Dean in the zone as Cougars tame Panthers

Doniel Dean was in that proverbial zone for athletes Saturday afternoon at the Max Bass Athletic Center as he scored 29 points to lead the Cougars to a 78-50 victory over the Chapel Hill Panthers.
After Immanuel Griggs gave the Cougars a 2-0 with a slam, the Panthers went on an 11-5 streak to take an 11-7 lead with 3:23 remaining in the first period then it was time for the home team to get rolling.
Dean hit a pair of free throws to cut the margin to two and began a 10-2 run that gave the Cougars a 17-13 lead going into the second period.
The Panthers opened the second period with a basket but the Cougars began to pull away as a 17-15 lead became 31-19 with 3:14 remaining as converted one of two free throws.
A three-point basket by the Panthers with 2:42 remaining cut the lead to 31-22 but the Cougars continued to play aggressively with an 11-2 run that was capped off by a three-pointer at the buzzer by Dean that sent the home team to the locker room with a 42-24 cushion.
Any hope of a rally by the Panthers faded throughout the third period as the Cougars built the lead to 51-33 with less than four minutes remaining to 60-38 going into the fourth.
As the final period progressed, the Cougars' lead continued to get larger and at one point they enjoyed a 73-43 lead.
As for Dean, he balanced his way through the game with a seven-point first period, eight-point second, eight-point third and four in the final stanza as head coach Rod Ladd emptied his bench.
Diamond Jones was second on the scoring parade for the Cougars with 12 points and Chris White had seven points while Nick Parks had six while Griggs, Tonaris Poytress and Isiah Houston had five apiece.
In the girls' game, the Lady Cougars tried to rally but fell on the short end of a 69-61 decision to the Lady Panthers.
Newnan trailed 53-41 at the end of the third period when they went on an 11-4 run that cut the deficit to 57-52 with 3:13 remaining in regulation.
Chapel Hill converted a basket to take a 59-52 lead but a 7-2 streak by Newnan cut the lead to 61-59 with 33 seconds remaining but an 8-0 finish sealed the game for the Lady Panthers.

GHSA begins 2014 realignment process with release of numbers

Regardless of the reaction of high schools in Georgia, the boys in Thomaston are back at it again.
Every two years the Georgia High School Associate meets to determine where member schools will play for the next two years and after the shifting and nudging, the final spots for each of the 50-plus regions are released.
The numbers used by the GHSA are based on enrollment figures from the state's Department of Education and the figures were released Monday as the realignment committe met.
Region 3-AAAAAA should remain largely unchanged as EC, Newnan, Douglas County, Westlake and Langston Hughes numbers keep them together.
The only departure is Tri-Cities which had 1659 students and is 143 behind the 1802 of the smallest AAAAAA school in Georgia.
Mill Creek of Hoschton remains the state largest high school with an enroll figurement estimated at over 3700.
Northgate remains in AAAAA with 1773, Whitewater registered 1392 and is now the second highest AAAA in the state but will probably elected to play in AAAAA next year as they were only students behind Woodland of Henry County which became the lowest AAAAA member with 1413.
McIntosh, which enjoyed a playoff season this year in football, registered 1684 students and will remain in AAAAA while Starr's Mill will also remain in the classification with 1493 students and Creekside is safe from the slicer with 1433 students.
Fayette County dropped into AAAA with 1322 matching the figures of neighoring Troup County while Sandy Creek registered 1207 and will stay in the classification
Meanwhile, Heard County will be in AA next year after the Franklin school registered 577 students for the school term.
Now the real fun begins as the primary governing body of the state's athletic program will go through the process of determining who will play where as several schools who moved down will have to make a request to play in a higher classification by Monday December 2 before the eventual placement is made the following day.
The GHSA is expected to hold a couple of more meetings before final placement on January 14.
Stay tuned.
.

Vikings end Indians season with 38-10 victory, Region 1-AAAAAA wins three games against Region 3-AAAAAA

The Lowndes Vikings showed their dominance in the first half Friday night and never looked back as they defeated the East Coweta Indians 38-10 in their first round AAAAAA state football playoff game at Garland Shoemake Stadium.
The Vikings, who improved to 8-3 on the season will travel to Lovejoy to face the Wildcats in a second round contest next Friday after they had to come from behind to defeat Marietta 27-23 while the Indians finished the season with a record of 5-6.
After holding the Indians to a three-and-out on their initial possession of the contest, the Vikings took over at their own 40 and ran their version of ground-and-pound as they ran on every play of a nine-play drive that culminated with a 16-yard run by Alex Brown.
The Vikings converted a two-point conversion attempt as Brandon Roberts powered his way into the end zone and with 6:49 remaining in the first quarter.
After the score, the two teams exchanged possession before the Vikings regained control with 90 seconds remaining in the quarter and began a drive that went into the second quarter.
The series which began at their 43 slightly resembled the Vikings opening drive as they called mostly running plays with the exception of an eight-yard pass from quarterback Austin Dixon.
The 12-play drive finally came to an end when Roberts scored on a one-run run with 7:30 remaining but the subsequent two-point conversion attempt failed and the scored held at 14-0.
The Vikings took a 12-0 lead with 5:16 remaining in the quarter when a defender popped the ball loose from Indians quarterback Bryce Gemmel at the EC 17 and returned the fumble to the end zone to take a 20-0 lead after a failed two-point conversion attempt.
The Indians tried to rally on the ensuing series as they moved from their 22 to the Vikings’ 31, but a fumble after a reception gave the Vikings the ball and they went on a drive that ended at the eight-yard line and had to be satisfied with a 25 yard field goal with 17.9 seconds remaining.
After a penalty on a failed onside kick attempt, the Indians were able to the Vikings’ 30 and got on the board as kicker Cole Antley converted a 47-yard field goal as the half ended.
The Vikings added to their scoring total in their first possession of the third quarter as they went on an eight-play drive that culminated with a five-yard run by Jerome Daniels and after he converted the two-point conversion the lead became 31-3 with 7:31 remaining.
On the ensuing possession, the Indians took over at their 24 and with predominantly pass plays, they were able to get as far as the Vikings’ 28 before a sack and an incomplete pass forced a punt that went into the end zone.
Taking over at their own 20, the Vikings went on a drive that was highlighted by a pass interference penalty and a 33-yard pass from Dixon to Eric Hart before ending with a three-yard run by Brown for a touchdown seconds into the fourth quarter.
The Indians scored the final points of the evening as Gemmel hit E.J. Ransom with a two-yard pass with 6:51 remaining and Antley converted the extra point.
In his final game, Gemmel completed 14-of-20 for 143 yards and the touchdown.
Meanwhile, the night was difficult for East Coweta's region 3-AAAAAA as Colquitt County dominated Newnan early and often in a 41-10 victory at Moultrie while Westlake was no match for the Camden County Wildcats who were 36-7 winners.
Region champion Langston Hughes prevented a sweep by the Southwest Georgia region as they defeated Valdosta 34-13 and will host McEachern next Friday night in Fairburn.

 

Northgate provides offensive treat on opening day of Elite Eight

 

 

 

 

The Northgate Lady Vikings provided tricks while receiving treats Thursday as they dominated the Creekview Lady Grizzlies and Loganville Lady Devils in the opening round of the AAAAA Elie Eight state softball tournament at the South Commons Complex in Columbus.

