Sports

Lumpkin County wrestlers Natalie (left) and Mathiel Mendoza share a fun moment ahead of one of their matches.

Lumpkin County wrestlers Natalie (left) and Mathiel Mendoza share a fun moment ahead of one of their matches.

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Wrestling sisters compete at National Duals

Eligha Roper
Tuesday, June 2, 2026
Two local sisters and Lumpkin County High School wrestlers Mathiel and Natalie Mendoza recently traveled with their club team MF Angles to compete at the NHSCA National Duals in Virginia Beach from May 23 to 25.
Bowen Aiken’s pet lizard Jumpy stares down Nugget reporter Eligha Roper as he prepares to feed him.

Bowen Aiken’s pet lizard Jumpy stares down Nugget reporter Eligha Roper as he prepares to feed him.

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Sports reporter branches out for a wild week

Eligha Roper
Tuesday, June 2, 2026
It all started with a text message. That’s how most questionable life choices begin.“Hey would you be able to dog/house/cat sit our place May 26 to 31?”I replied with the confidence of a man who had no idea what he was agreeing to: “Shouldn’t be a problem.”A day later came Text No. 2.
Lumpkin County runners Reagan Long, Maddox Henderson, Kellyn Coffer and Josie Webb broke their previously set school records in the 4x200 event at the State Championships.

Lumpkin County runners Reagan Long, Maddox Henderson, Kellyn Coffer and Josie Webb broke their previously set school records in the 4x200 event at the State Championships.

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Track team concludes strong season at State

Eligha Roper
Tuesday, May 26, 2026
The Lumpkin County Track Team wrapped up a very successful season at the GHSA State Championships at the University of Georgia’s newly built Spec Towns Track on May 14.
This year’s squad consisted of Kaitlyn Johnson, Rileigh Raftelis, Maddie Lee, Averie Simmons, Brooklyn Estrella, Taylor Burton, Gabby Warren, Layla Melius, Tavie Blacksher and Maggie McKenzie. They were coached and led by Head Coach Wolf Harbin, Assistant Head Coach Carson Horton, Director Of Vibes Mason Hester, Head of Scout Team Caleb Wendl and Team DJ Parker Cox.

This year’s squad consisted of Kaitlyn Johnson, Rileigh Raftelis, Maddie Lee, Averie Simmons, Brooklyn Estrella, Taylor Burton, Gabby Warren, Layla Melius, Tavie Blacksher and Maggie McKenzie. They were coached and led by Head Coach Wolf Harbin, Assistant Head Coach Carson Horton, Director Of Vibes Mason Hester, Head of Scout Team Caleb Wendl and Team DJ Parker Cox.

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Powder Puff 2026 Championship goes to Senior Class

Eligha Roper
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
The senior class at Lumpkin County High School wrapped up their year with one last victory lap. At the 67th annual Powder Puff Championship on Friday, the seniors clawed their way through the bracket, edging out the freshmen 1-0 in the first round then steamrolling the juniors 4-0 in the finals.
Weston Veater had a standout performance during his first outing as a runningback against East Hall.

Weston Veater had a standout performance during his first outing as a runningback against East Hall.

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Lumpkin football team hits the field for spring game

Eligha Roper
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
It was a beautiful spring evening as the Lumpkin County High School football team ventured out to East Hall for an early first look at next year’s squad. The game was full of surprises, personnel changes and new faces.
Addison Parker makes a play during last week’s tryouts for the Lumpkin County High School flag football team. The season is set to begin in October.

Addison Parker makes a play during last week’s tryouts for the Lumpkin County High School flag football team. The season is set to begin in October.

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Flag football team prepares for first-ever season in Lumpkin

Eligha Roper
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
A surge of nearly 40 athletes packed the field last week for a chance to make Lumpkin County High School history. With the school launching its first ever flag football team next year, excitement is already running high and plenty of girls are aiming to be part of something brand new.
After a successful high school fishing career, Cooper McDonald is set to continue at the college level at The University of West Alabama.

After a successful high school fishing career, Cooper McDonald is set to continue at the college level at The University of West Alabama.

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McDonald wraps up high school fishing career and eyes college future

Eligha Roper
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
Local fisherman Cooper McDonald has built one of the most decorated high school fishing careers in the state. Alongside longtime teammate Hayden Seabolt he has earned Angler of the Year honors, set weight records and collected a long list of first place and podium finishes.
The Lumpkin County boys soccer team huddles up before a match this season.

The Lumpkin County boys soccer team huddles up before a match this season.

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Lumpkin soccer athletes named to All-Region team

Eligha Roper
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
All-Region honors are reserved for the best of the best. So naturally, several local athletes were able to make the list for Region 6-AAA. For starters, Lumpkin standout Ridge Cole was awarded Region 6-AAA Player of the Year.