Running back Zion Pass (4) finds room to run during Oglethorpe County’s 28-21 victory over Glascock County in a scrimmage on Friday. Pass and seniors Paris Crowder and Jackson Tatum return to power the wing-T offense. (Ethan Greene/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Running back Zion Pass (4) finds room to run during Oglethorpe County’s 28-21 victory over Glascock County in a scrimmage on Friday. Pass and seniors Paris Crowder and Jackson Tatum return to power the wing-T offense. (Ethan Greene/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Running backs loaded, ready for more in ’26

Thursday, August 20, 2026

Mike Holland made a change at the end of his fourth year as Oglethorpe County’s head coach in 2024. Instead of the traditional one-back and shotgun offenses seen around the country, Holland and offensive coordinator Josh Austin implemented an offensive system rooted in football history: the wing-T.

Local News

Karyn Gunter (left), the director of special education and student support, confers with Oglethorpe County School Superintendent Phillip Powell during a meeting on July 20. Powell will hold a community feedback time on Saturday. (Andy Johnston/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Karyn Gunter (left), the director of special education and student support, confers with Oglethorpe County School Superintendent Phillip Powell during a meeting on July 20. Powell will hold a community feedback time on Saturday. (Andy Johnston/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Powell hopes Patriot Porch becomes regular event

Ellie English
Wednesday, August 19, 2026
Superintendent Phillip Powell will host The Patriot Porch program from 9-10 a.m. Saturday Aug.
Kim Williams, a deputy with the Oglethorpe County Sheriff’s Office, escorts Michael Thomas Dusch from the courthouse after he was sentenced to life for the murder of David John Stewart in Arnoldsville last year. He pleaded guilty to all nine counts. (Dink NeSmith/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Kim Williams, a deputy with the Oglethorpe County Sheriff’s Office, escorts Michael Thomas Dusch from the courthouse after he was sentenced to life for the murder of David John Stewart in Arnoldsville last year. He pleaded guilty to all nine counts. (Dink NeSmith/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Dusch sentenced to life: Man pleads guilty to 2025 murder in Arnoldsville

Sarah Owens
Wednesday, August 19, 2026
Michael Thomas Dusch pleaded guilty and was sentenced to life in prison on Tuesday for the murder...
Attendees check out the silent auction at MOAS’ 11th annual Bark & Wine at Countryside Manor in Winterville on Aug. 15. MOAS raised $50,000 at the event, doubling last year’s amount. (Sarah Nanos/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Attendees check out the silent auction at MOAS’ 11th annual Bark & Wine at Countryside Manor in Winterville on Aug. 15. MOAS raised $50,000 at the event, doubling last year’s amount. (Sarah Nanos/The Oglethorpe Echo)

MOAS raises $50,000 at Bark & Wine

Sarah Nanos
Wednesday, August 19, 2026
The Madison Oglethorpe County Animal Shelter (MOAS) raised $50,000 at its 11th annual Bark & Wine —...
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The Oglethorpe Echo e-Edition

Videos

The Echo: Amplified

What happens when a public university partners with a community newspaper? A beautiful collaboration and a reminder of all the things local news is meant to be: personal, rewarding and impactful.

 

To those who serve The Echo.

To those who read The Echo.

To those who believe in local news.

 

This documentary was directed by Julianna Duennes Russ and produced by Leighton Dancy, in collaboration with the University of Georgia's Grady College of Journalism & Mass Communication and The Oglethorpe Echo Legacy, Inc. 

 

Special thank you to: Ralph Maxwell, Dink NeSmith, Amanda Bright, Andy Johnston, Lori Johnston, Trisha Bearden, Lourdes Tompkins, Blake Campbell, Kathleen deMarrais, Jamie Lewis, Barbara Cabaniss, Delbra Kendrick, Zachary Leggio, Adriana Cascio, Libby Hobbs, Jesse Wood. Copyright 2025. All rights reserved.

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Oglethorpe Echo
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Sports

OCHS receiver/defensive back Hayden Williams saw action during the Patriots’ victory over Glascock County in a scrimmage on Friday. He tore his ACL during the season, but has returned to play for the Patriots this season. (Ethan Greene/The Oglethorpe Echo)

OCHS receiver/defensive back Hayden Williams saw action during the Patriots’ victory over Glascock County in a scrimmage on Friday. He tore his ACL during the season, but has returned to play for the Patriots this season. (Ethan Greene/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Williams’ rehab focus leads to monthly honor

News Staff
Wednesday, August 19, 2026
Hayden Williams, a junior receiver and defensive back on the Oglethorpe County football team who is...
Luke Holbrooks (from left), Rex Allen and John Wanager practice with the cross country team inside OCHS on Monday. Many of the team’s practices this month have been indoors due to high temperatures and humidity. (Ethan Greene/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Luke Holbrooks (from left), Rex Allen and John Wanager practice with the cross country team inside OCHS on Monday. Many of the team’s practices this month have been indoors due to high temperatures and humidity. (Ethan Greene/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Cross country receives boost from new runners

Ethan Greene
Wednesday, August 19, 2026
The Oglethorpe County cross country team enters the season with a surge of participation,...
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