About The Eatonton messenger. (Eatonton, Ga.) 18??-current | View Entire Issue (Aug. 21, 2025)
» Your hometown newspaper since 1861 The Eatonton Alessenger THURSDAY, AUGUST 21, 2025 | B3 IAN TOCHER/Staff Gatewood cheerleaders and football players surround Eatonton icon Georgia Benjamin-Smith (in red) on her 85th birthday, following a brief pre-game candlelight vigil she organized to bring awareness to local domestic violence issues. unm GATEWIN GATEWOOD GATEVUII ATEWUID ^ G unm 30 GATORS CONTINUED FROM » B1 “Even that first touchdown, we had three chances to get off the field and we didn’t. So, things like that, that’s what’ll cost you, and they cost us tonight,” he added later. “But if I could put a finger on anything, I would just tell you it was some inexperience and mistakes. Mistakes both in the turnover game and just with assignments, not recognizing things.” Ratliff stressed that he was happy with his players’ effort and desire but working on the game’s fundamentals will dominate practice this week. “Our pad level was too high; we missed some tackles; we missed some blocks,” he said. “And then we didn’t recognize what [formation] they were in quick enough and didn’t get the calls made. But again, all of that comes back to me.” The coach added that he thinks Brannen gained some valuable game experience and was showing improvement even as the contest progressed. He also singled out running backs Haley and Landon Moreno for their efforts. “And our offensive line,” he said. “I really think our offen sive line is one of our strengths and they’ll be getting better every game, too.” The Gators will not return to the familiarity of Sammons Field until Sept. 12, as they now face three consecutive road games, beginning this Friday at Trinity Christian in Dublin. PUTNAM CONTINUED FROM » B1 Grable gave the Tigers the lead again after breaking off a long touchdown run, and their two-point conversion was successful. However, that’s when Butts helped the War Eagles kick it into overdrive. Putnam held a 22-15 lead at the half, thanks to two straight rushing touchdowns from Butts to close out the second quarter. Butts’ final score came on a touchdown run late in the third, giving Putnam a 29-15 lead going into the final quarter. Thomas, a5-foot-lO, 205-pound sophomore, scored back-to-back touchdown runs to close out the game. His first came after the War Eagles defense earned a turn over on downs early in the final quarter. They started that possession at their 7-yard line, and Thomas carried the ball seven consecutive times, resulting in a touchdown with four minutes left to extend the lead. Harvin was excited to see the hard work from both players pay off after a long offseason. “Both guys played nearly every snap on offense and defense. They’ve each waited for their turn,” he said. “Omarion is a workhorse, excel ling in the weight room every day. You can’t keep him down. “I’m also proud of Kumari, who fumbled early. That moti vated him to come back with vengeance, carrying us in the fourth quarter, especially on that one drive, rushing six or seven times for over 80 yards. It was great to see.” Butts led the War Eagles in rushing. The 5-foot-lO, 195-pound senior totaled 156 yards and three touchdowns on 17 attempts. Thomas finished the night running the ball 12 times for 147 yards and two scores. Whatley also was effective on the ground and scrambled when he needed to, totaling 24 yards on three attempts. The senior signal caller also completed 5-of-7 passes for 87 yards and a touchdown against the Tigers. Brown had one reception for 41 yards and a score, followed by Jayson Smith, who caught three balls for 20 yards. Harvin was pleased with the performance and liked getting the ball in the hands of so many skill players. “I think we did a pretty good job,” the third-year head coach said. “At the beginning, we started slow, but then we came into our own. We began putting drives together and playing for each other. I’m proud of our guys.” PATTON CONTINUED FROM » B1 entire career, with none more impactful than against Alabama in 1965 between the hedges. In the second quarter, Georgia’s opposite tackle, Jiggy Smaha, crashed into Bama quarterback Steve Sloan, which brought about a flut tering pass. Patton picked it off and raced 55 yards for a touchdown that gave Georgia a 10-0 lead. Alabama would rally and gain the lead, which led to the famous flea-flicker touchdown followed by a two-point conversion, giving the Bulldogs one of their most memorable victories ever. What set Patton apart, however, was his remarkable leadership. He always underscored team-first principles. He might arrange a beer celebration for his team- mates after a big victory, but he would never let the party get out of hand. He would never let a team- mate drink and drive. He deflected praise and preached “team” mantras throughout his career. “George was always lining us up in the right position,” said Bill Stan fill, the great All-Amer ican and later Super Bowl star with the Miami Dolphins. “He was our coach on the field.” There has never been a coach-player mutual admiration society like George and his mentor, Erk Russell. They were perfect for each other. Erk, the ultimate propo nent of where there is a will, there is a way, and RUSSELL W.WALL | ATTORNEY AT LAW 122 North Main St. Bte B. Greensboro, GA Office:706-453-0089 Fax:706-453-0094 - Email: russell@rwwlaw.com George, the driven and eager performer whose lion heart led him and his team to greatness. That relentless heart finally stopped last week when George died of cancer as he was trying to summon the strength to follow his beloved team through another season. The Georgia chapter of the National Football Foundation and the Athletic Association have CROSSWORD PUZZLE ANSWERS W REFER TO PUZZLE ON PAGE C5 OCONEE WND Health Club 'WN CLUB Freedom Church - PUTNAM GOUNIFODTBALL Unique Realty EXPERIENCE INCHO FENCE COMPANY INSURANCE PEO PL E OCONEE WILD WYERSBEVE LOGAN REAL ESTATE Kailyn Odum OUTDOOR INNOVATIONS OF 0EDED1A —TM- TYLER MOORE REAL ESTATE so- 706-817-9585 FICKLING & COMPANY Justin Hadden nominated George for induction into the College Football Hall of Fame. As a two time All-American, who moved from quarter- back to tackle, along with being an accomplished student in the classroom, is ample evidence that he should receive this high honor. “All I want is to be nominated,” George said, forever the modest proponent. This parting shot. Football players come and go. Some return to campus as doting alumni. ZAXBY'S 120 Walmart Dr. | 706-923-1910 SEASON Unfortunately, that percentage is dwindling. George Patton is one who loved his alma mater as much as he did the game at which he excelled. He was the ultimate “Damn Good Dawg.”
