Sports

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

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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.
Loran Smith/File Photo

Loran Smith/File Photo

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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.
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

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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.
After finishing as Class AA state runners-up last season, the Morgan County softball team will be looking to regain the title it last won in 2024. CONTRIBUTED

After finishing as Class AA state runners-up last season, the Morgan County softball team will be looking to regain the title it last won in 2024. CONTRIBUTED

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Lady Dogs build chemistry before season

Lance McCurley
Thursday, July 16, 2026
After a season that ended one victory short of winning back-to-back state championships, the Morgan County softball team is using the summer months to prepare for a new challenge in 2026.
Lake Oconee Academy volleyball poses for a team photo during its three-day intensive camp at Mercer University in Macon. The Titans used the camp as an opportunity to prepare for the 2026 season while continuing to build chemistry, communication and team culture. CONTRIBUTED

Lake Oconee Academy volleyball poses for a team photo during its three-day intensive camp at Mercer University in Macon. The Titans used the camp as an opportunity to prepare for the 2026 season while continuing to build chemistry, communication and team culture. CONTRIBUTED

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Seven seniors lead LOA volleyball’s championship chase

Lance McCurley
Thursday, July 9, 2026
Lake Oconee Academy volleyball enters the 2026 season with a veteran roster, a strong team culture, and championship aspirations.
Gatewood junior Brady Haley will play a key role on both sides of the ball this season as the Gators look to compete for a state championship. CONTRIBUTED

Gatewood junior Brady Haley will play a key role on both sides of the ball this season as the Gators look to compete for a state championship. CONTRIBUTED

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Haley eager to help Gators take next step

Lance McCurley
Thursday, July 9, 2026
Football season doesn't begin when the lights shine on Friday nights for Gatewood junior Brady Haley.It starts with the extra work no one sees.
Morgan County’s Addisyn Freeman (3) guards Whitley Crumbley during a recent scrimmage. SKYLA MORRIS/Staff

Morgan County’s Addisyn Freeman (3) guards Whitley Crumbley during a recent scrimmage. SKYLA MORRIS/Staff

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Lady Dogs scrimmage under new leadership

Skyla Morris
Thursday, July 9, 2026
Morgan County’s girls’ basketball team held its annual Red and White Scrimmage on June 24 in the school’s competition gym. The Wednesday afternoon event included athletes from both middle and high school rosters, in preparation for the 2026-27 season, which begins in November.
Loran Smith/File Photo

Loran Smith/File Photo

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Smith: Jim Minter

Loran Smith
Thursday, July 9, 2026
Then he sprang to his feet and said, “Come, let me show you my mule.”They walked outside, where a limp-looking mule stood as though he might collapse at any minute.“I’d like to sell you my mule,” the governor said.“How much do you want for him?” the man asked.“Five hundred dollars.
Kaitlyn Mamay delivers a pitch during the 2025 season for Lake Oconee Academy. The junior returns as the reigning Region Pitcher of the Year and will play a key role as the Titans look to make a deeper postseason run in 2026. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

Kaitlyn Mamay delivers a pitch during the 2025 season for Lake Oconee Academy. The junior returns as the reigning Region Pitcher of the Year and will play a key role as the Titans look to make a deeper postseason run in 2026. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

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Titans reload with depth, look ahead to Columbus

Lance McCurley
Thursday, July 9, 2026
Lake Oconee Academy softball isn’t starting the summer in a rush.Instead, the Titans are taking a slower, more intentional approach to the offseason, one built around rest, recovery, and preparation for what head coach Glynn McDaniel believes could be a step forward for the program.
Loran Smith/File Photo

Loran Smith/File Photo

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Smith: Times have changed

Loran Smith
Thursday, July 2, 2026
Football teams across the country are preparing for the upcoming season. Even underclassmen, in many cases, are positioned to benefit financially through name, image, and likeness (NIL) opportunities while hoping to play well enough to reach the National Football League.
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