Sports

Putnam County defensive end Elijah Dunn (3) rushes the passer during the team’s padded camp in Eatonton on July 16. JCVISUALS/Contributed

Putnam County defensive end Elijah Dunn (3) rushes the passer during the team’s padded camp in Eatonton on July 16. JCVISUALS/Contributed

War Eagles wrap up camp, prepare for preseason

Lance McCurley
Thursday, July 23, 2026
Putnam County enters preseason practice with a sense of momentum after what head coach Joel Harvin described as one of the program’s most productive summers in recent years.The War Eagles began the GHSA’s heat acclimatization this week, the final step before preseason camp officially ramps up.
The Lake Oconee Academy cross country team will begin its season soon. CONTRIBUTED

The Lake Oconee Academy cross country team will begin its season soon. CONTRIBUTED

LOA XC prepares for new season

Lance McCurley
Thursday, July 23, 2026
After a successful 2025 season that ended with both teams earning top-four finishes at the GHSA state championships, Lake Oconee Academy again enters this year’s cross-country season with high expectations.The Titans’ girls team finished third in the state last fall, while the boys placed fourth,...
Brysen Pearson is one of just a handful of seniors returning for Putnam County in 2026. SKYLA MORRIS/Staff

Brysen Pearson is one of just a handful of seniors returning for Putnam County in 2026. SKYLA MORRIS/Staff

PCHS volleyball looks to build on 2026 progress

Lance McCurley
Thursday, July 23, 2026
After making noticeable strides during head coach Rakeena Griffin’s first two seasons at the helm, the Putnam County volleyball team hopes to continue building momentum this fall.The Lady War Eagles are coming off a 13-18 season in 2025, improving by six wins from Griffin’s first year leading the...
Loran Smith/File Photo

Loran Smith/File Photo

Smith: Summers past

Loran Smith
Thursday, July 23, 2026
Todd Groce, president of the Georgia Historical Society in Savannah, recently sent along a note saying that kids today have no connection to a farm anymore.As Todd pointed out, following World War II, there was a gradual migration from farm to town.
Morgan County’s Ty Tillery recently confirmed he has chosen to honor his commitment to pitch for the Auburn Tigers next season over waiting for selection in the next MLB draft. COURTESY AUBURN ATHLETICS

Morgan County’s Ty Tillery recently confirmed he has chosen to honor his commitment to pitch for the Auburn Tigers next season over waiting for selection in the next MLB draft. COURTESY AUBURN ATHLETICS

‘No regrets’ for Tillery in honoring Auburn commitment over pros

Skyla Morris
Thursday, July 23, 2026
Former Morgan County right-handed pitcher Ty Tillery has confirmed his next career stop, following the 2026 MLB Draft’s conclusion.
After leading Morgan County to a state championship from the mound last season, Davis Strickland has opted to forego a football career at the University of West Georgia in favor of continuing his pitching career (which also delivered a state title last season) at Kennesaw State University. SKYLA MORRIS/Staff

After leading Morgan County to a state championship from the mound last season, Davis Strickland has opted to forego a football career at the University of West Georgia in favor of continuing his pitching career (which also delivered a state title last season) at Kennesaw State University. SKYLA MORRIS/Staff

Strickland signs with Kennesaw State

Skyla Morris
Thursday, July 23, 2026
Morgan County football and baseball standout Davis Strickland is taking a different path in his collegiate athletic career.The former Bulldogs quarterback, who signed with the University of West Georgia in November to play football, has instead committed to Kennesaw State University, where he will...
Greene County players are already hard at work preparing for the Tigers’ 2026 campaign. LANCE MCCURLEY/Staff

Greene County players are already hard at work preparing for the Tigers’ 2026 campaign. LANCE MCCURLEY/Staff

Tigers use summer to build under MacFarland

Lance McCurley
Thursday, July 16, 2026
A summer of change has brought plenty of new faces to the Greene County football program, but first-year head coach Chris MacFarland believes the Tigers are making steady progress as they prepare for the 2026 season.With fall camp approaching, Greene County has spent the offseason building...
Jalon (center) and Gerald (behind) give campers high-fives after being introduced before the event. LANCE MCCURLEY/Staff

Jalon (center) and Gerald (behind) give campers high-fives after being introduced before the event. LANCE MCCURLEY/Staff

Kilgore brothers host youth football camp

Story And Photos By Lance Mccurley
Thursday, July 16, 2026
Former Putnam County standouts Jalon and Gerald Kilgore returned home last Saturday with one goal in mind: to give back to the community that helped shape them.The brothers hosted the inaugural Jalon and Gerald Kilgore Football Camp at Al Reaves Field in Eatonton, welcoming nearly 100 young...
Loran Smith/File Photo

Loran Smith/File Photo

Smith: The British Open

Loran Smith
Thursday, July 16, 2026
The British Open will be played this week at Royal Birkdale in Southport on the west coast of Great Britain, and I will enjoy golf’s oldest championship through coverage on the Peacock network.For 37 years, I made the trip across the Atlantic for this wonderful event, appreciating the uniqueness of...
LOA head coach Patrick Stewart said he and his 2026 Titans are looking forward to a new season and expect to be competitive throughout this year’s GHSA Class A schedule. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

LOA head coach Patrick Stewart said he and his 2026 Titans are looking forward to a new season and expect to be competitive throughout this year’s GHSA Class A schedule. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

Titans face challenging 2026 schedule full of tests

Lance McCurley
Thursday, July 16, 2026
Lake Oconee Academy’s 2026 football schedule will feature plenty of tests, including several teams with recent playoff success, a rivalry matchup, and a new GHSA playoff format that gives the Titans another path toward the postseason.The Titans under head coach Patrick Stewart will open the season...
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