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Y-101 Radio Play-by-Play- The Toombs County Bulldog basketball team plays host to Vidalia on Friday, February 10 at 7:30 p.m. on Y-101 thanks to Primary Sponsor- Smith and Cannon Attorneys at Law. Also, Allcare Pharmacy in Lyons, Thriftway Galaxy Food Center in Lyons and Mt. Vernon, Ronald V. Hall Funeral Home of Vidalia, Zaxby's in Vidalia, TL Gold of Vidalia, Stephens Truck Center in Lyons, Community Hospice in Vidalia, Arlene's Fine Jewelry and Lakeview Memorial Gardens in Vidalia.

Games are streamed and archived on Ustream.com

Bryce sings- If you listen to Y-101 then you know that the "Caller of the Year" doesn't like to sing. Check out this exception

Craig Campbell on Y-101- Craig appeared on Y-101 Radio to talk about his new single, the making of his new video and appearing on Fox News. Listen Ustream

Davis PR's in Douglas- TCHS Freshman swimmer Jake Davis posted personal best times in both the 50-yard freestyle, in which he placed first out of 61 swimmers, and the 100-yard freestyle, in which he was third out 55. Jake qualified for the state meet in the 50.

Music on Y-101- Cionni Butler, an eight grader at TCMS, sang three songs on Y-101 Video Tyler Lightsey made his third appearance on Y-101 Video 2nd appearance Emmanuel County's Ginny Wright, who sang a hit single with Jim Reeves, was a guest on Y-101 and she told some interesting stories about Reeves, Elvis and her career Audio

MatDogs repeat as Area 2 Champs

Jamar Smith pins and wins his first Area 2 title

Juan Alvarez takes 3rd with a quick pin

The Toombs County Bulldog wrestling team defended their Area 2 traditional championship by beating Appling County by nine points. The Bulldogs qualified 11 wrestlers for sectionals in Dublin and they won five individual weight classes. Austin Farrow (106 pounds), Mark Terrell (132 pounds), Xavier Horne (170 pounds), Kalin Wilhite (182 pounds) and Jamar Smith (195 pounds) are all area champions. J.D. Rogers (152 pounds) and Erion Gaffney (160 pounds) placed second. Jamie Cruz (120 pounds), Juan Alvarez (145 pounds) and Eric Hester (220 pounds) all won consolation final matches and finished third and Vallente Guerrero (285 pounds) made it to sectionals by finishing fourth. Watch highlights You Tube and check out all of the results

Bulldogs play all four quarters

One of the goals for the Toombs County Boys basketball team has been to play all four quarters. In game 20 of the 2011-12 season they finally did and the result was a 63-39 home win over McIntosh County Academy which avenged an eight-point road loss to the Buccaneers just seven days earlier. "We finally played four quarters and it was a relief," said head coach Keary Brownlee."As you can see the results are totally different when we play all four quarters instead of a half of a quarter, a half a half or just one quarter. If we can play all four quarters I believe we can compete with anybody in the league." Listen to Y-101 archived play-by-play Part 1 Part 2

After yielding 14 points in the first quarter, the Bulldog defense stifled the Bucs and held them to 10 points or less in the final three periods- 7-10-8. Nathan Roach, who scored six points, said, "We haven't had a win in a while and I knew we had to bring defensive intensity to the floor and try get our defense up so we could score a lot of points on offense."

The Bulldogs points came in a consistent flow. TCHS only had 11 turnovers which allowed them to avoid a down quarter. The Bulldogs scored 18-14-15-16. For the second straight game senior shooting guard Dylan Ennis scored all 12 of his points by sinking four 3-pointers, including three in the second quarter. "Anytime you hit a shot from long distance it really boosts the team's confidence and gets them really excited," said Ennis.

Senior Brandon Driggers along with junior Tamond Hampton also scored 12 points "We started playing as a team. We were making our shots everywhere," said Driggers. "Dylan was hitting, I was hitting, Tamond was hitting, we were boxing out and doing what we had to do."

Point guard Gary Terrell scored eight points and hit one of the Bulldogs' seven 3-pointers. Six of the 3-balls came in the first half including one right before the first quarter buzzer by Denzel Bell (four points). Michael Sulton also banked in a 3-ball from the side for his points. Dominique Hawkins scored five points and dunked for the first time in his Bulldog career- a two-hander in the first quarter. "I ran up and dunked. It just came out of nowhere. It felt good because it was my first dunk of my career," said the Hawk. Junior Matthew Hall made his first start and scored one point.

