the state tournament in Columbus with an exciting 6-5 walk-off win over Briarwood, but then lost to the eventual runner-up Brentwood, which sent them to the losers’ bracket.

Putnam County’s Branan Griffin rolls out of the pocket as he’s about to fire a pass downfield in Friday’s game against Towers. LANCE MCCURLEY/Staff

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‘He’s selfless’: Putnam QB leads War Eagles to dominate Towers

Lance McCurley

Wednesday, October 15, 2025

Branan Griffin was a weapon for Putnam County on both sides of the ball last Friday in a big region matchup against Towers. The senior two-way player helped lead the War Eagles (5-3, 3-1) to a 40-3 win over the Titans (3-4, 0-3).

Gatewood juniors Drew Burke (77) and Sean Bennett (12) share a moment during a break in play against Augusta Prep last month at Sammons Field in Eatonton. IAN TOCHER/File photo

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Gatewood seeks bounce back after Briarwood loss

Ian Tocher

Wednesday, October 15, 2025

Gatewood dropped a hard-fought 23–14 decision at home to Briarwood Friday night in a region game that head coach Jeff Ratliff called “a hard-nosed battle between two playoff teams.”The loss ended a three-game winning streak for the Gators, who fell to 3-5 overall and 2-1 in the region.

Loran Smith/File Photo

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Smith: Sports clubs

Loran Smith

Wednesday, October 15, 2025

While I have not conducted any definitive research, the South seems to be the only region of the country where touchdown and quarterback clubs continue to flourish.For years, there were marquee clubs in big cities with expansive budgets that honored professional, college, and high school athletes.

Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton (left) celebrates with tight end Oscar Delp (right) after icing the game with a 10-yard touchdown run late in the fourth quarter against Auburn. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

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The call that broke the Plainsmen

Lance McCurley

Wednesday, October 15, 2025

A controversial call during this year’s Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry between No. 10 Georgia and Auburn shifted the momentum in favor of the Bulldogs, helping them secure a 20-10 victory at Jordan-Hare Stadium.

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