Sports

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)

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)

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)

​​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)

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)

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.
The offensive line works on blocking during practice last week. Center Brock Barrett (right), a senior, is the anchor of the line this year. (Photo/Andy Johnston)

The offensive line works on blocking during practice last week. Center Brock Barrett (right), a senior, is the anchor of the line this year. (Photo/Andy Johnston)

Barrett, offensive line foundation of team

Emma Greene
Wednesday, August 13, 2025
The offensive line is going to be the foundation for the football team this season, and senior Brock Barrett will be the leader. “Brock just needs to continue doing what he’s doing, and helping his teammates get better,” head coach Michael Holland said. “Which he does every single day.
Junior Nicah Pass has returned to the football team as a wide receiver after not playing last season. He had 23 tackles on defense as a freshman. (Photo/Emma Greene)

Junior Nicah Pass has returned to the football team as a wide receiver after not playing last season. He had 23 tackles on defense as a freshman. (Photo/Emma Greene)

Returning Pass: Nicah to receive

Emma Greene
Wednesday, August 13, 2025
Junior Nicah Pass is returning to the field as a starting wide receiver after not playing his sophomore season. Head coach Michael Holland said he has matured physically since his freshman year, but hopes to see him grow mentally, as well.
Running back O’Maury Huggs takes the ball from quarterback Caden Hartrum during practice this week. The Patriots are running a pistol wing-T offense this season that features three backs. (Photo/Andy Johnston)

Running back O’Maury Huggs takes the ball from quarterback Caden Hartrum during practice this week. The Patriots are running a pistol wing-T offense this season that features three backs. (Photo/Andy Johnston)

Running backs learn new offensive style

Emma Greene
Wednesday, August 13, 2025
The Patriots are switching up their offensive style this season, which head coach Michael Holland is hoping will be to their advantage. Holland emphasized the importance of the running backs understanding the new offense. OCHS will run a pistol wing-T offense based on deception.
Senior Caden Hartrum returns to start at quarterback for the Patriots this year after moving from receiver during last season. (Photo/Emma Greene)

Senior Caden Hartrum returns to start at quarterback for the Patriots this year after moving from receiver during last season. (Photo/Emma Greene)

Hartrum heads into year as starting quarterback

Emma Greene
Wednesday, August 13, 2025
Senior Caden Hartrum moved into the starting quarterback role last season after transfers and injuries. He earned the starting spot heading into this season after his performance, head coach Michael Holland said.