Sports
Baseball Tournament Is Underway
The District One Class “C” Georgia Recreation and Parks Association 12 and under baseball tournament will continue today (Wednesday, June 12) at the Dodge County Recreation Department. Games will continue until the Friday night championship game.
Admission for the tournament is $2.00 for youth ages 6 to 17 and 55 and over.
Ages 18 to 54 will be $5.00 and children under six are free.
Admission for the tournament is $2.00 for youth ages 6 to 17 and 55 and over.
Ages 18 to 54 will be $5.00 and children under six are free.
Russ's Sports Review
As I mentioned last week, it would be a huge week for the Braves and that is the way things turned out. Things did not start well at all. On the field, they dropped 2 of 3 to a fair Pirates team. Off the field, Craig Kimbrel headed to the Cubs in a three-year, $43 million dollar deal. Reports are that Atlanta didn’t make the final four. Then came late Thursday. Word started to surface that the Braves had the lead on starting pitcher Dallas Kuechel. I still had plenty of questions but around 11:00 p.m., the word was out that the Braves and Scott Boras had agreed on a one-year, sort of, worth $13 million. Kuechel was scheduled to start Saturday for Gwinnett but he was rained out. Hopefully, he got to start Monday for Class “A” Rome. Kuechel seems to think it will only take two minor league starts to get ready. Right now, it looks like he would replace Gausman in the rotation. I really like the deal but bullpen help has got to happen or I think they will be in real trouble.
In a Sunday afternoon move, Atlanta did sign first round draft pick Shea Langeliers. The Baylor catcher was the ninth overall pick in last week’s draft. He is known to be a spectacular defensive catcher. The majority of the experts think he will hit plenty well enough.
Now for the week on the field. The offense was pretty good at times as Freddie Freeman and Ronald Acuna, Jr. led the way. Acuna hit a three run game tying homer in the ninth on Sunday to send the game to extra innings. The Braves beat the Marlins 7-6. As for Freeman, he was rock solid as always. He had ten hits on the week including three homers and seven RBIs. It wasn’t a great week for super rookie Austin Riley. He only went five for 30. He did have a pair of very big hits as he hit a three-run homer Monday to help the Braves come back and beat the Pirates. On Saturday, he had a late double and scored the games only run in a 1-0 win. Thanks to some late game heroics by the Reds, the Braves entered Monday night’s play only one game out of the lead in the unpredictable National League East. Things will get interesting this weekend as the Phillies come to Sun Trust Park.
I know the Hawks don’t get much attention but they made another really big trade last week. On Thursday night, the Hawks acquired shooting guard Allen Crabbe and two number-one draft picks in return for Taurean Prince and a future second round pick. In getting Crabbe, they do get his $18.5 million dollar salary. They do get the 17th overall pick in this year’s draft and a lottery protected number one pick next year. I really expect the Hawks to package a couple of this year’s picks to move up in the upcoming draft. Currently, they hold three first-round picks and three second-round picks in this year’s draft. There is no way they keep all three first-round picks so expect early trade action. They also have three first-round picks in next year’s draft as well. I wouldn’t be the least bit shocked if the Hawks are not a contender in the next few years.
In a Sunday afternoon move, Atlanta did sign first round draft pick Shea Langeliers. The Baylor catcher was the ninth overall pick in last week’s draft. He is known to be a spectacular defensive catcher. The majority of the experts think he will hit plenty well enough.
Now for the week on the field. The offense was pretty good at times as Freddie Freeman and Ronald Acuna, Jr. led the way. Acuna hit a three run game tying homer in the ninth on Sunday to send the game to extra innings. The Braves beat the Marlins 7-6. As for Freeman, he was rock solid as always. He had ten hits on the week including three homers and seven RBIs. It wasn’t a great week for super rookie Austin Riley. He only went five for 30. He did have a pair of very big hits as he hit a three-run homer Monday to help the Braves come back and beat the Pirates. On Saturday, he had a late double and scored the games only run in a 1-0 win. Thanks to some late game heroics by the Reds, the Braves entered Monday night’s play only one game out of the lead in the unpredictable National League East. Things will get interesting this weekend as the Phillies come to Sun Trust Park.
I know the Hawks don’t get much attention but they made another really big trade last week. On Thursday night, the Hawks acquired shooting guard Allen Crabbe and two number-one draft picks in return for Taurean Prince and a future second round pick. In getting Crabbe, they do get his $18.5 million dollar salary. They do get the 17th overall pick in this year’s draft and a lottery protected number one pick next year. I really expect the Hawks to package a couple of this year’s picks to move up in the upcoming draft. Currently, they hold three first-round picks and three second-round picks in this year’s draft. There is no way they keep all three first-round picks so expect early trade action. They also have three first-round picks in next year’s draft as well. I wouldn’t be the least bit shocked if the Hawks are not a contender in the next few years.
SPORTS
All-stars place in tournament
The Dodge County boys 12 and under all-star team placed second (runner-up) in the Perry Junior League Tournament last weekend.
They fought hard after playing for five straight days. The boys were presented with runner-up rings.
Members of the team are Christian Lecouris, Landon Sheffield, Ace Roberson, Brandon White, Griffin Pritchett, Darrell Johnson, Brycen Pruett, Kain Mincey and Asher Wooten.
Coaches for the team are Tom Sheffield, David White, Dusty Pruett and Joel Pritchett.
The Dodge County boys 12 and under all-star team placed second (runner-up) in the Perry Junior League Tournament last weekend.
They fought hard after playing for five straight days. The boys were presented with runner-up rings.
Members of the team are Christian Lecouris, Landon Sheffield, Ace Roberson, Brandon White, Griffin Pritchett, Darrell Johnson, Brycen Pruett, Kain Mincey and Asher Wooten.
Coaches for the team are Tom Sheffield, David White, Dusty Pruett and Joel Pritchett.
