Sports

Miles Mason, who finished fourth at state last year, returns to lead the Oglethorpe County wrestling team this season. He’s also helping fill a position of leadership for the Patriots. (Submitted Photo)

Miles Mason, who finished fourth at state last year, returns to lead the Oglethorpe County wrestling team this season. He’s also helping fill a position of leadership for the Patriots. (Submitted Photo)

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Youthful Patriots ready for new coach, season

Saylor Williams
Tuesday, November 26, 2024
 The Oglethorpe County wrestling program is working hard to rebuild after losing 12 seniors.  “We’re just trying to find our heartbeat and our identity this year,” first-year head coach Steve Mason said. “Who we are, who are our leaders, who’s really going to step up and lead and take charge.
OCHS wrestlers Akira Owens, Nyah McAphee, Emily Gregory and Tori Miller each went 2-0 in their matches on Friday. “Overall, it was a good night,” OCHS coach Steve Mason said. (Submitted Photo)

OCHS wrestlers Akira Owens, Nyah McAphee, Emily Gregory and Tori Miller each went 2-0 in their matches on Friday. “Overall, it was a good night,” OCHS coach Steve Mason said. (Submitted Photo)

Prep Roundup: Wrestlers shine at Walnut Grove duals

News Staff
Thursday, November 21, 2024
 The Oglethorpe County wrestling team went 2-1 in duals on Friday Night at Walnut Grove. The Patriots defeated Class 6A Hillgrove 58-16 and Dacula 41-33, and lost to 4A Walnut Grove 45-36. Paris Crowder, Miles Mason, Keagan Moats and Klo Say each went 3-0 in matches.
Junior Elin Turner will be counted on to provide offense and leadership for the Lady Patriots, who lost several key players from last year’s team. Sofia Horsley is the only senior on this year’s team. (Submitted Photo/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Junior Elin Turner will be counted on to provide offense and leadership for the Lady Patriots, who lost several key players from last year’s team. Sofia Horsley is the only senior on this year’s team. (Submitted Photo/The Oglethorpe Echo)

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Lady Pats face rebuild after recent success

Audrey Pfitzner
Wednesday, November 20, 2024
Oglethorpe County’s girls basketball team is looking to rebuild its core after losing all five players from last year’s starting lineup.
Carlos Strong, who played at Georgia from 1992-96, was hired as the boys basketball coach in June. The Patriots were 20-8 and advanced to the Class A Division I Sweet 16 last season. (Submitted Photo/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Carlos Strong, who played at Georgia from 1992-96, was hired as the boys basketball coach in June. The Patriots were 20-8 and advanced to the Class A Division I Sweet 16 last season. (Submitted Photo/The Oglethorpe Echo)

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Strong ready for first season at OCHS

Saylor Williams
Thursday, November 14, 2024
 With a new head coach and team mindset, the Oglethorpe County boys basketball program is gearing up for its season opener at East Hall on Friday, Nov. 22.  “The team is going to be put before each individual,” coach Carlos Strong said.
Oglethorpe County defensive back Jordan Johnson (1) tackles Commerce running back Jacari Huff (2) at Patriot Stadium Oct. 18. Johnson is part of a senior class that were freshmen during coach Mike Holland’s first season in 2021. (ADAM WALTERS/THE OGLETHORPE ECHO)

Oglethorpe County defensive back Jordan Johnson (1) tackles Commerce running back Jacari Huff (2) at Patriot Stadium Oct. 18. Johnson is part of a senior class that were freshmen during coach Mike Holland’s first season in 2021. (ADAM WALTERS/THE OGLETHORPE ECHO)

Holland looks toward OCHS football future after tough fall

News Staff
Wednesday, November 6, 2024
By Mike Holland’s count, eight players took snaps behind center for the Oglethorpe County football team this fall. That certainly wasn’t by design, but was necessary in an attempt to create offense after losing starting quarterback Hunter Hall to a broken collarbone in the first game.
The Oglethorpe County cross country teams advanced to the Class A Division I state meet, which will be held on Friday in Carrollton. The boys were seventh and the girls were ninth at sectionals. (SUBMITTED PHOTO)

The Oglethorpe County cross country teams advanced to the Class A Division I state meet, which will be held on Friday in Carrollton. The boys were seventh and the girls were ninth at sectionals. (SUBMITTED PHOTO)

Prep Roundup: Cross country teams advance to state

News Staff
Wednesday, November 6, 2024
The Oglethorpe County cross country teams had strong showings in the sectional to qualify for the Class A Division I state meet. The boys finished seventh and the girls were ninth at Lamar Murphy Park in Jefferson. They both advanced to the state meet on Friday at Carrollton High School.

Prep Roundup: Patriots remain winless

News Staff
Wednesday, October 30, 2024
 O’Maury Huggs rushed for 156 yards and three touchdowns, and scored another through the air, but Providence Christian defeated Oglethorpe County 38-35 on Friday night. Payton Prince added 146 yards rushing and one touchdown, and threw the touchdown pass to Huggs.
Seniors Samantha Amos (28) and Sofia Horsley (27) helped lead the Oglethorpe County volleyball team to the Elite Eight of the Class A tournament. They joined Kenzie Henderson as the team’s only seniors. (Torin Smith/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Seniors Samantha Amos (28) and Sofia Horsley (27) helped lead the Oglethorpe County volleyball team to the Elite Eight of the Class A tournament. They joined Kenzie Henderson as the team’s only seniors. (Torin Smith/The Oglethorpe Echo)

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OCHS volleyball team’s historic season ends in state Elite Eight

Audrey Pfitzner
Wednesday, October 30, 2024
 Oglethorpe County volleyball made history this season by reaching the Elite Eight of the state tournament for the first time. OCHS defeated Haralson County and ACE Charter in the first two rounds, winning in straight sets.
Carey Paul has coached at the Oglethorpe County Recreation Department since 2012. Since his start, Paul has coached over 75 teams in several different sports, including soccer, softball, volleyball, baseball and basketball. (The Oglethorpe Echo/Submitted Photo)

Carey Paul has coached at the Oglethorpe County Recreation Department since 2012. Since his start, Paul has coached over 75 teams in several different sports, including soccer, softball, volleyball, baseball and basketball. (The Oglethorpe Echo/Submitted Photo)

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Paul’s joy of coaching knows no bounds

Audrey Pfitzner
Wednesday, October 23, 2024
 Sometimes a sports season isn’t about championships, but about beating the coach in checkers.