NORFOLK, Va. – Piedmont women’s soccer continued its dominant start to the 2025 season, rolling past Regent University 4-0 on a sunny and warm Saturday afternoon in Virginia.
With the win, Head Coach Timmy McCormack now has 100 in his coaching career in just his ninth season as a head coach.
After scoring 12 times in a season-opening rout of Trinity Washington Friday afternoon, the Lions wasted no time in jumping out to another multiple goal lead on Saturday, scoring twice in the first half and two more times in the second to pull away from the Royals.
Senior Savannah Jerome found the back of the net off a cross in the game’s 23rd minute. Then, just 15 minutes later, sophomore Alison Witkiewicz scored the first of her two goals on the day, putting away a bouncing ball in the box to make it 2-0 Piedmont, which carried into halftime.
The 2-0 lead for the Lions was added on two just over 11 minutes into the second half. Off a Regent goal kick, Piedmont newcomer Adriana Blumer was able to deliver a quick takeaway and beat the goalkeeper low and left for her first goal in a Piedmont uniform.
However, the scoring did not stop there, as Witkiewicz added her second of the day by putting away a mad scramble in the box off a Piedmont corner.
Hannah Thompson and Maggie Leger each played a half in goal and kept the team’s shutout streak alive to start the season with Leger making a single save.
Up next, the Lions are back in action tomorrow with a neutral site contest against former USA South foe Meredith in Rocky Mount, North Carolina at 2 p.m.
TURNING POINT:
– A pair of first half goals from the Lions were more than enough in the 4-0 win.
STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
– Witkiewicz delivered her first career brace, scoring the team’s second and fourth goals of the game.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:
– Piedmont held a 20-4 shot advantage and a 14-1 edge in corner kicks.
District 45 State Sen. Clint Dixon speaks at a GOP event in March 2023. That year, he was swatted and later introduced legislation making the practice a felony. (Sen. Clint Dixon/Facebook)
The senator who authored Georgia’s swatting law is condemning the wave of swatting hoaxes that targeted multiple Georgia universities Friday night. Senator Clint Dixon (R-Mulberry), calls the false reports of campus shooters “an act of domestic terrorism.”
The University of Georgia in Athens, Clark Atlanta University in Atlanta, and the University of West Georgia in Carrollton all received calls about gunmen on campus. Each incident triggered lockdowns, emergency alerts, and heavy police response before investigators confirmed the threats were hoaxes.
Dixon: “Georgia will not tolerate criminals”
In a statement Saturday, Dixon said the false alarms endangered lives and wasted critical resources.
“I am outraged by the disgraceful swatting hoaxes that disrupted universities across our state yesterday,” Dixon said. “Swatting is not a prank. It is an act of domestic terrorism that demands the strongest possible punishment. That is why I introduced and championed Senate Bill 421, which made swatting a felony.”
He added that, having been a swatting target himself in 2023, he knows the danger firsthand. “Georgia families deserve to know that their safety is our top priority. Those who choose to terrorize our students and communities will face the full force of the law.”
Timeline of Friday’s hoaxes
University of Georgia: At 8:51 p.m., UGA activated its alert system after a caller claimed a gunman was near the main library. Officers searched the area and reviewed security footage, finding no threat. An all-clear was issued at 10:40 p.m. “We strongly condemn hoax reports and swatting attempts,” UGA said in a statement.
University of West Georgia: At 9:54 p.m., UWG texted students about a reported man with a gun near Ingram Library. Police quickly determined the report was false.
Clark Atlanta University: Around the same time, CAU issued a shelter-in-place order “out of an abundance of caution.” Officers later confirmed the report of an armed man was a hoax, according to WXIA.
Part of a nationwide surge
Friday’s false reports came days after Mercer University in Macon was also targeted. Across the country, universities including Villanova, the University of Texas–San Antonio, the University of Arkansas, and the University of South Carolina have experienced similar hoaxes—some accompanied by recorded gunfire played over the phone.
The FBI’s Atlanta field office confirmed it is investigating the surge in swatting calls, working with state and local authorities.
Law enforcement officials warn these hoaxes not only waste resources but also risk deadly consequences if officers believe a threat is real—or lead to complacency in the event of a genuine emergency.
A 20-year-old man was injured in a motorcycle wreck Friday evening north of Clarkesville.