In game one, the Lady Vikings got three hits each from Brenna Skalski and Jenna Pealor in an 8-0 five-inning win over the Lady Grizzlies while the second game saw the Lady Vikings come away a 12-0 four-inning victory over the Lady Devils.
Northgate will face Houston County in a winners bracket game beginning Friday at 7:00 after the latter had wins over Winder-Barrow (6-4) and Pope (2-0).
The first game began not only with the Lady Vikings in full attire, but getting a run in the bottom of the first inning as Skalski led off with a single and stole second before scoring on a one out single by Jenna Pealor.
Emily Heath was hit by a pitch and Ebonee Echols walked to load the bases for Casy Kent who responded with a two-run single to give Northgate a 3-0 lead.
The Lady Vikings added to the lead in the bottom of the second inning as Skalski, Carly Alderman and Pealor had consecutive one out singles that accounted for one run and with one out Echols singled Alderman home for a 5-0 margin.
In the bottom of the third inning, the Northgate scoring parade continued with two more runs as Pealor singled and eventually scored on the front end of a double steal while Skalski had an RBI single.
The single forced a pitching change for Creekview as Ashley Walraven replaces starter Gracie Dorr on the rubber and the former was able to end the inning as Aldernan hit a flyball to center field that resulted in a double play.
Pealor completed the first portion of the Northgate scoring fest with a solo home run in the bottom of the fourth inning.
Pealor continued being a treat for the Northgate faithful in the game against Loganville as she hit a two-run home run in the top of the first inning to lead the way.
The Lady Vikings added to the lead with five runs in the top of the third inning as Alderman had an RBI single and Echols hit a grand slam.
Northgate put the game further out of reach in the top of the fourth inning with five more runs as Brittany Futral reached on a leadoff walk and Skalski followed with a single and Alderman followed with an RBI single.
The Lady Devils made a pitching change, but the Lady Vikings took advantage by continuing the scoring binge as Alderman stole second and Pealor was walked to load the bases for Emily Heath who followed with a two-run single.
Echols reached on a walk and Pealor eventually scored from third after a sacrifice fly by Kent and Jessica Houk closed out the scoring with an RBI single.
Lost in the offensive explosion may have been the pitching of McKenzie Peace who allowed seven hits and three walk while recording three strikeouts in two games.

 

Northgate gains 11th trip to Elite Eight with win over Harris County

HAMILTON-The Northgate Lady Vikings scored eight runs in the last four innings to come from behind and defeat the Harris County Lady Tigers 10-6 Thursday afternoon in the deciding game of their best-of-three AAAAA second round series.

The win not only improves the Lady Vikings’ record to 25-7-1 on the season, but they will qualify for their 11^th trip to the Elite Eight state softball tournament in 14 years at the South Commons Complex in Columbus.
Brenna Skalski and Carly Alderman opened the game with back-to-back singles and moved into scoring position when Jenna Pealor grounded out to second.
Emily Heath hit a ball to the Harris County shortstop who retired Alderman at third but Skalski would come home with the first Northgate run of the game.
The Lady Tigers came back in the bottom of the first inning with a pair of runs as starting pitcher Kayla Cotton and Taylor Williams had consecutive RBI singles and the home team had a 2-1 lead.
The Lady Vikings tied the game at 2-2 in the top of the second inning when Jessica Houk hit a solo home run but the Lady Tigers came back with a pair of runs in the bottom of the frame to take a 4-2 lead as outfielder Trinity Smith had a two-run double.
After both teams failed to score in the third inning, the Lady Vikings came back to trim the margin to 4-3 in the top of the fourth inning as Mackenzie McCloud reached on an infield error that allowed her to advance to second and Brittany Futral followed with an RBI double.
The Lady Vikings took control with one out in the top of the fifth inning as singles by Casey Kent, Houk and McCloud brought home the tying run and after the second out of the inning, Skalski gave the Lady Vikings a 5-4 lead with an RBI single.
The Lady Vikings broke the game open after two outs in the top of the sixth inning as Pealor reached on an error, Kent followed with a single and Houk brought both home with a double to center field.
McCloud followed with a single to center that brought Houk home with the eighth run of the game.
Benefitting from the run support was starting pitcher McKenzie Peace who settled down after the second inning to keep the Lady Tigers off the scoreboard for three innings.
She would have trouble after one out in the top of the bottom of the sixth inning as she walked Williams and surrendered a two-run home run to Sarah Kate Jenkins, but after a pair of singles that sandwiched a sacrifice bunt, Peace was able to get out of the jam and end the inning.
The Lady Vikings built the lead back to four runs as Skalski led off with a triple and came home on a single by Alderman.
Pealor followed with a single and after the second out of the inning, Rachel Cook would come in as a pinch runner and eventually score as Kent had an RBI single to give her a 4-for-5 outing at the plate with a pair of runs.
The lead was enough for Peace who allowed a couple of base runners in the bottom of the inning in between outs who came away allowing nine hits and recording eight strikeouts.
Besides Kent, other players who provided offensive support were Skalski, Alderman and Houk who had three hits apiece and combined for five runs and five RBIs while Echols and McCloud had two hits each.

Madras defeats Lee by less than a yard for CCMSAL football title

The Lee Timberwolves came within inches from the end zone but it was not meant to be Tuesday night as they were defeated in overtime by the Madras Eagles 22-20 in the football championship game of The Coweta County Middle School Athletic League played at Henry Seldon Field.

The Eagles, who finished the season with an 8-0 record for the season, had a 22-14 lead in overtime when Josh Russell powered to his right, through Eagle defenders and into the end zone to cut the margin to 22-20 and the Timberwolves elected to go for two which would have tied the game and forced another overtime.
Josh Martin took the ball from quarterback Christian Reed the three and went to his right where he was met by several defenders who were aided by a couple more and despite the power exhibited by Martin, he would be stopped inside the one yard line and the game ended.
The game was tied at 14-14 going into overtime and the Eagles had the first possession at the 15 yard line where they didn’t need long to take the lead.
After an incomplete pass and a five-yard run by Nick Carter, Madras quarterback Kyle McLaren found receiver Devonte Johnson in the end zone and connected with him for a 10-yard score.
McLaren provided the biggest play of the game for the Eagles as he powered his way on a quarterback keeper into the end zone for the two-point conversion that would essentially become the margin of victory.
Lee took the first lead of the game as they thwarted a fake punt by the Eagles at their own 19 in the early moments of the contest.
After a holding penalty placed the ball at the 30, Reed hit T.J. Harris with a 23-yard pass for a first-and-goal at the Eagles’ seven and three plays later, Russell was able to power his way in for the score on a one-yard run.
The two-point conversion attempt failed and with 3:30 remaining in the first quarter the Timberwolves had a 6-0 lead.
After holding the Eagles on their next possession, the Timberwolves got the ball back, but a sack forced a three-and-out as well as a punt but a high snap allowed Madras to take over at the Lee six yard line.
The Eagles only needed one play as Carter took the handoff from McLaren and went to his right for the touchdown as time ran out in the quarter and the game was tied after the two-point conversion attempt failed.
Both teams exchanged possessions for the remainder of the period as each went from their 30 to the opponents’ 30 and the game remained tied at 6-6 as the halftime horn sounded.
On their first series in the second half, Madras had a chance to take the lead as they went on a drive that started at their 24 with McLaren hitting different receivers along the way as they marched down to the Lee 12 with a first-and-10.
However, the 16-play drive came to an end as Harris intercepted a McLaren pass at the two yard line with 10 seconds remaining in the period.
After holding the Timberwolves to a three-and-out, the Eagles took the lead on their next possession as McLaren connected with Levi Garrett caught a pass from McLaren and raced down the field for a 59-yard touchdown reception with 5:53 remaining in regulation.
McLaren found Omar Bringas in the end zone for the two-point conversion attempt to give the Eagles a 14-6 lead.
The lead didn’t last long as the Timberwolves took over at their 27 and moved down the field behind the running of Martin and Russell before Reed hit Harris with a 19-yard pass with 3:02 remaining to give Lee a first-and-goal at the Madras’ five yard line.
After a five-yard penalty, Martin showed the power again as he ran to his right for a 10-yard touchdown run with 2:53 remaining and the game was tied after Russell powered his way into the end zone.
Each team had one last drive to try and win the game in regulation, but each were stopped at the opponent’s 40 as time ran out and forced the overtime.   

