Sports

The Gatewood girls’ 800-meter relay team completes a handoff during the region meet held last Thursday in Eatonton. IAN TOCHER/Staff

The Gatewood girls’ 800-meter relay team completes a handoff during the region meet held last Thursday in Eatonton. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Gatewood T&F qualifies athletes for state meet

Lance McCurley
Wednesday, April 30, 2025
Gatewood’s track and field teams hosted and participated in the final GIAA Region 4-AA meet last Thursday.The Lady Gators performed well, finishing third with 110 points, behind Edmund Burke and Brentwood. They qualified more than 20 athletes for the GIAA Class AA state meet.
Putnam midfielder Angel Sanchez (10) dribbles past an Oglethorpe County defender in the regular season finale on April 15. The junior scored the go-ahead goal against Vidalia last Friday in overtime, helping the War Eagles advance to the second round of state playoffs. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

Putnam midfielder Angel Sanchez (10) dribbles past an Oglethorpe County defender in the regular season finale on April 15. The junior scored the go-ahead goal against Vidalia last Friday in overtime, helping the War Eagles advance to the second round of state playoffs. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

War Eagles topple Indians in OT to advance

Lance McCurley
Wednesday, April 30, 2025
Putnam County needed overtime to defeat Vidalia and advance to the second round of the state soccer playoffs.In the first overtime period, midfielder Angel Sanchez scored for the War Eagles, who then prevented the Indians from responding to clinch a 4-3 win to move on.
Carolyn Thomas played the No. 3 singles spot for the Lady War Eagles this season and will return next year. LANCE MCCURLEY/Staff/Staff

Carolyn Thomas played the No. 3 singles spot for the Lady War Eagles this season and will return next year. LANCE MCCURLEY/Staff/Staff

PCHS tennis teams fall in first round

Lance McCurley
Wednesday, April 30, 2025
Last week, both Putnam County tennis teams lost in the first round of the Class A Division I state tournaments, ending their seasons.The No. 14 seed Lady War Eagles faced No. 19 Banks County, with the Lady Leopards advancing to the second round of the tournament after a 3-0 win.
Loran Smith/File Photo

Loran Smith/File Photo

Smith: UGA Hall of Fame

Loran Smith
Wednesday, April 30, 2025
Following World War II, Americans were anxious to return to normalcy. A big part of that came in embracing college football on Saturday afternoons. The nation and college campuses were filled with returning veterans looking to obtain a degree and get on with their lives.
Gatewood’s Hunter Johnson connects at the plate in a game played earlier this season in Eatonton. TREY NORRIS/Staff

Gatewood’s Hunter Johnson connects at the plate in a game played earlier this season in Eatonton. TREY NORRIS/Staff

Gators prep for playoff push

Trey Norris
Wednesday, April 30, 2025
The Gatewood Gators (18-7, 5-0) are nearing the start of the GIAA state playoffs, with just two non-region games remaining in their regular season.
Putnam’s Gates Lanzarone got the start on the mound in game two against Washington County last Friday. BRAD HARRISON/Staff

Putnam’s Gates Lanzarone got the start on the mound in game two against Washington County last Friday. BRAD HARRISON/Staff

Details doom Putnam in baseball playoffs

Lance McCurley
Wednesday, April 30, 2025
Washington County swept Putnam County last Friday to advance to the second round of the state playoffs. The Golden Hawks’ pitching staff exhibited dominance, limiting the War Eagles to just two runs over two games.Washington County started Ty Mobley on the mound for game one, and he hurled a gem.
Loran Smith/File Photo

Loran Smith/File Photo

Smith: Verne Lundquist

Loran Smith
Wednesday, April 23, 2025
As the Masters officially got underway, I began my day (mid-morning was not a deterrent) with a pimento cheese sandwich and a Diet Coke.Then I beat it over to the manor clubhouse for a respite with a smattering of friends and acquaintances beneath the Big Oak by the first tee.
Putnam County junior Ethan Whatley (12) hit a grand slam against Locust Grove last week, giving the War Eagles the lead. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

Putnam County junior Ethan Whatley (12) hit a grand slam against Locust Grove last week, giving the War Eagles the lead. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

Big win provides playoff confidence for Putnam

Lance McCurley
Wednesday, April 23, 2025
Putnam County ended its regular season on a strong note, winning four straight games heading into the state playoffs. The War Eagles (11-15) swept McNair to conclude region play and then upset Class 4A’s Locust Grove.
Gatewood’s Jayden Moss makes a play in the infield from his knees, attempting to throw out a baserunner at first base. TREY NORRIS/Staff

Gatewood’s Jayden Moss makes a play in the infield from his knees, attempting to throw out a baserunner at first base. TREY NORRIS/Staff

Gators baseball ‘clicking’ as playoffs await

Story And Photos By Trey Norris
Wednesday, April 23, 2025
Gatewood improved its record to 17-6 last week with a sweep of Windsor Academy and a big win over Pinewood Christian.The wins are racking up for the Gators, impressing head coach Brandon Moss, who thinks the team is starting to peak at the right time.“We have just hit our stride,” Moss said.
Putnam County junior midfielder Angel Sanchez (10) controls the tempo of his team’s possession. LANCE MCCURLEY/Staff

Putnam County junior midfielder Angel Sanchez (10) controls the tempo of his team’s possession. LANCE MCCURLEY/Staff

Putnam boys soccer primed for postseason

Lance McCurley
Wednesday, April 23, 2025
The Putnam County boys soccer team begins its quest for a state championship this week.The War Eagles (11-6) enter the Class A Division I state playoffs as the No. 17 seed, drawing No. 16 seed Vidalia (6-10) in the first round. They’re ready to face the Indians in the first round this Friday.
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