Sports

Lady Lion Roniyah Johnson blocks a Hart County shot during the Region 8AA semifinals last week at Emmanuel University. (Photo by Scoggins)

Lady Lion Roniyah Johnson blocks a Hart County shot during the Region 8AA semifinals last week at Emmanuel University. (Photo by Scoggins)

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Lady Lions advance to state’s Sweet 16

News Staff
Wednesday, February 19, 2025
By Shane Scoggins Publisher   The Franklin County Lady Lions earned their way into the Sweet 16 Tuesday with a first-round win on the road in the state playoffs. Franklin defeated Miller Grove 59-41 in Lithonia. The Lady Lions dominated the game with the host Lady Wolverines.
Antnez “Tank” Fortson (seated left) signed a college football scholarship to play for McPherson College in McPherson, Kan. Joining him at the signing ceremony at Franklin County High School last week were his mother, Breanda Fortson (seated right) and (back, from left) Franklin County Lion football coaches Caleb Hardy, Zach Marinell, Head Coach Chuck Holland, Robert Allen and Cayman Brooks. (Photo by Eavenson)

Antnez “Tank” Fortson (seated left) signed a college football scholarship to play for McPherson College in McPherson, Kan. Joining him at the signing ceremony at Franklin County High School last week were his mother, Breanda Fortson (seated right) and (back, from left) Franklin County Lion football coaches Caleb Hardy, Zach Marinell, Head Coach Chuck Holland, Robert Allen and Cayman Brooks. (Photo by Eavenson)

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Lion Tank Fortson signs with McPherson College

News Staff
Thursday, February 13, 2025
By Charlie Eavenson Staff Writer   Rarely has there been such a crowd for a scholarship signing as there was last week when Franklin County High School senior Antnez “Tank” Fortson signed his letter of intent to play college football.
New Head Coach Ryan Phillips aims to have his Lions out-hustle opponents this baseball season. (Photo by Scoggins)

New Head Coach Ryan Phillips aims to have his Lions out-hustle opponents this baseball season. (Photo by Scoggins)

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Four-time region champs aim for repeat by ‘out-hustling’ foes

News Staff
Thursday, February 13, 2025
By Shane Scoggins Publisher   The goals for the Franklin County Lions baseball team in 2025 are pretty straight forward: a fifth consecutive region championship and the state championship. To achieve those goals, the team, ranked No.
The Franklin County High School wrestling team – including Aden Pirkle – claimed seven area championships in tournaments in Toccoa.

The Franklin County High School wrestling team – including Aden Pirkle – claimed seven area championships in tournaments in Toccoa.

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Golden seven

News Staff
Thursday, February 6, 2025
By Shane Scoggins Publisher   Franklin County wrestling ended area tournament weekend with seven champions and 11 qualifiers for state competition. Six Lion wrestlers won Area 8AA titles Saturday at Stephens County High School in Toccoa.
The Franklin County Middle School eighth grade boys’ team won the region championship in tournament finals in Hartwell.

The Franklin County Middle School eighth grade boys’ team won the region championship in tournament finals in Hartwell.

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FCMS squads claim region championships

News Staff
Thursday, February 6, 2025
By Shane Scoggins Publisher   Franklin County Middle School claimed two region basketball championships Saturday in title games held at Hart County High School in Hartwell. The FCMS seventh grade girls and eighth grade boys claimed NEGIAA titles.
Franklin County Lion Josh Baughcum picks up an opponent for a takedown during action Saturday in the Inferno Invitational in Elberton. (Photo by Scoggins)

Franklin County Lion Josh Baughcum picks up an opponent for a takedown during action Saturday in the Inferno Invitational in Elberton. (Photo by Scoggins)

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Goals: Area golds

News Staff
Wednesday, January 29, 2025
By Shane Scoggins Publisher   The Franklin County Lions aim to defend their area championship Saturday at the Area 8AA Traditional Tournament in Toccoa.
Ta’kiyah Merriett (right) collects a rebound.

Ta’kiyah Merriett (right) collects a rebound.

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Lady Lions solidify hold on 2nd in 8AA

News Staff
Wednesday, January 29, 2025
By Shane Scoggins Publisher   Two more victories in region contests have the Franklin County Lady Lions solidly in second place in the 8AA standings. The Lady Lions picked up wins over Prince Avenue Tuesday and Stephens County Friday.
Bentley Huff goes up between two Stephens County defenders for a layup in Friday’s Franklin County Lion blowout of the Indians in Carnesville. (Photo by Scoggins)

Bentley Huff goes up between two Stephens County defenders for a layup in Friday’s Franklin County Lion blowout of the Indians in Carnesville. (Photo by Scoggins)

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Rivalry game key to region standings

News Staff
Wednesday, January 29, 2025
By Shane Scoggins Publisher   As if a road game against rival Hart County isn’t important enough for the Franklin County Lions, second place in Region 8AA will be on the line Friday in Hartwell.
Frae’Quane Wilkins goes up for a layup during the Franklin County Lions’ victory Friday over East Jackson in the Lion’s Den. (Photo by Scoggins)

Frae’Quane Wilkins goes up for a layup during the Franklin County Lions’ victory Friday over East Jackson in the Lion’s Den. (Photo by Scoggins)

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Improving on top

News Staff
Thursday, January 23, 2025
By Shane Scoggins Publisher   The Franklin County Lion basketball team still has room to improve, Head Coach Jason Shaver said, but the team is rounding into what it can become. “I’m just enjoying seeing them get better,” Shaver said. The team’s success is evident.
Nykhia Johnson pressures a East Jackson ball handler during Friday’s win in the Lion’s Den. Johnson made eight three-pointers in the game and finished with 27 points.

Nykhia Johnson pressures a East Jackson ball handler during Friday’s win in the Lion’s Den. Johnson made eight three-pointers in the game and finished with 27 points.

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Franklin girls sit atop 8AA

News Staff
Thursday, January 23, 2025
By Shane Scoggins Publisher   Near the halfway point of the Region 8AA schedule, the Franklin County Lady Lions sit tied for first place. It is exactly where Coach Chad Bridges hoped his team would be at this point in the schedule.