The Bulldogs are 9-11 overall and 7-8 in Region 2. Toombs is tied with Appling County for fifth place in the region. That position allows you to play host to the five versus eight and six versus seven seed games in the Region 2 Tournament. The Bulldogs end their regular season on Friday at home versus Vidalia while Appling will entertain Jeff Davis on the same night. The Pirates avoided being the first team to lose a region game to Pierce County by beating the Bears 63-62 in Blackshear.

Girls game- McIntosh County Academy 34-28- All the ingredients were working for the Lady Bulldogs to win their sixth game of the season except for shooting. Toombs left a lot of points on the table. The Lady Bulldogs led 16-15 at half and took an 18-15 lead early in the third quarter on a Megan Meadow's (six points) bucket in the lane. However, Toombs only scored two more points in the rest of the quarter and trailed 21-20. Jalisha Knight led the Lady Bulldogs with 10 points, Diamond Boyd had six and Deavia Howard, Jamilla Hopkins and Lanesha Furman each had two. The Lady Bulldogs are 5-17 overall and 3-14 in the region. Watch highlights video

TCMS Bullpups open with 1-0 win

TCMS striker Leonel Abrca scores

Goalie Cole Williamson deflects a shot

In a game dominated by top notch goal keeping the Toombs County Middle School Bullpups scored the only goal with 11:42 remaining in the game to nip J.R. Trippe 1-0 in Vidalia. TCMS striker Leonel Abrca scored the Bullpup goal in a one-on-one situation with the Chiefs goalie. Devin Johnson, who made save after save, tried to make his second kick save, however, Abrca fired the ball behind the keeper and in to the net. "I had to sprint all the way past the defense so I could shoot it," said Abrca. "He (Johnson) was kind of good for blocking all those shots." Watch highlights of both games video
Cole Williamson, Toombs County's goalie, was playing his first game in the net. However, he didn't play like a rookie. Williamson had to make two big saves to earn the shutout. In the opening half the Chiefs fired a rising shot that Cole deflected over the goal. "I knew I was going to hit it and I did my best," said Williamson. I had a good team behind me the whole day, we came out with the win." Cole also had to come out of the net and smother a shot in the waining moments of the game, "I was just hoping I would get it right then, I knew they were getting real close. We needed to get the ball back down the field."

The scoring in the girls game was almost identical to the boys game. J.R. Trippe scored the only goal in a 1-0 win with 12:42 to play in the second half when Jesse Morris ran on to the ball and then dribbled to the right side of the net. Her low shot just got past the Lady Bullpups diving goalie. TCMS had several opportunites to tie the game in the final minutes but the Lady Bullpups were unable to find the back of the net.

Appling's 4th quarter surge downs Dawgs

In the first and third quarters, of their Region 2 game at Appling County, the Toombs County Bulldogs outscored the Pirates 31-19. However, Appling pulled out a 66-61 victory by scoring a combined 47 points in the two even quarters. Yes, a lack of consistency cost the Bulldogs a possible key road victory. "We controlled them in the first quarter, let them back in the game and then controlled them in the third quarter and let them back in the game," said head coach Keary Brownlee. "That's our M.O. this season, get off to a great start and let them back in the game for whatever reason. They didn't even pressure us tonight and we turned the ball over 23 times. If you give a team 23 extra possessions 90% of the time they are going to win the ball game." Listen to Y-101 archived play-by-play Ustream

In the first quarter Brandon Driggers and Tamond Hampton controlled the scoring as the Bulldogs took a 13-6 lead. Hampton scored six and Driggers had five. Once again in the second quarter TCHS scored 13 points while yielding 22 giving Appling a 28-26 halftime lead.

The Bulldogs started the second half with a better offensive flow. Driggers scored seven of his season-high 19 points in the period while setting up his teammates with some neat passes out of the low post. Toombs won the third quarter 18-13 and had a 44-41 lead going to the fourth.

In the final eight minutes Appling's Kevin Johnson scored his first points of the game. The 6-2 sophomore, who scored 20 in Lyons, hit two big 3-pointers for his only points of the night. The Bulldogs also allowed too many offensive rebounds. Ibn Sumner hit the glass and scored 10 of his game-high 26 in a fourth controlled by Appling 25-17.

Dylan Ennis hit four 3-pointers and scored 12 points, Hampton had 11, Dominique Hawkins nine and Nathan Roach eight. The Bulldogs are 8-11 overall and 6-8 in Region 2.