Russ's Sports Review
As I mentioned last week, this was going to be a real big week for the Braves. Things started on Monday night with the major league baseball (MLB) draft.
Atlanta had the ninth pick overall and quite frankly, I think things started really good. They drafted Baylor catcher Shea Langeliers. He is considered major league ready as a defensive catcher. His offense started slow with a hamate bone injury. Langeliers charged back in the second half of the season at the plate. He had a huge game in the regionals as he had a five for five game with three homers and 11 RBIs all in one game.
This is a move that I like. Catcher is one of the weaker positions in a strong minor league system. It wouldn’t be surprising in the very least to see him up by the end of the 2020 season.
The team had a pair of first round picks and with the 21st pick, they selected Texas A&M shortstop Braden Shewmake. Personally, I would have loved to see a college outfielder with power but more than likely there was no one left at that spot.
Shewmake is considered a foul-line to foul-line hitter but not a lot of power. He has good speed and he doesn’t strike out a lot. So we will have to see how the second guy works out.
When the clock struck midnight on Monday, the draft pick compensation came off of Dallas Keuchel and Craig Kimbrel.
There is no question that the Braves could use either or both of them but getting them is a totally different story.
I know that the Phillies, Yankees, Cub and Brewers are among the teams that could use Kimbrel in particular.
I believe that Kimbrel could be the key to the winning team in the National League East. If the Braves find a way to get them, I think it is a toss up on who wins the East.
If the Phillies get him, I think the Braves have little chance and would be playing for the wild card. Don’t get me wrong, I would love Keuchel but I think the bullpen must be addressed in order for them to compete.
Now for the week that was for the Braves. Honestly, it wasn’t very good as they went 2-3 at home against Washington and Detroit. Despite their struggles, it was worse for the Phillies as they were swept by the Dodgers.
The Braves only trailed by a game going into the Phillies late Monday night game against San Diego. On the surface, it shouldn’t be real hard work as Atlanta plays in Pittsburgh and Miami.
The legend that is Austin Riley is still rolling. He has eight homers in his first 17 games. He is one of only four players ever to do that.
You have to like the pitching of Mike Soroka and Max Fried. Both of them seem to have a great future. Wouldn’t it be great if the Braves could acquire a veteran like Kuechel or Bumgarner to put with these two fine young guys?
This doesn’t seem to work when Georgia hosts a baseball regional. Last season, they fell to Duke but surely it couldn’t happen again, could it?
Unfortunately, it was yes. After ripping Mercer in the first game 13-3, things went south in a hurry for the fourth seeded Dogs. They were whipped twice by a Florida state team that was fortunate to be in the tournament. The talented Georgia pitching staff was no match for the hot hitting Seminoles.
Hopefully the Dogs won’t pull a three-peat next year!
Atlanta had the ninth pick overall and quite frankly, I think things started really good. They drafted Baylor catcher Shea Langeliers. He is considered major league ready as a defensive catcher. His offense started slow with a hamate bone injury. Langeliers charged back in the second half of the season at the plate. He had a huge game in the regionals as he had a five for five game with three homers and 11 RBIs all in one game.
This is a move that I like. Catcher is one of the weaker positions in a strong minor league system. It wouldn’t be surprising in the very least to see him up by the end of the 2020 season.
The team had a pair of first round picks and with the 21st pick, they selected Texas A&M shortstop Braden Shewmake. Personally, I would have loved to see a college outfielder with power but more than likely there was no one left at that spot.
Shewmake is considered a foul-line to foul-line hitter but not a lot of power. He has good speed and he doesn’t strike out a lot. So we will have to see how the second guy works out.
When the clock struck midnight on Monday, the draft pick compensation came off of Dallas Keuchel and Craig Kimbrel.
There is no question that the Braves could use either or both of them but getting them is a totally different story.
I know that the Phillies, Yankees, Cub and Brewers are among the teams that could use Kimbrel in particular.
I believe that Kimbrel could be the key to the winning team in the National League East. If the Braves find a way to get them, I think it is a toss up on who wins the East.
If the Phillies get him, I think the Braves have little chance and would be playing for the wild card. Don’t get me wrong, I would love Keuchel but I think the bullpen must be addressed in order for them to compete.
Now for the week that was for the Braves. Honestly, it wasn’t very good as they went 2-3 at home against Washington and Detroit. Despite their struggles, it was worse for the Phillies as they were swept by the Dodgers.
The Braves only trailed by a game going into the Phillies late Monday night game against San Diego. On the surface, it shouldn’t be real hard work as Atlanta plays in Pittsburgh and Miami.
The legend that is Austin Riley is still rolling. He has eight homers in his first 17 games. He is one of only four players ever to do that.
You have to like the pitching of Mike Soroka and Max Fried. Both of them seem to have a great future. Wouldn’t it be great if the Braves could acquire a veteran like Kuechel or Bumgarner to put with these two fine young guys?
This doesn’t seem to work when Georgia hosts a baseball regional. Last season, they fell to Duke but surely it couldn’t happen again, could it?
Unfortunately, it was yes. After ripping Mercer in the first game 13-3, things went south in a hurry for the fourth seeded Dogs. They were whipped twice by a Florida state team that was fortunate to be in the tournament. The talented Georgia pitching staff was no match for the hot hitting Seminoles.
Hopefully the Dogs won’t pull a three-peat next year!
RUSS'S SPORTS REVIEW
This upcoming week will be one of the biggest of the 2019 MLB season. The draft does start Monday night, but the bigger item may be at 12:01 on Monday morning. That is because closer Craig Kimbrel and starter Dallas Keychel will no longer have draft pick compensation attached to them.
On Sunday, Braves general manager Alex Anthropolis said they would be interested in both of them. Do I buy that? Well, yes and no. Do I think that the Braves are interested in both? Yes, I do, but I think the chances of getting both are really unlikely. The team probably has the cash to do it but I will believe it when I see it. If I had a choice, it’s Kimbrel by a mile. The late inning guys are just all over the place. I think they will both come off the market pretty darn soon.
