Sports

Members of Habersham Central’s varsity cheerleading squad for 2021 are (back row, from left) Angelica Vilayvong, Kali Contreras, Samara Chappell, Ebonie King, Brianna Butler, Emma Parkey, Ava Brookshire, Haley Vieira, Makenna Eller and Annabelle James. Front row are (from left) LeAnn Kennedy, Morgan Pitts, Aloni Bowden, Ella Free, Jaylon Davidson and Jolina Phongsavanh-Kensey. Not pictured is Shyanne Rinefierd. JALEN HULSEY/Submitted

Members of Habersham Central’s varsity cheerleading squad for 2021 are (back row, from left) Angelica Vilayvong, Kali Contreras, Samara Chappell, Ebonie King, Brianna Butler, Emma Parkey, Ava Brookshire, Haley Vieira, Makenna Eller and Annabelle James. Front row are (from left) LeAnn Kennedy, Morgan Pitts, Aloni Bowden, Ella Free, Jaylon Davidson and Jolina Phongsavanh-Kensey. Not pictured is Shyanne Rinefierd. JALEN HULSEY/Submitted

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Cheerleading teams hope for full experience this year

Bryant Roche
Friday, August 20, 2021
Habersham Central cheerleading emphasizes values of academics and chemistry that extend for both sideline and competition teams to outreach beyond the arena.
Pickleballers play at Ruby Fulbright on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings. BRYANT ROCHE/Staff

Pickleballers play at Ruby Fulbright on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings. BRYANT ROCHE/Staff

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County does 180 on pickleball

Matthew Osborne
Wednesday, August 18, 2021
A plucky, upcoming sport with a determined force of players changed the minds of the Habersham County Board of Commissioners.
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

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‘Battle of the Heroes’ stages triumphant return

Bryant Roche
Wednesday, August 18, 2021
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

Bryant Roche
Tuesday, August 17, 2021
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

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Tallulah Falls takes two of three in opener

News Staff
Friday, August 13, 2021
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

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Lady Raiders spike Stephens in opening match sweep

Bryant Roche
Friday, August 13, 2021
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

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Young Raiders face competitive region again

Bryant Roche
Friday, August 13, 2021
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

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Raiders look to smooth over rough spots after scrimmage

Bryant Roche
Wednesday, August 11, 2021
North Oconee used a stretch of two scores and two interceptions to beat Habersham Central 27-6 in Friday’s varsity preseason scrimmage.