MainStreetNewsSports

Owens verbally commits to West Point; Cooper to Ga. Military

nospam@example.com (Ben Munro) — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 14:56:00 -0500

Two Madison County football players will be getting used to military life next year as they continue their careers on the gridiron.

Madison County High School quarterback Jacob Owens will move on to Division I-A football, verbally committing to Army Monday. Meanwhile, Jamal Cooper verbally committed to play junior college football at Georgia Military in Milledgeville.

Owens, who started at quarterback for two years at Madison County High School, completed 63-of-138 passes this year for 855 yards and six touchdowns. Owens also rushed 174 yards and a team-high nine touchdowns.

He becomes the second of Red Raider coach Randell Owens’ sons to commit to service academy. Jarrod Owens, Madison County quarterback from 2004-2006, now plays for the Coast Guard Academy.

Cooper, a running back, accounted for 491 total yards this year and returned three kickoffs for touchdowns.

Apalachee wins toss, to host Griffin Friday

nospam@example.com (Chris Bridges) — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 08:43:42 -0500

Old Lady Luck continues to smile on the Apalachee High School football team.

AHS won a coin toss Saturday morning to determine who will host the third round contest between the Wildcats and the Griffin High School Bears. Since both teams are No. 1 seeds a coin toss was used to determine the host location. Game time Friday is 7:30 p.m. at R. Harold Harrison Stadium.

AHS athletic director Brian Moore said tickets for the game will be $10 in compliance with Georgia High School Association bylines.
Continue reading "Apalachee wins toss, to host Griffin Friday"

Dragons denied in close one

nospam@example.com (Ben Munro) — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:31:44 -0500

Late Jefferson rally falls short against powerhouse Buford
Continue reading "Dragons denied in close one"

Wildcats advance to third round

nospam@example.com (Chris Bridges) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 23:06:07 -0500

The Cardiac Cats live on to fight another day.

The Apalachee High School football recorded just what may have been its most dramatic win in school history Friday by defeating visiting Marist 36-35 in overtime. The Wildcats successfully converted a two-point conversion after pulling to within a point in overtime.

Coach Shane Davis' team will meet Griffin, ranked No. 1 in the state, next Friday. A coin toss Saturday morning will determine which school hosts the contest since both the Bears and Wildcats are No. 1 seeds.

Continue reading "Wildcats advance to third round"

Friday Night Lights for November 20, 2009

nospam@example.com (Staff Writer) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:45:00 -0500

Find out all of the local scores from the second round of the 2009 playoffs.

This week Apalachee, Commerce, East Jackson and Jefferson look to push through the second round of the state playoffs.

Scroll to bottom for the scoreboard.

If you were at a game and the score is not posted, let us know the outcome in the comments.

Continue reading "Friday Night Lights for November 20, 2009"

Strength in numbers

nospam@example.com (Ben Munro) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:35:31 -0500

Deep squad begins ‘post-Courtney era’
Continue reading "Strength in numbers"

Raiders hungry after last year’s near-miss

nospam@example.com (Ben Munro) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:31:53 -0500

The memory is still there. But it’s not altogether a bitter one.

Continue reading "Raiders hungry after last year’s near-miss"

Madison County wrestlers gear up for early tests

nospam@example.com (Ben Munro) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:07:06 -0500

The true tests of the Madison County wrestling season will come after Christmas when the Raiders search for post-season glory in the area and state duals.

Continue reading "Madison County wrestlers gear up for early tests "

Region 8-AAAA could lose at least one team

nospam@example.com (Ben Munro) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:00:00 -0500

MCHS is second smallest school in Class AAAA

Continue reading "Region 8-AAAA could lose at least one team"

Leopards kick-start new rivalry at scrimmage

nospam@example.com (Justin Poole) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:03:00 -0500

The Banks County Leopards’ are lacing up their sneakers for another basketball season with high hopes set to improve upon last years’ 14-12 record.

“I think we are going to be a competitive team,” said coach Mike Ruth. “We have a lot of quickness. In fact, this is the smallest and fastest team we have had since I have been coaching at Banks.”

