Sports

Gatewood juniors Drew Burke (77) and Sean Bennett (12) share a moment during a break in play against Augusta Prep last month at Sammons Field in Eatonton. IAN TOCHER/File photo

Gatewood juniors Drew Burke (77) and Sean Bennett (12) share a moment during a break in play against Augusta Prep last month at Sammons Field in Eatonton. IAN TOCHER/File photo

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Gatewood seeks bounce back after Briarwood loss

Ian Tocher
Thursday, October 16, 2025
Gatewood dropped a hard-fought 23–14 decision at home to Briarwood Friday night in a region game that head coach Jeff Ratliff called “a hard-nosed battle between two playoff teams.”The loss ended a three-game winning streak for the Gators, who fell to 3-5 overall and 2-1 in the region.
Lake Oconee Academy senior Beth Harris totaled two hits and scored two runs in the series sweep over Miller County on Monday. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

Lake Oconee Academy senior Beth Harris totaled two hits and scored two runs in the series sweep over Miller County on Monday. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

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Lady Titans embark on playoff run

Lance McCurley
Thursday, October 16, 2025
The Lake Oconee Academy softball team took care of business in the first round of the Class A Division II state playoffs.The No. 2 seed Lady Titans put on an offensive showcase, scoring 18 runs in two games to sweep No. 3 seed Miller County.
Morgan County junior Mary Faulker is one of the team’s most reliable players and was a key part of the successful postseason last year, which led to a state championship. LANCE McCURLEY/File photo

Morgan County junior Mary Faulker is one of the team’s most reliable players and was a key part of the successful postseason last year, which led to a state championship. LANCE McCURLEY/File photo

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Lady Dogs capture third-straight region title, begin playoff run

Lance McCurley
Thursday, October 16, 2025
Morgan County recently captured its third straight region championship under head coach Chad Pigg.The Lady Dogs finished region play with a 9-1 record, with their only loss coming to Jackson on Sept. 16.
Loran Smith/File Photo

Loran Smith/File Photo

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Smith: Sports clubs

Loran Smith
Thursday, October 16, 2025
While I have not conducted any definitive research, the South seems to be the only region of the country where touchdown and quarterback clubs continue to flourish.For years, there were marquee clubs in big cities with expansive budgets that honored professional, college, and high school athletes.
Georgia wide receiver London Humphreys (16) tries to stay in bounds while fighting off Kentucky defensive back JQ Hardaway (6). LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

Georgia wide receiver London Humphreys (16) tries to stay in bounds while fighting off Kentucky defensive back JQ Hardaway (6). LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

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Fast start for Dawgs leads to Kentucky rout

Lance McCurley
Thursday, October 9, 2025
Georgia performed well on both sides of the ball against Kentucky on Saturday, leading to a 35-14 win. The No.
Containing Auburn quarterback Jackson Arnold will go a long way toward success for the Bulldogs this coming Saturday at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Courtesy of Auburn Athletics

Containing Auburn quarterback Jackson Arnold will go a long way toward success for the Bulldogs this coming Saturday at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Courtesy of Auburn Athletics

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Georgia defense needs to step up against Auburn

Lance McCurley
Thursday, October 9, 2025
The Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry will be played for the 130th time this week when Auburn and Georgia meet Saturday night in Alabama.The Tigers (3-2, 0-2) have had an up-and-down season under head coach Hugh Freeze.
Lake Oconee Academy quarterback Jake McDonald (1) attempts to shake a defender as he tries to pick up a first down with his feet. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

Lake Oconee Academy quarterback Jake McDonald (1) attempts to shake a defender as he tries to pick up a first down with his feet. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

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Titans fall 26-10 to Washington-Wilkes

Lance McCurley
Thursday, October 9, 2025
Lake Oconee Academy fell just short in its region opener against Washington-Wilkes on Oct. 3.The game remained competitive until midway through the fourth quarter, when the Titans put themselves at risk.
Gatewood senior Ben Brannen put in a consistent performance for the Gators last Friday night in Louisville. IAN TOCHER/File photo

Gatewood senior Ben Brannen put in a consistent performance for the Gators last Friday night in Louisville. IAN TOCHER/File photo

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Gatewood gets third-straight win

Ian Tocher
Thursday, October 9, 2025
The Gatewood Gators (3-4, 2-0) continued their midseason resurgence Friday night in Louisville, where they earned a decisive 34–18 road victory over Thomas Jefferson Academy (1-7, 0-3).
Loran Smith/File Photo

Loran Smith/File Photo

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Smith: October musings

Loran Smith
Thursday, October 9, 2025
October has long been my favorite month, and while November is the month for Thanksgiving, I always count my blessings during our tenth month, which comes and goes too quickly.In October, there is so much going on in the Great Outdoors.
Morgan County senior tight end Drew Ainslie (80) was named the team’s Offensive Player of the Week for his performance against Rutland this past Friday. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

Morgan County senior tight end Drew Ainslie (80) was named the team’s Offensive Player of the Week for his performance against Rutland this past Friday. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

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Dogs weather storm against Hurricanes, improve to 7-0

Skyla Morris
Thursday, October 9, 2025
Morgan County brought the heat in its road matchup against Rutland on Oct. 3.The Dogs dominated the Hurricanes 60-27, improving to 7-0 overall and 2-0 in the region.Morgan County head coach Clint Jenkins thought his offense was successful in moving the football down the field.
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