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With the end of the regular season just ahead, the Lady Panthers of Jackson County are hoping to end their season on a high note.

Right now, they find themselves in the midst of a five game losing streak after giving up games last week to Hart County and Oconee County.

Jackson County will host Eastside in their final regular season game on Friday. The 3-9 Eagles were the last team to be defeated by the Lady Panthers, and since that Jan. 23 game, Eastside has gone 3-3. [Full Story »] 

Jefferson hosts sectionals tournament beginning Friday

The Jefferson Mat Dragons took another step towards adding another state title to their already impressive resume last weekend by taking top honors in the area tournament, and by qualifying all 14 wrestlers for this weekend’s sectionals tournament in Jefferson.

Jefferson scored 293 points to take the top spot, followed by Banks County with 201.50 and East Jackson with 168.50. [Full Story »] 

Dragons defeat East Jackson 59-48 on senior night

The Jefferson Dragons are now locked in as the number one seed for next week’s region tournament.

A win Saturday against East Jackson capped off a successful week, and made the Dragons 6-0 in the subregion. [Full Story »] 

With the post-season on the horizon, the East Jackson Eagles defeated North Oconee and Rabun County last week before dropping a game to Jefferson.

Now the Eagles look to wrap up their regular season on a high note, as they prepare to travel to Banks County to face the Leopards Friday night.

The Leopards are third in the subregion, trailing second place East Jackson by three games. In their four previous meetings, East Jackson has had its way, the most recent last month when the Eagles won 66-44.

Tip-off is scheduled for 8:30 p.m.

For more on this story, see this week's The Commerce News.

Nine East Jackson grapplers will be traveling to the sectionals next week after the Mat Eagles brought home a solid third-place finish in the area meet at Fannin County over the weekend.

East Jackson scored 168.5 points, following winner Jefferson with 293 and second-place Banks County, which had 201.5.

Luis Verduzco turned in a first place performance in the 140 lb. class. Other East Jackson wrestlers who placed and will be going to sectionals include Victor Equirte, second at 103; Justin Griffin, second at 119 lbs.; Drew Hunter, second at 152; Scott Hill, second at 189; Robbie King, third at 160; Shane Moore, fourth at 130; Kevin Kesler, fourth at 135; and Willie Sanders, fourth in the 215 lb. category.

Charles Hullet and Chuck Best placed fifth in their weight classes, while Zack Venable finished sixth. Only the top four finishes go to sectionals.
The sectionals will be held this weekend at Jefferson to determine who will make the trip to the state meet in Gwinnett Feb. 20-21.

The East Jackson Eagles Cross Country team held its 2008 awards banquet February 5.

Top Runner Awards went to Sherri Blalock, Kevin Kesler and Brandon Banks. Most Improved Awards went to Kassie Mull, Amanda Anderson, Skyler Cozzens, Terry Miller and Chris White.

Andy Van Deventer was presented with the Luthi-Gillespie American Legion Post 93 Leadership Award, which was presented by Post Commander Pat Hodgson.