Sports

Oglethorpe County High School football players tear through a banner before a game against East Side High School on Satruday, Aug. 23, 2025. (Photo/Caroline Newbern)

Patriots pull off big win

News Staff

Friday, August 29, 2025

Senior O'Maury Huggs plays in the Patriots’ 30-27 victory over East Hall last Saturday. He played both defensive end and running back in the game. (ANDY MATHIS/THE OGLETHORPE ECHO)

Huggs is ‘glue guy’ for football, basketball teams

Andy Mathis

Wednesday, August 27, 2025

O’Maury Huggs has built his reputation on doing the hard things. Whether it’s lowering his shoulder for extra yards on Friday nights or battling in the paint on the basketball court, the Oglethorpe County senior has carved out a role as a leader and anchor for two Patriot programs.

Reese Campbell, shown in a game last fall, had pitched every inning for Oglethorpe County this year until Tuesday. She’s been active in sports since she was 4 years old. (Photo/Ty Johnston)

Father, daughter duo share special bond

Emma Greene

Thursday, August 21, 2025

Senior Reese Campbell is the star pitcher for the Oglethorpe County softball team. She isn’t the only Campbell on the field, though. Her father, Mike Campbell, is an assistant coach for the team and head coach for the OCHS baseball team.

Patriots look to ‘band together’ this season

Emma Greene

Thursday, August 21, 2025

Despite a 37-6 loss to Social Circle in last week’s opener, Oglethorpe County football coach Michael Holland said he believes the Patriots have come a long way since last season. “Nobody likes losing a game, but they’re ready to work,” he said. “We’ll just keep chopping wood.

The Oglethorpe County High School marching band practices in early August, heading into the football season. The band will perform a space-themed show called “One Small Step” this year. (Photo/Jennifer Xia)

Marching band ready to launch new show

Jennifer Xia

Wednesday, August 13, 2025

Kassie Mathews is the Oglethorpe County marching band’s newest and youngest head drum major in 11 years. The sophomore and former assistant drum major was also one of the first three eighth-graders to march when the program opened back up to middle schoolers three years ago.

The OCHS cheerleaders work on their skills during practice last week. Coach Morgan Williams said 12 girls returned to the team, a majority of them juniors and seniors. (Photo/Anna Izquierdo)

Williams continues growth of cheerleading program

Anna Izquierdo

Wednesday, August 13, 2025

With a new competition routine and daily practices underway, the Oglethorpe County cheerleading team is ready for Friday night lights. Coach Morgan Williams has seen the team grow from doing basic cheers on the sidelines to completing stunts, tumbling and choreography camps in the past four years.

Graham, Forshee ready to see action in defensive backfield

Anna Izquierdo

Wednesday, August 13, 2025

Clint Graham and Malik Forshee will see plenty of action in the defensive backfield this season. Coach Michael Holland said Graham had a “great” offseason and is “set to make a lot of big plays this year.” “We focused a lot this offseason on visual discipline,” he said.

Oglethorpe County’s Keagan Moats tackles Elbert County’s Jayvyn Hickman during a game last season. Moats returns as one of the Patriots’ starting linebackers this fall. (Photo/Adam Walters)

Linebackers to trust their preparation

Anna Izquierdo

Wednesday, August 13, 2025

The linebacking corps is set to stack up well against opponents this season. Coach Michael Holland said the four linebackers are the “strongest group of (the team’s defense)” and credits assistant coach Mike Campbell for their strength.

Braxton Edmondson kicks a field goal during practice last. Edmondson returns for his senior season after kicking for the Patriots last year. (Photo/Andy Johnston)

Edmondson looks to add distance to kicks this fall

Anna Izquierdo

Wednesday, August 13, 2025

Special teams players will likely face high pressure this season. “It could be a chance for a big play or a chance to put points on the board, depending on what the special team is,” coach Michael Holland said. “It takes a person who has ice water in their veins to be able to do that.

Senior Tanner Mckie works at nose tackle during a practice last week at OCHS. Coleton Sexton, Stephen Berlin and Brett Liedberg are projected as the starters this season. (Photo/Andy Johnston)

Defensive line looks to play ‘high speed, high tempo’

Emma Greene

Wednesday, August 13, 2025

The defensive line has a goal to buy into continual improvement this season. “My big goal for them would be just to be better today (than) yesterday and be better tomorrow than today,” coach Michael Holland said. He said players must have a “high motor” and be relentless during the play.