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Loran Smith/File Photo

Loran Smith/File Photo

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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

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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.
Joelle Lukens has played a crucial role in her team’s success and was named a first-team All-Region selection. LANCE MCCURLEY/Staff

Joelle Lukens has played a crucial role in her team’s success and was named a first-team All-Region selection. LANCE MCCURLEY/Staff

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Putnam tennis teams qualify for state

Lance McCurley
Wednesday, April 23, 2025
Putnam County’s tennis teams have qualified for the state playoffs following a successful regular season.
Loran Smith/File Photo

Loran Smith/File Photo

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Smith: Planting in April

Loran Smith
Wednesday, April 16, 2025
April is a good time for planting in Georgia — everything from the larger row crops such as cotton, corn, and peanuts to most anything that can be grown in a garden.The last frost usually occurs by mid-April in most parts of the state, except for North Georgia.
Putnam County shortstop Gates Lanzarone (11) applies the tag to a Jasper County baserunner, who was initially ruled out, while colliding with teammate and second baseman Trace Watkins. The call was then overturned, leading to the runner scoring to secure the Hurricanes the win during the next at-bat. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

Putnam County shortstop Gates Lanzarone (11) applies the tag to a Jasper County baserunner, who was initially ruled out, while colliding with teammate and second baseman Trace Watkins. The call was then overturned, leading to the runner scoring to secure the Hurricanes the win during the next at-bat. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

War Eagles lose heartbreaker to Jasper

Lance McCurley
Wednesday, April 16, 2025
A controversial call on April 9 cost Putnam County baseball a possible region win over Jasper County.The game was tied 6-6 in the bottom half of the eighth inning with one out when Hurricane sophomore Gavin Bennett attempted to steal second.
Gunner Stockton looks downfield to pass during G-Day. BRAD HARRISON/Staff

Gunner Stockton looks downfield to pass during G-Day. BRAD HARRISON/Staff

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Georgia quarterbacks Gunner Stockton, Ryan Puglisi compete at G-Day

Lance McCurley
Wednesday, April 16, 2025
Georgia wrapped up spring practice this past Saturday with its annual G-Day scrimmage, showcasing the competition for the starting quarterback job between Gunner Stockton and Ryan Puglisi.Both Bulldog quarterbacks struggled at times, but each also made some nice plays while under center.
Georgia defender Chris Peal (27) and linebacker CJ Allen (3) bring down a ball carrier. BRAD HARRISON/Staff

Georgia defender Chris Peal (27) and linebacker CJ Allen (3) bring down a ball carrier. BRAD HARRISON/Staff

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Linebackers determined to uphold Georgia standard

Brad Harrison
Wednesday, April 16, 2025
Few things draw the attention of college football fans during a spring game than an ongoing quarterback battle.
Loran Smith/File Photo

Loran Smith/File Photo

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Smith: Masters memories

Loran Smith
Wednesday, April 9, 2025
With the Masters coming up next week, there are so many memories and reflections to remind us of what this great state has to offer the world.
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