According to the Georgia State Patrol, Aden Nichols was driving a CFMOTO 450SS south on GA 197 North. He failed to maintain his lane in a curve and ran off the road, striking a mailbox and several trees as the bike traveled down an embankment.
Multiple fire and law enforcement units responded to the scene. Nichols was transported to the hospital for treatment of his injuries.
CLEVELAND, Ga. – Piedmont volleyball saw its first tournament of the year come to an end on Saturday morning with a 3-0 loss to Point University in Cleveland, Georgia.
Playing their fourth consecutive NAIA opponent to start the season, the Lions were unable to overcome a tough start in falling to the Skyhawks.
Sara Bjerke and Kya Perkinson were impressive in the loss, leading the team with six kills apiece while Bjerke also added a block assist.
Freshman Lauren Caricato continued her impressive opening weekend, pacing the team with nine assists while Zoe Coelho led with 16 digs.
After Piedmont led the opening set 3-1 early, it was all Skyhawks from there, as they pulled away in the middle of the set and never looked back.
Piedmont made a valiant comeback attempt late in the second set, helped by back-to-back service aces from Caricato. However, Point closed out the set to take a 2-0 lead and went on to take the match with a solid third set.
Up next, the Lions will be back in tournament action next weekend in Montgomery, Alabama in the Huntingdon College Invitational, set to begin next Friday, September 5.
Police received a call about an active shooter at UGA's Main Library in Athens on Friday night, August. 29, 2025. The call was later determined to be a hoax. (Photo courtesy University of Georgia Marketing and Communications)
Several Georgia colleges became the latest targets of a nationwide swatting trend Friday night, with false reports of armed shooters prompting lockdowns and emergency alerts.
The University of Georgia in Athens, the University of West Georgia in Carrollton, and Clark Atlanta University all received calls about gunmen on campus. Police quickly determined the threats were hoaxes, but not before students and staff were urged to shelter in place.
At UGA, the alert system was activated at 8:51 p.m. on August 29 after a caller reported a gunman near the main library. Officers swept the area and used campus security cameras to confirm there was no threat. An all-clear was issued at 10:40 p.m.
“The initial hoax report shared similar characteristics with other swatting incidents occurring nationwide,” the university said in a statement.
UGA officials strongly condemned the false alarm, saying, “We strongly condemn hoax reports and swatting attempts. These false reports cause unnecessary fear and divert critical emergency resources. Making such a false report is not a harmless prank—it is a dangerous and unlawful act.”
UWG and Clark University also targeted
At the University of West Georgia, a text alert went out at 9:54 p.m. reporting a man with a gun near Ingram Library. Police responded immediately but found no evidence of a shooter. A university spokesperson later confirmed the reports were a hoax.
Clark Atlanta University also issued a shelter-in-place order “out of an abundance of caution” while officers investigated reports of an armed man on campus. Police later confirmed those reports were inaccurate, according to WXIA.
Hoaxes nationwide
Friday’s Georgia incidents follow a string of similar swatting hoaxes nationwide. Mercer University in Macon was targeted earlier in the week. Across the country, Villanova University in Pennsylvania, the University of Texas–San Antonio, the University of Arkansas, and the University of South Carolina have all experienced false calls about active shooters—some with recorded gunfire playing in the background.
“These incidents create waves of fear in the moment, even when they turn out to be false,” said University of Arkansas student Miceala Morano, who sheltered during a recent hoax and phoned her grandmother to say, “As of right now, I’m safe. I love you.”
FBI investigating
The FBI’s Atlanta field office confirmed it is investigating the rise in swatting calls.
“We are aware of recent swatting incidents involving a number of colleges and entities throughout the state of Georgia and are working with our law enforcement partners,” the agency said in a statement. “The FBI is seeing an increase in swatting events across the country, and we take potential hoax threats very seriously because it puts innocent people at risk. Knowingly providing false information to emergency service agencies about a possible threat to life drains law enforcement resources, costs thousands of dollars, and, more importantly, puts innocent people at risk.”
Law enforcement officials warn that, beyond wasting critical resources, swatting calls can have deadly consequences if officers respond believing a threat is real. There is also concern that empty threats could lead some not to take alerts seriously in the event of a real emergency.