Girls game- Appling County 55, Toombs County 46- The Lady Bulldogs, who trailed 18-7 after the first quarter and 30-23 at half, made a run in the third quarter and tied the game at 33 with 4:20 remaining. Lanesha Furman (eight points) hit a jump shot and Deavia Howard (14 points) tied the game with a 3-ball. Appling outscored TCHS 8-3 in the second half of the third quarter and 14-10 in the fourth. Watch highlights video

Jalisha Knight topped Toombs with 15 points. She scored most of her points in transition and was knocked down to the court a handful of times. However, each time she got back up and continued on with her business. Diamond Boyd added five points and Megan Meadows and Shaila Bacon each had two. The Lady Bulldogs are 5-16 and 3-13.

"I was really devastated about the loss'" said Furman. "At the end we tried to pull it out, but it didn't happen. Me and Deavia really hit some big shots and I think that kind of gave the team some momentum."

Three Dawgs win Sweet Onion Titles

Kalin lifts West Laurens's Demetrius Green

Jamar Smith pins Brian Whitfield from Commerce

J.D. Rogers, Kalin Wilhite and Jamar Smith each won individual titles to help lead the Toombs County Bulldogs to a fifth place finish in the Bulldog Sweet Onion Wrestling Tournament.

Rogers (152 pounds) was the first Bulldog to win a title as he pinned Fitzgerald's Octavious Rivera with ten seconds remaining in the third and final period. "I had already wrestled him before and if I can pin him once then I can pin him again," said Rodgers. "I was down the whole match and late in the third period I was down by two. I had been working the switch the whole time and I finally got it in. I rolled him over and stuck him." Rogers also pinned Alphonso Williams from Burke County and defeated Vidalia's Solomon McLeod 7-0 to improve his record to 33-14 in his sophomore season.

Kalin Wilhite remained undefeated (49-0) in his senior season by winning three matches. Willhite defeated Chris Mack of South Effingham 17-1 and pinned Carlton Holmes from Burke County. That advanced the defending state champion to the finals in the 182 pound weight class. Kalin took care of business by beating West Laurens's Demetrius Green 8-3. "It was a battle of wills," said Wilhite. "He's so strong, last week at Dublin it was a 3-0 match, one escape and one takedown. It was a lot different than the last match."

Jamar Smith, competing in the 195 pound weight class, pinned all three of his opponents- Evan Joyner from Turner County, Tyler Smith of South Effingham and Brian Whitfield representing Commerce in the final. The freshman ended the championship match quickly by taking down Whitfield with a thump. Whitfield made a noticeable grunt when he hit the mat and Smith said he knew it was over, "I knew I had him right where I wanted him. He was hurt and he was down and I was going to hold him there." Smith is 34-8 on the season.

The Bulldogs had two fourth place finishers -Austin Farrow 106 pounds and Erion Gaffney, wrestling up a weight class, at 160 pounds. Watch highlights You Tube

Bulldogs runaway in the 4th quarter

For three quarters a rematch between the Toombs County Bulldogs and the Jeff Davis Yellow Jackets was a tight game. The Bulldogs won the first match up in Hazlehurst by five points by scoring 27 points in the third. In Lyons the Dawgs waited until the fourth quarter to breakaway. Toombs went on a 17-4 run and cruised to a 61-46 victory. Listen to archived Y-101 play-by-play Ustream

In the first half only three Bulldogs scored. Brandon Driggers tossed in 11 of his 17 points, Tamond Hampton eight of his 17 and Dylan Ennis five of his 11. However, this offensive formula only enabled Toombs to lead 14-13 after the first quarter and 24-21 at half. TCHS edged JD 16-15 in the third and led 40-36 before their big run in the fourth quarter.

Dominique Hawkins was the fourth Bulldog to hit double-digits and he waited until the final period to get there. The senior entered the fourth quarter with a point and finished the game with 11. The "Hawk" scored three buckets and made four-of-four at the free throw line. Dominique's play has impressed head coach Keary Brownlee, "This season he (Hawkins) has come in much more focused and he came to me and said coach I really want to be part of your team and ever since he has been there he has been a great addition to us and given us the much added athleticism that we needed."

The Bulldogs are 8-10 overall and 6-7 in Region 2.

