Entries by Justin Poole

With two of the first three meets canceled for the Banks County track team, the Leopards are still getting through the planning stages of the season as the team prepares for tough competition.

“We are pushing through the early, and cold, part of the season and preparing for the main part of the track schedule,” coach Paul Hoch said. “We are once again a young team with freshmen making up just over half of the spots on the roster.”

While freshmen hold several key events, it is the well known names that are expected to pace the teams. [Full Story »] 

Banks County’s Lady Leopards’ tennis team started off the season in a big way and already are 3-0.

The lady netters look to continue their early streak with a strong appearance this week on the road at Elbert County. Banks County takes on Elbert Thursday at 4 p.m. Next week, Banks County stays on the road, heading to Towns County Monday, March 7, looking for a repeat win over the Indians. Monday’s match is scheduled for 4 p.m.

“I am very excited about the rest of our season,” said head coach Lisa Thomas. “The girls are working hard and have promised this to be one of the best seasons yet. I am very confident of their ability and am looking forward to what's to come.” [Full Story »] 

Banks County’s soccer teams matches for this week were cut a little short as heavy rains and storms forced the cancellation of Monday’s first game of the Lumpkin County tourney.

The Leopards were scheduled to play Lumpkin County in the first game of the tourney Feb. 28.

At press time, it was unclear if that game would be made up later, or not.

Ahead for the soccer teams, Banks County plays the second match of the tourney, today (Wednesday) against Rabun County, then the third game of the tournament on Friday against Lakeview Academy. Game times for both matches begin at 5 p.m. with the Lady Leopards, followed by the boys at 7 p.m.

Next week, March 8, the soccer teams begin region play in an on the road match with Dawson County. Girls start at 5 p.m. followed by the Leopards.

The next home match for Banks County will be Thursday, March 10 as the teams host Fannin County in another region meet-up. The boys will start things off at 5 p.m. with the Lady Leopards to follow.

It has been a good start for the Madison County soccer teams as both the girls and boys have added wins after the opening games.

The team faces region opponent Clarke Central on Friday on the road. Clarke Central is 2-0 coming into the Feb. 25 match. Next week, Madison County gets the home field advantage as the Lady Red Raiders host Habersham Central, March 1. Game times start at 5:30 p.m. with the boys games following. Update: Tuesday's home match against Habersham has been postponed. The rescheduled date has yet to be announced.

The Lady Red Raiders sit at 2-1 after adding a 3-0 match over East Jackson Tuesday night. With nine returning starters and 10 seniors on the team, the Lady Red Raiders have a solid core for the 2011 season.

“It is great to have so many returning. We have a unique situation where most of the team has played together for three solid years,” said head coach Molly McCarty. “You can definitely notice this when we are playing.”
[Full Story »]