UGA offering student and staff support
UGA said its case remains under investigation in cooperation with state and federal authorities. Anyone with information is urged to contact UGA Police at 706-542-5813.
“Our priority remains the safety and well-being of our campus community,” the university said. The university is making counselors available to assist students and faculty affected by the incident.
HEMC's Trailwave was presented with the White County Chamber's Business of the Year Award during the group's annual meeting on Aug. 28, 2025. Pictured, left to right, are White County Chamber of Commerce Chair Kelly Wilkins; HEMC President and CEO Bryan Ferguson; Trailwave's Ronnie Turpin, Stefanie Bowden, and Kathy Wilson; and White County Chamber of Commerce President Beth Truelove. (Dean Dyer/WRWH Radio)
More than 220 business and community leaders gathered on Aug. 28 for the White County Chamber of Commerce annual meeting.
Kelly Wilkins, vice president of finance and accounting at Habersham EMC and the Chamber’s past chair, welcomed the crowd. She reviewed the Chamber’s accomplishments from the past year. The Business Block Party was a highlight, drawing more than 60 businesses and thousands of residents to Freedom Park. This year’s event added The Brew Lot.
Georgia Chamber of Commerce CEO Chris Clark was the featured guest speaker at the White County Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Meeting on Aug. 28, 2025. (Photo courtesy White County Chamber of Commerce)
Wilkins also celebrated advocacy wins, such as Tort Reform. She noted the growth of the Chamber’s business podcasts, which now feature more than 30 episodes. Tourism promotion campaigns like “Eat Near Home” and “Explore Near Home” also boosted the local economy.
Incoming chair Jessica Barton, owner of The Refined Table, shared the Chamber’s new five-year strategic plan. The plan focuses on professional development for business leaders, smart policy advocacy, and stronger programs for companies of all sizes. It also builds on education partnerships to expand internships and career pathways. Barton said the Chamber will also work with local governments on infrastructure, downtown projects in Helen and Cleveland, and healthcare solutions that create jobs and expand access to care.
Chris Clark, president and CEO of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, delivered the keynote address. He spoke about statewide business opportunities and challenges.
Awards and recognition
Highlighting the event was the recognition of area businesses and individuals.
Grace Fricks (Photo courtesy White County Chamber of Commerce)
The Citizen Of The Year Award was presented to Grace Fricks, the founding President and CEO of Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs (ACE). ACE has grown into Georgia’s largest community development financial institution, exclusively focused on small businesses, now providing more than $200 million in loans, supporting over 2,600 small businesses, and impacting more than 21,000 jobs across the state.
This year’s Entrepreneur of the Year Award went to Elizabeth Goad, owner of Livi Lou’s Sweets and Treats in Helen, Georgia.
The Volunteer Of The Year Award went to Anne-Michelle Holcombe, who has dedicated many hours to support the chamber in programs such as The MORE Campaign and the ladies’ Pearls of Wisdom event.
Tom Slick (Photo courtesy White County Chamber of Commerce)
The Civic Merit Award was made posthumously to Tom Slick, the brilliant mind behind the creation of Nacoochee Village and his truly exceptional legacy of development, community, and vision.
Habersham EMC’s Trailwave Fiber Internet Service was awarded the Business Of The Year.
The Stellar Service Award, for outstanding customer service at a business or organization, was presented to Kielea Loggins of United Community Bank.
The winds of change might be blowing through Georgia.
At least, that’s what Democrats are hoping for as both parties gear up for a competitive runoff election for an open state Senate seat.
Georgia Democrats’ hopes were lifted when Democrat Debra Shigley easily secured the top spot in a seven-way race Tuesday and advanced to a runoff in a district that overwhelmingly reelected a Republican senator last year and helped send President Donald Trump back to the White House.
Shigley, who was the only Democrat in the first round of voting, is now preparing for a tougher challenge: a head-to-head race with a Republican. Her opponent will likely be Jason Dickerson, who held a narrow 65-vote edge for second place over fellow Republican Steve West as the votes were tabulated Tuesday night. West could still ask for a recount.
Shigley, a Milton mom, attorney and small business owner, is running on a platform of improving affordability for families, strengthening public school systems and expanding access to health care. Dickerson, a Cherokee County resident, is the president of a private investment firm and has cast himself as a political outsider who plans to prioritize property tax relief and improving access to affordable housing for seniors. They were among the seven candidates who sought to replace Alpharetta Republican Sen. Brandon Beach, who resigned from the Senate earlier this year after Trump appointed him to serve as the 46th U.S. Treasurer.