Leopard fans were treated to a preview of the season Monday night as the Leopards squared off against Jackson County in a preseason scrimmage.
Continue reading "Leopards kick-start new rivalry at scrimmage"

Great care taken on AHS field

nospam@example.com (Staff Writer) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 07:23:21 -0500

The field at R. Harold Harrison Stadium rivals anything in the state of Georgia.
Continue reading "Great care taken on AHS field"

Mat Panthers set for 2009-10

nospam@example.com (Brandon Reed) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 06:30:00 -0500

THE JCCHS Mat Panthers are closing in on the start of a new season.
Continue reading "Mat Panthers set for 2009-10"

Dragons advance to second round

nospam@example.com (Staff Writer) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 06:30:00 -0500

JEFFERSON HIGH School is keeping its dream of a state championship alive as the football team survived the first round of the playoffs against Heard County 21-13.
Continue reading "Dragons advance to second round "

Mat Eagles Start Season Friday

nospam@example.com (Brandon Reed) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 06:00:00 -0500

The East Jackson wrestling Eagles hope to follow up a successful 2008-09 season with an equally strong showing this year.

Last year, East Jackson tied for 12th place in state competition with Banks County. The Eagles had two third-place finishers in the tournament, Justin Griffith at 119 lbs. and Luis Verduzco at 140, along with a sixth-place finisher, Robbie King in the 160 lb. class. Two other wrestlers were one match short of placing.

The Eagles will start their 2009-10 campaign with a quad meet on the road against Clarke County, Madison County and Lumpkin County Friday. They will then travel to Jackson County to face the Panthers in a dual meet on Nov. 24.

The Eagles will return to action on Dec. 4 and 5 at JCCHS for the Panther Invitational, take part in a quad meet with Loganville, Locust Grove and Lithonia on Dec. 8 and travel to Morgan County for a tournament on Dec. 11 and 12, take part in a dual meet with Banks County and Walnut Grove on Dec. 15, and close out the 2009 segment of their season with a round-robin tournament at Locust Grove Dec. 18-19.

Cheer Tigers win 6th state title

nospam@example.com (Justin Poole) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:37:00 -0500

Commerce’s Cheer Tigers are back on top with their sixth state championship and first since 2005.

Saturday in Columbus, the Cheer Tigers faced off against 15 other Class A schools. Commerce defeated the defending state champions, Trion, by 26 points, scoring 242 points to best Bremen (221), Brookstone (220) and Trion (216).

This is the Cheer Tigers’ sixth state title since the competitive cheerleading program began in 1999. The Tigers were also state runners-up five times and have one third-place finish at the state level.
Continue reading "Cheer Tigers win 6th state title"

EJCHS Ready To Open Hoops Season

nospam@example.com (Brandon Reed) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:41:00 -0500

The East Jackson Eagles and Lady Eagles basketball teams are gearing up for another strong season, starting with tournament play at home on Saturday.

East Jackson will host the Wing Slingers Tip-Off tournament beginning Saturday and continuing Nov. 23, 24 and 28.

From there, both teams will go on to host Jackson County on Dec. 4 and then travel to Oconee County on Dec. 5, before returning to host Riverside on Dec. 8.

Continue reading "EJCHS Ready To Open Hoops Season"

JCCHS travels to Kennesaw to open season on Nov. 21

nospam@example.com (Brandon Reed) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:30:00 -0500

THE JACKSON County Lady Panthers will be looking to start their 2009-10 campaign off on a high note when they hit the court next week.

Continue reading "JCCHS travels to Kennesaw to open season on Nov. 21"

Lady Dragons host tournament to open season

nospam@example.com (Brandon Reed) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:30:00 -0500

AFTER a strong showing last season, the Jefferson Lady Dragons are looking for an equally strong start to 2009-10 when they begin play next week.
Continue reading "Lady Dragons host tournament to open season"

Lady Leopards open against Lakeview

nospam@example.com (Justin Poole) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:59:30 -0500

The Lady Leopards are pumped up and ready to hit the court for the start of another basketball season.

The major change to this year’s lineup is the lack of seniors on the team, but coach Jerry King is confident in the abilities of his strong core of experienced players to help mold the rising players.

“[We want to] steadily improve as the season progresses and be playing our best at the start of the region tournament,” said King.

Banks County has several experienced players to rely on, including sophomores Deasha Beasley, Ashley Morris, Madison Franklin and Katlin Parks.
Continue reading "Lady Leopards open against Lakeview"

Commerce Advances After 29-19 Victory

nospam@example.com (Justin Poole) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:33:00 -0500

It has been two years since the Tigers made it past the first round of the State Playoffs, but last Friday night Commerce secured its spot in the second round after a 29-19 victory.

Commerce knocked Landmark Christian out of the postseason last week to advance the Tigers to face Darlington High School in Rome this Friday at 7:30. The 6-A Darlington Tigers are 7-4 overall after edging out Warren County 16-14. Commerce is also 7-4.