 

 

Newnan eliminates Colquitt on Goggins home run, Northgate advances

Chaycie Goggins has given the Newnan Lady Cougars a spark since her return to the lineup last  week as she proved Thursday evening when she provided the only run of the deciding game against Colquitt County when she hit a solo home run with one out in the bottom of the sixth inning.

Chaycie Goggins may have found a positive effect for an appendix operation.
The Newnan shortstop, who missed the last two weeks of the regular season due to having an operation for the aforementioned organ, drilled a shot over the left field fence in the bottom of the sixth inning Thursday to give the Lady Cougars a 1-0 win over the Colquitt County Lady Packers.
The win gave the best-of-three AAAAAA first round series win to the Lady Cougars who were 10-1 winners in the first game and a 4-3 loser in the second.
The Lady Cougars will face the Alcovy Lady Tigers next Wednesday in Covington after the latter eliminated North Cobb 3-0 in a deciding game Thursday afternoon.
Most of the day saw light rain and a pitching duel between Tori Loveless of Newnan and Nikki Johnson of Colquitt County as the two put up zeroes on the scoreboard.

The Lady Packers (19-12) had a chance to get on the board early as they had a runnner in scoring position in the second, third and fourth inningswith one out but Loveless proved to be very tough as she was able to retire the side without a run coming home.

The Lady Cougars also had scoring chances early, but the best opportunity came in the bottom of fifth inning as Chasity Meadows and Lauren Ferguson reached on consecutive one out singles but Johnson was able to get out of thr problem as she induced a groundout to second and an infield pop to first.
In the bottom of the sixth inning, the game appeared headed to extra innings as Johnson retired Arden Jobe on a groundout and had an 0-2 count on Goggins.
However, Goggins was able to dispel that plan and showed how she was doing physically when she drilled the 0-2 offering for her home run.
That was enough for Loveless who retired the side in order with a strikeout, an infield pop and a groundout in the seventh to end the game.
She would finish allowing four hits and one walk while recording two strikeouts while Johnson allowed the same number of hits and getting most of her outs through the help of her infield as they made 14 putouts.

Meanwhile, the Northgate Lady Vikings will live to fight another week after they defeated a longtime nemesis in the Greenbrier Lady Wolfpack by a score of 3-1 in deciding game played at home.
The Lady Vikings will not have to travel to far as they will face the Harris County Lady Tigers in Hamilton after the latter swept Glynn Academy in a first round series on Wednesday.
The Lady Vikings (23-6-1) took the lead in the top of the first inning as Brenna Skalski reaches base due to an error on the right fielder and advanced to third on a second miscue.
Skalski would score the first run as Jenna Pealor reached on a fielder's choice when Carly Alderman was forced at second.
The Lady Vikings added to the lead in the top of the fourth inning when Ebonee Echols reached on an infield error that allowed her to take second on the play.
Echols moved to third on a sacrifice bunt by Casey Kent and came home on a one out single by Lauren Deloach.
Northgate added one more run in the top of the sixth inning as Emily Heath reached on a leadoff single and Jordan Hamilton was sent in as a pinch runner.
Echols hit a line drive to the Greenbrier shortstop, Hamilton still advanced to second on an infield error and would eventually come home on  a single by Kent.
Benefitting from the early lead was Lady Vikings starting pitcher McKanzie Peace who allowed five hits and recorded as many strikeouts in going the route.
The only dent on her ledger was in the bottom of the sixth inning when she allowed an unearned run, however she retired the side in order in four of the innings including the seventh to end the game.
 

EC sweeps Coffee in AAAAAA first round series

SHARPSBURG-The East Coweta Lady Indians never trailed Wednesday night as they swept the Coffee County Lady Trojans in their best-of-three series in the first round of the AAAAAA playoffs.
In the first game, the Lady Indians broke a 1-1 tie in the bottom of the fourth inning and Maggie Morrow hit a three-run home run in the fifth to key an 8-1 victory while Katey Lynch and Gracelyn Newmon had two hits and two runs each as part of a 13-3 win in the nightcap.
The Lady Indians (26-8) will host either Harrison or Luella next Wednesday in a second round series with a trip to Columbus at stake.
In the opener, the Lady Indians took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the third inning as Hailey Baswell doubled,moved to third on a groundout and came home when Kia Smith hit a sacrifice fly to center field.
However, the lead didn't last long as the Lady Trojans (17-12) tied the game with one out in the top of the fourth inning as Coffee starting pitcher Amanda Wright came home on an infield error but the Lady Indians came back in the bottom of the frame to reeclaim the lead.
Shemiah Sanchez singled, Reba Jones walked and Lynch singled to load the bases but Sanchez was retired at the plate on a force play but courtesy runner Madison Carter was able to score as Maggie Morrow hit a single to right field.
Baswell was hit by a pitch to bring Lynch home from third to give EC a 3-1 lead.
In the bottom of the fifth inning, the Lady Indians broke the game open with five runs to seal the win.
With one out, Sanchez reached on an infield error and Jones followed with a walk before Lynch lined a double that scored Carter and Lauren Liebe followed by reaching on an error that scored courtesy runner Jamie Vitale.
Then the big blow came as Morrow drilled a 2-1 offering over the left field fence for a home run and the Lady Indians had the win as Kaylin Wall over in the top of the seventh inning for starter Morgan Goree allowing one hit.
In six innings, Goree allowed four hits and recorded six strikeouts.
In the nightcap, the Lady Indians were the visitors and they proved to be rude guests immediately as Smith led off by reaching on a double and moving to third on a sacrifice before coming home when Sanchez grounded out to shortstop.
The Lady Indians added to the lead in the top of the second inning with three runs as Lynch led off with a double, moved to third on a sacrifice by Liebe and came home on a wild pitch.
Liebe, who reached first on an error committed during the sacrifice, stole second and followed Lynch to third on the wild pitch and after two outs, Newmon walked and stole second for Smith.
Smith responded with a shot between the center fielder and the right fielder for a two-run triple and a 4-0 lead.
Coffee threatened to get back in the game in the bottom of the third inning as Tori Robinson had an RBI single  and starting pitcher Tess Robinson had a two-run double that cut the margin to 4-3.
The Lady Indians answered in the top of the fourth inning with one run as Morrow walked, Baswell and Newmon singled to load the bases for Smith who hit an infield fly to short but the ball dropped .
Pinch runner Lindsay Warren scored on the play while Baswell and Newmon moved up a base but they were left stranded as the inning eventually ended.
In the top of the fifth inning, the Lady Indians added more as Jones singled, Lynch walked and Liebe followed with a single that scored courtesy runner Carterand moved Lynch to second.
A passed ball moved Lynch and Liebe one base and with one out, Baswell walked and Newmon followed with a two-run single.
An error in the top of the sixth inning scored Freeman then all doubt about the game's outcome was erased in the top of the seventh inning as four runs came home including a two-run double by Newmon.
On the pitching rubber, Goree was effective despite the problems in the third inning as she scattered six hits and from the bottom of the third to completion she allowed one baserunner while recording eight strikeouts.
Meanwhile, the other two local teams will have to play deciding games Thursday as the Newnan Lady Cougars split with the Colquitt County Lady Packers with a 10-1 win and a 4-3 loss while the Northgate Lady Vikings split with Greenbrier after scores of 11-10 (NG loss) and 11-2 win in the nightcap.