The district, which includes parts of Fulton and Cherokee counties, is predominantly Republican, with Beach receiving upwards of 70% of the vote against a Democratic challenger in 2024. But Tuesday night’s turnout, in which Shigley garnered nearly 40% of the vote against Dickerson’s 17%, might be an early bellwether for Democratic enthusiasm in Georgia and across the country. In some precincts, Democratic support jumped by as much as 30 points.
Shigley, who said she is ramping up campaign efforts ahead of the runoff election, attributed her success to her willingness to stand up against Trump’s agenda, as well as growing frustration with the president’s policies.
Five candidates for Georgia state Senate District 21 participated in a June candidate forum. From left, Lance Calvert, Stephanie Donegan, Brice Futch, Steve West and Brian Will. (Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder)
“The fact that we were running against six very MAGA Republicans in the jungle part of this election, I think people were frustrated,” Shigley said. “They were frustrated with the status quo, and said as much, and were encouraged by the vision that I’m offering.”
The special election is what is known as a jungle primary, where instead of holding separate primaries for Democrats and Republicans, the candidates are all running against each other at once.
Dickerson’s campaign did not respond to requests for comment. But in an online post Wednesday, Dickerson tried to rally Republicans behind his campaign.
“There is much at stake over the next month – the woke left is mobilizing and will pour hundreds of thousands of dollars into our community to try to flip this seat,” Dickerson wrote in the post. “Now is the time to unite the conservative movement behind our campaign and send these liberals packing once and for all!”
Democrats also saw successes in other elections nationwide. An Iowa special election held the same night resulted in Democrats flipping a seat in a historically red district, breaking the Republican supermajority in the Iowa state Senate.
Nate Rich, the Cherokee County Democratic Party chair, said Tuesday’s turnout signals a growing frustration with Republican policies at both the federal and state level.
“People are looking for a way to make a meaningful impact and make a difference, and so they’re showing up to knock on doors and write postcards and phone friends,” he said. “Anything they can do to get Debra across the finish line is kind of an act of protest with our national politics.”
He also credited the high Democratic turnout in the historically red county to Shigley’s strength as a candidate.
“When you spend some time with her, it’s hard not to have this infectious energy and optimism,” Rich said. “And so I think that that really puts gas in people’s tanks.”
GOP chairs in both Fulton and Cherokee counties did not immediately respond to a request for comment. But Georgia Republican Party Chair Josh McKoon cautioned voters against reading too much into the outcome in comments he made on the night of the election.
“This is an election taking place in the dead of summer,” he said. “People are returning from summer vacation. People don’t know there’s an election. They’re not used to voting at this time of year.”
According to University of Georgia political science professor Charles Bullock, Shigley will likely face an uphill battle in the runoff election, but added that the increase in turnout was a good sign for Democrats.
“The fact that the Democrat made it into the runoff, that’s probably significant,” Bullock said. “I suspect going into it, the expectation was it’ll be two Republicans, and it isn’t.”
Most likely, Bullock said, the Republican candidate will ultimately pull through as GOP voters consolidate around one candidate in the runoff election. But he said the competitive Republican race, which included attacks from Dickerson’s campaign aimed at former Commissioner Steve West, and a separate attack website aimed at Dickerson, could potentially dampen GOP turnout.
“What we’ve seen in past elections, if there has been a really bitter contest on the side of the majority party, that may make it difficult for the majority party to reunite as it moves to the next phase,” Bullock added. “This creates a situation in which the minority party can slip by and win a contest that, if you looked at it objectively beforehand, you’d say ‘we don’t have much of a shot here.’”
The top two candidates will face off for a second time on Sept. 23. One week of early voting will begin on Monday, Sept. 15, according to the secretary of state’s website.
Georgia Tech quarterback Haynes King, left, runs past Colorado cornerback Teon Parks (3) for a touchdown in the second half of an NCAA college football game Friday, Aug. 29, 2025, in Boulder, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
BOULDER, Colo. (AP) — Haynes King faked a pitch and scampered for a 45-yard touchdown with 1:07 remaining as Georgia Tech overcame a turnover-filled start to beat Colorado 27-20 on Friday night.
