Sports

Loran Smith/File Photo

Loran Smith/File Photo

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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

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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.
Putnam County head softball coach Mollie Jones talks with one of her players during a scrimmage over the summer. KIM CASH/Contributed

Putnam County head softball coach Mollie Jones talks with one of her players during a scrimmage over the summer. KIM CASH/Contributed

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Putnam softball seeks to ‘bring back the fire’

Lance McCurley
Wednesday, August 6, 2025
Putnam County softball began its season this week, and head coach Mollie Jones is hoping for a better result in 2025.The Lady War Eagles finished 2024 with a 3-17 overall record after a 3-16 mark two years ago.
With rain soaking everyone’s shirts and jerseys, Gatewood head coach Jeff Ratliff explains his next drill during practice last Friday at Sammons Field in Eatonton. IAN TOCHER/Staff

With rain soaking everyone’s shirts and jerseys, Gatewood head coach Jeff Ratliff explains his next drill during practice last Friday at Sammons Field in Eatonton. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Gators prepare for preseason game

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, August 6, 2025
Gatewood head coach Jeff Ratliff is looking forward to seeing his new-look Gators take to the field this Friday night for a home exhibition game against Athens Christian.The same two teams held a preseason scrimmage last year, too, when the Eagles fielded a lot of young, first-year players.
Georgia veteran defensive back Joenel Aguero prepares to catch a pass while participating in position drills during a practice on Thursday, July 31. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

Georgia veteran defensive back Joenel Aguero prepares to catch a pass while participating in position drills during a practice on Thursday, July 31. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

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Smart preaches clear message at fall camp

Lance McCurley
Wednesday, August 6, 2025
Georgia football head coach Kirby Smart is known for his ability to prepare and motivate his teams each season.
A Putnam County defensive lineman (72) goes up against an offensive lineman from Winder-Barrow during a padded camp held in Eatonton on July 17. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

A Putnam County defensive lineman (72) goes up against an offensive lineman from Winder-Barrow during a padded camp held in Eatonton on July 17. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

War Eagles prepare to scrimmage West Laurens

Lance McCurley
Wednesday, July 30, 2025
Putnam County football is ready to get started. The War Eagles will suit up this Friday to host West Laurens for a 7:30 p.m.scrimmage at Al Reaves Field.
Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton took the podium on Tuesday, July 15, to meet with reporters at the 2025 SEC Media Days event to discuss the upcoming season. Courtesy of UGA Athletics

Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton took the podium on Tuesday, July 15, to meet with reporters at the 2025 SEC Media Days event to discuss the upcoming season. Courtesy of UGA Athletics

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Stockton takes on leadership role for Dawgs

Lance McCurley
Wednesday, July 30, 2025
Last week, when Georgia announced that quarterback Gunner Stockton would be one of three players representing the Bulldogs at SEC Media Days, it was a bit of a shock since he hasn’t been named the starter.
Loran Smith/File Photo

Loran Smith/File Photo

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Smith: Herschel Walker

Loran Smith
Wednesday, July 30, 2025
Herschel Walker, nicknamed “the goal line stalker” by Dan Magill, may have been the greatest Bulldog ever when it came to that particular talent. He also may have been the best when it comes to accentuating the positive.
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