Speaking of the draft, it is coming Monday night. The Braves will have the ninth and 21st pick in the first round. Reports are they are looking for another arm. What a shock, and possibly a catcher. Personally, I would rather see a power out field bat. That’s the spot even in the minors that they don’t seem to have.
Now for the week for the Braves. It was actually very good. They went 5-2 on the road against the Giants and Cardinals. They pulled one out of the blue on Sunday night baseball. They trailed 3-0 going to the ninth before Riley ignited another rally and they would win in extra innings. The Braves are a season best 30-24 at the exact third way mark of the season. They are hanging tough with the Phillies as they trail by just 1.5 games going into Tuesday’s home game against the Nationals.
As I mentioned earlier, this is a huge week. The signing of Kimbrel, in particular, will be huge. I can see the Phillies being in the running. The tide of the National League East could swing drastically in the next week.
It was a mixed bag weekend for the Georgia baseball program. Their offense continued to struggle as they dropped a 5-3 decision to Ole Miss in the semi-finals of the SEC tournament. As expected, things did improve after the tournament. Georgia, who finished the season at 44-15, was one of the six SEC schools that were named regional hosts. That play will begin this Friday and run through the weekend. It will be double elimination. The winners of each regional will advance to the super regionals that will begin next weekend.
Here are a couple of Falcon notes for you football fans. The NFL has announced that there will be no change to the overtime rules. I really don’t like it at all. I think it’s only fair that both teams get the ball in overtime. I think the college rules are a bit extreme but I don’t think that a coin toss should have that big of an impact. It also looks like the Falcons should pick up right at eight million of salary cap space after the June 1 cuts. Maybe they can use some of that money to improve the defensive line.
Let’s wrap up this week with a little pro wrestling talk. The much anticipated AEW pay per view double or nothing took place Saturday night in Vegas. All reports are that is was a huge success. That should be great news for all of the wrestling fans. The federation also debated Jon Moxley. Who is Moxley? He is actually the performer that was Dean Ambrose in WWE. He was a huge hit. It looks like Vince and company finally have some competition and that’s great news for the many fans. Remember their TV contract begins this fall on TNT.
On Sunday, Braves general manager Alex Anthropolis said they would be interested in both of them. Do I buy that? Well, yes and no. Do I think that the Braves are interested in both? Yes, I do, but I think the chances of getting both are really unlikely. The team probably has the cash to do it but I will believe it when I see it. If I had a choice, it’s Kimbrel by a mile. The late inning guys are just all over the place. I think they will both come off the market pretty darn soon.
Speaking of the draft, it is coming Monday night. The Braves will have the ninth and 21st pick in the first round. Reports are they are looking for another arm. What a shock, and possibly a catcher. Personally, I would rather see a power out field bat. That’s the spot even in the minors that they don’t seem to have.
Now for the week for the Braves. It was actually very good. They went 5-2 on the road against the Giants and Cardinals. They pulled one out of the blue on Sunday night baseball. They trailed 3-0 going to the ninth before Riley ignited another rally and they would win in extra innings. The Braves are a season best 30-24 at the exact third way mark of the season. They are hanging tough with the Phillies as they trail by just 1.5 games going into Tuesday’s home game against the Nationals.
As I mentioned earlier, this is a huge week. The signing of Kimbrel, in particular, will be huge. I can see the Phillies being in the running. The tide of the National League East could swing drastically in the next week.
It was a mixed bag weekend for the Georgia baseball program. Their offense continued to struggle as they dropped a 5-3 decision to Ole Miss in the semi-finals of the SEC tournament. As expected, things did improve after the tournament. Georgia, who finished the season at 44-15, was one of the six SEC schools that were named regional hosts. That play will begin this Friday and run through the weekend. It will be double elimination. The winners of each regional will advance to the super regionals that will begin next weekend.
Here are a couple of Falcon notes for you football fans. The NFL has announced that there will be no change to the overtime rules. I really don’t like it at all. I think it’s only fair that both teams get the ball in overtime. I think the college rules are a bit extreme but I don’t think that a coin toss should have that big of an impact. It also looks like the Falcons should pick up right at eight million of salary cap space after the June 1 cuts. Maybe they can use some of that money to improve the defensive line.
Let’s wrap up this week with a little pro wrestling talk. The much anticipated AEW pay per view double or nothing took place Saturday night in Vegas. All reports are that is was a huge success. That should be great news for all of the wrestling fans. The federation also debated Jon Moxley. Who is Moxley? He is actually the performer that was Dean Ambrose in WWE. He was a huge hit. It looks like Vince and company finally have some competition and that’s great news for the many fans. Remember their TV contract begins this fall on TNT.
SPORTS
TEAM PLACES
The Dodge County High School boys golf team wrapped up a great 2019 season as they competed in the Georgia High School Association AA state tournament at Oak Mountain Golf Club in Carrollton May 20 and May 21. The team shot rounds of 339 and 336 to have a strong sixth place finish. On the Individual side, Dodge’s Jenson Rainey had a 10th place finish with rounds of 79 and 75. The other Dodge scorers included Lister Harrell, 88 and 83; Wyatt Jones, 83 and 94; Peyton Smith, 89 and 89; Nathan Roland, 91 and 89 and Heath Sanders, 99 and 90. Pictured above (top photo) are Lister Harrell, Jensen Rainey, Wyatt Jones, Cole Meadows, Heath Sanders, Nathan Roland and (seated) Peyton Smith. (Right photo) Jensen Rainey prepares to tee off. (Photos courtesy of Krista Rainey)
The Dodge County High School boys golf team wrapped up a great 2019 season as they competed in the Georgia High School Association AA state tournament at Oak Mountain Golf Club in Carrollton May 20 and May 21. The team shot rounds of 339 and 336 to have a strong sixth place finish. On the Individual side, Dodge’s Jenson Rainey had a 10th place finish with rounds of 79 and 75. The other Dodge scorers included Lister Harrell, 88 and 83; Wyatt Jones, 83 and 94; Peyton Smith, 89 and 89; Nathan Roland, 91 and 89 and Heath Sanders, 99 and 90. Pictured above (top photo) are Lister Harrell, Jensen Rainey, Wyatt Jones, Cole Meadows, Heath Sanders, Nathan Roland and (seated) Peyton Smith. (Right photo) Jensen Rainey prepares to tee off. (Photos courtesy of Krista Rainey)
Sports
Recreation department will host district tournament
The Dodge County Recreation Department was awarded the District 1, Class “C” 12 and under boys tournament last week.