King finished with 156 yards rushing and three TDs in the season opener. He also threw for 143 yards. On the winning five-play drive, King carried the ball four times.
“They called my number. I did my job. I followed my blockers,” King explained. “The rest is history.”
The Buffaloes had two timeouts on their final drive but didn’t use them. They drove to the 50 and attempted a Hail Mary with 3 seconds remaining but the ball was batted down in the end zone.
“We could’ve won the game. It’s not like we had our butts kicked,” said Colorado coach Deion Sanders, who saw his team outgained by a 463-305 margin, including Georgia Tech rushing for 320 yards. “They ran the heck out of the ball.
“If we take advantage of the opportunities, I have a whole different mood up here right now.”
It was a disastrous beginning for a veteran Georgia Tech offense, with two fumbles and an interception on its opening three possessions. The Yellow Jackets had only 10 turnovers last season.
“A lot of things we have to clean up,” Georgia Tech coach Brent Key said. “The difference was our ability to run the football.”
Leading the way was King, who steadily settled them down after the nightmare start.
“The quarterback is looking like a Heisman candidate right now,” Sanders said. “We made that happen for him.”
Kaidon Salter scored on a 7-yard TD scramble with just over 8:25 remaining to pull Colorado to within 20-19. The extra point by Alejandro Mata was blocked but had just enough on it to creep over the crossbar to tie the game.
This marked the first time Colorado and Georgia Tech have met on the football field. The programs are forever linked after splitting the 1990 national championship.
Salter threw for 159 yards and a touchdown in his Colorado debut. The Liberty transfer also rushed for 43 yards and a score. Julian “JuJu” Lewis, the highly touted freshman, didn’t see any action.
The Buffaloes remain a work in progress after losing a plethora of players to the NFL, including quarterback Shedeur Sanders and Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter.
“We ain’t got time to jell,” Sanders said. “We’ve got to go right now.”
Shortly after the game, Shedeur Sanders, who was drafted by the Cleveland Browns, wrote on social media: “They’ll figure things out. They have a great head coach.”
A heavy downpour just before kickoff made the new turf at Folsom Field a little slick and the ball slippery. Colorado linebacker Martavius French recovered two fumbles.
Sideline bathroom
Colorado introduced a sideline bathroom for Deion Sanders, who was recently diagnosed with bladder cancer and needs to frequently use the restroom. His portable privacy tent is right next to the Buffaloes’ bench.
Coach Mac tribute
The Buffaloes wore a patch on their jerseys to honor Bill McCartney, who died last January at 84. He was the coach when Colorado split the national title with Georgia Tech following the 1990 season.
The Takeaway
Georgia Tech: This was the first regular-season victory by Georgia Tech in the Mountain time zone since winning at Air Force in 1978.
Colorado: Missing from the field was Ralphie VI, Colorado’s live buffalo mascot who retired from running earlier this week.
Up Next
Both Georgia Tech and Colorado play Sept. 6, with the Yellow Jackets hosting Gardner-Webb and the Buffaloes at home against Delaware.
Mama went to be with her Lord on Thursday, August 28th. Rowena lived a full life of service to others for nearly 94 years. She loved her family dearly and cared for every member in so many ways. Rowena’s passion for children carried her through 31 years of education, primarily teaching 5th grade at Clarkesville Elementary School. She holds her bachelor’s degree in education from Mercer University and her Master’s and Six-Year Specialist from the University of Georgia. Her classroom was active, filled with creative ways of learning.
Mrs. Lovell was beloved by her students and fellow teachers. As an active member of Alpha Delta Kappa teacher sorority, Rowena received the honored Golden Sister award from the organization. Reaching beyond the classroom, Rowena helped beautify Habersham County alongside fellow members of the local Garden Club and coached her daughter, Susan, and her granddaughters in planting beautiful pots boasting spring and summer flowers. She was an avid fan of books and reading, teaching many people how to read with the local literacy society. Rowena guided several people as they gained their U.S. citizenship.
Rowena’s parents were Odis and Hettie Cruce. Rowena was born in Hoschton, GA, on October 4th, 1931. Her older brother, Tyson, and younger sister, Betty, were precious to her. When Rowena was ten years old, she contracted polio and suffered from the effects for her entire life. She never complained about the pain she had to endure, and she never let this stop her from doing anything that she desired to do.
