-
Jake Turner (2) stomps into the end zone for his third touchdown in the Patriots’ 56-0 win over Athens Christian School this fall. OCHS will join Athens Christian and Athens Academy, among other area schools, in Region 8-A Division I next year. LAUREN HILL/THE OGLETHORPE ECHO
GHSA denies OCHS appeal to change regions
The Georgia High School Association denied Oglethorpe County’s appeal to switch regions for the 2024-26 academic years on Nov. 16.
OCHS was placed in Region 8-A Division I during the recent statewide reclassification, but school administrators wanted to join Region 4-A Division I. Co-athletic director/football coach Mike Holland and wrestling/track coach Tim Stoudenmire made the appeal at GHSA headquarters in Thomaston.
“We knew it would likely be an uphill battle, but we wanted to give it a shot,” Holland said. “The DeKalb County schools were very vocal in their opposition because of travel, which I understand.”
Region 4-A Division I includes Social Circle and Jasper County — which are in OCHS’ current region — along with Lamar County, McNair (Atlanta), Putnam County and Towers (Decatur), Southwest Atlanta Christian, among others.
Region 8-A Division I includes Athens Academy, Athens Christian, Commerce, Elbert County, Banks County, Rabun County and Providence Christian (Lilburn).
Non football schools in the region include Tallulah Falls and Barrow. Wesleyan originally was included in 8-A Division I, but won its appeal and moved to 5-A Division I.
Holland said Region 8-A will be split into two subregions for football.
OCHS will be on one side with Athens Academy, Athens Christian and Providence Christian. The other side will include Commerce, Elbert County, Rabun County and Banks County.
Commerce, Elbert County, which eliminated the Patriots in the first round of this year’s playoffs, and Rabun County have each advanced to the Class A Division I quarterfinals.
“We are certainly excited to have the opportunity to compete against some of the best teams in the state,” he said. “It’s time for us to take the next step in order to continue to grow our programs.”
Schedules and tiebreakers for each sport will be discussed at the region meeting, Holland said.
The GHSA reclassifies its schools every two years. The new classification will start next fall and extend to 2026.
Wrestling team wins first four matches
The OCHS wrestling team, which is ranked third in Class A Division I, won the Oconee County Dual Tournament with victories in all four matches on Saturday in Watkinsville.
The Patriots defeated Harlem 55-24, Hart County 60-18, Oconee County 48-36 and Pebblebrook 54-22.
The Patriots wrestle at Franklin County on Wednesday.
Pittard surpasses 1,000 career points in victory
Javaun Pittard scored 27 points to surpass 1,000 career points as Oglethorpe County opened its season with a 66-30 victory over Southwest Atlanta Christian in the Billy Wade Classic at Clarke Central on Monday.
Pittard also had 12 rebounds for the Patriots, who are ranked ninth in the GHSA ranking. Ty Burgess had 12 points, Jaelin Lumpkin scored 11 points and Cole Appling added nine points for OCHS.
The OCHS girls basketball team (1-0) is No. 5 in the GHSA Class A Division I Top 10. The Lady Patriots opened their season with a 68-45 victory over Morgan County last Tuesday.