Sports

Region champ Hotard gears up for Meet of Champions

Habersham Central’s star runner Audrey Hotard finished 21st in the 6A state meet last weekend, and she is preparing for the Meet of Champions on Saturday. “I was hoping to finish near the top 10, but did not have my best race,” said Hotard, who was 12th in state last year.
Tallulah Falls volleyball players and fans celebrate their state championship win on Nov. 4. AUSTIN POFFENBERGER/Special

Tallulah Falls volleyball players and fans celebrate their state championship win on Nov. 4. AUSTIN POFFENBERGER/Special

‘Forever in our lives’

After two wins over Monroe Area and Flowery Branch on Sept. 24, Tallulah Falls volleyball coach Matt Heyl tried to motivate his team to reach its peak. “I was semi-joking with them that I wanted them to win the next 16 in a row,” Heyl said Wednesday.
Tallulah Falls won its first state championship in volleyball Friday.

Tallulah Falls won its first state championship in volleyball Friday.

BREAKING: Tallulah Falls volleyball wins 1A state championship

Tallulah Falls' volleyball team won the 1A state championship with a four-set win over Mt. Bethel in Cartersville on Friday.    The Lady Indians (35-11) finished a historic season with their first state championship in school history.
Habersham Central girls basketball coach Bill Bradley responds to a question at the FCA Media Day in Gainesville on Wednesday morning. Joining him on the stage were his players, Kyia Barrett and Jazky Bantaum, along with Raiders Cole Gary and Bryce Pittman, and boys coach Tommy Yancey.

Habersham Central girls basketball coach Bill Bradley responds to a question at the FCA Media Day in Gainesville on Wednesday morning. Joining him on the stage were his players, Kyia Barrett and Jazky Bantaum, along with Raiders Cole Gary and Bryce Pittman, and boys coach Tommy Yancey.

Raider basketball teams growing up together

Both Habersham Central basketball teams have a lot of new faces this year, offering the biggest challenge to coaches Bill Bradley and Tommy Yancey.    Bradley is in his sixth year leading the Lady Raiders (17-10 in 2021-22), and he likes the progress his young team made in the summer.
Tallulah Falls players celebrate a point on Saturday against Mt. Pisgah. From left are Kitty Rodenas (running in), Addy McCoy, Chloe Kahwach, Sarah Jennings, Elsa Sanchez and Rebecca Heyl. MATTHEW OSBORNE/Staff

Tallulah Falls players celebrate a point on Saturday against Mt. Pisgah. From left are Kitty Rodenas (running in), Addy McCoy, Chloe Kahwach, Sarah Jennings, Elsa Sanchez and Rebecca Heyl. MATTHEW OSBORNE/Staff

One more for the title

Tallulah Falls’ volleyball team knew there would be a pushback after dominating the first two sets Saturday against No. 1-ranked Mt. Pisgah. The Lady Patriots stole the third set of a grueling match and pushed TFS in the fourth, but the Lady Indians would not be denied.
Habersham Central’s Eathan Martin celebrates a touchdown with teammates during Friday’s win over Apalachee. TOM ASKEW/Special

Habersham Central’s Eathan Martin celebrates a touchdown with teammates during Friday’s win over Apalachee. TOM ASKEW/Special

Raiders down Apalachee, fall short of playoffs

Habersham Central ended its losing streak with a homecoming win over the Apalachee Wildcats Friday night, but their playoff hopes were dashed after Lanier failed to defeat Shiloh. The Raiders played Friday not knowing their fate for the end of the season.
Tallulah Falls’ Sarah Jennings and the Lady Indians are having a historic season that continued into the state Elite 8 on Tuesday night after press time. AUSTIN POFFENBERGER/Special

Tallulah Falls’ Sarah Jennings and the Lady Indians are having a historic season that continued into the state Elite 8 on Tuesday night after press time. AUSTIN POFFENBERGER/Special

Lady Indians reach first Elite 8

The Lady Indians have been in this position three previous times, but until Saturday, had yet to get past the Sweet 16. It took a comeback in the final set to secure a 3-1 win, as Tallulah Falls beat No. 6-ranked Galloway for the school’s first-ever Elite 8 berth.
Habersham Central’s Caleb Blackburn knocks a North Forsyth blocker off his feet during Friday night’s game. TOM ASKEW/Special

Habersham Central’s Caleb Blackburn knocks a North Forsyth blocker off his feet during Friday night’s game. TOM ASKEW/Special

Raiders fall short, still have a pulse

The Raiders are not having the football season they envisioned in the spring and summer, but they have some hope to finish the season strong. Habersham Central fell in the final game of a month-long road trip Friday, 24-14, at North Forsyth.
Addy McCoy and the Lady Indians are having a historic season. AUSTIN POFFENBERGER/Special

Addy McCoy and the Lady Indians are having a historic season. AUSTIN POFFENBERGER/Special

Tallulah Falls volleyball battles in the Elite 8

Tallulah Falls' volleyball team advanced to the state Final Four with a straight-set win over Logan County on Tuesday night.    The Lady Indians (33-11) won 25-10, 25-14 and 25-18 to advance to Saturday's state semifinal match. TFS will play at home against an opponent to be determined.

TFS’ Jennings named region player of the year

The All-Region 8-A DI volleyball teams were announced prior to Saturday’s region championship match at Tallulah Falls. Directly before the Lady Indians took the court and won their first-ever region title, several from Tallulah Falls earned All-Region distinction.