The family moved to Clarkesville when Rowena was 16 years old for Odis to become the pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church. She soon met the love of her life, Hubert Lovell, who lived just across the road from the pastorium. They married on August 21st, 1951. Their life together was filled with nurturing three children, Randy, Susan, and John, nine grandchildren, and fourteen great-grandchildren, and she became known as Mama to this growing clan.
Rowena and Hubert showed up for everything family for as long as they were able. Favorite times for them were traveling with friends and family, and serving in Bethlehem Baptist Church ministries. Summer days welcomed them to their cabin on Lake Burton. Rowena was an excellent cook and enjoyed entertaining many people around her dining room table. She was called “the best cook in Habersham County” by Hubert. Her children and grandchildren learned many skills in the kitchen.
Rowena was preceded in death by her husband, Hubert, and her mother and father, Hettie and Odis. She will be remembered by her family and friends as someone who was always there for them with love, a hug, and a covered dish when they needed it. She will be missed.
Funeral services are scheduled for 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Clarkesville, Georgia, with Pastor Rick Hermann & Rev. David Blackmon officiating. Interment will follow in the Church Cemetery.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Monday, September 1, 2025.
Flowers are accepted, or the family requests donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital by visiting stjude.org or to Bethlehem Baptist Church, P.O. Box 488, Clarkesville, GA. 30523
Weapons is a horror movie that was number one at the box office for its first two weekends. It’s been one of the few hits of 2025 that’s been an original work. I found Weapons to be an incredibly refreshing mystery thriller that manages to keep its story afloat with characters who are unique and memorable, and a narrative that keeps us invested throughout, even with its topsy-turvy plot taking some detours that might not necessarily pay off in the moment.
It stars Julia Garner as an elementary school teacher in the town of Maybrook, Pennsylvania, named Justine Grady, who discovers that all her students have mysteriously vanished except for one named Alex Lilly (Cary Christopher). Alex may hold the truth to why the students are gone, but the town holds Justine as a scapegoat.
Justine tries her best to prove her innocence. She seeks advice from her ex-boyfriend, a cop (Alden Ehrenreich), and an elementary school principal (Benedict Wong), but they only offer her dead ends.
Josh Brolin costars as Archer Graff, one of the parents of the missing children, who starts his own investigation. He does his best to work with Justine on how and why the kids have vanished.
Weapons employs a nonlinear narrative structure to establish its characters as well as their interconnectivity to the plot, and it may be occasionally frustrating until certain individual scenes are reexamined from different perspectives. This is undoubtedly the case with the cop as he tracks down a drug addicted vagrant who might have ties to the disappearances.
Writer/director Zach Cregger, who made Barbarian (2022), has an eye for crafting memorable thrills without sacrificing the story. It may be exasperating at times due to its nonlinear approach, but there’s a method to the madness, without a sense of monotony.
The performances from Brolin and Garner add such emotional heft and psychological validity, making these characters essential to the story as well as fully developed individuals who are not at the mercy of the scares.
The movie’s trailers seem to focus heavily on the children, but the result is misleading, as it centers around the adults. That is actually crucial because if there were greater emphasis on the kids, it would shatter the illusion fairly quickly—big kudos to Cregger for wisely avoiding the temptation.
Like Sinners, this is a horror thriller that takes its time setting up the characters and the story, and only uses its over-the-top thrills at the right moments, allowing them to earn their impact.
Until the unbridled doses of gore dominate the climax, Weapons proves to be a surprisingly effective mystery thriller that can give hope to other filmmakers wanting to deliver the same. Here’s hoping its sense of originality spreads over into other genres.
Grade: A-
(Rated R for intense bloody violence and grisly images, language throughout, some sexual content, and drug use.)
Already two weeks in the books. Here’s what transpired on Friday night.
Franklin County 44, Banks County 0
The Lions scored 21 points in a big third quarter, and beat Banks County 44-0 to move to 3-0 for the first time since 2020, while also matching their win total from all of last season. Keyes Harbin had a pair of TD runs, and DJ Appleby had a rushing score and fumble return for a TD. Carson Cheek and Jordan Ardister also scored for Franklin.
