Joel Harvin

Putnam County has recently hired Jodie Sprenkle as its new offensive coordinator and offensive line coach. COURTESY OF EARLY COUNTY SCHOOLS

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Putnam County football hires new offensive coordinator

Lance McCurley

Wednesday, April 15, 2026

Putnam County has turned to a familiar connection to guide its offense next season, hiring Jodie Sprenkle as the program’s new offensive coordinator and offensive line coach, head coach Joel Harvin recently confirmed to The Eatonton Messenger.

Putnam County head football coach Joel Harvin (left) is joined by Georgia Tech assistant coach Brian Bohannon in a recent visit to the school. CONTRIBUTED

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Recruiting heats up for Putnam County football

Lance McCurley

Wednesday, January 28, 2026

College football recruiting is starting to pick back up at Putnam County High School. Coaches are once more hitting the road after spending the early part of the offseason navigating the NCAA transfer portal.

Putnam County senior Branan Griffin earned the Coaches Award after playing through an ACL injury this past season. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

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War Eagles rack up All-Region honors

Lance McCurley

Wednesday, December 10, 2025

It was recently announced that several players on the Putnam County football team received All-Region honors.The War Eagles had one player earn an individual award, 12 players named to the All-Region team, and four players garnering honorable mentions.

Putnam County quarterback Ethan Whatley (12) hands the ball off to running back Omarion Butts (6) during a game against Morgan County on Friday, Aug. 22. LANCE McCURLEY/File photo

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Thomasville grounds War Eagles with shutout in first round

Lance McCurley

Thursday, November 20, 2025

Behind a strong effort on both sides of the ball, Thomasville advanced to the second round of the state playoffs after a 38-0 blanking of Putnam County last Friday night.Putnam County head coach Joel Harvin thinks his team just didn’t execute its game plan, which is what led to the loss.

Coming off two bye weeks following the end of its regular season schedule, No. 20 seed Putnam County is gearing up to take on No. 13 Thomasville this Friday in a first-round playoff pairing. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

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Putnam to face powerful Thomasville offense

Lance McCurley

Wednesday, November 12, 2025

Following two bye weeks, Putnam County hits the field this Friday for the first round of the state playoffs.The War Eagles finished the season with a 5-5 overall record and are the No. 20 seed in the Class A Division I power rankings. They’ll have a tough test in the round of 32 against No.

Putnam County football players get ready to lead the rest of the team out onto the field before the game against Lamar County on Oct. 17. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

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War Eagles seek deep playoff run

Lance McCurley

Wednesday, November 5, 2025

Putnam County had a bye for the last week of the regular season and found out its playoff fate last Saturday.The War Eagles finished the season with a 5-5 record. They were named the No. 20 seed in the Class A Division I power rankings and will face No. 13 Thomasville in the first round.

Putnam County quarterback Branan Griffin (8) gets set to fire a pass as his teammates provide him a clean pocket to throw from. T. MICHAEL STONE/Staff

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Hurricanes blow through War Eagles

Lance McCurley

Wednesday, October 29, 2025

Putnam County has struggled to close out games this year and again couldn’t do so last Friday against Jasper County in its regular-season finale. After trailing the Hurricanes 14-7 at the half, the War Eagles were outscored 14-3 in the final two quarters, losing 28-10.

Putnam County running back Omarion Butts (6) rushes for a touchdown during the second quarter of last Friday's game against Lamar County. LANCE MCCURLEY/Staff

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War Eagles falter in fourth against Trojans

Lance McCurley

Wednesday, October 22, 2025

Putnam County suffered another heartbreaking loss in the fourth quarter last week against Lamar County.Earlier this season, the War Eagles led Social Circle 28-14 going into the fourth quarter.

Putnam County’s Branan Griffin rolls out of the pocket as he’s about to fire a pass downfield in Friday’s game against Towers. LANCE MCCURLEY/Staff

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‘He’s selfless’: Putnam QB leads War Eagles to dominate Towers

Lance McCurley

Wednesday, October 15, 2025

Branan Griffin was a weapon for Putnam County on both sides of the ball last Friday in a big region matchup against Towers. The senior two-way player helped lead the War Eagles (5-3, 3-1) to a 40-3 win over the Titans (3-4, 0-3).

War Eagles quarterback Ethan Whatley is hoisted high above the end zone by teammates Friday night after scoring his first of five touchdowns just 44 seconds into the game against Utopian Academy. IAN TOCHER/Staff

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Whatley’s five touchdowns power Putnam past Eagles

Lance McCurley

Thursday, October 9, 2025

Putnam County quarterback Ethan Whatley stepped up Friday night in a region game against Utopian Academy.Whatley rushed for 78 yards and five touchdowns on seven carries in a 48-0 blowout of the Eagles.

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