Girls game- Jeff Davis 46, Toombs County 29- The Lady Yellow Jackets, the top team in Region 2, bolted to an 11-2 lead after the first quarter and a 30-15 advantage at half. Toombs made a run in the third quarter and cut the JD lead to 10 when Jalisha Knight (12 points) made two layups and Lanesha Furman (six points) hit a 3-pointer. Deavia Howard made six-of-eight free throws for her six points, Diamond Boyd had four and Jamilla Hopkins one. The Lady Bulldogs are 5-15 and 3-12. Watch highlights You Tube

Dawgs' lead slips away in 2nd half

For a half the Toombs County Bulldogs were playing like a team capable of winning a big Region 2 game on the road at McIntosh County Academy. The Dawgs led 20-16 after the first quarter and they opened up a 10 point lead in the second quarter and led 35-26 at half. However, the Bulldogs level of execution changed in the second half and as they turnover rate escalated their scoring dropped. The Buccaneers dominated the third quarter 18-6 and won the fourth 17-12 in a 61-53 victory. Listen to archived Y-101 play-by-play Ustream

"If you are going to do something, keep doing it the same way," said head coach Keary Brownlee. "We got in the right press breaker and were up by nine and were playing well and then in the second half we didn't get in the right press breaker and started to do our own thing. We are a below average ball team when we don't do things our own way. But, when they are coached to do the right thing and get in the right spots we are a pretty good ball team."

In the first half the Bulldogs had good ball movement and balanced scoring. Brandon Driggers scored eight of his team- high 12 points in the first half. Tamond Hampton and Nathan Roach scored nine points, Dylan Ennis eight, Dominique Hawkins seven, Gary Terrell six and Matthew Hall two. The Bulldogs only made 10-of-20 at the free throw line as their record dropped to 7-10 overall and 5-7 in Region 2.

Girls game- McInthosh County Academy 69, Toombs County 47- The Lady Bulldogs jumped to 13-9 lead after the first quarter as Jalisha Knight scored seven of her 13 points. She made two buckets and hit 3-of-4 at the line. The Lady Bucs began to pull away in the second quarter and they led 32-23 at half. Jamilla Hopkins contributed seven points, Diamond Boyd six and Aryn McGowan three. O'mesha Singleton, Breanna Walker, and Shantel Taylor had two each and Megan Meadows, Lanesha Furman and Shaila Bacon one a piece. The Lady Bulldogs are 5-14 and 3-11. Watch highlights video

TCHS splits in Ludowici

For the second time this season one quarter determined the victor in a match up between the Toombs County Bulldogs and Long County. On December 16, in Lyons, Long dominated the first quarter 22-10 in an 11 point win. In the rematch, in Ludowici, the second quarter doomed the Dawgs. TCHS turned the ball over repeatedly and was outscored 23-9. However, the Bulldogs chopped their turnover rate down in the second half and won the third quarter 15-5 and the fourth 18-14. However, the fourteen point differential in the second period was too much to overcome as the Blue Tide held on to a 59-54 win. Listen to Y-101 play-by-play Usteam

Trailing 40-21 at half, the Bulldogs came out scoring and defending in the third quarter. Dylan Ennis, who scored 11 points hit a 3-ball and Tamond Hampton (15.6 points per game average), coming off back-to-back single digit games, scored six of his 17 in the third. "In the first half we weren't playing good," said Hampton. "Coach told me a halftime to drive the ball, dish it off, score and get involved with my teammates."

Brandon Driggers was the third Dawg in double-digits. He scored 10 points hitting three shots of 15 or more feet and he made four-of-four at the free throw line. Driggers also had an exceptional passing night setting up his teammates for open shots. "Everybody was doing what they were suppose to do," said Driggers. "Dylan was knocking down shots, I was knocking down shots and getting everybody involved. The point guards were controlling the game and Tamond was doing his thing."

Dominique Hawkins scored seven points, Michael Sulton three and Anthony Britt, Gary Terrell and Matthew Hall each had two. The Bulldogs are 7-9 and 5-6 in Region 2.

Girls game- Senior Jalisha Knight set the tone in the first quarter. The Lady Bulldog speedster, a two time state champ in track, scored repeatedly off turnovers as she accounted for more than 50% of the Lady Bulldogs offense. Knight scored nineteen in the Lady Bulldogs 36-24 win. "Jalisha said she took a beating, "I got elbowed in the head, got a bruised lip, I got a big old bruise on my thigh and I hurt my ankle and played without my ankle bracelet." Knight said she had to play extra minutes, "Since Courtney (Wynn) is out with a sprained knee they aren't many people that coach (Brag Thompson) can sub in for the wings since most of the people are posts. You just have to stay in and do what you have to do."

