Sports

The Lumpkin County varsity athletes of today and future stars of tomorrow gather together for a photo during last week’s basketball camp.

The Lumpkin County varsity athletes of today and future stars of tomorrow gather together for a photo during last week’s basketball camp.

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Sports summer camp brings current and future stars together

Eligha Roper
Tuesday, June 9, 2026
Lumpkin County High School’s annual summer basketball camp once again brought strong participation and steady energy to the gym. Assistant Coach Matthew Chisholm said this year’s turnout reflected the community’s interest in the sport and the program’s continued growth.
The local R-Ranch hosted the 37th annual Mountain Top Rodeo last weekend. Fans packed the stands and top riders from all over attended the event. Pictured: Tate Minor competes in the saddle bronc event.

The local R-Ranch hosted the 37th annual Mountain Top Rodeo last weekend. Fans packed the stands and top riders from all over attended the event. Pictured: Tate Minor competes in the saddle bronc event.

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Mountain Top Rodeo returns to R-Ranch

Eligha Roper
Tuesday, June 9, 2026
Once every year, the local hills at the R-Ranch awake with the sound of cheers as The Mountain Top Rodeo rolls into town.
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.