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As 2009 draws to an end, there are countless events and moments that will be remembered.

While locally, Banks County may not have such headliners like Brent Favre’s on again – off again retirement, or a Tiger Woods scandal there were plenty of important headlines from high school athletics, recreation sports and other community activities.

Here are some of the top headlines from 2009, presented in no particular order: [Full Story »] 

Despite the persistent, misting rain last Thursday, the Banks County Lady Leopards pushed forward and secured an 8-0 sweep over the Dawson County Lady Tigers. The win leaves the Lady Leopards undefeated in region play and 14-5 overall.

Last week’s first two games on Tuesday against Fannin County and Wednesday’s game against Commerce were rained out. The Fannin County game is rescheduled for Friday at 5 p.m.

It is doubtful that Commerce will reschedule as it has region games that were postponed. [Full Story »] 

Banks County’s Lady Leopards had a successful number of games last week as the ladies added another region win as well as a second place tournament finish.

Weather has caused delays for Banks this week. The Lady Leopards were scheduled to play Fannin County on Tuesday, but were rained out. At press time, a date had not been set for the make-up.

Today (Wednesday) the ladies were supposed to head down the road to face non-region rival Commerce, but due to inclement weather that game is postponed as well. [Full Story »] 

The start of the 2009 football season has been rocky for the Banks County Leopards who are 0-2 after last week’s loss to Riverside.

The Leopards had a 12-0 lead after the first quarter last Friday night, but Riverside came back to defeat Banks County 23-12. Big Blue will have to shake it off as they prepare to face Dawson County this Friday.

The Leopards are in the same position now, as they were last season before the Dawson County game. During the 2008 campaign, Banks picked up its first win over Dawson 48-27. [Full Story »] 

The season opener for the Leopards’ 2009 cross country season was a big success for Banks County.

The Leopard runners opened their season on Tuesday at home, as they hosted six schools, Madison County, Jackson County, Oglethorpe, Washington-Wilkes, Towns County and East Hall.

According to team coach Kelly McDuffie, there was a lot of anticipation about the first meet since preparation for the season began in August.

“The team has been working exceptionally hard,” said McDuffie. “With 16 girls and 29 boys we have a large group to work with but they are the best.” [Full Story »] 

It was a rough season opener for the Banks County Leopards last Friday night as the Washington-Wilkes Tigers bumped the Leopards to an 0-1 record after a 34-21 loss for BCHS.

The defeat will spur on Banks County who brushes off last week’s loss to charge full steam into region play this Friday night, Sept. 4, at Riverside Military Academy in Gainesville.

The Riverside Eagles also took one on the chin last week as they fell to AAA Elbert County 40-6. The Leopards will have to fight for it, as both sides are hungry for the taste of victory. [Full Story »] 

The Lady Leopards softball team is on a roll after going undefeated to win the Commerce Invitational this past weekend. The ladies will work to maintain their winning streak as they prepare to begin region competition next week.

Banks County’s record sits at 7-3 overall, as the Lady Leopards prepare to host Franklin County today (Wednesday). Up next for the team, the Lady Leopards will face the Franklin County Lady Lions again on Tuesday, Sept. 1, in Carnesville.

Franklin County is 3-3 overall heading into tonight’s game with an average of 3.8 runs scored and 4.5 allowed. Banks County averages just over five runs per game while only allowing 1.5 runs. [Full Story »]