Megan Meadows added six points, Diamond Boyd three and Deavia Howard, Jamilla Hopkins, Lanesha Furman and Shaila Bacon two. The Lady Bulldogs are 5-13 and 3-10. Watch highlights video

Arringtons are piling up the W's

Head coach Donnie Arrington and son Ryan (far right)

Former Toombs County Bulldog head basketball coach Donnie Arrington and his Effingham County Rebels are off to an amazing start this season. The Rebels won their first 11 straight and then they lost their only game of the season to Gonzaga Prep (51-31) in the championship game of the Piggly Wiggly Roundball Classic in Charleston, South Carolina. On the same night (January 21, 2112) the Rebels were roasting Evans 73-32 before a big home crowd in Springfield, Gonzaga was edging DeMatha 76-74 before 3,200 fans at American University in Washington, D.C. Gonzaga was ranked third nationally and DeMatha was number one in the land. Gonzaga is 17-0, while DeMatha drops to 16-2. That means the Rebels only loss, is perhaps, to the soon-to-be number one team in the country.

In Effingham's victory over Evans the Rebels turned a 20-17 lead in the first quarter in to a 45-21 lead at half. Leading the way in the 25-4 run was Jakeenan Gant (number 23), who scored 16 of his game high 19 in the first half. Gant, a 6-8 sophomore, is already being looked at by Division One schools. Gant dropped in a 3-pointer from the top of the key and also had two dunks. The Rebels had four double-digit scorers and shot 58% from the field and improved their current winning streak to six games and their record to 17-1 and 5-0 in Region 2B AAAA. Watch highlights You Tube

The Rebels win with defense first. They are yielding 39 points per game and only two teams have hit 50, Gonzaga and Jenkins (78-55 Rebel win). "We got off to a great start, they (Evans) shot the ball really well early and then our defensive pressure really got to them," said Arrington. We got out on the fast break and Jakeenan played great. The guards just did a great job defensively and it was a lot of fun." Arrington is assisted by former Toombs County assistant coach Jamie Clayton.

Number 14 on the Knights roster is son Ryan Arrington. Ryan grew up in Toombs County and played for the Bullpups prior to the family's move to Springfield. Ryan comes off the bench and handles the basketball, plays man-to-man defensive and shoots 3-pointers. The senior says, "We work really hard, I think we deserve everything we have gotten. We come in to practice everyday and work our tail off and it pays off."

Ryan's older brother Chase, who played two seasons at Toombs County High School, has decided to walk on at Armstrong Atlantic next season. Chase most recently played at East Georgia where he was a starter in his freshman season. "I'm really looking forward to it," said Chase. "I talked to coach (Jeremy) Luther and he really wants me to be a part of their team. I really think I can flourish there. They run an offense that I can thrive in and I am really looking forward to it."

Bullpups are wrestling champs

Justin Hall (top) adds to his five point advantage

The Toombs County Middle School Bullpups wrapped up their season by winning the MGMSAA Championship at the TCMS Gym. The Bullpups were dominant as they had 17 wrestlers finish in the top three in the 22 different weight classes. Toombs collected 49 points, West Laurens 38, Dodge County 34 and East Laurens 32. Y-101 Story

First place finishers- Nathan Belch 120 pounds, Tyrease Kent 145, Michael Roach 171 and Donny Barrow 240.

Second place- Justin Bullock 75 pounds, Lucas Olliver 85, Jaime Villegas 90, Blaine Burkett 95, Sharmonte Franklin 110, Chris Williams 115, Carson Barwick 140 and Stephen Drake 160.

Third place- Dallas Coursey 80 pounds, Alex Ashley 125, Noah Moore 135, Brandon Chubb 152 and Adam Brown 189.

Watch Justin Hall wrestle Video

Toombs improves against Tattnall

Back in December when Toombs County played at Tattnall County, the Bulldogs and Lady Bulldogs lost by a combined 71 points. In the rematch, in the Lyons, both games were much closer making the final margin just 13 points in favor of Tattnall.

