Sports

Loran Smith/File Photo

Loran Smith/File Photo

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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

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‘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.
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

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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

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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

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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

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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.
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