Sports

Junior running back Jackson Hewatt (3) is the center of attention of teammates and rivals alike in a first-quarter scrimmage run Friday night at Gatewood Schools in Eatonton, versus the Cavaliers of Mount de Sales Academy. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Junior running back Jackson Hewatt (3) is the center of attention of teammates and rivals alike in a first-quarter scrimmage run Friday night at Gatewood Schools in Eatonton, versus the Cavaliers of Mount de Sales Academy. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Coach concerned, not worried about Gators

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, August 16, 2023
Overall, Gatewood Gators head coach Jeff Ratliff appeared satisfied, if not entirely impressed with his team’s 35-13 win in a pre-season scrimmage against Mount de Sales Academy last Friday night. “I was proud of the effort tonight.
Putnam quarterback Branan Griffin tries to get the ball away quickly as Greene County defensive linemen Dayshaun Copeland (52) and Jamarion Evans (59) are in hot pursuit. BRENDAN KOERNER/Staff

Putnam quarterback Branan Griffin tries to get the ball away quickly as Greene County defensive linemen Dayshaun Copeland (52) and Jamarion Evans (59) are in hot pursuit. BRENDAN KOERNER/Staff

Youth helps lift War Eagles past Tigers

Lance McCurley
Wednesday, August 16, 2023
Putnam County’s youth up front on the offensive and defensive lines and its rushing attack were key to Friday night’s scrimmage victory over Greene County. After trailing at halftime, the War Eagles fought back in the second half to defeat the Tigers, 27-14.
Several Lady Eagles celebrate after winning a point against Lake Oconee Academy. ARELLA CASH/Staff

Several Lady Eagles celebrate after winning a point against Lake Oconee Academy. ARELLA CASH/Staff

Lady Eagles Volleyball opens against Greyhounds, Titans

Arella Cash
Wednesday, August 16, 2023
Putnam County High School’s varsity volleyball squad dropped its season-opening matches on Aug. 8, with a pair of non-region losses at home to Lake Oconee Academy and Jones County.  The Lady Titans defeated the Lady Eagles 25-10 and 25-16 to open up the night.
Randy Quintrell with my daughter, Gabby. CONTRIBUTED

Randy Quintrell with my daughter, Gabby. CONTRIBUTED

Outdoors: Dove hunts in shorts and flip-flops

James K. Pressley
Wednesday, August 16, 2023
“The South smells of red cedar and red dirt … She tastes of Gulf shrimp and coarse-ground grits. She sounds like shotshells at a Saturday dove shoot and is seen through live oak boughs draped with Spanish moss. The South moves slowly enough to be known.
Kilgore is expected to make a big impact for the Gamecocks as a freshman in 2023. CONTRIBUTED

Kilgore is expected to make a big impact for the Gamecocks as a freshman in 2023. CONTRIBUTED

Kilgore preparing for freshman season with Gamecocks

Lance McCurley
Wednesday, August 16, 2023
Jalon Kilgore will continue his college classes next week at the University of South Carolina but for the past few weeks, he’s been busy participating in the Gamecocks’ fall football preseason camp.Kilgore, a former Putnam County football star, gave his pledge to South Carolina in June 2022.
Putnam County High School varsity football assistant coach Kedric Manning talks to a group of youth football players last season. CONTRIBUTED

Putnam County High School varsity football assistant coach Kedric Manning talks to a group of youth football players last season. CONTRIBUTED

Putnam County Recreation Department set to begin fall sports

Lance McCurley
Wednesday, August 16, 2023
The Putnam County Recreation Department (PCRD) is set to begin its fall sports schedule this upcoming week. Putnam County Assistant Recreation Director Jay Doss spoke with The Eatonton Messenger recently about his excitement for the upcoming sports season. “We’re just getting it going,” Doss said.
Kaydence Hodges in the circle versus Lamar County. ARELLA CASH/Staff

Kaydence Hodges in the circle versus Lamar County. ARELLA CASH/Staff

JV softball opens season against Lamar County

Arella Cash
Wednesday, August 16, 2023
The Putnam County JV varsity squad has many newcomers this year. Underclassmen pitcher Amber Winslette started in the circle for the Lady Eagles on Aug. 8, at home against Lamar County.
Daniel (3) runs away from Jefferson County defenders toward the sideline in a scrimmage last May. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Daniel (3) runs away from Jefferson County defenders toward the sideline in a scrimmage last May. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Daniel earns preseason All-State selection

Lance McCurley
Wednesday, August 16, 2023
Putnam County’s Rashod Daniel has been named a preseason all-state selection for Class AA by RecruitGeorgia. com, a site that covers high school sports in Georgia and helps its players get exposure. Daniel, who plays both ways for the War Eagles, was selected as a linebacker on Class AA’s defense.
Putnam County cornerback Cory Foster (10) in coverage of former Greene County wide receiver Jaden Dorsey (11). BRENDAN KOERNER/Staff

Putnam County cornerback Cory Foster (10) in coverage of former Greene County wide receiver Jaden Dorsey (11). BRENDAN KOERNER/Staff

GAME PREVIEW: War Eagles to host Tigers for scrimmage

Lance McCurley
Wednesday, August 9, 2023
Putnam County football is set to host Greene County later this week for a scrimmage to end fall camp. The War Eagles and Tigers will hit the gridiron for a second-straight preseason matchup. It will take place at Al Reaves Field on Friday at 7:30 p.m.
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