Sports

Defensive lineman Zayveon Stribling walks onto the field before a preseason scrimmage at Glascock County on Friday. He’s projected to play both defensive and offensive line this fall. (Ethan Greene/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Defensive lineman Zayveon Stribling walks onto the field before a preseason scrimmage at Glascock County on Friday. He’s projected to play both defensive and offensive line this fall. (Ethan Greene/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Defensive line builds chemistry, depth

Ellie English
Thursday, August 20, 2026
Oglethorpe County’s defensive line enters this season focused on chemistry and understanding how each player’s role affects the rest of the defense. “They’ve really jelled and really come together and they understand their job in the defense,” coach Mike Holland said.
Zion Pass (4) and Nicah Pass are projected to start in the defensive backfield this season. Zion will start at safety and Nicah at cornerback. (Ethan Greene/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Zion Pass (4) and Nicah Pass are projected to start in the defensive backfield this season. Zion will start at safety and Nicah at cornerback. (Ethan Greene/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Pass brothers bring DB talent, experience

Ellie English
Thursday, August 20, 2026
Senior Nicah Pass returns as a three-year starter in Oglethorpe County’s secondary, bringing experience and leadership. Pass made significant plays on both sides of the ball last season.
Members of the OCHS cheerleading team practice their routines at the school system’s multipurpose building last week. The team features 12 seniors. (Ellie English/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Members of the OCHS cheerleading team practice their routines at the school system’s multipurpose building last week. The team features 12 seniors. (Ellie English/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Cheer team eyes state as 12 seniors prepare for final season

Jessie Isaacs
Thursday, August 20, 2026
The Oglethorpe County cheerleaders have plenty of experience this year. Over half of the team — 12 of 23 — are seniors. “I am dreading losing that many at one time,” coach Morgan Williams said. She took over the program five years ago and has coached nine of the 12 seniors since they were freshmen.
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 recovering from a complete ACL tear, was selected as the Piedmont Orthopedics and Sports Medicine of Athens Athlete of the Month.
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, highlighted by the return of a full girls roster. The Patriots fielded one runner — Elin Turner — on the girls team last season, but will compete with a six-strong roster built during the offseason.
Former OCHS and Athens Academy running back PayTon Xavier “Zay” Prince celebrates at his send-off party with a cookie cake at The Local Spot in Crawford on July 28. He has signed to play football at the University of the Cumberlands. (Submitted Photo)

Former OCHS and Athens Academy running back PayTon Xavier “Zay” Prince celebrates at his send-off party with a cookie cake at The Local Spot in Crawford on July 28. He has signed to play football at the University of the Cumberlands. (Submitted Photo)

Prince to continue career at Cumberlands

Ethan Greene
Thursday, August 6, 2026
Former Oglethorpe County and Athens Academy running back PayTon Xavier “Zay” Prince has signed to play college football at the University of the Cumberlands, a NAIA school in Williamsburg, Kentucky.
Oglethorpe County outside hitter Leanna Newton serves returns for her junior season after being named MVP of the Class A state championship match last year. She led the region with 425 kills last season. (Ethan Greene/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Oglethorpe County outside hitter Leanna Newton serves returns for her junior season after being named MVP of the Class A state championship match last year. She led the region with 425 kills last season. (Ethan Greene/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Volleyball team is determined to defend state championship

Ethan Greene
Thursday, August 6, 2026
It took Oglethorpe County volleyball coach Brianne Harrison days to read all the congratulatory messages after her team lifted the Class A state championship trophy last fall. “It was so cool to see all of our school and the community come together,” she said.
Sophomore Deven Weaver pitches during a preseason scrimmage against Thomson at OCHS on July 23. Weaver played in seven varsity games as a freshman. (Ethan Greene/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Sophomore Deven Weaver pitches during a preseason scrimmage against Thomson at OCHS on July 23. Weaver played in seven varsity games as a freshman. (Ethan Greene/The Oglethorpe Echo)

OCHS softball returns with more experienced lineup

Ethan Greene
Friday, July 31, 2026
The Oglethorpe County softball team enters 2026 after a season in which it gained experience and reestablished itself as a postseason contender.  Led by coach Brianna Dickens, the Patriots went 13–11 in 2025, finishing third in the region and securing a spot in the state playoffs.
OCHS quarterback Nathan McCalla takes a snap during spring practice. He’s expected to share quarterback duties with junior Justin Wilson this season. (Ethan Greene/The Oglethorpe Echo)

OCHS quarterback Nathan McCalla takes a snap during spring practice. He’s expected to share quarterback duties with junior Justin Wilson this season. (Ethan Greene/The Oglethorpe Echo)

OCHS teams prepare for official practices

Ethan Greene
Thursday, July 23, 2026
Oglethorpe County athletes are wrapping up summer workouts as the countdown to fall sports reaches the final stretch with the acclimation period.