Sports

Xavier Robinson (right) slides into third base on Opening Day for Hart County Little League.

Xavier Robinson (right) slides into third base on Opening Day for Hart County Little League.

Hart County Little League has successful Opening Day

The Hart County Little League opened up its 2024 season on March 16 with 21 games lasting almost half a day. Hart County Little League president AJ Kelly spoke about the success of their 2024 Opening Day, and also took time to thank all that made it possible.
Lay

Lay

Lay looks for a shot at the UFL in the IFL

Former Hart County and Georgia Tech offensive lineman Will Lay looks to defy the odds that have been stacked against him, with hopes of achieving his lifelong dream – a shot in the NFL. Since his Pro Day at Georgia Tech, Lay fell off the radar for many people.
Freshman outfielder Kaidyn Allen slides safely into home plate during the 11-5 loss to Franklin County on March 14.

Freshman outfielder Kaidyn Allen slides safely into home plate during the 11-5 loss to Franklin County on March 14.

Diamond Dogs on four game losing streak in region play

The Lions completed the sweep over the Diamond Dogs, while Hebron Christian claimed game one of the three game series. Hart hosted a double-header against the No. 4 ranked Franklin County Lions on March 14 from Saye Field.
Junior forward Channing Segars hat trick was unable to put the Lady Dogs past the Lady Indians of Stephens County in the 6-3 loss on March 19 in Toccoa.

Junior forward Channing Segars hat trick was unable to put the Lady Dogs past the Lady Indians of Stephens County in the 6-3 loss on March 19 in Toccoa.

Lady Dogs playoff hopes reside on final two region games

The Lady Dogs playoff hopes rest in the hands of a win against either Hebron Christian or Oconee County, after splitting against Franklin County and Stephens County. Hart hosted the Lady Lions of Franklin County on March 15 in Herndon Stadium.
Senior midfielder Fabian Rodriguez Escobedo almost scores off of a free kick in the 7-3 loss to Stephens County.

Senior midfielder Fabian Rodriguez Escobedo almost scores off of a free kick in the 7-3 loss to Stephens County.

Dogs in need of a region win to keep playoff hopes alive

With back-to-back losses to Franklin County and Stephens County, the Dogs will need a win against Hebron Christian or Oconee County to keep their playoff hopes again. Hart hosted the No. 11 Franklin County Lions on March 15 in Herndon Stadium, as the Dogs looked to stay undefeated in region play.
Senior outfielder Allie O’Bannon keeps her eyes on the ball during their home opener on March 7.

Senior outfielder Allie O’Bannon keeps her eyes on the ball during their home opener on March 7.

Lady Dogs claim the No. 2 seed in area

The Lady Dogs moved up to second place in the area, after capturing back-to-back wins on March 19. Hart traveled to East Jackson High School to take on the Lady Eagles as well as the Lady Devils of Elbert County. In game one, the Lady Dogs were set to play the Lady Devils.
Republican candidate  for sheriff Chris Carroll speaks to a crowded house at the GOP candidate forum March 14. Carroll will take on former sheriff’s deputy Tracy Mize who is running as an independent.

Republican candidate for sheriff Chris Carroll speaks to a crowded house at the GOP candidate forum March 14. Carroll will take on former sheriff’s deputy Tracy Mize who is running as an independent.

Hart GOP hosts candidate forum

As the Republican primary in May draws closer, featuring some highly-anticipated races, the Hart County GOP hosted a forum for voters to hear from its candidates.
Junior Ayden Mercer captures back-to-back wins at No. 3 singles against Hebron Christian on March 7 and Oconee County on March 12.

Junior Ayden Mercer captures back-to-back wins at No. 3 singles against Hebron Christian on March 7 and Oconee County on March 12.

Racket Dogs find positives in losses to Hebron and Oconee

Regardless of back-to-back losses in region play to Hebron and Oconee, the Racket Dogs’ coaches find positives in each match heading into the final stretch of region play. On March 7, Hart traveled to Dacula to take on the Lions of Hebron Christian.
Junior midfielder Teague Pierce looks to throw the ball into play during the 4-1 win against Commerce March 8.

Junior midfielder Teague Pierce looks to throw the ball into play during the 4-1 win against Commerce March 8.

Lady Dogs in “must win” mode after dropping the region opener

After getting a win against Commerce at home, the Lady Dogs dropped their first region game of the season against Monroe Area on the road. Hart hosted the Lady Tigers of Commerce on March 8, as they looked to get back in the win column after coming off back-to-back losses.