EC wins deciding game to claim region championship on emotional filled Thursday

Momentum would make several visits to the softball field at Newnan High School Thursday evening as the East Coweta Lady Indians faced the Newnan Lady Cougars in the finals of the Region 3-AAAAA Tournament.
The two rivals had to play two games as the Lady Cougars scored five runs in the top of the seventh inning to come away with a 6-2 victory in the championship final to force the if necessary game which the Lady Indians would win in an emotionally charged 6-4 decision thatgave them the tournament title.
Both will play at home next week in the first round of the state tournament with EC hosting Coffee while Newnan will host Colquitt County.


East Coweta pitcher Morgan Goree recovered in the if necessary game of the Region 3-AAAAAA Tournament to allow eight hits in the 6-4 victory that gave the Lady Indians the tournament title. She retired 14 of the final 17 batters she faced in the game.

The Lady Indians took an early lead in the bottom of the first inning as Kia Smith reached on a walk, stole second and came home on a two out single by Shemiah Sanchez.
The Lady Cougars tied the game in the top of the fourth inning, as Chaycie Goggins led of with a single and eventually scored on a wild pitch, but the Lady Indians regained the lead in the bottom of the sixth as Freeman singled, stole second and came home on an RBI single by Sanchez to give the latter momentum and thoughts of clinching the title.
 However, momentum shifted in the top of the seventh inning to Newnan's favor after starting pitcher Tori Loveless hit a line drive back to her EC counterpart Morgan Goree.
M.B. Arnall singled and after Chasity Meadows was hit by a pitch, Shania Colton followed with a single to load the bases for Lauren Ferguson.
Ferguson hit a ball to second, but the ball got through allowing Arnall and Meadows to come home and give the Lady Cougars a 3-2 lead.
The Lady Indians thought they would get out of the inning as Goree recorded a strikeout but that was not the case as Arden Jobe hit a softball to second but the throw was late allowing Colton to score.
Goggins followed with an RBI single and after Lindsay Stewart was hit by a pitch, Goree was replaced by Kaylin Wall who gave up an RBI single to Loveless before getting a flyball to center field to end the frame.
Loveless, who allowed four hits and recorded five strikeouts in the first game, retired the side in order in the bottom of the frame to end the game and the Lady Cougars took the momentum into the deciding game.
In the nightcap, however, momentum would shift several times for the two rivals before the final out of the game was recorded.
The Lady Cougars took a 2-0 lead in the nightcap after two outs as Jobe singled and Goggins doubled before Stewart followed with a two-run single to right.
Momentum began to fade from Newnan, however, as the Lady Indians came back to tie the game at 2-2 in the top of the second inning as
In the top of the third inning, EC took the momentum as they scored three runs to take a 5-2 lead as Smith and Freeman reached on singles and each stole a base before a throwing error scored Smith for the go ahead run.

Chaycie Goggins gave the Newnan Lady Cougars a spark Thursday as she was 4-for-8 at the plate with a home run, two runs scored and three RBIs. (File photo)

Sanchez reach on an infield error then consecutive groundouts by Reba Jones and Katey Lynch brought Freeman and Sanchez home to complete the scoring.
The Lady Cougars regained some of the lost momentum in the bottom of the third inning as Jobe reached on a one out single then Goggins followed with a shot over the left field fence for a two run homer that cut the margin to 5-4.
However, the Lady Indians took the momentum back as they scored a run in the top of the fourth inning when Gracelynn Newmon singled and eventually scored on a single to right by Freeman and the Lady Cougars were unable to generate anymore offense against Goree as she limited them to two hits over the final four innings.
The Lady Indians and the Lady Cougars will host best-of-three first round playoff series Wednesday with EC facing will host Coffee County who is the fourth seed from Region 1-AAAAAA while the Lady Cougars will host Colquitt County who is the third seed from that region.

EC, Newnan cruise to victories in first day of Region 3-AAAAAA Tournament

(Note: if you see a mistake, DO NOT comment on the blog. Instead, email me at slcrosby10@gmail.com or send me a pm on facebook. Thanks.)

The expected happened Tuesday night at Newnan High School as the East Coweta Lady Indians and Newnan Lady Cougars advanced to a second round faceoff in the Region 3-AAAAAA softball tournament after easy victories.
In game one, the Lady Indians took advantages of miscues in the field by Westlake to come away with a 14-0 four inning win over the Lady Lions while the Lady Cougars needed five innings but still recorded a shutout with an 8-0 victory ovetr the Douglas County Lady Tigers in the nightcap.
After the Lady Lions and Lady Tigers in the losers bracket game at 4:30, the Coweta version of the Hatfields and McCoys will get underway at around 6:30.
The Lady Indians (21-7) did most of their damage after one out in the bottom of the first inning with 10 runs as Mekhia Freeman followed with a triple to left and eventually coming home on a wild pitch.


EC's Mekhia Freeman is on her way to third base and a triple in the bottom of the first inning for the Lady Indians.

Katey Lynch was hit by a pitch, Shemiah Sanchez reached on a walk and Reba Jones followed with single that scored both runners.
A throwing error allowed courtesy runner Madison Carter advnace to second while Lauren Liebe to reach first on a fielder's choice and Hailey Baswell was able to reach on a walk that loaded the bases.
An error allowed Carter to score and a walk to Gracelynn Newmon brought Liebe to score before Kia Smith was hit by a pitch to score yet another run.
An error scored a run then an RBI groundout by Lynch and a double by Sanchez completed the scoring in the inning.
The Lady Indians added three runs in the bottom of the second inning as Liebe led off with a single and Baswell followed by reaching on an error before two infield outs and an RBI double by Smith.
Freeman reached on a walk and Lynch reached on an error which scored two runs.
The final run of the game came in the bottom of third inning when Liebe, Baswell and Gabby Freed had consecutive single that accounted for one run.
Morgan Goree was the beneficiary of the run supports as she pitched the the first two innings for the win while Kaylin Wall finished by hurling two innings.
Meanwhile, the Lady Cougars began punching their ticket to a top seed in the bottom of the first inning of their game as Masen Willard was hit by a pitch and Hannah Scarbrough singled.
With one out, Lindsay Stewart lined a triple to right field bringing Willard and Scarbrough home for a 2-0 Newnan lead with the third and final run of the frame resulting from a wild pitch that brough Stewart home.
The Lady Cougars added to the lead in the bottom of the second inning as Lauren Ferguson reached on a one out infield error, Scarbrough reached after being hit by a pitch and both came home on a two out single by Arden Jobe.
Chasity Meadows entered as a courtesy runner and came home as Stewart drilled her second straight run scoring extra base hit with an RBI double.
The 6-0 lead was good enough for Tori Loveless who allowed three singles in as many innings on the rubber while getting solid play from her defense as she recorded two strikeouts before yielding to Emily Allen in the top of the fourth inning.
Allen gave head coach Carrie Gilmore quality innings with a pair of walks and three strikeouts while not allowing a ball to be hit out of the infield.
In the bottom of the fifth inning, the Lady Cougars were able to finish the game as Shakira Geter reached on a one out walk, stole second before reaching third on an infield error and coming home on a wild pitch.
Chasity Meadows walked and after a force play at third Willard had an RBI single to end the contest.

Newnan sweeps Rising Starr in middle school championship doubleheader

Multiple players contribute to series win

(Note: If you see an error in the name of your child please email me at slcrosby10@gmail.com or send me or if you are a facebook friend send me a private message and I will correct ASAP. Please do not comment on the blog as I will not see it until the next time I submit a story.)