On paper, Commerce looks better than Darlington. The local Tigers score an average of six points more than Darlington and have allowed 56 fewer points. Regardless of how either set of Tigers looks on paper, coach Steve Savage has taken his own look at the competition.
Continue reading "Commerce Advances After 29-19 Victory"

Wildcats prepare for second-round battle

nospam@example.com (Chris Bridges) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:20:36 -0500

After spending the weekend preparing for the second round of the playoffs, Apalachee High School head football coach Shane Davis probably summed it up best with a simple, but truthful statement.

“This time of year, records don’t matter,” the Wildcat coach said. “Scores don’t matter either. You don’t dwell on the past. You just try to work on your next opponent. Any problems you have you just try to hide them because if you haven’t fixed them in the first 11 games, you aren’t going to in four days of practice.”
Continue reading "Wildcats prepare for second-round battle"

Work begins immediately for AHS coaches for next foe

nospam@example.com (Chris Bridges) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:09:41 -0500

Almost immediately after a game is complete on Friday night, preparation for the next contest begins.

At Apalachee High School, head coach Shane Davis and other assistants work all day Friday on game day and then well into the early morning hours Saturday. For these coaches, it’s all part of the requirements of being successful.
Continue reading "Work begins immediately for AHS coaches for next foe"

COLUMN: Close wins nothing new for AHS team this fall

nospam@example.com (Chris Bridges) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:06:04 -0500

There’s no way to know how much I paced up and down the Apalachee High School sideline last Friday night, but I think I wore a path doing so.

Playoff football has a way of doing that to you. Playoff football games that go into two overtimes certainly have a way of doing it to you, especially to me.

I can only imagine what the Wildcat players and coaches must have felt like. They seemed more cool under the pressure than I did, however. It was about more than I could take. Back and forth I walked, over and over.

Continue reading "COLUMN: Close wins nothing new for AHS team this fall"

Cheer Doggs finish sixth at state meet

nospam@example.com (Chris Bridges) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:03:25 -0500

In competition cheerleading, even the smallest of slipups can cause point deductions.

For the Winder-Barrow High School competition team, it was the fact a ribbon fell out of a team member’s hair.

In the end, the team finished sixth although WBHS coach Jerrie Hulsey still thought her team performed its routine well.

Continue reading "Cheer Doggs finish sixth at state meet"

Wildcats take double OT thriller to advance

nospam@example.com (Chris Bridges) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:00:57 -0500

Perhaps last Friday’s game between Apalachee High School and Starr’s Mill could be best summed up in two words: playoff football.

The two teams played one that will not likely be soon forgotten as it took two overtime periods to decide a winner. When it was finally over, the AHS Wildcats had emerged with the hardest of hard-fought victories at 27-24 and all associated with the home team were no doubt thankful they would be moving on to play another week.

However, when it comes to the playoffs that is simply the name of the game.

Continue reading "Wildcats take double OT thriller to advance"

Offseason to be vital for Bulldoggs

nospam@example.com (Chris Bridges) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:58:39 -0500

On paper, the Winder-Barrow High School football team has cause for optimism for 2010.

The players now have another year of the current offensive and defensive schemes under their belts and a revamped region could benefit the Bulldoggs. Only three starters will be lost on the defensive side of the football and improving that area will be a top priority for coach Ben Corley and his staff.

Continue reading "Offseason to be vital for Bulldoggs"

Paul Kelley gets fourth World Crown win

nospam@example.com (Brandon Reed) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:36:59 -0500

THE FIRST race at the newly refurbished Gresham Motorsports Park will be remembered for a lot of reasons.
Continue reading "Paul Kelley gets fourth World Crown win"

Dragons’ basketball set for new season challenge

nospam@example.com (Brandon Reed) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:28:46 -0500

THE 2008-09 season was certainly a successful one for the Jefferson Dragons basketball team.
Continue reading "Dragons’ basketball set for new season challenge"

Panthers set to open season November 23

nospam@example.com (Brandon Reed) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:18:35 -0500

IT WILL be another chance at another strong season when the Jackson County Panthers boys’ basketball team hits the court to open the season next week.

Continue reading "Panthers set to open season November 23"

Wildcats survive first round

nospam@example.com (Chris Bridges) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 23:22:20 -0500

The Apalachee High School Wildcats needed two overtimes to do it, but in the end advanced to the second round of the AAAA playoffs.