The tournament will be held starting on Monday, June 10 through Friday, June 14 at the recreation department complex.
There will be 12 out of town teams coming to our town for this week of play.
Recreation director, Travis Niblett, had this to say about the big tournament “We have done quality tournaments in the past and the state has given us the responsibility of running this big tournament. It will be big for our town, our county and for businesses.”
The Dodge County Recreation Department was awarded the District 1, Class “C” 12 and under boys tournament last week.
The tournament will be held starting on Monday, June 10 through Friday, June 14 at the recreation department complex.
There will be 12 out of town teams coming to our town for this week of play.
Recreation director, Travis Niblett, had this to say about the big tournament “We have done quality tournaments in the past and the state has given us the responsibility of running this big tournament. It will be big for our town, our county and for businesses.”
Russ's Sports Review
Coming into the season, I thought the National League East would be a four-team slugfest. So far things haven’t turned out that way. The Phillies, as advertised, have been pretty good lately as they went to 27-19 after Sunday’s win over the Rockies. The Braves, as I thought, are 25-22 but are only 2.5 games out of first place. Top to bottom, the Phillies are probably better than the Braves but we will have to see.
My big question is what in the world has happened to the Nationals? They were 19-26 going into Sunday night’s game against the Cubs. Their offense hasn’t been good and the bullpen has been suspect. I know losing Harper didn’t help but I can’t believe they are this bad. Some say that their time has passed but we will have to see. Then there are the Mets. They were swept by the Marlins, who are awful. Hey are just 20-25 and their big problem is he offense. They only scored six runs in the three games against Miami.
Could the East be a two-team race? Maybe, we will just have to see.
Now for the week of the Braves. They were 4-2 on the week but that wasn’t the big news of the week. Of course it was Austin Riley. As expected, he got his chance in left field as Ender Inciarte had a strained back muscle and landed on the injured list. Riley has been great with a pair of long homers and he came real close to a third.
The question now is, what to do when Inciarte is ready? I feel sure the league will adjust to Riley and he will have to adjust as well. He was 0-4 Sunday in the 3-2 loss to the Brewers. Time will tell but for now he has put a good bit of excitement in Atlanta.
Now for the part that makes all Braves fans hold their breath and that is the bullpen. They allowed eight runs in the final three innings on Friday as they nearly blew a 12-0 lead. Saturday, a late lead got away but a 10th inning homer by Freeman gave the Braves an extra innings win. Sunday, they lost in extra innings on a late homer despite an eighth inning homer by Freeman. They did let Venters go on Saturday. It is true that he was really struggling but so are others and changes are going to have to be made.
Now for some other news. Tuesday wasn’t a good night for the Hawks. They finished eighth in the lottery. To make matters worse, the pick they got from the Mavericks was tenth. Don’t be shocked at all if they make a trade on draft night.
In some college play, the Georgia women’s tennis team played for a national championship on Sunday against Stanford. The Lady Dogs came in ranked number one but things didn’t go well and they fell 4-0. The Lady Dog softball team and the baseball team are both still alive.
Okay, last week I said that pro wrestling fans would soon have an option to the right now mediocre WWE product. Starting this fall, though still not exactly sure of the date, AEW wrestling will start on the TNT network. Many of you fans know Cody Rhoades, Chris Jericho and the Young Backs. They will be featured and I wouldn’t be shocked if Dean Ambrose shows up there as well. I think the “wrestling wars” will return this fall!
Of course after my deadline, we have a Braves trade. It helps the bullpen but don’t get excited on the surface. The Braves have sent Jessie Biddle and the injured Vizcaino to Seattle for right-hander Anthony Swarzak and cash. To be honest, it looks like a “junk for junk” deal. Swarzak is injury prone and he is wild. He does get some strike outs so there is that. Vizcaino is out for the year and is a free agent at the end of the year. Biddle as we know is nothing special.
The Braves got cash to even out the contracts.
My big question is what in the world has happened to the Nationals? They were 19-26 going into Sunday night’s game against the Cubs. Their offense hasn’t been good and the bullpen has been suspect. I know losing Harper didn’t help but I can’t believe they are this bad. Some say that their time has passed but we will have to see. Then there are the Mets. They were swept by the Marlins, who are awful. Hey are just 20-25 and their big problem is he offense. They only scored six runs in the three games against Miami.
Could the East be a two-team race? Maybe, we will just have to see.
Now for the week of the Braves. They were 4-2 on the week but that wasn’t the big news of the week. Of course it was Austin Riley. As expected, he got his chance in left field as Ender Inciarte had a strained back muscle and landed on the injured list. Riley has been great with a pair of long homers and he came real close to a third.
The question now is, what to do when Inciarte is ready? I feel sure the league will adjust to Riley and he will have to adjust as well. He was 0-4 Sunday in the 3-2 loss to the Brewers. Time will tell but for now he has put a good bit of excitement in Atlanta.