SHARPSBURG-Middle school softball supremacy remained in Coweta County Saturday as the Newnan Cougars swept two games from the Rising Starr Panthers of Fayette County in the Fayette-Coweta Championship played at East Coweta High School.
The Cougars, a combination of players from Smokey Road and Evans Middle Schools, defeated the Panthers, winners of the middle school title in Fayette County by scores of 14-3 and 9-1.
In the opener, Newnan took the lead in the top of the first inning as Savannah Wilson singled, stole second and took third on a throwing error and came home when Hailey Bloom reached on an infield error.
Bloom would score the second run of the inning when Gracie Goodwin reached on a two out single.
Rising Starr tied the game in the bottom of the inning when Kendall Robinson was hit by a pitch and came home on a one out double to right center by Laura Sellers who later advanced to third and came home on an infield error.
The Cougars came back to regain the lead in the top of the third inning as Danielle Curlee reached on an error and stole two bases before coming home with one out on an infield error that allowed Goodwin to reach.
Maggie Strickland followed with a double and after a line out to second, Blythe Bates had a two-run single that gave the Cougars a 5-2 lead.
The Panthers rallied in the top of the third inning as Sellers led off with a single and with one out Paige Andrews and Kate Ashmore followed with singles that loaded the bases.
Wilson, Newnan’s starting pitcher, recovered as she recorded a strikeout and allowed an RBI single to Alyssa Angelo before ending the rally by inducing a groundout.
The Cougars broke the game open in the top of the fourth when they scored seven runs for the final margin.
With one out, Bloom had an RBI double, Strickland had a two-run double while Alex Williams and Bates had RBI singles to highlight the frame.
Bates, Curlee, Goodwin and Strickland each had two hits in the game with Curlee, Goodwin and Strickland each scoring twice along with Bloom while Bates had three RBIs.
In the second game, the Cougars took the lead in the bottom of the first inning as Wilson singled and stole second while Curlee reached on an infield error.
Both scored on a triple to right by Houston who later scored on a single by Goodwin.
Newnan added two runs in the bottom of the second inning as Williams and Bates singled and Taylor Corley walked to load the bases and with one out Bloom had an RBI single and Curlee hit a sacrifice fly to right for the other score.
The Cougars narrowly pulled away as they scored two more runs in the bottom of the third inning as Goodwin singled and stole second before scoring on a single by Strickland who moved to second on the throw home before scoring on a sacrifice by Williams.
The Panthers averted a shutout in the top of the fourth inning as Sellers reached on a one out triple and scored when Julia Allen grounded out to short.
In the bottom of the fourth inning, the Cougars scored two more runs as Bloom led off with a single and advanced to second on a throwing error before coming around to score wild pitch while Goodwin would reach on an error and eventually score on a wild pitch.
That was enough for Wilson who pitched both games as she retired the side in order in the top of the fifth inning to end the game and seal the title for Newnan.

(Note: If you see an error in the name of your child please email me at slcrosby10@gmail.com or send me or if you are a facebook friend send me a private message and I will correct ASAP. Please do not comment on the blog as I will not see it until the next time I submit a story.)

 

Goree tosses one hitter at Mcintosh in EC win, tough home game for Newnan.

UPDATE

(Note: a scoring change was made after the story was published and Goree actually tossed a no-hitter)

East Coweta pitcher Morgan Goree has proven to be a very stinging young lady of late and Friday was no exception as she allowed NO hits and recorded 10 strikeouts in a 5-1 win for the Lady Indians in a non-region game at Peachtree City.
The win improves the Lady Indians overall record to 21-7 as they prepare to face the Westlake Lady Lions Tuesday afternoon in the Region 3-AAAAAA Tournament at Newnan High School.
Goree has pitched four games of the five played by the Lady Indians this week and she has allowed five hits in 24 innings.
The Lady Indians gave her an early 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning as.Kia Smith led off with a triple and came home on a wild pitch.
The Lady Chiefs, who fell to 5-10 and are preparing for 4-AAAAA tournament, tied the game with a run in the bottom of the frame when Megan Eberle reached on a leadoff walk and eventually stole home, but the Lady Indians responded with  two runs in the top of the fourth inning.
With one out Shemiah Sanchez was hit by a pitch, stole second and came home on a two out double to left field by Lauren Liebe who came home on a single to right by Hailey Baswell.
The Lady Indians added a run in the top of the fifth inning as Kia Smith reached on a one out single, stole second and came home on a double to center by Katey Lynch.
East Coweta added one more run in the top of the seventh inning as Smith led off with a double to left,moved to third on a sacrifice bunt by Mekhia Freeman and came home when Lynch grounded out to third.
Meanwhile, Goree was on her game as she recovered from a long first inning to own the remainder of the game as the Lady Chiefs were unable to mount any offense.
In the junior varsity game, Jessica Barber tossed a perfect game as the Lady Indians were a 16-0 winner in their season finale.
The Lady Indians (16-1) scored three runs in the top of the first as Emily Watson had a two-run double and a groundout by Rachel Vaughn.
East Coweta broke the game open in the top of the second inning with 12 runs as Jamie Vitale had a two-run triple, Watson had an RBI single and Vaughn had an RBI double among the batters who did damage.
The Lady Indians added one more run in the top of third inning on a bases loaded walk to Ashlyn Gunter.
Meanwhile it was not a good evening for the Newnan Lady Cougars as they dropped an 8-0 decision at home to the Heard County Lady Braves.
The Lady Cougars will still take a solid 17-5 into their Region 3-AAAAAA tournament game at home on Tuesday against the Douglas County Lady Tigers.
The Lady Braves scored single runs in the first and second and added three runs each in the fifth and sixth innings.
Jordan Watson did everything for Heard County as she had three hits and five RBIs at the plate and held Newnan to two hits and recorded seven strikeouts.  

EC disposes of 20-win ELCA prior to regular season ending

SHARPSBURG-Kia Smith was 3-for-3 at the plate with two runs scored Thursday as the East Coweta Lady Indians defeated the Eagles Landing Christian Lady Chargers 8-0 in a five inning non-region game.
The Lady Indians (20-7) will prepare to close the regular season in Peachtree City against the McIntosh Lady Chiefs before getting ready to face the Westlake Lady Lions on Tuesday in the opening game of the Region 3-AAAAAA tournament at Newnan High School.
The Lady Chargers of Region 5-A fell to 20-5.
The Lady Indians scored twice in the bottom of the first inning to take control of the game as Smith singled, stole second and moved to third on a sacrifice bunt before scoring on a single by Shemiah Sanchez.
Katey Lynch, who was hit by a pitch would score the other run of the frame as Lauren Liebe had an RBI single.
In the bottom of the second inning, the Lady Indians broke the game open with six runs for the final margin.

With one out, Jamie Vitale walked then Smith and Freeman followed with consecutive singles that allowed Vitale to score.
Lynch followed with an RBI double to center and Sanchez drove home a run with a line drive single off the pitcher.
After Lynch scored on a groundout by Reba Jones, Hailey Baswell had an RBI double and Gracelynn Newmon concluded the scoring with an RBI single.
A day after nearly tossing a no-hitter against the Northgate Lady Vikings, Morgan Goree pitched the first four innings against the Lady Chargers allowing one hit before turning the game over to Kaylin Wall who allowed one hit during the top of the fifth inning but still ended the game quickly.
In the junior varsity game, the Lady Indians did all of their damage in the bottom of the third inning as they came away with a 6-1 victory.
Madison Carter opened the inning with a single and stole second before Vitale reached on a walk.
The duo moved a base as Emily Watson hit a sacrifice bunt to third and Carter was able to score on a wild pitch while Vitale was able to reach home the same route while starting pitcher Rachel Vaughn was at the plate.
Vaughn reached on a single and with Sheyenne Bell in the game as a courtesy runner, the L:ady Indians got on the board as she stole second base and came home on a single to center by Qortni Ware.
Ware stole second and after a strikeout, Olivia Davis reached on a walk and Jocee Barret followed with an RBI single and Ashlyn Gunter ended the scoring barrage with a two-run double.
Meanwhile, Vaughn had a quality start as she didn’t allow a hit until the top of the fourth inning and allowed a run in the top of the fifth as she finished with a five-hitter, recording six strikeouts.
The pitcher was also 3-for-3 at the plate including two doubles.
 

