Sports

The Elbert County boys golf team was invited to compete in the PGA High School Golf National Invitational at Pinehurst Resort in North Carolina. (Photo by Bo Underwood)

The Elbert County boys golf team was invited to compete in the PGA High School Golf National Invitational at Pinehurst Resort in North Carolina. (Photo by Bo Underwood)

Elbert County boys’ golf team invited to national tournament

The Elbert County Blue Devils aren’t done playing golf just yet.Two weeks after winning the GHSA A Division I state championship for the second year in a row, Elbert County was invited to play at the 2026 PGA High School Golf National Invitational at Pinehurst Resort in North Carolina.
 Madden Drake drives the ball during the Class A Division 1 State Championship match. (Photo by Bo Underwood)

Madden Drake drives the ball during the Class A Division 1 State Championship match. (Photo by Bo Underwood)

Madden Drake leaves mark on Elbert County’s golf history

When it finally came down to the 18th and final hole on day two of the GHSA A Division I golf state championship, the Elbert County boys’ golf team had it all officially wrapped up.
The Elbert County golf team poses after winning the 2026 state championship. (Photo by Bo Underwood)

The Elbert County golf team poses after winning the 2026 state championship. (Photo by Bo Underwood)

Historic season sees Elbert County repeat as state champs

Elbert County boys’ golf finally broke through and captured its first state title in 59 years last season, but 2026 brought a whole new kind of pressure: being asked to do it all again.
Larry Kesler coaches Nolan Henderson during the GHSA Class A Division 1 championship May 18. (Photo by Bo Underwood)

Larry Kesler coaches Nolan Henderson during the GHSA Class A Division 1 championship May 18. (Photo by Bo Underwood)

Kesler holds the keys to Elbert County golf team’s success

Larry Kesler points to one of the first conversations he had as head golf coach at Elbert County Comprehensive High School as a defining moment that shaped his approach to the job.
Joe Samuel Starnes is the author of three novels and currently works as the director of public relations and editorial content at the Rutgers University Foundation. (Photo courtesy of Joe Samuel Starnes)

Joe Samuel Starnes is the author of three novels and currently works as the director of public relations and editorial content at the Rutgers University Foundation. (Photo courtesy of Joe Samuel Starnes)

Author Starnes to visit Elbert County Public Library this weekend

Author Joe Samuel Starnes will visit the Elbert County Public Library this Saturday at 11 a.m. to discuss his novel “Fall Line”, which is being reissued on paperback after being originally released in 2011.
The Elbert County golf team (L-R), head coach Larry Kesler, Carson Amabile, Madden Drake, Landen Adams, Nolan Henderson, Ty Johnson, Maddox Adams and assistant coach Sandy Thornton won their second straight GHSA state championship Tuesday. (Photo by Bo Underwood)

The Elbert County golf team (L-R), head coach Larry Kesler, Carson Amabile, Madden Drake, Landen Adams, Nolan Henderson, Ty Johnson, Maddox Adams and assistant coach Sandy Thornton won their second straight GHSA state championship Tuesday. (Photo by Bo Underwood)

Back to back: Elbert County golf wins second straight state championship

The Elbert County golf team better make some more space in that trophy room of theirs.
The Elbert County football team held spring practice last week to prepare for the 2026 football season. The Blue Devils went 5-7 last season, beating Oglethorpe in the first round of the playoffs before falling to Gordon Lee in a close 17-12 loss in the next round. This will be the team's second season under head coach Andy Dyer. (Photos by Bo Underwood)

The Elbert County football team held spring practice last week to prepare for the 2026 football season. The Blue Devils went 5-7 last season, beating Oglethorpe in the first round of the playoffs before falling to Gordon Lee in a close 17-12 loss in the next round. This will be the team's second season under head coach Andy Dyer. (Photos by Bo Underwood)

Emily Poon was named Region 8A Division I Girls’ Tennis Player of the Year after a 15-0 singles record. (Photo by Bo Underwood)

Emily Poon was named Region 8A Division I Girls’ Tennis Player of the Year after a 15-0 singles record. (Photo by Bo Underwood)

Emily Poon named region girls’ tennis player of the year

Elbert County Comprehensive High School senior Emily Poon was named Region 8A Division I Girls’ Tennis Player of the Year after a strong 2026 season, it was announced last week.Poon was dominant in her final season as a Lady Devil, posting a 15-0 singles record.
Kaylen Rucker (bottom row, middle) smiles after signing her letter of intent with Columbia International University. Rucker was joined at the table by father Clinton Rucker and mother Kristen P. Simpson, grandmother Gloria Partlow, grandmother Shelia Allen, aunt Karen Partlow Burton, Lady Devils head coach Josh Jones and assistants Donald Bolton and James Allen. (Photo by Bo Underwood)

Kaylen Rucker (bottom row, middle) smiles after signing her letter of intent with Columbia International University. Rucker was joined at the table by father Clinton Rucker and mother Kristen P. Simpson, grandmother Gloria Partlow, grandmother Shelia Allen, aunt Karen Partlow Burton, Lady Devils head coach Josh Jones and assistants Donald Bolton and James Allen. (Photo by Bo Underwood)

Lady Devils’ Kaylen Rucker signs to play college basketball at Columbia International University

Elbert County Comprehensive High School senior and Lady Devils guard Kaylen Rucker is officially continuing her basketball career at the collegiate level.Rucker signed her letter of intent Wednesday afternoon to play basketball at Columbia International University in a ceremony held at ECCHS.