AHS (11-0) defeated Starr's Mill 27-24 after two overtimes Friday night at R. Harold Harrison Stadium. Guy Hunt's 30-yard field goal in the second overtime proved to be the winning points. The visiting Panthers missed a field goal attempt during their possession in the second overtime.

The Wildcats, as a No. 1 seed, will remain at home next Friday against Marist for a second-round contest.

See Wednesday's edition of the Barrow Journal for a recap of Friday's win against Starr's Mill and a complete preview of the second-round of the playoffs.

East Jackson mows over Manchester

nospam@example.com (Ben Munro) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 23:22:06 -0500

Running game powers Eagles in first-ever playoff game
Continue reading "East Jackson mows over Manchester"

Panthers see changes for 2010

nospam@example.com (Staff Writer) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 18:39:16 -0500

The initial reports from the Georgia High School Association about the 2010 class divisions means big news for the Jackson County Panthers.

Jackson County will drop to Class AA standing, placing the Panthers into region rivalries with East Jackson and Jefferson.

Jefferson was this year's 8-AA Region Champion and East Jackson was the second seed in 8-AA.

Final assignment of the divisions by the GHSA comes in December, following an appeals process later this month.

Friday Night Lights for November 13, 2009

nospam@example.com (Staff Writer) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 17:30:00 -0500

Find out all of the local scores from the 2009 playoffs.

This week Apalachee, Commerce, East Jackson and Jefferson look to push throught the first round of the state playoffs.

Scroll to bottom for the scoreboard.

If you were at a game and the score is not posted, let us know the outcome in the comments.

Continue reading "Friday Night Lights for November 13, 2009"

Cheer Tigers win 11th 8-A title

nospam@example.com (Justin Poole) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 14:00:00 -0500

The Commerce High School Cheer Tigers won their 11th Region 8-A Championship title on Saturday.

The Cheer Tigers competed at Loganville High School, outscoring Social Circle and Hebron by 50 points.

“The team performed at its best,” said coach Dianne Cotrell. “The timing and stunting was great. I was very proud of them.”
Continue reading "Cheer Tigers win 11th 8-A title"

BCHS runners finish in top ten

nospam@example.com (Justin Poole) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 12:05:00 -0500

The final weeks of the 2009 cross country season has been quite an experience for the Banks County boys’ team.

Banks County’s Leopard runners came away from the region meet in third place, and qualified to compete in the state meet this past Saturday in Carrollton.

According to head coach Kelly McDuffie, the team was getting focused on the big race before even leaving Banks County.
Continue reading "BCHS runners finish in top ten"

Lady Panthers place 16th at state

nospam@example.com (Staff Writer) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 11:54:00 -0500

The Jackson County Lady Panthers cross country team closed out their 2009 campaign with a 16th place finish in state competition at Carrollton over the weekend.

Brittany Aikens was the top finisher for the girls, placing seventh overall with a time of 19:39, and earning AAA All-State honors.

Sydney Baird placed 69th with a 22:10. Rachel Pasko finished 96th with a 23:07. Mary Collin placed 144th with a 24:18.
Continue reading "Lady Panthers place 16th at state"

Lady Dragons place 11th at state

nospam@example.com (Staff Writer) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 11:44:00 -0500

The Jefferson Lady Dragons wrapped up their cross country season Saturday at Carrollton High School with an 11th place finish in the state meet.

Cara Smith was the top runner for the girls, placing 37th with a time of 22:19. Lauren Phillips finished 41st with a time of 22:55.

Laura Price placed 60th with a time of 23:38. Jessica Runkel finished 70th with a 24:03.
Continue reading "Lady Dragons place 11th at state"

EJCHS Starts Playoff Action Fri.

nospam@example.com (Staff Writer) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 11:21:00 -0500

No matter the outcome, the East Jackson Comprehensive High School Eagles proved their mettle Friday night.

After falling behind 21-7 in the first half against Jefferson, the Eagles rallied in the fourth quarter to move to within seven points of tying the game that decided the region 8-AA champion.

But they came up just shy, as Jefferson scored late to win 35-21.

Continue reading "EJCHS Starts Playoff Action Fri."

AHS coaches work as a team

nospam@example.com (Chris Bridges) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 17:30:00 -0500

In many ways, Apalachee High School head football coach Shane Davis said be believes he is simply the one who directs the ship when it comes to the Wildcat program.

Davis often gives credit to his coaching staff for the work they put in. The head coach is loyal to his assistants and in return, they have shown a tremendous level of loyalty to him.