Northgate defeats East Coweta in non-region softball game

The Northgate Lady Vikings took advantage of missed opportunites and miscues in the field Wednesday night to come from behind and defeat the East Coweta Lady Indians 3-2 in a non-region victory at home for the former.
The Lady Vikings improve to 19-2 on the season as they prepare for the Region 3-AAAAA Tournament while the Lady Indians fell to 19-7 as they prepare to host Eagles Landing Christian Academy on Thursday and face the McIntosh Lady Chiefs in Peachtree City on Friday.
The Lady Indians took the lead in the top of the first inning as Kia Smith led off with a walk, stole second and moved to third on a sacrifice bunt before scoring on a single by Shemiah Sanchez.
In the top of the second inning, EC had a chance to add to the lead as Maggie Morrow led off with a walk and was replaced by Lindsay Warren as a runner.
Warren moved to second on sacrifice to third by Hailey Baswell but Northgate starter McKenzie Peace retired the next two batters on infield outs.
The Lady Indians did add to the lead in the top of the third inning as Mekhia Freeman reached first on an infield error, stole second and moved to third on a sacrifice bunt before coming home on a single by Sanchez.
Sanchez would be stranded on first as Peace was able to induce a flyball to centerfielder Brenna Skalski and a groundball to third baseman Jenna Pealor to end the inning.
In the bottom of the frame, the Lady Vikings got on the scoreboard as Joprdan Hamilton led off with a walk, moved to second on a sacrifice and after a strikeout came home when Skalski reached on an infield error.
The Lady Indians had opportunities to add to the lead as Morrow led off the top of the fourth inning with a single and Freeman led off the fifth with a single but they never got oast third base as Peace continued to find a way to get out of trouble in each frame.
The Lady Vikings made them pay as Hamilton led off the bottom o fthe fifth by reaching on an infield errorand moved around to third on a pair of groundball outs before coming home on a passed ball.
The home team, who defeated the Lady Indians 6-0 on September 9 in Sharpsburg, took the lead in the bottom of the sixth inning as Lauren DeLoach led off with a walk, moved to second on a passed ball and advanced to third on a groundout before coming home on a single to right by Ebonee Echols.
Peace, who allowed six hits, retired the side in order in the top of the seventh to get the win.  



  

Goree fires two-hitter in EC win over Chapel Hill

SHARPSBURG-Throughout his tenure as the head coach at East Coweta, Franklin Deloach tries to have a competitive non-region schedule for his Lady Indians and Monday evening was no exception as they hosted the Chapel Hill Lady Panthers.
Added to the schedule thanks to Mother Nature, the Lady Indians got a measure of revenge of a 2009 region tournament loss against the Lady Panthers as Morgan Goree had a two-hit eight strikeout performance in a 3-0 victory.
The game was also part of a marathon this week for the Lady Indians (18-6) who will play Northside-Columbus at home Tuesday, play at Northgate on Wednesday, host Eagles Landing Christian on Thursday and close the regular season on Friday at McIntosh.
As for the Chapel Hill game, the Lady Indians scored a single riun in the bottom of the first inning as Kia Smith led off with a walk, stole second and moved to third on a groundout before eventually scoring with two outs in the frame on a wild pitch as Shemiah Sanchez reached on a walk.



EC pitcher Morgan Goree allowed two hits and recorded eight strikeouts in the Lady Indians' 3-0 victory.

 

 

The run would be the only margin that Goree had play but she was up to the task as she continiued to keep Lady Panther batters off the bases with a strikeout pitch that appeared to work throughout the game.
However, Goree's mound opponent Darby Demarest was as equal to task as she allowed two hits in the first four innings and recieved support from her defense including four outs hit to the outfield.
Demarest would surrender the other two EC runs with one out in the bottom of the fifth inning as Mekhia Freeman reached on an infield error and Katey Lynch followed with a shot over the left field fence for a two-run home run.
The Lady Indians appeared to get to Demarest after one out in the bottom of the sixth inning as Maggie Morrow, Hailey Baswell and Gracelynn Newmon reached on consecutive singles.
Demarest, who allowed seven hits and three walks in the game, recovered to induce an infield fly and a groundout hit back to her to end the frame.
Goree retired the first two batters in the top of the seventh inning, but a pair of infield errors prolongd the frame before a groundball to Newmon at third ended the game.

East Coweta sweeps doubleheader from Cherokee

Shown in an at bat from a previous game, EC catcher Reba Jones delivered the go ahead in the top of the sixth inning of the second game of the Lady Indians' doubleheader with Cherokee.

KENNESAW-Reba Jones had two hits and three RBIs including the lead run in the sixth inning Thursday as the East Coweta Lady Indians defeated the Cherokee County Lady Warriors 6-1 in the second game of a doubleheader at Kennesaw State University.
The win improved the Lady Indians’ overall record to 17-6 and gave them a sweep as they defeated the 10-2 in a five inning game as Hailey Baswell went 3-for-3 at the plate.
The benefactor in both wins was pitcher Morgan Goree who allowed nine hits and three runs in two games while recording nine strikeouts.
In the nightcap, the Lady Indians broke a scoreless tie in the top of the third inning as Kia Smith reached on a one out single and moved to second on an infield error then came home on a two out single by Katey Lynch.
The Lady Warriors tied the game in the bottom of the inning with an unearned run and the game remained tied until the top of the sixth inning when the Lady Indians scored three times to reclaim the lead.
Lynch lined a double to left to lead off the frame and Shemiah Sanchez followed with a single that moved pinch runner Madison Carter to third for Jones who gave the Lady Indians a 3-1 lead as she lined a double to center that brought both plate ward.
On the play, Jones was awarded third due to defensive interference and Jamie Vitale was sent into the game as a courtesy runner.
A wild pitch allowed Vitale to score and EC enjoyed a 4-1 lead as well as a a chance to add to the lead as Maggie Morrow walked and Hailey Baswell reached on an error by the infield.
However, the last two Lady Indian batters were retired and the inning ended with a 4-1 advantage remained.
The Lady Warriors threatened to cut into the lead as Goree allowed a leadoff single and a batter reached first on an infield error that allowed both to advance into scoring position.
However, three straight plays at the plate nullified the Cherokee rally and kept the EC lead intact.
In the top of the seventh inning, the Lady Indians added to the lead as Carter reached on a double to center field and scored on a two out double by Jones.
Vitale came into the game as a courtesy runnner for Jones and came home on with the final run of the game on a single by Lauren Liebe.
Goree was able to get through the bottom of the frame as she retired the first batter on a groundout and recorded a double play after surrendering a walk.
The opening game came a little easier for East Coweta as they spotted a run in the top of the first to Cherokee before scoring four of their own in the bottom of the frame.
Smith was hit by a pitch, stole second and moved to third on a sacrifice by Mekhia Freeman and Lynch followed by reaching first when she was hit by a pitch.
Lynch stole second and after Jones reached on a walk, Carter came in as a courtesy runner and Liebe put the Lady Indians on the board with a two-run single.
Carter and Liebe, who advanced to second on the throw from the outfield scored the other two runs in the frame as Morrow lined a single to left field.
After the Lady Warriors scored a run in the top of the third inning, the Lady Indians got the run back in the bottom of the frame as LuLu Warren came home from third on a single by Baswell and added a run in the fourth as Lynch scored on a sacrifice bunt by Jones.
Any doubt about the outcome was eliminated in the bottom of the fifth inning as the Lady Indians scored four runs to win the game on the mercy rule.
Warren doubled to lead off the inning, advanced to third on a single by Baswell and scored on a single by Gracelynn Newmon.
Baswell scored on a single by Smith that also moved Newmon into scoring position for Freeman who delivered when she grounded out to the pitcher.
Smith, who found herself in scoring position on the groundout and a steal, scored the final run when Sanchez hit a sacrifice fly to end the game.