Girls game- Tattnall 46, Toombs County 41- The Lady Bulldogs hung around in the first half and made a serious push in the second. Tattnall led 16-10 after the first quarter and 29-20 at half. In the third quarter Diamond Boyd scored a bucket and hit a free throw to complete a 3-point play and then Deavia Howard followed with 3-ball as the Lady Bulldogs pulled to within three points at 34-31 with a 1:07 to play in the third. Howard also scored an inside bucket and the Lady Dawgs were within two points of the lead. Tattnall took a 37-33 lead in to the fourth quarter. Howard topped Toombs with 13 points and she made three 3-pointers, two days prior to her sixteenth birthday. Jalisha Knight scored eight points, Courtney Wynn and Diamond Boyd each had six, Megan Medows four and Lanesha Furman and Jamilla Hopkins two. Watch highlights You Tube

"We preached all week just to take it to them in the first half instead of them taking it to us like they did over there," said head coach Brag Thompson. " We wanted to get off to a hot start and be in the game at half."

Boys game- Tattnall County 55, Toombs County 47- The Bulldogs, who were outscored by Tattnall 40-16 in the first half at Reidsville, were the better team in the first half of the rematch. Brandon Driggers scored seven of his nine points in the first half as the Bulldogs lead 16-10 after the first quarter. In the second quarter Dylan Ennis (13 points) hit three shots- two 3-pointers and a bucket as the Bulldogs matched Tattnall in an 18-18 second period giving Toombs a 34-28 half time lead. Y-101 Radio archived play-by-play Ustream

In the third quarter a rash of turnovers killed the Bulldogs offensive production. Toombs County only scored two points in that eight minute quarter. A free throw each by Nathan Roach and Tamond Hampton, who both finished with five points. Tattnall outscored the Bulldogs 12-2 in that ugly period and led 40-36 after three.

In the fourth quarter the Bulldogs took a one point lead, however, once again turnovers kept them from taking off on a run and then the Warriors threw a dagger at Toombs when Ty Steger drilled a late game 3-pointer. Dominique Hawkins scored nine points for Toombs, Gary Terrell had five and Anthony Britt two.

"We were playing good basketball, we were just letting the game come to us in the first half," said Ennis. "We were running through our set plays and getting really good looks at the basket and we were putting the ball through the hoop. Then in the second half we started to try and do too much and we were scrambling all over the place and just taking bad shots."

B-Team Boys- Toombs County 54, Tattnall County 46- Carlos Eason, who missed some early season games with an injury, led TCHS with 13 points and Kenny Goethe 12. The B-Team Dawgs are 4-2.

"We are really starting to play well right now," said coach Chuck Hill. "We are finally coming together and we have everybody healthy. One of our big guys (Carlos Eason) broke his ankle three days before the season started and we just got him back and he is finally getting in to shape and he helps us a lot on the boards."

Howard's bouncing 3-pointer gives Lady Dawgs a win

Deavia Howard shoots

and makes her big 3

It had been a month and a day- six straight losses- since the Toombs County Lady Bulldogs had won a basketball game. so, the Lady Dawgs were most definitely hungry for a victory against visiting St. Vincent's and they satisfied that craving when Deavia Howard clinched the win with a 3-pointer with 15 second to play.

However, this was no ordinary three. It wasn't a swish, it was an adventure. Howard took a pass from Courtney Wynn slightly to the right of the lane and then she elevated and shot a ball that seemed destined to go in. First the shot hit the back of the iron and then it jumped in to the air, next it bounced off the front of the iron and then it bounced back off the glass, then back to the front of the rim before settling in to the net for a 33-32 Lady Bulldog victory. "I was trying to rush to make the shot," said Howard who wasn't sure the shot was going to go in. "I thought it was going to fall out, that's why I ran to the goal to try and rebound it and shoot it back up." There was no need for that because the sophomore had hit a game-winner, "It's really exciting because we have been losing a lot of close games." Watch highlights video You Tube

At the start it seemed like this was not going to be a close game. Toombs opened up an 18-5 lead with 5:05 to play in the second quarter and the Lady Bulldogs led 20-9 at half. In the second half Toombs scoring pace began to slow. St. Vincent's took the third quarter 9-7 to make it 27-18 Lady Dawgs going to the fourth. The Saints slowly whittled down the advantage and then with 41 second to go they took their first lead of the game at 32-30.

Jalisha Knight and Courtney Wynn topped TCHS with nine points, Howard and Jamilla Hopkins scored five, Lanesha Furman three and Megan Meadows two. The Lady Bulldogs are 2-9 in Region 2 and 4-12 overall.