Now for the part that makes all Braves fans hold their breath and that is the bullpen. They allowed eight runs in the final three innings on Friday as they nearly blew a 12-0 lead. Saturday, a late lead got away but a 10th inning homer by Freeman gave the Braves an extra innings win. Sunday, they lost in extra innings on a late homer despite an eighth inning homer by Freeman. They did let Venters go on Saturday. It is true that he was really struggling but so are others and changes are going to have to be made.
Now for some other news. Tuesday wasn’t a good night for the Hawks. They finished eighth in the lottery. To make matters worse, the pick they got from the Mavericks was tenth. Don’t be shocked at all if they make a trade on draft night.
In some college play, the Georgia women’s tennis team played for a national championship on Sunday against Stanford. The Lady Dogs came in ranked number one but things didn’t go well and they fell 4-0. The Lady Dog softball team and the baseball team are both still alive.
Okay, last week I said that pro wrestling fans would soon have an option to the right now mediocre WWE product. Starting this fall, though still not exactly sure of the date, AEW wrestling will start on the TNT network. Many of you fans know Cody Rhoades, Chris Jericho and the Young Backs. They will be featured and I wouldn’t be shocked if Dean Ambrose shows up there as well. I think the “wrestling wars” will return this fall!
Of course after my deadline, we have a Braves trade. It helps the bullpen but don’t get excited on the surface. The Braves have sent Jessie Biddle and the injured Vizcaino to Seattle for right-hander Anthony Swarzak and cash. To be honest, it looks like a “junk for junk” deal. Swarzak is injury prone and he is wild. He does get some strike outs so there is that. Vizcaino is out for the year and is a free agent at the end of the year. Biddle as we know is nothing special.
The Braves got cash to even out the contracts.
Sports
Annual Kiwanis golf tournament is successful
The 27th Annual Eastman-Dodge Kiwanis Club Golf Tournament was held on May 4th, 2019 at Green Acres Golf Course.
Under near perfect weather conditions, teams from the middle Georgia area came to support the work for children done by the Kiwanis Club and to compete for prize money and bragging rights.
Winners in the first flight were: first place, Stuart Rogers and William Alexander; second place, Murray Ward and David Hilliard and third place, David Jones and Wyatt Jones.
Winners in the second flight were: first place, Aubrey Brown and Steve Moore; second place, Charles Roland and Jesse Whittle and third place, Lamar Coleman and R.C. Coleman. Winners for closest to the pin were Steve Moore on hole number three, Wyatt Jones on holes number six and 13 and Jeff Moss on hole number nine.
The Kiwanis Club wishes to thank the following individuals and companies for their support and participation as hole sponsors: Arconic, Bug House, Bohannon Auto Repair, Butcher Block, ChasMar Home and Garden, Chic King, Christian Life Center, Citizens Bank and Trust, Clay’s Automotive, Coleman Paint and Body, Colony Bank, Dairy Queen, Earl Rogers, CPA, Easter Seals, Eastman Drugs, Eastman Equipment Company, Eastman Fast Lube, Eastman Lion’s Club, Eastman Pediatrics, Eastman Insurance, Ethridge Plastics, Five Otters Olive Orchard, Global net, The Insurance Connection/Jill Johnson, Hartley Tire Service, Jackie’s Gun and Pawn, Lakeside Church, Legacy Flexible Packaging, Little Fork Lift Service, Martha Shelton Florist, Massengill Heating and Air, McDonald’s, Mondi, Ocmulgee Animal Care, Pruett Heating and Air, Rhine Drug’s, Rozar Alignment, Sawtooth Ranch/Zack and Debbie Mercer, Shorty’s Quick Stop and Used Cars, Attaway’s Sidetrack Cafe, Sonic, Stamps-Walker Agency/Clint Williams, Stokes and Southerland Funeral Home, Stuckey Timberland, The Floor Plan, Medical Center Prescription Shop, Tommy Thomas Realty, Goodman Auto Sales, Tripp’s Barber Shop, Village Pizza, Wayne’s Lawn and Equipment and Robert Kigans.
Indians place at state meet
Several Dodge County High School students competed in the state track meet.
Placing from Dodge were: Europe Brown, sixth place in high jump; Caleb Fluellen, fifth place in discus; Keldrick Beck, fifth place in high jump and Jadin Johnson, fourth place in shot put.
The 27th Annual Eastman-Dodge Kiwanis Club Golf Tournament was held on May 4th, 2019 at Green Acres Golf Course.
Under near perfect weather conditions, teams from the middle Georgia area came to support the work for children done by the Kiwanis Club and to compete for prize money and bragging rights.
Winners in the first flight were: first place, Stuart Rogers and William Alexander; second place, Murray Ward and David Hilliard and third place, David Jones and Wyatt Jones.
Winners in the second flight were: first place, Aubrey Brown and Steve Moore; second place, Charles Roland and Jesse Whittle and third place, Lamar Coleman and R.C. Coleman. Winners for closest to the pin were Steve Moore on hole number three, Wyatt Jones on holes number six and 13 and Jeff Moss on hole number nine.
The Kiwanis Club wishes to thank the following individuals and companies for their support and participation as hole sponsors: Arconic, Bug House, Bohannon Auto Repair, Butcher Block, ChasMar Home and Garden, Chic King, Christian Life Center, Citizens Bank and Trust, Clay’s Automotive, Coleman Paint and Body, Colony Bank, Dairy Queen, Earl Rogers, CPA, Easter Seals, Eastman Drugs, Eastman Equipment Company, Eastman Fast Lube, Eastman Lion’s Club, Eastman Pediatrics, Eastman Insurance, Ethridge Plastics, Five Otters Olive Orchard, Global net, The Insurance Connection/Jill Johnson, Hartley Tire Service, Jackie’s Gun and Pawn, Lakeside Church, Legacy Flexible Packaging, Little Fork Lift Service, Martha Shelton Florist, Massengill Heating and Air, McDonald’s, Mondi, Ocmulgee Animal Care, Pruett Heating and Air, Rhine Drug’s, Rozar Alignment, Sawtooth Ranch/Zack and Debbie Mercer, Shorty’s Quick Stop and Used Cars, Attaway’s Sidetrack Cafe, Sonic, Stamps-Walker Agency/Clint Williams, Stokes and Southerland Funeral Home, Stuckey Timberland, The Floor Plan, Medical Center Prescription Shop, Tommy Thomas Realty, Goodman Auto Sales, Tripp’s Barber Shop, Village Pizza, Wayne’s Lawn and Equipment and Robert Kigans.
