Sports

Bentley Huff drives past a Prince Avenue defender in Franklin County's Region 8AA semifinal win Wednesday night in Bogart.

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Lions to play for 8AA title; Lady Lions for third

News Staff

Thursday, February 19, 2026

By Shane ScogginsPublisherThe Franklin County Lions have already clinched a spot in the state basketball playoffs.They play Friday for something even bigger: a Region 8AA championship.The Lions went into the region tournament this week as the No. 2 seed.

Lady Lion Hannah Crowe avenged a third place finish in her area tournament by defeating the area champion and the wrestler that defeated her at area to win the State Sectional tournament Friday in Commerce. (Photos by Shane Scoggins)

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A dozen to state

News Staff

Wednesday, February 11, 2026

By Shane ScogginsPublisher Twelve Franklin County wrestlers – 11 Lions and one Lady Lion – will wrestle for state championships beginning Friday in Morrow.

Franklin County Lion Coach Jason Shaver talks with senior Bentley Huff during a break in play during Friday’s win over Hart County in the Lions Den. (Photo by Shane Scoggins)

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Lions secure second seed in upcoming 8AA tourney

News Staff

Wednesday, February 11, 2026

By Shane ScogginsPublisher Coach Jason Shaver turned to the Carthaginian General Hannibal for his pre-game speech Tuesday night.The general famous for marching elephants over the Alps to attack Rome reportedly said, “I will either find a way, or make one.

Senior Caden Cawthon delivers a pitch in Franklin County’s season-opening 11-1 win over Washington-Wilkes Monday in Carnesville. (Photo by Shane Scoggins)

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New-look Lions aim to continue success on diamond

News Staff

Wednesday, February 11, 2026

By Shane ScogginsPublisher Great teams come and go, but great programs linger and contend every year.Franklin County Lions Baseball has developed into one of the leading programs in the area and in the state.

The Franklin County Lion wrestling team took second place in the Area 8AA traditional tournament Friday at Stephens County High School. (Photo by Shane Scoggins)

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Well qualified

News Staff

Thursday, February 5, 2026

By Shane ScogginsPublisher Fresh off a strong showing in the Area 8AA traditional tournament, all 12 Franklin County Lion wrestlers will compete Saturday to qualify for the state championship.

The Franklin County Middle School eighth grade Cubs won the NEGIAA region championship Thursday with a victory over Stephens County at Madison County Middle School in Comer. The victory capped off an undefeated season for the Cubs. (Photo by Shane Scoggins)

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Cubs win; Lady Cubs runners-up

News Staff

Thursday, February 5, 2026

By Shane ScogginsPublisher Franklin County Middle School claimed one eighth-grade basketball championship Thursday and came close to a second.The FCMS eighth-grade boys’ team defeated Stephens County 51-47 for the NEGIAA championship.

Franklin County native Keylan Rutledge, pictured during a Georgia Tech game against Virginia Tech this past season, will play in the Panini Senior Bowl Saturday in Mobile, Ala. (Photo by Shane Scoggins)

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Rutledge to play in Senior Bowl Saturday

News Staff

Thursday, January 29, 2026

From staff reports Franklin County native Keylan Rutledge will play Saturday in The Panini Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala.Rutledge, a 6’3”, 316-pound offensive lineman who played for Georgia Tech, will play for the National Team.

Zy Merritt (left) and Avery Burton (right) surround an East Jackson ball handler during the Franklin County Lady Lions’ win Thursday in Commerce. (Photos by Shane Scoggins)

Winter weather pushes Franklin teams into new schedule

News Staff

Thursday, January 29, 2026

By Shane ScogginsPublisher Winter weather will mean an adjustment in the Region 8AA schedule for the Franklin County Lion and Lady Lion basketball teams this week.

The FCMS eighth grade Lady Cubs will face Stephens County for the region championship tonight at 6:30 p.m. at Madison County Middle School.

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Eighth grade teams play for region titles

News Staff

Thursday, January 29, 2026

The Franklin County Middle School eighth grade basketball teams will play for NEGIAA region championships tonight in Comer.The FCMS eighth grade Lady Cubs will face Stephens County at 6:30 p.m., with the eighth grade boys also facing Stephens County at around 7:45 p.m.

Ta’Kiaha Winkfield drives past a Prince Avenue defender in Friday’s Franklin County win over the Lady Wolverines. The game was Winkfield’s season debut after missing the start of the season due to injury. (Photos by Shane Scoggins)

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Securing standings

News Staff

Thursday, January 22, 2026

By Shane ScogginsPublisher The Franklin County Lady Lions will look to solidify their place as one of the top teams in Region 8AA in the next week.And they’ll do it against the last-place team and then the first-place squad in 8AA.