Too many buzzer beaters down the Dawgs

Brantley County hit three buzzer beater shots and a game-tying 3-pointer just four seconds before the end of regulation and then survived Toombs County's game-tying three at the buzzer, in overtime, as the Herons nipped the Bulldogs 60-57 in Nahunta. The night before Brantley lost an overtime game at Appling 59-55. Listen to archived Y-101 play-by-play Ustream

The Herons' heroics began with a 15-foot baseline jumper by Dalton Lairsey that beat the first quarter buzzer and gave Brantley a 12-11 lead. Then Zack Edwards hit a 3-pointer at the buzzer to lift Brantley to a 24-22 halftime lead. Lairsey came back and drilled a 3-ball at the end of the third quarter to put the Herons up 37-35 going to the fourth quarter.

In the final quarter of regulation it looked like the Bulldogs were going to pull away and win without anymore Brantley County drama. Dylan Ennis, who led TCHS with a season-high 16 points, swished three 3-pointers and made four straight free throws to give the Dawgs a seven point lead with 2:06 to play in regulation- the biggest advantage of the night for either team. However, Jamison Williams (14 points) retaliated with two free throws and two 3-balls. The final shot in the sequence was a three-pointer, four seconds prior to the end of regulation, that tied the game at 55 and sent it on to a four minute extra period.

In overtime Williams and Derrick Bradshaw (12 points) each hit an inside shot and E.J. Thomas dropped in a free throw for Brantley. Brandon Driggers (seven points) scored Toombs only OT points at the free throw line. Down three with three second remaining, the Bulldogs-after a timeout- went the length of the court and passed the ball to Gary Terrell. The junior guard made a difficult catch and then right before the buzzer got off an equally difficult shot from 22-feet that hit the glass and the front of the rim. However, the game-tying attempt did not fall in.

The Bulldogs were plagued all night by serious foul trouble. Leading scorer Tamond Hampton (17.2 points per game) had his minutes limited by the whistle and scored only six points. Like Hampton, both Nathan Roach and Terrell picked up four fouls. Roach scored six points and Terrell had five. Matthew Hall came of the bench and scored six points, Dominique Hawkins had four and Michael Sulton two.

"Down the stretch we played really well, but in overtime we kind of fell apart," said head coach Keary Brownlee. "Some of it was on me, coaches make mistakes. I think we played hard. There were a lot of difficult circumstances here. They beat us fair and square. That's just the way it goes sometimes."

The loss stopped the Bulldogs' win streak at three games and dropped their record to 7-7 and 5-4 in Region 2. The Herons are 5-9 and 4-5.

Girls game- The Lady Bulldogs, for the second straight game, got off to a good start. Jalisha Knight scored six of her 10 points in the first quarter and Deavia Howard (nine points) hit a 3-pointer as TCHS took a 9-3 lead and trailed 14-13 after the opening quarter. The Lady Herons built up a 29-21 halftime lead. Watch highlights You Tube

In the third quarter Megan Meadows (eight points) picked up her scoring pace until she was tagged with her fourth foul. The Lady Herons, typical for the night, sank a 3-pointer at the third quarter buzzer that gave them a 44-32 lead. Brantley controlled the fourth quarter and won 58-41. Jamilla Hopkins scored all 10 of her points at the free throw line. She made 8-of-12 of shots including her last six straight. Courtney Wynn, Lanesha Furman, Diamond Boyd and Aryn McGowan each scored a point. TCHS is 3-11 and 1-9.

Bulldogs are Area 3 Dual champs

Despite being on his back a couple of times, Jamie Cruz avoided being pinned allowing the Toombs County Bulldogs to nip Appling County 36-35 in the championship match of the Area 3 Duals at Darian. Toombs also won the area title last year on the mats at McIntosh County Academy. The Bulldogs will be a number one seed at the GHSA State Duals, in Macon, on January 13 and 14. Toombs will meet Dublin in the first round on Friday.

Lance Joyner, a sophomore competing at 170 pounds, like Cruz also wrestled a match in which he could not be pinned. "I just fought through it, I decided I couldn't be pinned so we wouldn't lose the championship," said Joyner, who lost 6-4. "It was extremely hard, he was strong and a really good wrestler." J.D.Rogers, who dropped from 170 pounds to 160, won his match. "It went really good, it was so intense because we were down and we had to start getting sticks or we are going to be out of it because their lighter weights are really good and you just got to keep fighting through it."

The Bulldogs defeated Jeff Davis at 10 a.m. and then didn't wrestle again until 3 p.m. Head coach Travis Ellington said, "I can't say enough about how they wrestled against the competition. We had a couple of kids that just battled the whole time. Jamie Cruz was tremendous. In a dual meet there is a lot of strategy and we try to look for the best match ups to score the most points. Our leaders like Kalin Wilhite and Juan Alvarez, our seniors, and our underclassmen like J.D. Rogers and Xavier Horne and Jamar Smith, all had a great tournament. I just can't say enough about all the guys."