Indians place at state meet
Several Dodge County High School students competed in the state track meet.
Placing from Dodge were: Europe Brown, sixth place in high jump; Caleb Fluellen, fifth place in discus; Keldrick Beck, fifth place in high jump and Jadin Johnson, fourth place in shot put.
Indians participate in Spring scrimmage under new head coach
By Joey Marchant
The Ken Cofer era of Dodge County High School Football began Friday, May 17 as the Indians traveled to Warner Robins for a spring football jamboree with the AAAAAA Houston County Bears and the AAAA Howard High Huskies.
Coach Cofer was hired on April 16. He has had only nine practices with his team without a full coaching staff. In that time, he has installed a new no huddle offense and an aggressive 3-4 defensive scheme. Both were on display Friday night. Expectations were tempered going in due to all of the recent changes.
The format called for Dodge to play two nine-minute periods against Houston and two nine-minute periods against Howard. There would also be a six-minute period against each team designed for younger players to see some action. Scores would not be kept during the six-minute periods.
Houston County won the toss and elected to go on offense. On the first play, Daylon Gordon blitzed from his linebacker position and dropped the running back for a one -yard loss. Houston County would fly down the field after that. A 27-yard run would move the ball to the Dodge 26-yard line. Three plays later, Houston had a 20-yard touchdown run called back on a holding penalty. With the Bears knocking on the door inside the five-yard line, the Dodge defense stiffened. Caleb Fluellen dropped the running back for a two-yard loss on second down. Daylon Gordon sacked the quarterback on third down. Houston would have to settle for a short field goal to take a 3-0 lead.
Dodge went on offense from its own 30-yard line. Rising sophomore Kade Harpe got the start at quarterback. Harpe handed off to Mikhail Carr on a sweep, but Carr slipped on the artificial turf just as it appeared he had the corner. Harpe completed a short pass to Timmy Johnson, but the play was called back for a holding penalty. Harpe then faked a handoff and rushed for a 46-yard gain down to the Houston 32-yard line. The Dodge offense then stalled and Mason Mangham came in to attempt a 46-yard field goal. The kick was on line, but it fell short of the cross bar.
Houston took over on its own 30-yard line. The Bears completed an eight-yard pass and had a two-yard run for a first down. A pass across the middle was batted away by Carr. On the next play, Dodge brought heavy pressure as Elijah Williams flushed the quarterback from the pocket where Javon McNeal grabbed him and slung him around. The big quarterback was able to keep his feet and get rid of the ball for an incomplete pass. Dodge chose not to blitz on third down, and the Bears completed a first down pass. The Bears would later complete another pass on the drive giving them a first down at the Dodge 34-yard line. Gordon then dropped the running back for a six-yard loss. A second down pass fell incomplete. Nathan Coley defended on a third down pass attempt to end the Houston threat.
Dodge went three plays and out on its next drive. Houston took over on its own 30-yard line and immediately connected for a 60-yard touchdown pass on a busted coverage by Dodge. The inside receiver ran a short out route, which was bit on by both the corner and the safety leaving the outside receiver running alone down the sideline for the easy catch and score. The extra point made it 10-0 Houston.
Dodge would again go three plays and out on its next possession, and Houston would take over on its own 30-yard line. After a nine-yard pass completion on first down, Gordon recovered a fumble on second down giving Dodge the ball at the Houston 36-yard line. Harpe went for it all on the next play, but he could not connect with Carr streaking down the sideline. Dodge lost three yards on the next play. Harpe hit Keldrick Beck for a seven-yard gain bringing up fourth down and six yards to go. Harpe was able to draw Houston off sides with a hard count leaving Dodge with fourth and one. Gordon took a direct snap from center and gained the 1 yard he needed for the first down. Dodge went back to the direct snap on the next play and Gordon broke to the outside for a 25-yard touchdown run. This play showed Gordon’s athleticism. There was confusion pre-snap about which way the tight ends should shift and post snap about whom they should block. This left Gordon alone to weave his way through three defenders on the way to the end zone. Mangham’s extra point was good to cut the Houston lead to 10-7.
Houston took possession on its own 30-yard line and completed a 34-yard pass for a first down in Dodge territory. Dodge was able to hold Houston without another first down as Jamal Mahan and Gordon applied heavy pressure to force the quarterback to throw incomplete on third down.
Dodge took over on its own 30-yard line with time ticking away. Gordon had runs of 22 yards and three yards to get the ball into Houston territory at the 45-yard line with time for one more play. Harpe heaved a pass toward the end zone on the final play, which was intercepted to end the scrimmage with Houston winning 10-7.
Dodge would now take on Howard High who won the toss and elected to go on defense first. Dodge took possession at its own 30-yard line. Dodge converted one first down on a nine-yard pass to Timmy Johnson. The Dodge offense quickly stalled.
Howard took over on its own 30-yard line. The Dodge Defense would have to adjust from the spread offense run by Houston County to the Wing T offense run by Howard. They would struggle to do so. Howard came down the field rather easily reaching the Dodge eight-yard line before the Dodge defense stiffened. Carr and Elijah Williams tackled the running back for a two-yard loss. Carr then chased down the running back after a three-yard gain on a sweep play. On third down, Kane Northcutt sacked the quarterback. Howard had to settle for a short field goal attempt, which hit the right upright leaving the game scoreless.
