Stephen Phillips

Putnam County senior Jackson Dodd had a big series at the plate against Social Circle last week. TREY NORRIS/Staff

Putnam County senior Jackson Dodd had a big series at the plate against Social Circle last week. TREY NORRIS/Staff

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Putnam drops region series to Social Circle

Lance McCurley
Thursday, March 26, 2026
Putnam County may have fallen short in its region series against Social Circle, but the War Eagles showed plenty of fight across the three-game stretch.
Putnam County senior pitcher Ethan Whatley (12) gets set to deliver a pitch during a recent road game against Athens Academy. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

Putnam County senior pitcher Ethan Whatley (12) gets set to deliver a pitch during a recent road game against Athens Academy. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

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Putnam baseball readies for region

Lance McCurley
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
The Putnam County baseball team has shown noticeable improvement this season, even with a 3-6 record heading into this week. The War Eagles are proving they can compete against strong opponents and keep games close.
Putnam County’s Trace Watkins (3) in the wind-up, getting ready to deliver a pitch during a scrimmage against Jones County earlier this month. BRAD HARRISON/Staff

Putnam County’s Trace Watkins (3) in the wind-up, getting ready to deliver a pitch during a scrimmage against Jones County earlier this month. BRAD HARRISON/Staff

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Putnam County learns lessons from close games

Lance McCurley
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
The Putnam County baseball team’s early-season record may not tell the full story, but head coach Stephen Phillips believes his group is taking important steps forward.Through the opening stretch of the 2026 regular season, the War Eagles have been tested by close games and late-inning situations.
Putnam County will rely on senior Ethan Whatley on the mound this season. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

Putnam County will rely on senior Ethan Whatley on the mound this season. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

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Putnam baseball features senior-heavy roster

Lance McCurley
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
The Putnam County baseball team will start its 2026 season next week, with a roster heavily made up of seniors.
Jackson Dodd earned All-Region first-team honors. FILE PHOTO

Jackson Dodd earned All-Region first-team honors. FILE PHOTO

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Six War Eagles earn All-Region honors

Lance McCurley
Wednesday, June 25, 2025
The Putnam County baseball team wrapped up its first season with new head coach Stephen Phillips in April.The War Eagles went 11-20 overall in Phillips’ first year, but made a trip to the state playoffs, where they lost to rival Washington County in the first round.
Putnam County junior Wyatt Sims was a key role player, filling in whenever needed. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

Putnam County junior Wyatt Sims was a key role player, filling in whenever needed. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

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Future appears bright for Putnam baseball

Lance McCurley
Wednesday, May 7, 2025
Stephen Phillips learned a lot about his players during his first season as head coach of the Putnam County baseball team.The War Eagles were eliminated in the first round of the postseason by Washington County. They finished the 2025 season with an 11-16 overall record.
Putnam’s Gates Lanzarone got the start on the mound in game two against Washington County last Friday. BRAD HARRISON/Staff

Putnam’s Gates Lanzarone got the start on the mound in game two against Washington County last Friday. BRAD HARRISON/Staff

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Details doom Putnam in baseball playoffs

Lance McCurley
Wednesday, April 30, 2025
Washington County swept Putnam County last Friday to advance to the second round of the state playoffs. The Golden Hawks’ pitching staff exhibited dominance, limiting the War Eagles to just two runs over two games.Washington County started Ty Mobley on the mound for game one, and he hurled a gem.
Putnam County junior Ethan Whatley (12) hit a grand slam against Locust Grove last week, giving the War Eagles the lead. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

Putnam County junior Ethan Whatley (12) hit a grand slam against Locust Grove last week, giving the War Eagles the lead. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

Big win provides playoff confidence for Putnam

Lance McCurley
Wednesday, April 23, 2025
Putnam County ended its regular season on a strong note, winning four straight games heading into the state playoffs. The War Eagles (11-15) swept McNair to conclude region play and then upset Class 4A’s Locust Grove.
Putnam County shortstop Gates Lanzarone (11) applies the tag to a Jasper County baserunner, who was initially ruled out, while colliding with teammate and second baseman Trace Watkins. The call was then overturned, leading to the runner scoring to secure the Hurricanes the win during the next at-bat. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

Putnam County shortstop Gates Lanzarone (11) applies the tag to a Jasper County baserunner, who was initially ruled out, while colliding with teammate and second baseman Trace Watkins. The call was then overturned, leading to the runner scoring to secure the Hurricanes the win during the next at-bat. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

War Eagles lose heartbreaker to Jasper

Lance McCurley
Wednesday, April 16, 2025
A controversial call on April 9 cost Putnam County baseball a possible region win over Jasper County.The game was tied 6-6 in the bottom half of the eighth inning with one out when Hurricane sophomore Gavin Bennett attempted to steal second.
Putnam County junior Ethan Whatley has been one of the arms head coach Stephen Phillips has relied on this year. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

Putnam County junior Ethan Whatley has been one of the arms head coach Stephen Phillips has relied on this year. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

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Pitching puts Putnam in better place

Lance McCurley
Wednesday, April 9, 2025
Putnam County baseball head coach Stephen Phillips has seen his team vastly improve in the last few weeks.The War Eagles struggled early in the season in several aspects, including consistency on the mound and throwing strikes.
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