Sports

War Eagle seniors Elijah Dunn and Blake Williams are confident this could be the season the program finally breaks through. LANCE MCCURLEY/Staff

War Eagle seniors Elijah Dunn and Blake Williams are confident this could be the season the program finally breaks through. LANCE MCCURLEY/Staff

Exclusive Subscriber Content

‘Higher expectations': War Eagle seniors believe this team can break through

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.
Jeff Ratliff enters his 14th season as Gatewood’s head football coach and his 16th season overall with the program. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Jeff Ratliff enters his 14th season as Gatewood’s head football coach and his 16th season overall with the program. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Gatewood coach focuses on ‘moving forward’

Ian Tocher
Thursday, August 20, 2026
Gatewood’s Jeff Ratliff recently began his 16th season at the Eatonton-based school and his 14th as its head football coach 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

Exclusive Subscriber Content

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.
Chris MacFarland, Greene County’s third head coach in as many years, intends to bring back stability to its football program. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

Chris MacFarland, Greene County’s third head coach in as many years, intends to bring back stability to its football program. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Tigers look to turn page under new coach

Lance McCurley
Thursday, August 20, 2026
There is a new era of Greene County football underway.Chris MacFarland takes over the Tigers with high expectations and a clear vision for what he wants the program to look like moving forward.For MacFarland, that starts with something simple: consistency.
Greene County seniors Kalil Dorsey (left) and JaQuez Hull (right) will be key contributors for the Tigers in 2026. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

Greene County seniors Kalil Dorsey (left) and JaQuez Hull (right) will be key contributors for the Tigers in 2026. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Hull, Dorsey embrace leadership roles

Lance McCurley
Thursday, August 20, 2026
For Greene County seniors JaQuez Hull and Kalil Dorsey, their final season is about more than simply making the most of their last opportunity to play high school football.It’s about setting the tone for a program entering another new chapter.
Jake McDonald enters his second season as the Titans’ full-time starting quarterback. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

Jake McDonald enters his second season as the Titans’ full-time starting quarterback. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

Exclusive Subscriber Content

‘One day at time’ for Titans entering 2026 campaign

Skyla Morris
Thursday, August 20, 2026
Lake Oconee Academy is looking to turn the page after missing the playoffs during the program’s first varsity season in 2025.
Barreras rushed for 211 yards on 53 carries and a touchdown last season in limited action. SKYLA MORRIS/Staff

Barreras rushed for 211 yards on 53 carries and a touchdown last season in limited action. SKYLA MORRIS/Staff

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Barreras embracing new role for Titans in 2026

Skyla Morris
Thursday, August 20, 2026
A year ago, Alden Barreras was still finding his place on a young Lake Oconee Academy football team.The Titans were navigating their first varsity season, facing plenty of challenges along the way, but Barreras used the experience as an opportunity to grow.
Sophomore Bryce Blasingame battled for the starting quarterback job this offseason and is expected to see the field in special packages alongside Gunner Braswell this season. SKYLA MORRIS/Staff

Sophomore Bryce Blasingame battled for the starting quarterback job this offseason and is expected to see the field in special packages alongside Gunner Braswell this season. SKYLA MORRIS/Staff

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Morgan County enters new era after historic 2025 season

Skyla Morris
Thursday, August 20, 2026
The 2025 season was one to remember for the Morgan County Bulldogs, who captured a region championship, reached the GHSA quarterfinals and completed the program’s first undefeated regular season in more than 50 years.Their historic run ended Nov. 28 with a 34-22 home loss to Hapeville Charter.
With Christian Monfort graduated, senior Alex Corrias is ready to step into a bigger role at running back and help fill the void left by the former starter. SKYLA MORRIS/Staff

With Christian Monfort graduated, senior Alex Corrias is ready to step into a bigger role at running back and help fill the void left by the former starter. SKYLA MORRIS/Staff

Corrias concentrates on carrying load for Bulldogs

Skyla Morris
Thursday, August 20, 2026
Morgan County is coming off one of the best seasons in program history, and Alex Corrias played a role in that success as a junior.
Subscribe to