Sports

Putnam County’s Shamar McClendon (12) contributed 11 points to the War Eagles victory. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Putnam County’s Shamar McClendon (12) contributed 11 points to the War Eagles victory. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Third-quarter push propels Putnam past Jasper County

Lance McCurley
Thursday, December 26, 2024
Putnam County boys’ basketball hasn’t faced much adversity this year but answered the bell Saturday against Jasper County.The Hurricanes (3-5) weren’t scared of the War Eagles (13-0), Class A Division I’s No. 1-ranked team.
Coach Don Keiser said he likes the physical rebounding presence of Jake Rich (left) beneath the basket for the Gators. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Coach Don Keiser said he likes the physical rebounding presence of Jake Rich (left) beneath the basket for the Gators. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Gators rebound with big win over GMC Prep

Ian Tocher
Thursday, December 26, 2024
A six-game undefeated streak to open the 2024-25 season came to an end for Gatewood (7-1) last Thursday in Perry, where the Westfield Hornets (5-5) downed the Gators 64-57.
Gunner Stockton (14) will start at quarterback for Georgia against Notre Dame in the Allstate Sugar Bowl on Jan. 1. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

Gunner Stockton (14) will start at quarterback for Georgia against Notre Dame in the Allstate Sugar Bowl on Jan. 1. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

Bulldogs will rely on Stockton against Irish

Lance McCurley
Thursday, December 26, 2024
Georgia will start Gunner Stockton at quarterback against Notre Dame in the Allstate Sugar Bowl on Jan. 1.Stockton replaced starter Carson Beck, who suffered an elbow injury in the second half of the SEC Championship game.
Damoio’n Wright helped Grayson win the Class 6A state championship over Carrollton on Dec. 18. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

Damoio’n Wright helped Grayson win the Class 6A state championship over Carrollton on Dec. 18. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

Wright, Reaves win state titles

Lance McCurley
Thursday, December 26, 2024
Two former Putnam County High School football players and graduates recently won state titles as coaches.Caleb Reaves and Damoio’n Wright achieved greatness, plus a goal they’ve wanted to attain since the end of last season.
Putnam County’s Tamaud Woodson (10) attempts to make a layup over a Morgan County defender in last week’s win over the Dogs. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Putnam County’s Tamaud Woodson (10) attempts to make a layup over a Morgan County defender in last week’s win over the Dogs. IAN TOCHER/Staff

War Eagles sweep ‘Dogs to stay perfect

Lance McCurley
Thursday, December 19, 2024
Putnam County boys’ basketball completed the sweep of Morgan County with a convincing win on Dec. 14.Four players scored double figures for the War Eagles, who easily defeated the Dogs 76-61 and improved to 12-0.
Loran Smith/Columnist

Loran Smith/Columnist

Smith: Bowl memories

Loran Smith
Thursday, December 19, 2024
With the evolution of the college football playoff system, the holiday bowls are not what they once were, but fortunately, they are present in the new 12-team format.That is good.
Gatewood senior Kaden Keiser joined his grandfather last week as a 1,000-point scorer in high school hoops. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Gatewood senior Kaden Keiser joined his grandfather last week as a 1,000-point scorer in high school hoops. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Gators get two wins to preserve perfect record

Ian Tocher
Thursday, December 19, 2024
Just past the quarter-way mark of their 23-game regular season schedule, the Gatewood Gators remain undefeated with a 6-0 record. The team’s latest victory, a 67-44 decision over the visiting Cougars from Piedmont Academy, came last Friday night, led by a 31-point effort from junior Matt Allen.
Junior Jaikarccie Smith plays defense against Morgan County. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Junior Jaikarccie Smith plays defense against Morgan County. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Putnam girls learning to win close

Lance McCurley
Thursday, December 19, 2024
The Putnam County girls’ basketball team (8-3) has been on both ends of several close games so far this year.So far this season, the No. 9 Lady War Eagles of Class A Division I are 3-2 in games decided by five points or less.
Malik Thornton has spent the past three seasons playing in Kentucky at the University of the Cumberlands. COURTESY OF UNIVERSITY OF THE CUMBERLANDS ATHLETICS

Malik Thornton has spent the past three seasons playing in Kentucky at the University of the Cumberlands. COURTESY OF UNIVERSITY OF THE CUMBERLANDS ATHLETICS

Former War Eagle Malik Thornton enters transfer portal

Lance McCurley
Thursday, December 19, 2024
Malik Thornton announced late last month via his X (Twitter) account that he is leaving the University of the Cumberlands to enter the transfer portal. The former Putnam County High School standout has played for the Patriots for the last three years.
Putnam County graduate and former football player Caleb Reaves. coached Milton in the GHSA Class 5A state championship against Langston Hughes at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. CONTRIBUTED

Putnam County graduate and former football player Caleb Reaves. coached Milton in the GHSA Class 5A state championship against Langston Hughes at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. CONTRIBUTED

War Eagle grad eager to win another state title

Lance McCurley
Thursday, December 19, 2024
Former Putnam County football player Caleb Reaves is ready to win a second-straight state title in just three seasons with Milton High School.Reaves is the passing game coordinator and wide receivers coach for the Eagles, who defeated Walton to win the Class 7A state championship last year.
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