Sports

Putnam County’s Jonathan Acostas (9), who scored the War Eagles’ lone goal in their Elite Eight matchup, is comforted by a teammate following the loss to Barrow Arts & Sciences Academy. SKYLA MORRIS/Staff

Putnam County’s Jonathan Acostas (9), who scored the War Eagles’ lone goal in their Elite Eight matchup, is comforted by a teammate following the loss to Barrow Arts & Sciences Academy. SKYLA MORRIS/Staff

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Putnam boys soccer falls in Elite Eight

Lance McCurley
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
One minute away from overtime and a chance to continue its playoff run, the Putnam County boys soccer team suffered a heartbreaking 2-1 loss to Barrow Arts and Sciences Academy (BASA) on May 5 in the GHSA Class A Division I Elite Eight.
Ben Brennan had three hits and scored three runs in the Gators' 7-5 win vs Pinewood last Monday in Eatonton. TREY NORRIS/Staff

Ben Brennan had three hits and scored three runs in the Gators' 7-5 win vs Pinewood last Monday in Eatonton. TREY NORRIS/Staff

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Gatewood gears up for playoffs

Trey Norris
Thursday, May 7, 2026
Gatewood’s baseball team split its first two meetings last Monday and Wednesday in a late-season four-game series against Pinewood, earning a 7-5 win in Eatonton before dropping a 4-3 decision in Bellville.The Gators’ pitching rotation continued to shine in Game 1, with Ben Pearson working 6.
Loran Smith/Columnist

Loran Smith/Columnist

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Smith: Orlean Castronis

Loran Smith
Thursday, May 7, 2026
The National Football Foundation’s Georgia chapter recently recognized Orlean Castronis with its Distinguished American Award. She is a retired journalist and the widow of one of the most popular players and coaches ever to wear the Red and Black.
Putnam County freshman Aubree Butts will represent the War Eagles in the 200-meter dash at next week’s state meet after qualifying with a fifth-place finish at sectionals last weekend. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

Putnam County freshman Aubree Butts will represent the War Eagles in the 200-meter dash at next week’s state meet after qualifying with a fifth-place finish at sectionals last weekend. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

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Three War Eagles qualify for state meet

Lance McCurley
Thursday, May 7, 2026
Putnam County’s track and field program will be represented on one of the biggest stages in Georgia next week.Three War Eagles athletes punched their tickets to the GHSA Class A Division I state meet in Athens on Tuesday, May 12, with strong performances at the sectional round.
Senior Natalie Sills (18) has been a key piece to Gatewood’s success this season. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

Senior Natalie Sills (18) has been a key piece to Gatewood’s success this season. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

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Confident Lady Gators head into postseason

Lance McCurley
Thursday, May 7, 2026
The Gatewood girls soccer team is heading into the state playoffs with confidence and momentum after one of its strongest performances of the season, a double-overtime battle against top-ranked Central Fellowship Christian.
Putnam County's Reynaldo Espinoza (16) and Edwin Garcia (2) celebrate with teammate Jonathan Acostas (9) after he scored a goal last week against Vidalia. LANCE MCCURLEY/Staff

Putnam County's Reynaldo Espinoza (16) and Edwin Garcia (2) celebrate with teammate Jonathan Acostas (9) after he scored a goal last week against Vidalia. LANCE MCCURLEY/Staff

War Eagles roll past Vidalia, punch ticket to Elite Eight

Lance McCurley
Monday, May 4, 2026
The No. 3 seed Putnam County boys soccer team found its rhythm at the right time last week against Vidalia.Behind a fast-starting offense and a balanced scoring effort, the War Eagles rolled past the No.
Putnam County senior R.J. Hines (left) scored the War Eagles' lone goal in a 1-0 victory over Dade County on April 22. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Putnam County senior R.J. Hines (left) scored the War Eagles' lone goal in a 1-0 victory over Dade County on April 22. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Putnam boys soccer edges Dade County in first round

News Staff
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
Putnam County didn’t waste any time making a statement in the postseason.Just 30 seconds into its first-round matchup in the GHSA Class A Division I state playoffs, the War Eagles found the back of the net — and that proved to be all they needed in a 1-0 victory over Dade County on April 22.R.J.
Loran Smith/File Photo

Loran Smith/File Photo

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Smith: UGA Hall of Fame

Loran Smith
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
The University of Georgia chapter of the National Football Foundation — the largest chapter in the country for more than 15 years — held its annual awards banquet last week, perhaps its most successful event in its 40-year history.
Putnam County freshman Aubree Butts competes in the 100-meter dash, where she finished second. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

Putnam County freshman Aubree Butts competes in the 100-meter dash, where she finished second. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

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Putnam girls track and field headed to sectionals

Lance McCurley
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
The Putnam County girls track team is moving on to state sectionals after a solid showing at the region meet last week, where a trio of athletes stepped up in a big way to keep the War Eagles’ season alive.
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