Dodge took over on its own 30-yard line. Jayleen Lemon rushed for three yards. Harpe rushed for nine yards and a first down. Lemon rushed for four yards. Harpe then hit Carr in stride with a 49-yard touchdown pass. Mangham added the extra point to give Dodge a 7-0 lead.
Howard went three and out on its next possession. Rising freshman Hunter Kirkley came in at quarterback for Dodge and scrambled for 12 yards and a first down, but the Dodge offense stalled.
Howard took over on its own 30-yard line. Howard rushed for nine yards on first down. On second and short, the Howard running back rushed up the middle for a 61-yard touchdown run breaking seven Dodge tackles along the way. Howard added the extra point to tie the score at 7-7.
Harpe came back in to run the Dodge offense, which took over at its own 30-yard line. Carr went in motion and took a handoff running left before cutting back down the right sideline for a 40-yard gain. After an incompletion, Harpe hit Beck with a short pass. A defender punched the ball into the air. Lemon recovered possession for Dodge and a Howard defender picked Lemon up and body slammed him earning a 15-yard personal foul penalty. The result of the play was Dodge having a first down at the Howard 20-yard line. After a screen pass to Gordon gained 4 yards, Gordon took a handoff running left, and with little running room, broke seven tackles spinning and juking his way to the end zone for a 16-yard touchdown run. Mangham added the extra point for a 14-7 Dodge lead.
Howard took over on its own 30-yard line and immediately rushed 70 yards for a touchdown. The extra point tied it at 14-14. Dodge went three and out on its next possession, and Howard had the ball with a chance to win the game. Howard drove down to the Dodge eight-yard line with less than a minute to play before fumbling the quarterback center exchange. Williams pounced on the fumble for Dodge.
Dodge took over on its own 30-yard line. Lemon rushed for five yards. A 15-yard penalty gave Dodge the ball at midfield with time for one play. Harpe heaved the ball down field toward Beck, but the pass was intercepted. As the defender attempted to navigate his way up the sideline, Colby Lee pushed him out of bounds at the Dodge 48-yard line to end the scrimmage with Howard in a 14-14 tie.
Dodge will have plenty to work on as they begin summer workouts and fall practice. However, the good definitely outweighed the bad this spring.
Dodge will open its season with a scrimmage on August 9 at Hawkinsville. The regular season schedule will kick off on August 23 with Dodge hosting AAAAAA Bradwell Institute.
Statistical leaders from the four varsity periods Friday night were as follows:
Passing: Kade Harpe was six for 15 for 69 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions.
Rushing: Daylon Gordon had 13 carries for 75 yards and two touchdowns.
Kade Harpe had three carries for 55 yards.
Mikhail Carr had three carries for 43 yards.
Receiving: Mikhail Carr had one catch for 49 yards and a touchdown.
Keldrick Beck had three catches for seven yards .
Timmy Johnson had one catch for nine yards.
Daylon Gordon had one catch for four yards.
Defense: Daylon Gordon had seven tackles (five solo) including a sack and a fumble recovery.
Javon McNeal had six tackles (three solo).
Nathan Coley had six tackles (four solo).
Mikhail Carr had five tackles (four solo) and one pass deflected.
Elijah Williams had four tackles (two solo) and one fumble recovery.
Special teams: Mason Mangham was 0/1 on field goals and 3/3 on extra points.
By Joey Marchant
The Ken Cofer era of Dodge County High School Football began Friday, May 17 as the Indians traveled to Warner Robins for a spring football jamboree with the AAAAAA Houston County Bears and the AAAA Howard High Huskies.
Coach Cofer was hired on April 16. He has had only nine practices with his team without a full coaching staff. In that time, he has installed a new no huddle offense and an aggressive 3-4 defensive scheme. Both were on display Friday night. Expectations were tempered going in due to all of the recent changes.
The format called for Dodge to play two nine-minute periods against Houston and two nine-minute periods against Howard. There would also be a six-minute period against each team designed for younger players to see some action. Scores would not be kept during the six-minute periods.
Houston County won the toss and elected to go on offense. On the first play, Daylon Gordon blitzed from his linebacker position and dropped the running back for a one -yard loss. Houston County would fly down the field after that. A 27-yard run would move the ball to the Dodge 26-yard line. Three plays later, Houston had a 20-yard touchdown run called back on a holding penalty. With the Bears knocking on the door inside the five-yard line, the Dodge defense stiffened. Caleb Fluellen dropped the running back for a two-yard loss on second down. Daylon Gordon sacked the quarterback on third down. Houston would have to settle for a short field goal to take a 3-0 lead.
Dodge went on offense from its own 30-yard line. Rising sophomore Kade Harpe got the start at quarterback. Harpe handed off to Mikhail Carr on a sweep, but Carr slipped on the artificial turf just as it appeared he had the corner. Harpe completed a short pass to Timmy Johnson, but the play was called back for a holding penalty. Harpe then faked a handoff and rushed for a 46-yard gain down to the Houston 32-yard line. The Dodge offense then stalled and Mason Mangham came in to attempt a 46-yard field goal. The kick was on line, but it fell short of the cross bar.
Houston took over on its own 30-yard line. The Bears completed an eight-yard pass and had a two-yard run for a first down. A pass across the middle was batted away by Carr. On the next play, Dodge brought heavy pressure as Elijah Williams flushed the quarterback from the pocket where Javon McNeal grabbed him and slung him around. The big quarterback was able to keep his feet and get rid of the ball for an incomplete pass. Dodge chose not to blitz on third down, and the Bears completed a first down pass. The Bears would later complete another pass on the drive giving them a first down at the Dodge 34-yard line. Gordon then dropped the running back for a six-yard loss. A second down pass fell incomplete. Nathan Coley defended on a third down pass attempt to end the Houston threat.