Lady Cougars JV score run in fourth inning to spoil undefeated bid of EC

Katelin Richardson scored from third base in the bottom of the fourth inning on a groundout Thursday for the Newnan Lady Cougars who thwarted an undefeated softball season for the East Coweta Lady Indians after a 3-2 victory in a junior varsity matchup between the rivals.
The game was tied 2-2 when Richardson was hit by a pitch from EC starter Rachel Vaughns to start the inning then stole second base before moving to third on a sacrifice bunt by KT Heggood and eventually coming home when Frances Arnall grounded out to shortstop Jamie Vitale.


Newnan JV pitcher Addie Andrews scattered seven hits in the win over East Coweta. 

 Richardson’s run was only the second earned run allowed by Vaughns this season.
The Lady Indians, who came into the game with a 12-0 record, tried to tie the game in the top of the fifth inning as Jessica Barber and Star Jones led off with singles off Lady Cougars starter Addie Andrews.
A sacrifice bunt by Madison Carter advanced pinch runner Sheyenne Bell and Alyson Gunter into scoring position and Vitale reached first on a walk to load the bases for Watson.
The Lady Indians thought they had tied the game at 3-3 when Watson hit what appeared to hit a sacrifice fly to left with Bell scoring and Gunter moving to third.


East Coweta JV hurler Rachel Vaughns allowed two hits and recorded five strikouts in the 3-2 loss to Newnan.

However, the umpires met and ruled that Bell had left third early which nullified the run and ended the inning.
Andrews was in control in the final frames as she retired the side in order in the sixth and seventh innings to complete an afternoon in which she allowed seven hits.
The Lady Indians took the initial lead of the game in the top of the first inning as Vitale singled, stole second and moved to third on a single by Emily Watson before coming home on the front end of an attempted double steal. Vitale crossed home plate but the throw from catcher Darby Keene to second was true and Watson was tagged out.
The Lady Cougars took the lead in the bottom of the second inning courtesy of miscues in the field by the Lady Indians as Richardson reached first on an infield error and with one out Arnall reached on an infield error.
Both runners came home when Jemeiah Berry laced a triple to right center field which was only the second hit allowed in the game by Vaughns who recorded five strikeouts in the game. The Lady Indians tied the game at 2-2 after one out in the top of the third inning when Carter reached on an infield single and stole two bases before coming home as Vitale grounded out to third.
In the top of the fourth inning, the Lady Indians threatened to take the lead as Qortni Ware singled and moved to second on a sacrifice bunt by Vaughns but was tagged out at third after a single by LuLu Warren and the frame ended as Bianca DeJesus grounded out.



 

Blowout the word for Northgate, Newnan and EC in softball wins

On Monday, a post was placed in Facebook was posted by the Northgate Lady Vikings page encouraging players to get their homework done, call it an early night and be ready to play Tuesday.
While it is unknown if the homework was done, but the Lady Vikings managed to be well rested Tuesday evening as they had no trouble with the Whitewater Lady Wildcats in a 12-0 Region 3-AAAAA victory that clinched top seed for the upcoming tournament.
The Lady Vikings (12-2, 7-0) did a lot of damage in the bottom of the second inning as Ebonee Echols led off with a single, stole second and went to third on a bunt single by Jordan Hamilton before coming home on a one out bunt single by MacKenzie McCloud who advanced to second on a throw into the infield.
After a strikeout, Brenna Skalski singled Hamilton home with the second run of the inning while McCloud went to third. Which allowed Skalski to move to second when the throw came in.
Northgate took a 4-0 lead as Carly Alderman singled McCloud and Skalski home and Jenna Pealor finished the scoring with a two-run home run that also forced a pitching change by Whitewater.
The Lady Vikings were not done scoring as Echols and Hamilton singled and Jessica Houk followed with a groundout to first that brought Echols home from third while Hamilton moved to third before she came home on a passed ball.
In the bottom of the fourth inning, Northgate added to the lead after making wholesale substitutions who contributed to the attack.
Pealor and Reagan Kinsch reached on consecutive one-out singles and both came home on a triple by Jessica Cochran who would score on a single by Lauren DeLoach.
Rachel Cook reached on a walk and after a force play retired DeLoach at third, would score on an error by the Whitewater catcher that ended the game.
Benefiting from the rest and run support was Northgate starting pitcher McKenzie Peace who allowed three hits, walked two and recorded five strikeouts in four innings.
The term blowout seemed to be the word of the afternoon Tuesday for all three Coweta schools as East Coweta and Newnan clinched the top seeds for the upcoming Region 3-AAAAAA tournament with easy wins.
The Newnan Lady Cougars clinched the top spot for the tournament with a 20-5 win at home over the Langston Hughes Lady Panthers while the East Coweta Lady Indians clinched the number two spot with a 17-0 three-inning win and for good measure won a non-region second game by the same score.
In the Lady Cougars win, a nine-run first inning paced the victory then five in the bottom of the second and six in the final inning.
Colton and Stewart each had three hits while Leslie Davis had two.
Shania Colton had a two-run home run in the bottom of the first inning while Lindsey Stewart hit a grand slam to key the scoring in the frame.
Colton led the Lady Cougars with five RBIs, Stewart, Davis and Lauren Ferguson each had four and Frances Arnall had one.
Emily Allen pitched the first two innings of the game for the Lady Cougars and recorded three strikeouts while Courtney Darrow and Colton hurled in the top of third when the Lady Panthers scored all of their runs
The win improved the Lady Cougars overall mark to 12-4.
In the Lady Indians’ initial win at Douglasville, four runs in first and second innings and a nine-run third did the damage as well as the long ball as Katey Lynch, Maggie Morrow and Reba Jones each had a home run.
Pitching also made the opener finish sooner as Morgan Goree retired all nine batters she faced with six going down by strikeout.
Lynch had three hits and five RBIs in the game while Hailey Baswell and Morrow each finished with a pair of hits.
In the nightcap which didn‘t count in the region standings, the Lady Indians scored 10 runs in the second inning and seven in the third inning.
Gabby Freed had three hits and three RBIs including a home run while Madison Carter had two hits and scored three runs.
Kaylin Wall and Kayla Vincent combined on the shutout recording four strikeouts.
The Lady Indians improve to 11-4 on the season.
All three teams will be busy this week as they compete in the Brookwood Invitational Tournament which is spread out through Gwinnett County.
East Coweta will face Peachtree Ridge at Brookwood tonight while Newnan will play two games Friday night at Lanier High School and three at North Gwinnett.
Northgate will play twice on Friday at South Gwinnett before playing three games (at Archer High School) on Saturday.

