Sports

Putnam County quarterback Caleb Reeves (left) gets set to take a snap from the shotgun formation during the team’s padded camp in Eatonton on July 16. JCVISUALS/Contributed

Putnam County quarterback Caleb Reeves (left) gets set to take a snap from the shotgun formation during the team’s padded camp in Eatonton on July 16. JCVISUALS/Contributed

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War Eagles wrap up camp, prepare for preseason

Lance McCurley
Thursday, July 23, 2026
Putnam County enters preseason practice with a sense of momentum after what head coach Joel Harvin described as one of the program’s most productive summers in recent years.The War Eagles began the GHSA’s heat acclimatization this week, the final step before preseason camp officially ramps up.
The Gatewood girls volleyball team looks to make some headway this season under rookie head coach Hannah Getty (center). CONTRIBUTED

The Gatewood girls volleyball team looks to make some headway this season under rookie head coach Hannah Getty (center). CONTRIBUTED

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Getty takes over Gatewood volleyball program

Lance McCurley
Wednesday, July 15, 2026
When Gatewood School needed someone to take over its volleyball program, Hannah Getty didn’t hesitate to step up.
The Lady War Eagles will have to replace the production of team captain Jamie Maria (24) in 2027. IAN TOCHER/Staff

The Lady War Eagles will have to replace the production of team captain Jamie Maria (24) in 2027. IAN TOCHER/Staff

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Putnam girls soccer eyes next step after return trip to playoffs

Lance McCurley
Wednesday, July 15, 2026
The Putnam County girls soccer team took a big step forward during the 2026 season, returning to the playoffs after missing the postseason the year before.
Loran Smith/Columnist

Loran Smith/Columnist

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Smith: The British Open

News Staff
Wednesday, July 15, 2026
The British Open will be played this week at Royal Birkdale in Southport on the west coast of Great Britain, and I will enjoy golf’s oldest championship through coverage on the Peacock network.
Putnam County senior guard Jeremy Banks goes up for a dunk during a game last season. Banks will take on a larger leadership role for the War Eagles this season as they look to build on last year’s run to the GHSA Class 2A Elite Eight. TREY NORRIS/Staff

Putnam County senior guard Jeremy Banks goes up for a dunk during a game last season. Banks will take on a larger leadership role for the War Eagles this season as they look to build on last year’s run to the GHSA Class 2A Elite Eight. TREY NORRIS/Staff

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Banks embracing bigger role for Putnam

Lance McCurley
Wednesday, July 8, 2026
Basketball has always been part of Jeremy Banks’ life, but this upcoming season, it’s taking on a different meaning.The senior guard for Putnam County is no longer just growing into the program. He’s being asked to help lead it.Banks is the youngest in a well-known basketball family.
Gatewood junior Brady Haley will play a key role on both sides of the ball this season as the Gators look to compete for a state championship. CONTRIBUTED

Gatewood junior Brady Haley will play a key role on both sides of the ball this season as the Gators look to compete for a state championship. CONTRIBUTED

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Haley eager to help Gators take next step

Lance McCurley
Wednesday, July 8, 2026
Football season doesn't begin when the lights shine on Friday nights for Gatewood junior Brady Haley.It starts with the extra work no one sees.
Loran Smith/File Photo

Loran Smith/File Photo

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Smith: Jim Minter

Loran Smith
Wednesday, July 8, 2026
Then he sprang to his feet and said, “Come, let me show you my mule.”They walked outside, where a limp-looking mule stood as though he might collapse at any minute.“I’d like to sell you my mule,” the governor said.“How much do you want for him?” the man asked.“Five hundred dollars.
Gates Lanzarone stands in the batter’s box during a game against Jasper County on March 31. LANCE MCCURLEY/Staff

Gates Lanzarone stands in the batter’s box during a game against Jasper County on March 31. LANCE MCCURLEY/Staff

Lanzarone reflects on Putnam career, looks ahead to Reinhardt

Lance McCurley
Monday, July 6, 2026
Gates Lanzarone helped Putnam County baseball take an important step forward during his four-year career. Now, after leaving his mark on the War Eagles program, the former standout is preparing for the next chapter after signing with Reinhardt University.
Loran Smith/File Photo

Loran Smith/File Photo

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Smith: Times have changed

Loran Smith
Wednesday, July 1, 2026
Football teams across the country are preparing for the upcoming season. Even underclassmen, in many cases, are positioned to benefit financially through name, image, and likeness (NIL) opportunities while hoping to play well enough to reach the National Football League.
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