Dodge went three plays and out on its next drive. Houston took over on its own 30-yard line and immediately connected for a 60-yard touchdown pass on a busted coverage by Dodge. The inside receiver ran a short out route, which was bit on by both the corner and the safety leaving the outside receiver running alone down the sideline for the easy catch and score. The extra point made it 10-0 Houston.
Dodge would again go three plays and out on its next possession, and Houston would take over on its own 30-yard line. After a nine-yard pass completion on first down, Gordon recovered a fumble on second down giving Dodge the ball at the Houston 36-yard line. Harpe went for it all on the next play, but he could not connect with Carr streaking down the sideline. Dodge lost three yards on the next play. Harpe hit Keldrick Beck for a seven-yard gain bringing up fourth down and six yards to go. Harpe was able to draw Houston off sides with a hard count leaving Dodge with fourth and one. Gordon took a direct snap from center and gained the 1 yard he needed for the first down. Dodge went back to the direct snap on the next play and Gordon broke to the outside for a 25-yard touchdown run. This play showed Gordon’s athleticism. There was confusion pre-snap about which way the tight ends should shift and post snap about whom they should block. This left Gordon alone to weave his way through three defenders on the way to the end zone. Mangham’s extra point was good to cut the Houston lead to 10-7.
Houston took possession on its own 30-yard line and completed a 34-yard pass for a first down in Dodge territory. Dodge was able to hold Houston without another first down as Jamal Mahan and Gordon applied heavy pressure to force the quarterback to throw incomplete on third down.
Dodge took over on its own 30-yard line with time ticking away. Gordon had runs of 22 yards and three yards to get the ball into Houston territory at the 45-yard line with time for one more play. Harpe heaved a pass toward the end zone on the final play, which was intercepted to end the scrimmage with Houston winning 10-7.
Dodge would now take on Howard High who won the toss and elected to go on defense first. Dodge took possession at its own 30-yard line. Dodge converted one first down on a nine-yard pass to Timmy Johnson. The Dodge offense quickly stalled.
Howard took over on its own 30-yard line. The Dodge Defense would have to adjust from the spread offense run by Houston County to the Wing T offense run by Howard. They would struggle to do so. Howard came down the field rather easily reaching the Dodge eight-yard line before the Dodge defense stiffened. Carr and Elijah Williams tackled the running back for a two-yard loss. Carr then chased down the running back after a three-yard gain on a sweep play. On third down, Kane Northcutt sacked the quarterback. Howard had to settle for a short field goal attempt, which hit the right upright leaving the game scoreless.
Dodge took over on its own 30-yard line. Jayleen Lemon rushed for three yards. Harpe rushed for nine yards and a first down. Lemon rushed for four yards. Harpe then hit Carr in stride with a 49-yard touchdown pass. Mangham added the extra point to give Dodge a 7-0 lead.
Howard went three and out on its next possession. Rising freshman Hunter Kirkley came in at quarterback for Dodge and scrambled for 12 yards and a first down, but the Dodge offense stalled.
Howard took over on its own 30-yard line. Howard rushed for nine yards on first down. On second and short, the Howard running back rushed up the middle for a 61-yard touchdown run breaking seven Dodge tackles along the way. Howard added the extra point to tie the score at 7-7.
Harpe came back in to run the Dodge offense, which took over at its own 30-yard line. Carr went in motion and took a handoff running left before cutting back down the right sideline for a 40-yard gain. After an incompletion, Harpe hit Beck with a short pass. A defender punched the ball into the air. Lemon recovered possession for Dodge and a Howard defender picked Lemon up and body slammed him earning a 15-yard personal foul penalty. The result of the play was Dodge having a first down at the Howard 20-yard line. After a screen pass to Gordon gained 4 yards, Gordon took a handoff running left, and with little running room, broke seven tackles spinning and juking his way to the end zone for a 16-yard touchdown run. Mangham added the extra point for a 14-7 Dodge lead.
Howard took over on its own 30-yard line and immediately rushed 70 yards for a touchdown. The extra point tied it at 14-14. Dodge went three and out on its next possession, and Howard had the ball with a chance to win the game. Howard drove down to the Dodge eight-yard line with less than a minute to play before fumbling the quarterback center exchange. Williams pounced on the fumble for Dodge.
Dodge took over on its own 30-yard line. Lemon rushed for five yards. A 15-yard penalty gave Dodge the ball at midfield with time for one play. Harpe heaved the ball down field toward Beck, but the pass was intercepted. As the defender attempted to navigate his way up the sideline, Colby Lee pushed him out of bounds at the Dodge 48-yard line to end the scrimmage with Howard in a 14-14 tie.
Dodge will have plenty to work on as they begin summer workouts and fall practice. However, the good definitely outweighed the bad this spring.
Dodge will open its season with a scrimmage on August 9 at Hawkinsville. The regular season schedule will kick off on August 23 with Dodge hosting AAAAAA Bradwell Institute.
Statistical leaders from the four varsity periods Friday night were as follows:
Passing: Kade Harpe was six for 15 for 69 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions.
Rushing: Daylon Gordon had 13 carries for 75 yards and two touchdowns.
Kade Harpe had three carries for 55 yards.
Mikhail Carr had three carries for 43 yards.
Receiving: Mikhail Carr had one catch for 49 yards and a touchdown.
Keldrick Beck had three catches for seven yards .
Timmy Johnson had one catch for nine yards.
Daylon Gordon had one catch for four yards.
Defense: Daylon Gordon had seven tackles (five solo) including a sack and a fumble recovery.
Javon McNeal had six tackles (three solo).
Nathan Coley had six tackles (four solo).
Mikhail Carr had five tackles (four solo) and one pass deflected.
Elijah Williams had four tackles (two solo) and one fumble recovery.
Special teams: Mason Mangham was 0/1 on field goals and 3/3 on extra points.
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