Sports

First responders participating in Saturday night’s Battle of the Heroes stand at attention before the beginning of the game. BRYANT ROCHE/Staff

First responders participating in Saturday night’s Battle of the Heroes stand at attention before the beginning of the game. BRYANT ROCHE/Staff

‘Battle of the Heroes’ stages triumphant return

The 8th Easton Foundation “Battle of the Heroes” event at Raiders Stadium Saturday featured a first responders flag football game and a “Best in Show” F-1 Ford. “It means a whole lot to me,” said founder and president Casey Lizama.
Tallulah Falls' Evan Prince could be one of the state's top runners this year. E. LANE GRESHAM/Special

Tallulah Falls' Evan Prince could be one of the state's top runners this year. E. LANE GRESHAM/Special

Tallulah Falls runners eyeing another big year

   The Tallulah Falls cross country season starts Thursday, with the Indians running on principles of sportsmanship and conduct.    This starting point spawns a priority in thanking meet officials and hosts, while also leading the way for younger members to carry on those valued virtues.
Tallulah Falls’ Sarah Jennings plays the ball Tuesday night in the Lady Indians’ opening match of the season. RANDY CRUMP/Special

Tallulah Falls’ Sarah Jennings plays the ball Tuesday night in the Lady Indians’ opening match of the season. RANDY CRUMP/Special

Tallulah Falls takes two of three in opener

Tallulah Falls School opened its volleyball season Tuesday with two straight set wins over teams that reached the Sweet 16 last year. After losing 17-25, 15-25 to host North Forsyth, the Indians defeated 6A Lanier 25-11, 26-24 and 7-3A region champion Lumpkin County 25-13 in both sets.
Habersham Central’s Abbey Donaldson serves during Tuesday’s win over the  Stephens County Indians. MARCUS ETIENNE/CNI News Service

Habersham Central’s Abbey Donaldson serves during Tuesday’s win over the Stephens County Indians. MARCUS ETIENNE/CNI News Service

Lady Raiders spike Stephens in opening match sweep

The powerful serve and delicate touch of Abbey Donaldson propelled Habersham Central to a straight sets road win over rival Stephens County Tuesday in the opening game of the season. “I thought we played really well,” Lady Raiders coach Lindsay Herrin said of the 25-11, 25-10, 25-16 win.
Habresham Central coach Benji Harrison enters his seventh year at the helm of the Raiders. TOM ASKEW/Special

Habresham Central coach Benji Harrison enters his seventh year at the helm of the Raiders. TOM ASKEW/Special

Young Raiders face competitive region again

Habersham Central football returns next Friday coming off two playoff appearances over the last three seasons and a difficult region strong from top to bottom. “I think Region 8-6A is the top 6A region in the state,” Winder-Barrow coach Ed Dudley said.
Habersham Central’s Carson Parker dives in for the Raiders’ only touchdown during Friday’s scrimmage. TOM ASKEW/Special

Habersham Central’s Carson Parker dives in for the Raiders’ only touchdown during Friday’s scrimmage. TOM ASKEW/Special

Raiders look to smooth over rough spots after scrimmage

   North Oconee used a stretch of two scores and two interceptions to beat Habersham Central 27-6 in Friday’s varsity preseason scrimmage.
Habersham Central’s Hailey Wade fires to the plate during the season opener Aug. 5.

Habersham Central’s Hailey Wade fires to the plate during the season opener Aug. 5.

Lady Raiders top North Hall, can't solve White County

   Habersham Central’s Hailey Wade threw a five-inning complete game shutout of North Hall Saturday, and through 3 2/3 innings Monday, she only allowed one hit in a rematch with White County.    But the Lady Warriors made another mid-game push to stay unbeaten with a 5-0 victory.
Alyson Paul (front) and Myrna Owen-Olsson compete in the Round Robin pickleball fundraiser at Ruby Fulbright Aquatics Center.

Alyson Paul (front) and Myrna Owen-Olsson compete in the Round Robin pickleball fundraiser at Ruby Fulbright Aquatics Center.

Pickleball club gains momentum toward potential new courts

   The Round Robin Fundraiser held Sunday helped provide for the Habersham County Pickleball Club, while aiming to generate continued interest in the sport.