Sports

Satchel Paige

Satchel Paige

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Satchel Paige

Loran Smith
Thursday, August 20, 2026
Earlier this month, a friend forwarded an Internet recap of the day the Atlanta Braves signed Satchel Paige to a contract which enabled him to receive a Big-League pension.At the time, he needed 158 days to qualify for his pension.
Putnam County running back Rasha Ellison breaks loose for a big gain during the War Eagles’ 24-21 scrimmage win over West Laurens on Friday night. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

Putnam County running back Rasha Ellison breaks loose for a big gain during the War Eagles’ 24-21 scrimmage win over West Laurens on Friday night. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

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Putnam County rallies past West Laurens in scrimmage

Lance McCurley
Thursday, August 20, 2026
Putnam County got a valuable preseason scrimmage test Aug. 14 against one of the state’s more experienced programs, with the War Eagles coming away with a 24-21 victory over West Laurens.
Lily Arthur has helped lead the way both at the plate and in the circle during Gatewood’s three-game winning streak. TREY NORRIS/Staff

Lily Arthur has helped lead the way both at the plate and in the circle during Gatewood’s three-game winning streak. TREY NORRIS/Staff

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Gatewood softball off to solid start

Lance McCurley
Thursday, August 20, 2026
Gatewood softball has turned a competitive start into a strong early-season run.The Gators entered Monday, Aug. 17, at 1-2 overall after dropping a pair of close games, but they left the day with a three-game winning streak and a 3-2 record.Gatewood opened the season Aug.
Freshman quarterback Bennett Haley is young but shows a lot of promise, Gatewood head coach Jeff Ratliff said. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Freshman quarterback Bennett Haley is young but shows a lot of promise, Gatewood head coach Jeff Ratliff said. IAN TOCHER/Staff

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Gators seek bounce back after rough opener

Ian Tocher
Thursday, August 20, 2026
Gatewood head coach Jeff Ratliff isn’t about to make excuses for his team’s 47-7 loss to Tattnall Square Academy last Friday night in Macon.Simply put, the Gators didn’t play the way their coach believes they can play.
Freshman Avery Abrams prepares to serve for the War Eagles. BRAD HARRISON/Staff

Freshman Avery Abrams prepares to serve for the War Eagles. BRAD HARRISON/Staff

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Young Putnam volleyball team building toward a strong finish

Lance McCurley
Thursday, August 20, 2026
Putnam County volleyball is still figuring some things out, but the War Eagles have already shown enough early in the season to give head coach Rakeena Griffin plenty of optimism.
Putnam County holds a 29-27-1 advantage over Greene County in the all-time series. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

Putnam County holds a 29-27-1 advantage over Greene County in the all-time series. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

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Greene, Putnam to renew rivalry in season opener

Lance McCurley
Thursday, August 20, 2026
Putnam County and Greene County will get their 2026 football seasons underway Friday night, with kickoff set for 7:30 p.m. when the longtime rivals meet at Tiger Stadium in Greensboro.
‘Higher expectations’

‘Higher expectations’

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‘Higher expectations’

Lance McCurley
Thursday, August 20, 2026
The Putnam County War Eagles have been knocking on the door in recent seasons, reaching the playoffs but falling in the opening round each year.Seniors Elijah Dunn and Blake Williams believe this could be the year the program finally breaks through.
Landon Moreno, one of only six seniors on the Gatewood roster, will be called upon often this season. TREY NORRIS/Staff

Landon Moreno, one of only six seniors on the Gatewood roster, will be called upon often this season. TREY NORRIS/Staff

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Gators coach focuses on ‘moving forward’

Ian Tocher
Thursday, August 20, 2026
Gatewood’s Jeff Ratliff acknowledged he will soon start his 16th season and 14th campaign as head football coach at the Eatonton-based school with a relatively young and undersized roster.
Gatewood junior Brady Haley is one of the Gators who will play multiple positions on both sides of the ball in 2026. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Gatewood junior Brady Haley is one of the Gators who will play multiple positions on both sides of the ball in 2026. IAN TOCHER/Staff

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Gatewood’s limited roster makes two-way players essential to success

Lance McCurley
Thursday, August 20, 2026
At Gatewood, playing on both sides of the football isn’t unusual. It’s a necessity.With a smaller roster than many of the schools they compete against, the Gators rely heavily on a core group of players to contribute on offense and defense.
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