Sports

Morgan County quarterback Davis Strickland (5) completed 26 of 35 passes for 338 yards and four touchdowns in the loss t o Rockmart last Friday. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

Morgan County quarterback Davis Strickland (5) completed 26 of 35 passes for 338 yards and four touchdowns in the loss t o Rockmart last Friday. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

Dogs fall to Rockmart in quarterfinals

Morgan County’s season came to an end last week in the Class AA quarterfinals with a 49-40 loss to Rockmart.The Yellow Jackets trailed at halftime but made adjustments and played better in the final two quarters.
Gatewood senior Ames Johnson had a solid game for the Gators Monday night in his first game back as a basketball player since he was a freshman. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Gatewood senior Ames Johnson had a solid game for the Gators Monday night in his first game back as a basketball player since he was a freshman. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Gators feast on JHA in season opener

By the end of the opening quarter, the visiting Rebels from John Hancock Academy probably wished they’d never made the trip to the Gators’ lair in Eatonton.When the first quarter ended after just eight minutes, Gatewood was up 31-5.
Junior Jmari Greene scored 19 points in a win over Greene County on Nov. 29. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

Junior Jmari Greene scored 19 points in a win over Greene County on Nov. 29. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

War Eagles try to stay humble after perfect start

Putnam County’s impressive start to the 2024-25 basketball season continued last week with three more wins. The War Eagles swept Hancock Central (85-71; 70-54) and topped Greene County (95-55). They entered this week with an 8-0 record on the year and are ranked No. 2 overall in Class A Division I.
Nate Frazier (3) celebrates with teammates after scoring a game-winning two-point conversion for Georgia during the eighth overtime against rival Georgia Tech. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

Nate Frazier (3) celebrates with teammates after scoring a game-winning two-point conversion for Georgia during the eighth overtime against rival Georgia Tech. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

Dawgs swat Yellow Jackets in 8 OT thriller

It took a while, but Georgia eventually defeated Georgia Tech 44-42 last Saturday in an instant classic at Sanford Stadium.The No.
Georgia quarterback Carson Beck (15) during Georgia’s game against Texas at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas, on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024. (Tony Walsh/UGAAA)

Georgia quarterback Carson Beck (15) during Georgia’s game against Texas at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas, on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024. (Tony Walsh/UGAAA)

The Rematch: Georgia, Texas to meet again in SEC title game

The 2024 SEC Championship game on Saturday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta will be a rematch between Georgia and Texas.Earlier this season, the Bulldogs defeated the Longhorns 30-15 in a top-10 matchup, and this week, both are again ranked in the top 10 of the College Football Playoff poll.
Sophomore guard Lauren Paxson had a strong game for the Lady Gators Monday night in a 58-31 win over John Hancock Academy. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Sophomore guard Lauren Paxson had a strong game for the Lady Gators Monday night in a 58-31 win over John Hancock Academy. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Lady Gators win at home over John Hancock

On Monday night at Eatonton, the Gatewood girls' basketball team earned a solid win over John Hancock Academy. The Lady Gators, coming off a 68-16 loss at Athens Christian late last month in their 2024-25 season opener, prevailed 58-31 over the Lady Rebels from nearby Sparta.
Terrance Banks has left the Greene County High School football program after three consecutive home playoff berths. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

Terrance Banks has left the Greene County High School football program after three consecutive home playoff berths. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

Banks no longer head coach at Greene County

After three seasons, Terrance Banks is out as the head football coach at Greene County High School.Rumors surfaced on social media before Thanksgiving Break that Banks was no longer with the program, but on Dec. 2, the Lake Oconee News confirmed the news with GCHS athletic director Chad Smith.
Morgan County senior Jasper Cason (3) celebrates after scoring a touchdown in last Friday’s win over Sumter County. JIM TURNER/Contributed

Morgan County senior Jasper Cason (3) celebrates after scoring a touchdown in last Friday’s win over Sumter County. JIM TURNER/Contributed

From Sweet to Elite: Cason’s touchdown lifts Dogs past Sumter

Morgan County senior tailback Jasper Cason came up big for his team in last Friday’s second-round playoff game against Sumter County.Cason, who transferred in from Camden County during the offseason, scored the game’s go-ahead touchdown via the ground with just over a minute left.
Loran Smith/File Photo

Loran Smith/File Photo

Smith: I’m Thankful

The Thanksgiving season is a wonderful time of the year, and we should never tire of giving thanks on this glorious holiday for the many good things that come our way.
Morgan County’s Cydney Burke (24) attempts to shoot a jump shot in last week’s loss to Putnam County. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

Morgan County’s Cydney Burke (24) attempts to shoot a jump shot in last week’s loss to Putnam County. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

Lady Dogs begin season with high hopes

After a trip to the Elite Eight last season, Morgan County girls’ basketball has high hopes for this year.Before the season, third-year head coach Milfred Franklin was eager to get things going. He’s seen his players grow in the offseason and develop a strong chemistry together on and off the court.