Sports

The Putnam County boys 4x400-meter relay team poses for a photo with coach Kedric Manning, celebrating their fifth-place finish at the state sectional meet. CONTRIBUTED

The Putnam County boys 4x400-meter relay team poses for a photo with coach Kedric Manning, celebrating their fifth-place finish at the state sectional meet. CONTRIBUTED

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Putnam T&F qualifies nine for state meet

Lance McCurley
Wednesday, May 7, 2025
Putnam County’s track-and-field teams recently competed at the Class A Division I sectional A meet for Regions 1, 2, 3, and 4 at Bleckley County High School in Cochran.A second sectional meet occurred at Bremen High School for Regions 5, 6, 7, and 8.
Loran Smith/File Photo

Loran Smith/File Photo

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Smith: Vince Dooley

Loran Smith
Wednesday, May 7, 2025
Late in his life, as lawsuits were making the NCAA’s life more miserable than ever and paying the players was bringing about consternation for the game, the late Vince Dooley said in a casual conversation, “I am glad I coached when I did.
Model’s Brennan Dial (6) dribbles the ball away from Putnam County defender Dennis Sanchez (12). ZEKE PALERMO/Contributed

Model’s Brennan Dial (6) dribbles the ball away from Putnam County defender Dennis Sanchez (12). ZEKE PALERMO/Contributed

Model powers past Putnam in playoffs

Lance McCurley
Wednesday, May 7, 2025
Putnam County’s soccer season came to an end last week in the second round of Class A Division I state playoffs. The top-seeded Blue Devils defeated No. 16 Putnam 8-0 to advance to the next round.
Putnam County junior Wyatt Sims was a key role player, filling in whenever needed. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

Putnam County junior Wyatt Sims was a key role player, filling in whenever needed. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

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Future appears bright for Putnam baseball

Lance McCurley
Wednesday, May 7, 2025
Stephen Phillips learned a lot about his players during his first season as head coach of the Putnam County baseball team.The War Eagles were eliminated in the first round of the postseason by Washington County. They finished the 2025 season with an 11-16 overall record.
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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.
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