Sports

UGA head coach Kirby Smart said he remains confident that physical football, player development, and consistency will continue to win games this season. PHOTO COURTESY UGA ATHLETICS

UGA head coach Kirby Smart said he remains confident that physical football, player development, and consistency will continue to win games this season. PHOTO COURTESY UGA ATHLETICS

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Smart takes podium at SEC Media Days

Lance McCurley
Thursday, July 23, 2026
As college football continues to evolve through NIL, the transfer portal, and constant changes to the sport’s structure, Kirby Smart believes the formula for winning remains remarkably simple.
Putnam County defensive end Elijah Dunn (3) rushes the passer during the team’s padded camp in Eatonton on July 16. JCVISUALS/Contributed

Putnam County defensive end Elijah Dunn (3) rushes the passer during the team’s padded camp in Eatonton on July 16. JCVISUALS/Contributed

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War Eagles wrap up camp, prepare for preseason

Lance McCurley
Thursday, July 23, 2026
Putnam County enters preseason practice with a sense of momentum after what head coach Joel Harvin described as one of the program’s most productive summers in recent years.The War Eagles began the GHSA’s heat acclimatization this week, the final step before preseason camp officially ramps up.
The Lake Oconee Academy cross country team will begin its season soon. CONTRIBUTED

The Lake Oconee Academy cross country team will begin its season soon. CONTRIBUTED

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LOA XC prepares for new season

Lance McCurley
Thursday, July 23, 2026
After a successful 2025 season that ended with both teams earning top-four finishes at the GHSA state championships, Lake Oconee Academy again enters this year’s cross-country season with high expectations.
Brysen Pearson is one of just a handful of seniors returning for Putnam County in 2026. SKYLA MORRIS/Staff

Brysen Pearson is one of just a handful of seniors returning for Putnam County in 2026. SKYLA MORRIS/Staff

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PCHS volleyball looks to build on 2026 progress

Lance McCurley
Thursday, July 23, 2026
After making noticeable strides during head coach Rakeena Griffin’s first two seasons at the helm, the Putnam County volleyball team hopes to continue building momentum this fall.
Loran Smith/File Photo

Loran Smith/File Photo

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Smith: Summers past

Loran Smith
Thursday, July 23, 2026
Todd Groce, president of the Georgia Historical Society in Savannah, recently sent along a note saying that kids today have no connection to a farm anymore.As Todd pointed out, following World War II, there was a gradual migration from farm to town.
Morgan County’s Ty Tillery recently confirmed he has chosen to honor his commitment to pitch for the Auburn Tigers next season over waiting for selection in the next MLB draft. COURTESY AUBURN ATHLETICS

Morgan County’s Ty Tillery recently confirmed he has chosen to honor his commitment to pitch for the Auburn Tigers next season over waiting for selection in the next MLB draft. COURTESY AUBURN ATHLETICS

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‘No regrets’ for Tillery in honoring Auburn commitment over pros

Skyla Morris
Thursday, July 23, 2026
Former Morgan County right-handed pitcher Ty Tillery has confirmed his next career stop, following the 2026 MLB Draft’s conclusion. The Diamond Dogs alum received opportunities to sign with multiple teams, but ultimately decided to honor his commitment with Auburn University.
After leading Morgan County to a state championship from the mound last season, Davis Strickland has opted to forego a football career at the University of West Georgia in favor of continuing his pitching career (which also delivered a state title last season) at Kennesaw State University. SKYLA MORRIS/Staff

After leading Morgan County to a state championship from the mound last season, Davis Strickland has opted to forego a football career at the University of West Georgia in favor of continuing his pitching career (which also delivered a state title last season) at Kennesaw State University. SKYLA MORRIS/Staff

Strickland signs with Kennesaw State

Skyla Morris
Thursday, July 23, 2026
Morgan County football and baseball standout Davis Strickland is taking a different path in his collegiate athletic career.
Greene County players are already hard at work preparing for the Tigers’ 2026 campaign. LANCE MCCURLEY/Staff

Greene County players are already hard at work preparing for the Tigers’ 2026 campaign. LANCE MCCURLEY/Staff

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Tigers use summer to build under MacFarland

Lance McCurley
Thursday, July 16, 2026
A summer of change has brought plenty of new faces to the Greene County football program, but first-year head coach Chris MacFarland believes the Tigers are making steady progress as they prepare for the 2026 season.
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.
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