Sports

Prep Roundup: Girls soccer team nears playoffs

The Oglethorpe County girls soccer team used last week to prepare for the Region 8-A Division I playoffs, but first will play at Meadowcreek at 8 p.m. Friday. The Patriots headed into the week at 7-5 and 3-4 in the region.
Coach Michael White and the combined Major League teams stand on home plate following the home team's 7-1 win on April 12. White said he was the only coach present at the game because of the rainouts on March 10. (Photo/Anna Izquierdo)

Coach Michael White and the combined Major League teams stand on home plate following the home team's 7-1 win on April 12. White said he was the only coach present at the game because of the rainouts on March 10. (Photo/Anna Izquierdo)

Teams combine for rescheduled Opening Day

Michael White was determined to host the Little League Opening Day on April 12, especially after three rain delays last year meant no Opening Day at all.  “We were so deep in the season after that, we just couldn’t get it done.
Oglethorpe County pitcher JW Derry fires home in the Patriots' 8-5 loss to Bank County in the first game of a doubleheader last Friday. OCHS will play at Providence Christian on Friday. (Photo/Ty Johnston)

Oglethorpe County pitcher JW Derry fires home in the Patriots' 8-5 loss to Bank County in the first game of a doubleheader last Friday. OCHS will play at Providence Christian on Friday. (Photo/Ty Johnston)

Prep Roundup: OCHS baseball team struggles against Banks

The Oglethorpe County baseball team fell to 9-16 and 4-11 in Region 8-A Division I after being swept by Banks County last week.The Leopards, who are No. 4 in the state and lead the region, defeated the Patriots 6-0, 8-5 and 9-1 last week.
ANNA IZQUIERDO/THE OGLETHORPE ECHO

ANNA IZQUIERDO/THE OGLETHORPE ECHO

Bryan Park expands parking lot and road

Bryan Park has added space for 70 more cars following the completion of a gravel parking lot and widened the road by the outdoor basketball court, baseball and soccer fields. The project was part of the park’s original master plan, which was created 20 years ago.
Jordan Johnson sits on his dad, James Johnson's, shoulder after a little-leauge football game. (Submitted photo)

Jordan Johnson sits on his dad, James Johnson's, shoulder after a little-leauge football game. (Submitted photo)

‘Joe Been Working:’ Senior has left his mark on three OCHS sports

Oglethorpe County High School senior Jordan Johnson isn’t just a standout athlete, he’s a tone-setter. Whether it’s on the football field, basketball court, or track, Johnson, who teammates call “Joe,” has built a name for himself as a competitor and someone younger athletes gravitate toward.
Seniors on the OCHS track teams were honored at the Gary Mathews Invitational on Saturday. Both teams won the meet at Patriot Stadium. (Submitted Photo)

Seniors on the OCHS track teams were honored at the Gary Mathews Invitational on Saturday. Both teams won the meet at Patriot Stadium. (Submitted Photo)

Prep Roundup: Gresham’s two wins lift boys track team

Keyvon Gresham won the 110-meter hurdles and the 300 hurdles to lead the Oglethorpe County boys track team to victory in the Gary Mathews Invitational on Saturday. Jordan Johnson won the 200, Corey Tilman won the 3,200 and the 4x100 relay team set a team mark in its victory.
Right fielder Delaney Weibe, who is 6, stands in the batter’s box last Thursday against the Franklin County Mighty Ducks. Her mom Angela Frazier said Weibe’s confidence has grown “a lot,” and she “seems to enjoy the game a lot more than she understands.” (Photo/Anna Izquierdo)

Right fielder Delaney Weibe, who is 6, stands in the batter’s box last Thursday against the Franklin County Mighty Ducks. Her mom Angela Frazier said Weibe’s confidence has grown “a lot,” and she “seems to enjoy the game a lot more than she understands.” (Photo/Anna Izquierdo)

8u rookie softball team focuses on fundamentals

Courtney Kitchens has one goal in mind while coaching an Oglethorpe County 8u rookie softball team:  to teach the fundamentals of softball and prepare the team for the minor league games at the end of the season.  “We teach them proper fielding, batting, batting stance, throwing skills,” she said.

Prep Roundup: Turner sparks girls track to victory

Elin Turner won the 100 hurdles, 300 hurdles and the triple jump to lead the Oglethorpe County girls track team to victory over Madison County and Elbert County, and Athens Christian School on March 20. Turner finished with 18 points.
Eighth-grader Cole Cutsail waits on a pitch during the Oglethorpe County Middle School baseball team’s game at Bethlehem Christian Academy on March 18. Cutsail is one of five eighth-graders on the team. (Photo/ Kayda Hammock)

Eighth-grader Cole Cutsail waits on a pitch during the Oglethorpe County Middle School baseball team’s game at Bethlehem Christian Academy on March 18. Cutsail is one of five eighth-graders on the team. (Photo/ Kayda Hammock)

Building tomorrow's stars, growth remains Irwin’s focus at OCMS

Coach Steve Irwin teaches middle school connections in addition to being the head baseball and football coach at Oglethorpe County Middle School.  Coaching middle school students brings its own set of challenges, especially with athletes at different stages of physical and athletic development.
Jackson Tatum up to bat on Tuesday, March 18. The Patriots fell to Athens Academy 2-5. (Photo/Kayda Hammock)

Jackson Tatum up to bat on Tuesday, March 18. The Patriots fell to Athens Academy 2-5. (Photo/Kayda Hammock)

Prep Roundup: Girls soccer team improves to 6-3

Mylee Nimmons, Emily Forschler and Harper Palmer scored to lead the Oglethorpe County girls soccer team to a 3-0 win over Madison County on Monday.  Mylee Nimmons, Ava Nimmons and Forschler added assists for the Patriots, who improved to 6-3 and 3-2 in Region 8-A Division I.