Sports

Teammates swarm Sam Shaver after the sophomore made a last-second shot to defeat Habersham Central Dec. 13 in the Lions’ Den. (Photo by Shane Scoggins)

Teammates swarm Sam Shaver after the sophomore made a last-second shot to defeat Habersham Central Dec. 13 in the Lions’ Den. (Photo by Shane Scoggins)

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Prepping for 8AA

News Staff
Tuesday, December 23, 2025
By Shane ScogginsPublisher The Region 8AA opener for the Franklin County Lion basketball team is still a couple of weeks away on Jan. 13 against Stephens County.But Coach Jason Shaver said that his team is being prepared for those high-pressure contests in their non-region contests.
Lady Lion Nykhia Johnson drives toward the basket in action last week against Habersham Central in the Lion’s Den. Johnson finished with eight points. (Photo by Shane Scoggins)

Lady Lion Nykhia Johnson drives toward the basket in action last week against Habersham Central in the Lion’s Den. Johnson finished with eight points. (Photo by Shane Scoggins)

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Lady Lions aim for more experience, to get healthy

News Staff
Tuesday, December 23, 2025
By Shane ScogginsPublisher While the Franklin County Lady Lions’ 2-7 start to the 2025-26 season will go down in the record books, it may not be indicative of where the team will end up.
Drake Nix saves a ball from going out of bounds in the Lions’ victory over Daniel, S.C., Saturday in Carnesville. (Photos by Shane Scoggins)

Drake Nix saves a ball from going out of bounds in the Lions’ victory over Daniel, S.C., Saturday in Carnesville. (Photos by Shane Scoggins)

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Myrtle Beach trip

News Staff
Thursday, December 18, 2025
By Shane ScogginsPublisher A pre-Christmas tradition for the Franklin County Lion basketball team will have a little different look this year.The Lions are on their way to Myrtle Beach, S.C., as has become a regular occurrence for the team.
Ramsey Fulbright works to turn a Rabun County opponent during the final home match of the season Tuesday in Carnesville. (Photo by Shane Scoggins)

Ramsey Fulbright works to turn a Rabun County opponent during the final home match of the season Tuesday in Carnesville. (Photo by Shane Scoggins)

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Lions honor seniors as area duals near

News Staff
Thursday, December 18, 2025
By Shane ScogginsPublisher The Franklin County Wrestling Lions have just three meets remaining until the Area 8AA Dual tournament Jan. 10 at Union County.Franklin will wrestle Saturday at the George Thompson Memorial Duals in Winder.After a break for Christmas, the team will wrestle Dec.
Lady Lion Kallie Thrift looks to make a pass in a game earlier this season.

Lady Lion Kallie Thrift looks to make a pass in a game earlier this season.

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Lady Lions look to build momentum at Hart tourney

News Staff
Thursday, December 18, 2025
By Shane ScogginsPublisher The Franklin County Lady Lions will have a few days off before looking to build momentum in the Hart County Christmas Tournament Dec. 27-30.The Lady Lions have gotten off to a slow start to the 2025-26 season with a road-heavy schedule against a series of strong opponents.
D.J. Appleby (left) and Keyes Harbin (right) were among the Franklin County Lions named to the All-Region 8AA football team.

D.J. Appleby (left) and Keyes Harbin (right) were among the Franklin County Lions named to the All-Region 8AA football team.

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All-8AA honors

News Staff
Thursday, December 11, 2025
From staff reports Two historic seasons were rewarded recently with All-Region 8AA selections for Franklin County’s volleyball and football teams.The Lady Lion volleyball team posted its greatest season ever, making the playoffs for the first time and advancing to the state’s Final Four.
The FCA I-85 Battleground Showcase is back Saturday and better than ever.

The FCA I-85 Battleground Showcase is back Saturday and better than ever.

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Franklin to host powers in I-85 Battleground Showcase

News Staff
Thursday, December 11, 2025
By Jason ShaverSpecial to theFranklin County Citizen Leader The FCA I-85 Battleground Showcase is back Saturday and better than ever.There will be 8 games, the best showcase in the Southeast.All games are boys teams.• 10 a.m. –  Seneca (S.C.) vs. The Wilson Academy (Conyers);• 11:30 a.m.
Hannah Crowe returns to help lead the Franklin County Lady Lion wrestling program in 2025-26.

Hannah Crowe returns to help lead the Franklin County Lady Lion wrestling program in 2025-26.

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Lady Lions look for success to build program

News Staff
Thursday, December 4, 2025
From staff reports The Franklin County Lady Lions’ wrestling roster is not long, but Coach Mandi Sutton said it is a good start to build a solid program.“Our goal this year is to begin building our team,” she said.
The Franklin County Lion wrestling team – led in part by Josh Baughcum – won the FC Turkey Duals tournament Nov. 26 at the Wrestling Gym on Busha Road in Carnesville.

The Franklin County Lion wrestling team – led in part by Josh Baughcum – won the FC Turkey Duals tournament Nov. 26 at the Wrestling Gym on Busha Road in Carnesville.

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Lions win turkey duals

News Staff
Thursday, December 4, 2025
The Franklin County Lion wrestling team won the FC Turkey Duals tournament Nov. 26 at the Wrestling Gym on Busha Road in Carnesville. Franklin defeated Winder-Barrow 65-17, East Hall 65-12, Walhalla, S.C., 64-12 and Hart County 40-39 in the round-robin tournament.
The Lions and Lady Lions are in the midst of six consecutive games away from Carnesville.

The Lions and Lady Lions are in the midst of six consecutive games away from Carnesville.

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Basketball squads to face tough slate on road

News Staff
Thursday, December 4, 2025
By Shane ScogginsPublisher Franklin County basketball will finish off its longest road trip of the season next week.The Lions and Lady Lions are in the midst of six consecutive games away from Carnesville.