 

Newnan defeats mistake prone Troup Tigers at home

To date the Newnan Cougars have had a 2013 football season that has given the faithful a roller coaster feeling or being a chocolate in Forrest Gump‘s candy box.
After a 52-21 loss to Marietta on August 30, Newnan defeated LaGrange 42-20 on September 6 before dropping a 55-21 decision to highly regarded Sandy Creek last week in Tyrone.
Friday night, the Cougars dominated most of the game even though they only won by a 17-7 margin over the Troup Tigers in Drake Stadium as they evened the record to 2-2 on the season.
The Tigers, who dropped a decision to Callaway last week on turnovers fell to 1-2 on the season.
After the Cougars failed on their first offensive series of the game, the Tigers took over and had some success moving the ball until with 6:33 remaining in the first quarter.
Newnan took over at their 42 and also had success moving the ball behind the running of J.K Britt who carried the ball on four of the first five plays of the series.
The Cougars moved the ball to the Tigers one yard line with a first and goal but were unable to score a touchdown as Britt was stopped twice for negative yards and a pass from quarterback Bailey Bryant was incomplete.
Newnan managed to come away with points as Conner Cox converted a 21-yard field goal with 3:54 remaining.
Britt played a role on defense on Troup’s next series as the Tigers were at their own 13 with a second down at their own 13 when a pass from quarterback Will Smith was picked off by Britt at the Cougars’ 40 with 2:46 remaining.
However, the Cougars were unable to take advantage of the turnover as they got as far as the Tigers’ 18 when they lost possession on downs in the early seconds of the second quarter.
After holding the Tigers, the Cougars took over at their 21 when Britt took a handoff and raced 43 yards through the middle and the home team had a first-and-10 at the Tigers’ 30.
Seven plays later the Cougars recorded a touchdown as Britt ran to his left for a five-yard score with 5:21 remaining in the half and the lead was 10-0 after the extra point by Cox was good.
The Cougars had one more opportunity to score in the first half as they started at their 27 and moved the ball downfield behind the passing of Bryant who completed four of five at one point, but a pair of incompletion and a play for negative yardage stalled the drive and they took the 10-0 lead to the locker room.
At the start of second half, the Tigers opened with possession at their 20 and went on a drive that would last over seven minutes behind the running of Dre Towns and Daryl Dunlap to make the Troup faithful feel encouraged as they moved to the Cougars’ 15.
However, the turnover bug that plagued the Tigers in their game at Callaway last week returned as Dunlap fumbled and the Cougars recovered with 4:28 remaining.
The Tigers defense came in and held the Cougars on the ensuing series and on the following series recorded only score of the evening came as a Cougar fumble was recovered and returned approximately 50 yards for a touchdown 30 seconds into the final quarter and the margin was cut to 10-7 after the extra point.
Troup attempted an onside kick but Newnan recovered at their own 33 and made the visitors pay for the call as they went on a 67-yard drive behind the running of Britt until they reached the Tigers‘ 17 when Bryant hit Arnold in the end zone with 8:41 remaining to take a 10-point lead after the extra point by Cox.
The Tigers were still in the game as proven by the ensuing kickoff that picked up at his three-yard line and returned it 57 yards to the Cougars 41.
However, the joy in the stands changed to agony as Smith was intercepted at the two yard line on the first play from scrimmage by a Cougar defender.
The Tigers defense, which made several plays throughout the game when needed was able to hold the Cougars at their own 13 and force a short punt with a chance to rally.
However, a Tiger special teams player elected to field a bouncing ball and attempt a return but bobbled the ball instead allowing the Cougars to retain possession and lower the emotion of their guests.
Troup finished the game with five turnovers and were flagged for over 100 yards for a number of infractions from consecutive illegal procedure calls to several personal foul violations.
The Cougars will be idle next week before hosting Hardaway on September 27while the Tigers will face another team of Cougars when they face Alexander next Friday.

East Coweta rallies to defeat Whitewater

SHARPSBURG-The East Coweta Lady Indians scored four runs in the fifth and sixth innings Wednesday night to come from behind with a 5-2 victory over the Whitewater Lady Wildcats in a non-region matchup.
The win improves the Lady Indians overall record to 8-4 with a Region 3-AAAAAA game Thursday at home against the Westlake Lady Lions while the Lady Wildcats fell to 12-5 on the season.
The Lady Indians took the first lead of the game as Kia Smith led off the bottom of the first inning with a walk, stole second and moved to third on a single by Mckhia Freeman and came home on a sacrifice fly to center field by Katey Lynch.
The Lady Wildcats came back in the top of the second inning to take a 2-1 lead as Kylee Southers led off with a single and two outs later Breanna Burgett hit the first offering from pitcher Morgan Goree over the left field fence for a home run.
Whitewater threatened to add to the lead in the third and fifth innings against Goree but usually there were two outs and she usually got of any trouble with an infield out.
In the bottom of the fifth inning, EC rallied as Hailey Baswell was hit by a pitch to open the frame, stole second and moved to third on a sacrifice bunt by Gracelynn Newmon before coming home with the tying run on a single to center field by Smith.
Smith advanced to second base on a wild pitch and advanced to third when Freeman was narrowly retired on a groundout to short before coming home with the lead run on a single by Shemiah Sanchez.
Insurance runs came in the bottom of the sixth inning as Lynch led off with a single and pinch runner Madison Carter moved to second on a wild pitch.
Carter moved to third on a sacrifice bunt by Maggie Morrow, Reba Jones and Lauren Liebe reached on walks to load the bases for Baswell who hit a sacrifice fly to center field that brought Carter home.
Meanwhile, courtesy runner Jamie Vitale recorded the final run of the game when she scored when Newmon lined n a single off the glove of the Lady Wildcats.
The margin was enough for Goree who retired the first batter on a groundoput, surrendered a walk to Hannah Thomason before getting a 4-3 double play to end the game and finish with a four-hitter.
The varsity win was a sweep for EC as the junior varsity scored 11 runs in the bottom of the first inning en route to a 15-0 three inning win.
Carter, Vitale and Rachel Vaughn each went 2-for-2 at the plate with Vitale collecting three RBIs while Qortni Ware and Vaughn each had two.
Jessica Barber tossed all three innings allowing a bunt single and a walk while recording four strikeouts.

Lady Vikings shutout Lady Indians in Strikeout Cancer game

Members of the Northgate and East Coweta softball teams gather around longtime softball coach Larry Shelnutt, his wife Linda and his granddaugher during the Strikeout for Cancer game held at ECHS on Monday night. Shelnutt, who is currently fightning cancer, coached many of the players in the photo and was a former assistant coach and booster club president of the softball program at ECHS. 

SHARPSBURG-The Lady Vikings scored four runs in the top of the third inning Monday night while pitchers McKenzie Peace and Haley Flood combined to allow three hits in a 6-0 victory over the East Coweta Lady Indians.
The game was part of a junior varsity/varsity doubleheader in an annual Strikeout for Cancer event held at East Coweta High School.
The Lady Vikings played without head coach Lisa Skelton who was serving out a two-game suspension after being ejected from a recent game and improved to 9-2 on the season while the Lady Indians dropped to 6-4 on the season.
The Lady Indians had an opportunity to score the first runs of the game as Mekhia Freeman and Shemiah Sanchez reached base with one out in the bottom of the first inning but Peace left them stranded as she induced a popup and a groundout to end the frame.
Both teams were scoreless until the top of the third inning when the Lady Vikings took advantage of mistakes to get on the board.
Brittany Futral led of the inning by reaching first on a walk, couretsy runner Ebonee Echols stole second and went to third on a sacrifice bunt by Rachel Cook.
Kat Davenport attempted a sacrifice bunt that was hit to the mound, but the ball was misplayed by EC starting pitcher Morgan Goree as Echols came home with the intial run of the game.
Davenport moved to second on a wild pitch and after a strikeout came home on a double to left field by Regan Kinsch.
Peace followed by reaching first after being hit by a pitch and Skalski reentered the game as a courtesy runner.
With Jessica Cochran at the plate, Kinsch advanced to third on a wild pitch and would come home as the throw from home to third went into left field.
Meanwhile, Skalski would follow Kinsch to third and eventually the final run of the inning on a single by Cochran.
The margin was enough for Peace who held the Lady Indians at bay for five innings as they were able to collect two hits through the first four innings before Flood took over who allowed one hit through the final three innings to collect a save.
The Lady Vikings added to their lead in the top of the sixth inning as Echols reached on a one out walk off reliever Kaylin Wall and Jessica Houk followed with a single to center field.
After an infield fly, Khira Long hit a single to right that scored Echols and advanced Houk to third who would eventually come home with the final run on a steal of home.