“At the end of the day I have the title of head coach, but I believe we are just a group who loves the kids and find a way to get the best out of them,” Davis said. “There is no ego in this bunch.”

Continue reading "AHS coaches work as a team"

No miracles

nospam@example.com (Ben Munro) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:38:34 -0500

Madison Co.’s hopes of winning season, playoffs dashed by Clarke Central
Continue reading "No miracles"

Gibson, Bolin earn top honors

nospam@example.com (Ben Munro) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:13:34 -0500

Eight MCHS softball players tapped for all-region
Continue reading "Gibson, Bolin earn top honors"

Banks falls to Union 20-48 for 2-8 record

nospam@example.com (Justin Poole) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 13:55:00 -0500

Another Leopard gridiron season closed last Friday night, as Banks County ended the season 2-8 overall after falling to Union County 20-48.

While the 2009 season record will stand as the worst season, record wise, since 2006, coach Blair Armstrong was not that unpleased with the performance Banks County put forth during the season.

Throughout the season, Banks was on the short end of the stick battling injuries and illness. Armstrong was confident that many of the games might have gone into the Leopards favor if the team were at full strength.
Continue reading "Banks falls to Union 20-48 for 2-8 record"

Eagles Take Second, Sixth At State

nospam@example.com (Staff Writer) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 12:17:00 -0500

The East Jackson Eagles cross country teams ended their seasons on a high note Saturday, as the boys’ team placed second at state while the girls finished sixth.

The boys trailed only Westminster, while they beat out Lovett, North Oconee and Benedictine Military in the top five.

The girls trailed Westminster, Lovett, Blessed Trinity, Dawson County and North Oconee, while beating out Greater Atlanta Christian, St. Vincent’s Academy, Bleckley County and Pike County in the top ten.

Continue reading "Eagles Take Second, Sixth At State"

A coach's journey: Long road leads Davis to Apalachee

nospam@example.com (Chris Bridges) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 12:00:00 -0500

Shane Davis, like many in the high school coaching profession, has worked at his share of places.

However, Davis may have very well found a place to call home for a long time in Winder at Apalachee High School.

Davis, has guided the Wildcats to a perfect 10-0 regular season, the first region title in school history and has helped the program earn the right to host state playoff games. All-in-all, it has been a remarkable ride for a coach who is now in his fifth season at AHS.
Continue reading "A coach's journey: Long road leads Davis to Apalachee"

Tigers Host Landmark To Start Playoffs

nospam@example.com (Justin Poole) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 11:14:47 -0500

Commerce’s gridiron Tigers will go full bore into the first round of the Class A state playoffs.

The Tigers finished the regular season with a 6-4 record last Friday with a 33-7 win over Prince Avenue. Commerce will host Landmark Christian in the first round of the playoffs Friday night at 8:00.

Landmark Christian is the third-seeded team in 5-A, entering into Friday’s game 6-4 overall. While the War Eagles have a size advantage over Commerce, Tiger coach Steve Savage is not worried enough to start changing things.
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World Crown set for Gresham reopening

nospam@example.com (Staff Writer) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 10:00:00 -0500

Months of anticipation will come to a head this weekend when Gresham Motorsports Park reopens with the 26th annual World Crown 300.

The historic late model stock car race will close out a three-day weekend speedfest that begins Friday at the totally refurbished racing facility.

Formerly Peach State Speedway, the facility has undergone a massive eight-month renovation that has completely changed the landscape of the track.
Continue reading "World Crown set for Gresham reopening"

Back-To-Back Champs!

nospam@example.com (Brandon Reed) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 20:00:00 -0500

Jefferson defeats Eagles to claim region title

It was a hard fought battle, but in the end, it was Jefferson coming out on top of East Jackson in Friday night’s “Backyard Brawl” to take their second region title in as many years, and extend their record to 9-0 in the region and 10-0 to round out the regular season.

Now the Dragons prepare for the first round of post-season play, as they’ll host the number four seed Heard County Braves on Friday.
Continue reading "Back-To-Back Champs!"

Panthers close season with region victory

nospam@example.com (Brandon Reed) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 20:00:00 -0500

After a strong start to the season, which saw three consecutive victories, the Jackson County Panthers found themselves in the midst of a six game losing streak in region play for the year when they traveled to Stephens County Friday.

But strong play by the Panthers allowed them to end their season on a very high note with a victory over the Stephens County Indians.

It’s the first region victory for the Panthers since September of 2006, when they defeated Winder-Barrow.
Continue reading "Panthers close season with region victory"