Sports

Oglethorpe County’s Khloe Eidson tries to drive past Burke County’s Imare Free in the Lady Patriots’ basketball game on Tuesday night. Burke County defeated the Lady Patriots 57-45 and won the boys game 59-42. (Ty Johnston/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Oglethorpe County’s Khloe Eidson tries to drive past Burke County’s Imare Free in the Lady Patriots’ basketball game on Tuesday night. Burke County defeated the Lady Patriots 57-45 and won the boys game 59-42. (Ty Johnston/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Prep Roundup: Patriots earn all-region football honors

Oglethorpe County’s Jordan Johnson and Reid Coley were selected to the All-Region 8-A first team last week. Johnson played several positions, including defensive back, running back and receiver this year for the Patriots. Coley was a stalwart on the offensive line.
OCHS cheer team award winners (from left to right): Alexa Lopez-Quijada (Most Improved), Qi’ Dasha Fleming (Spirit Award), Mackensie Brown (All-American) and Sara Myers (Patriot Award). (Saylor Williams/The Oglethorpe Echo)

OCHS cheer team award winners (from left to right): Alexa Lopez-Quijada (Most Improved), Qi’ Dasha Fleming (Spirit Award), Mackensie Brown (All-American) and Sara Myers (Patriot Award). (Saylor Williams/The Oglethorpe Echo)

OCHS Athletes recognized at fall sports banquet

The Oglethorpe County High School cafeteria was filled with applause and recognition as the fall sports teams gathered to honor their athletes at the annual awards banquet.
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)

Youthful Patriots ready for new coach, season

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

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)

Lady Pats face rebuild after recent success

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)

Strong ready for first season at OCHS

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

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

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

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.