Habersham Central 17, White County 3
The Raiders got back in the win column with a 17-3 victory at White County. Donnie Warren had a 6-yd TD in the first, and he added a 21-yd score in the second. Luke Byrne had a White County FG just before the break from 25 yards, and Camden Meads got it back for the Raiders a few seconds later. Neither team scored the rest of the way.
Luella 27, #10 Commerce 8
Winless Luella now has a victory, and for Commerce, the Tigers remain in search of their first win. Layden Bryson had a 25-yd TD run in the third after a scoreless Commerce first half. It was not enough, as the offense couldn’t generate anything more.
#9 East Jackson 37, Dawson County 22
The Tigers drop to 0-2 after a tough 37-22 loss to East Jackson. Cody McBrayer had a TD run and a 2PC by Brody Sorensen to get Dawson within 30-22 early in the fourth, but they’d not score again. Prior to that, Gunnar Weaver hit Dylan Edwards for a 5-yd TD late in the third.
Stephens County 13, Cedar Shoals 7
The Indians reeled off a dramatic 13-7 victory over Cedar Shoals in the home opener. A 99-yard drive in the fourth was capped with a 10-yd TD run by Dallas Hague to put Stephens ahead for good. Luke Waters had a 24-yd FG and 46-yd FG to supply the rest of the offense. Hague had north of 100 yards rushing, and Stephens County overcame a 7-3 halftime deficit.
#1 Jefferson 42, Clarke Central 10
The Dragons took a monster 42-10 win in Athens. The scoring opened with a Max Brown 22-yd TD, his first varsity score. Eli Primm had a 2-yd TD for the 14-0 lead, and a Colton Grant – Dalton Dye 65-yd TD made it a 21-0 lead in just one quarter. Brown added an 89-yd TD in the third on the opening kickoff, and he added his third score form four yards out a bit later. Griffin Drake’s 12-yd TD early in the final quarter capped the scoring.
Towns County 34, Lakeview 18
Faith has been restored in Towns County, who comes up with a monumental 34-18 win over Lakeview. Alex Baert took the opening kickoff back 90 yards for the score, and he added a 1-yd TD and a 92-yd fumble return for a TD – all in the first half. It was 20-10 at the break, which held til the fourth. Baert added a 44-yd TD run and a 2PC to put the game away.
Lumpkin County 19, Hart County 14
When Nolan Matthews scored early in the fourth on a rushing TD, it stapled down a win, though Hart County made it really interesting in the end. Matthews had another TD run just before that
Fannin County vs Union County (unknown)
Other Games of Interest
#2 Gainesville 42, Westlake 14
Chestatee 62, West Hall 28
#6 North Hall 43, #7 Cherokee Bluff 31
East Hall 55, Johnson 12
Flowery Branch 38, Forsyth Central 7
Jackson County 30, Dacula 26
Lanier Christian vs Riverside (unknown)
The Lions hadn’t won three in a row to start the season since 2020. A 44-0 win in Week Three against Banks County not only changed that, but also matched last year’s total win count. Banks County was breaking in new head coach Mark Hollars, as Todd Winter was fired during last week’s BYE.
A methodical drive for Franklin led to an Eli Cooling 40-yd field goal to give the Lions a 3-0 lead. Both teams milked the clock with lengthy drives. The Lions got a break when Carson Cheek punched through the defense on an end-around 28-yd TD with just over three minutes left in the half.
Franklin County got the ball back and marched back down the field, capping their drive with a 2-yd plunge by Harbin for a 17-0 lead and just 15 seconds on the clock.
Opening up the second half, the Lions stepped on the gas with a long drive that ended on a 10-yd TD run by DJ Appleby, pushing the advantage up to 24-0. Meanwhile, the Franklin defense loaded the box and stopped the Banks run game.
Jordan Ardister added a 19-yd TD in the closing seconds of the third, providing more insurance with a 31-0 lead. Things went from bad to worse for Banks, as moments later Appleby had a scoop-n-score, adding insult to injury with a 38-0 lead heading into the fourth.
Harbin reeled off a 19-yd TD midway through the final quarter, capping the scoring at 44-0. Harbin had two TD runs, Appleby had two total scores, and Ardister and Cheek each had one.
The Lions are 3-0 on the season, while the Leopards drop to 0-2.
