Sports

Putnam County’s Gates Lanzarone stands in the batter’s box last season during a first-round playoff game against Worth County. LANCE MCCURLEY/Staff

Putnam County’s Gates Lanzarone stands in the batter’s box last season during a first-round playoff game against Worth County. LANCE MCCURLEY/Staff

New baseball coach ‘excited’ about fresh start for War Eagles

Lance McCurley
Thursday, February 13, 2025
Putnam County’s baseball season began this week under new coach Stephen Phillips, who took over from Mike Phiel last summer.Phillips stepped into a good situation, as Putnam County returned a lot of talent this year.
Daniel took recruitment photos while on a visit to Cumberland University. CONTRIBUTED

Daniel took recruitment photos while on a visit to Cumberland University. CONTRIBUTED

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Daniel finds new college home at Cumberland

Lance McCurley
Thursday, February 13, 2025
After de-committing from Army, Putnam County’s Rashod Daniel has found his new college home.The senior War Eagles’ running back and linebacker recently announced he has committed to play at Cumberland University, a National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics program in Lebanon, Tenn.
Loran Smith/File Photo

Loran Smith/File Photo

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Smith: Beauty of Pebble Beach

Loran Smith
Thursday, February 6, 2025
I must confess that I am mesmerized by the Monterey Peninsula and Pebble Beach, even when I see them on television. The area is spectacular and sensational.Surely, the Creator modeled it after the “Garden of Eden.
Gatewood’s wrestling team is sending all 10 of its wrestlers to the GIAA traditional state duals in Gainesville. CONTRIBUTED

Gatewood’s wrestling team is sending all 10 of its wrestlers to the GIAA traditional state duals in Gainesville. CONTRIBUTED

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Mat Gators wrestle their way to state meet

Lance McCurley
Thursday, February 6, 2025
Last week, the Gatewood wrestling team wrapped up its regular season by competing at the GIAA Region 1 traditional duals tournament in Statesboro and placed second overall.Next, Gatewood is sending 10 wrestlers to the state meet in Gainesville, which is scheduled for Feb.
Putnam County’s Lily Armistead tries to pin her opponent during a match earlier this season. CONTRIBUTED

Putnam County’s Lily Armistead tries to pin her opponent during a match earlier this season. CONTRIBUTED

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Putnam wrestling sends nine to sectionals

Lance McCurley
Thursday, February 6, 2025
Last week, Putnam County’s wrestling teams competed at the Area-4A traditionals tournament.The War Eagles sent five wrestlers to the sectionals round, and the Lady War Eagles had four advance.
The student section at Gatewood deserves credit for cheering on their Gators all season long, head coach Don Keiser said. IAN TOCHER/Staff

The student section at Gatewood deserves credit for cheering on their Gators all season long, head coach Don Keiser said. IAN TOCHER/Staff

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Gators solidify playoff position

Ian Tocher
Thursday, February 6, 2025
The Gatewood Gators (17-4, 5-2) earned a little payback Friday night in Eatonton with a 77-70 win over the Brentwood War Eagles (17-3, 4-3). Early last month, Gatewood fell 81-67 to Brentwood in Sandersville.The win maintained their perfect record at home so far this season at 10-0.
Stephen Phillips is Putnam County baseball's new head coach. CONTRIBUTED

Stephen Phillips is Putnam County baseball's new head coach. CONTRIBUTED

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New coach brings new plan for Putnam baseball

Lance McCurley
Thursday, February 6, 2025
Last summer, Putnam County High School hired Stephen Phillips as its new head baseball coach. Phillips replaced Mike Phiel, who led the War Eagles to several playoff appearances. The 2025 season begins Feb. 11, and Phillips wants to build on that success and elevate the program.
Gatewood wrestler and football team member Blake Daniel was escorted by his parents Lorraine and Roger, with K-5 buddy Averly Smith. Blake plans to attend Emmanuel College to earn a degree in business management. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Gatewood wrestler and football team member Blake Daniel was escorted by his parents Lorraine and Roger, with K-5 buddy Averly Smith. Blake plans to attend Emmanuel College to earn a degree in business management. IAN TOCHER/Staff

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Photos: Gatewood honors senior fall athletes

Ian Tocher
Thursday, February 6, 2025
Gatewood’s senior athletes from fall sports, including the basketball, shotgun, and wrestling teams, were recognized alongside parents and K-5 buddies from the Gatewood grade school on Jan. 24 between the girls’ and boys’ basketball games that night.
Gatewood head coach Don Keiser (green shirt) enjoyed a moment with his players, including his son, Kaden (13), after they delivered his 300th career win with a 72-53 finish over the visiting Trinity Christian Crusaders. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Gatewood head coach Don Keiser (green shirt) enjoyed a moment with his players, including his son, Kaden (13), after they delivered his 300th career win with a 72-53 finish over the visiting Trinity Christian Crusaders. IAN TOCHER/Staff

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Gators cruise to win over Crusaders

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, January 29, 2025
Last Friday night in Eatonton, the Gatewood Gators earned a 72-53 victory over the Trinity Christian Crusaders while delivering to head coach Don Keiser his 300th career win as a high school basketball coach.
Putnam County’s A’ziyah Williams gets set to attempt a free throw. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

Putnam County’s A’ziyah Williams gets set to attempt a free throw. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

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Putnam girls, boys sweep UAA

Lance McCurley
Wednesday, January 29, 2025
The Putnam County basketball teams swept the Utopian Academy of the Arts last Friday at home.The Lady War Eagles (12-6) opened up the night of competition with an easy 57-10 victory. The War Eagles (19-1) followed that impressive performance in the nightcap with a dominant 100-43 win.
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