Sports

Two of the best-ever at their chosen crafts: Bulldogs’ football legend and 1982 Heisman Trophy winner Herschel Walker (left) with UGA’s legendary Sports Information and Communications Director Claude Felton on Dooley Field at Sanford Stadium in Athens. COURTESY OF UGA ATHLETICS

Two of the best-ever at their chosen crafts: Bulldogs’ football legend and 1982 Heisman Trophy winner Herschel Walker (left) with UGA’s legendary Sports Information and Communications Director Claude Felton on Dooley Field at Sanford Stadium in Athens. COURTESY OF UGA ATHLETICS

Garnder: UGA blessed by long-serving SID Felton

The tenure of one of the University of Georgia’s longest-serving, most beloved, and most outstanding employees ever ended Jan. 31 with the retirement of Claude Felton.
LANCE MCCURLEY/Staff

LANCE MCCURLEY/Staff

McCurley: Let the Madness begin

With the brackets set, it’s officially the best part of the year as March Madness begins later this week. I am excited for both the NCAA men’s and women’s tournaments since there are so many storylines to follow.First, I want to see if Caitlin Clark can lead her Iowa Lady Hawkeyes to an NCAA title.
Morgan County sophomore Ty Tillery (23) at the plate against Jefferson on March 4. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

Morgan County sophomore Ty Tillery (23) at the plate against Jefferson on March 4. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

Diamond Dogs take care of business

At the midpoint of the season, Morgan County’s baseball team is playing solid and entered this week on a tear.The Diamond Dogs recently started region play last week by sweeping the Academy of Richmond County, outscoring the Musketeers 18-3 in two games.
Nelson has been playing golf since a young age, but this year is her first time competing on a team. CONTRIBUTED

Nelson has been playing golf since a young age, but this year is her first time competing on a team. CONTRIBUTED

LOA’s Nelson knocks off the nation’s best

Lake Oconee Academy’s Lili Nelson recently overcame adversity and pulled off an incredible feat on the golf course.
Loran Smith/Columnist

Loran Smith/Columnist

Smith: UGA spring sports

Spring is the time of the year for many sports to peak. Someday, and I feel sooner than later, UGA basketball coach Mike White will have us excited about his team making the playoffs. He will get us into March Madness.
Titans’ freshman Jon Funderburke (2) rounds third on his way to score against Aquinas. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

Titans’ freshman Jon Funderburke (2) rounds third on his way to score against Aquinas. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

Titans’ baseball earn top-five ranking

The Lake Oconee Academy baseball team (11-1, 5-0) entered the week ranked No. 5 in Class A Division II.
Morgan County sophomore sprinter Dallas Dickerson set two personal bests in the 100-meter and 200-meter events, with both being new school records, this past weekend at a meet in Loganville. CONTRIBUTED

Morgan County sophomore sprinter Dallas Dickerson set two personal bests in the 100-meter and 200-meter events, with both being new school records, this past weekend at a meet in Loganville. CONTRIBUTED

Dickerson excels on track for Bulldogs

Morgan County sprinter Dallas Dickerson has a serious need for speed.Dickerson competes in the 100-meter and 200-meter races but also is part of the 4x100-meter relay team. The sophomore speedster has excelled this season and has set multiple personal records for the ‘Dogs.
Lake Oconee Academy senior Palmer Larkin (7) tries to prevent GMC Prep senior Adi Patel (19) from advancing the ball downfield. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

Lake Oconee Academy senior Palmer Larkin (7) tries to prevent GMC Prep senior Adi Patel (19) from advancing the ball downfield. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

Titans enjoy early-season success

The Lake Oconee Academy boys’ soccer team is one of the top-ranked teams in its classification for good reason.The Titans entered this week ranked No. 2 in Class A Division II as they returned a lot of starters from last year.
Morgan County midfielder Rylee Bernard (26) during a game last season against Clarke Central. She has played a key role as a leader for the Lady Dogs’ success in 2024. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

Morgan County midfielder Rylee Bernard (26) during a game last season against Clarke Central. She has played a key role as a leader for the Lady Dogs’ success in 2024. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

Senior leadership leading the Lady Dogs

Morgan County girls’ soccer team has relied on veteran leadership this season after a 6-1 start to the 2024 season.Seniors Rylee Bernard, Campbell Stamps, and McKinsey Williams are helping lead the charge for the Lady Dogs.
Loran Smith/Columnist

Loran Smith/Columnist

Smith: Erk campaign

Erk Russell had rare and extraordinary leadership skills. Across the Southeast and beyond, hundreds of football players would quickly attest to that.