A full house for pro baseball in Vidalia

Clint Chafin, an expert on the Georgia State League, sent this picture of a sell out crowd at Vidalia's baseball field on Friday night, July 20, 1952. A record breaking, overflow crowd of 3,500 attended a game between Vidalia and Soperton, which was won by the home team 15-2. That year Vidalia finished the regular season with a 66-58 record as the Indians finished in third place, nine games out of first. However, Vidalia turned it on during the playoffs and beat Hazlehurst/Baxley four games to two in the GSL semifinals and then the Indians won the league championship by taking care of Douglas four games to two.

Soperton wasn't a member of the GSL so perhaps this was an exhibition game. Does anybody have any information on the Soperton team? e-mail

Lyons Under 12's are GRPA Soccer State Champs

The Lyons Under 12 boys and girls soccer team were a dominant bunch in district and state tournament play. They took care of Thomson and Dublin by scores of 10-0 and 6-0 in the district in Dublin and then they continued their run with three wins at the GRPA State Tournament in Augusta. Lyons defeated Morgan and Wayne County by the same 6-2 score in the quarterfinals and semis and then they whipped Murray County 7-2 in the title game. Saul Tinoco scored five goals in the championship game and 16 in the state tournament. The Under 12's are coached by Dr. Heidi Zubeck and the players include: Gerry Tinoco, Rig Tinoco, Raul Tinoco, Carlos Ibarra, Juan Ibarra, Brodie Hardeman, Chris Scoggins, Divorian Gaffney, Cindy Vera, Damian Castro, and Julian.

The team was honored at Partin Park for their accomplishments. Watch the ceremony video Y-101 Story

Big R Remembered

Big R

By Robert George

This past week the Toombs County School system lost one of its biggest and most lovable supporters. Ronnie Yawn, who was known around the community as "Big R", passed away on November 16, 2011 due to heart failure at Meadows Regional Medical Center. He had been a loyal Bulldog for over 65 years.

Ronnie moved from Americus to Lyons in the early 1950's, with his parents, his brother Glynn and his sister Jackie. Big R was employed by the Toombs County School System for 37 years, where he was, in my opinion, the biggest and most loyal fan to watch the Bulldogs. At every home football, basketball or baseball game, he was always there, wearing his cap, with his fellow Bulldog fans, cheering for the Dogs, no matter what the score. Other than supporting the Lyons/Toombs Bulldogs, he was also a huge Georgia Bulldog and Atlanta Brave fanatic. He loved to watch movies and television shows and he would often imitate the famous personalities for fun. He had a special routine conversation that he enjoyed with each of his friends. These routines involved bantering and teasing, but they were always done in love and respect.

Former Lyons Buldogs coach Bill Schofill spoke at Ronnie's funeral and told of what a good person Ronnie was and how he had been a loyal friend who encouraged others. Coach Schofill was emotional as he explained that God had called the Big R to love the Bulldog community by just being the Big R. After Schofill moved away, his son Pat continued that friendship as he often took Big R fishing and enjoyed eating breakfast together as they sometimes ate with coach Schofill, who Ronnie respectfully called "The Big Man".

Kevin Hill, Jimmy and Doug Alexander were great friends of R, taking him to Braves gamed and exchanging baseball signals with Ronnie down the school hallways. Coach Mike Lothridge would give signals to R before he came down from the choir loft at Lyons Methodist Church. Ronnie would give signals back while the pastor was talking, unaware. Ronnie faithfully attended this where he served as an usher for many years. He remained an usher until FFA teacher Mark Montfort encouraged him to join the choir. Montfort said the Big R inspired him to read the Bible more each day.

When coach Anson Callaway came to Lyons in 1961, he tells of being awakened that first morning by a young teenage boy doing the "Tarzan yell" outside his window. He soon learned that this was his neighbor, Ronnie Yawn. They became great friends when R worked with Callaway at Lyons Junior High School. He lovingly referred to Coach as the "Chief". Coach Callaway loved Big R and worked with Ronnie's sister and caretaker, Jackie, to make sure that R did right. Jackie did a great job of helping her brother to be a good citizen, respected by many people in the community. This past Thanksgiving my family sat around the table and heard Coach tell Big R stories for over an hour as we laughed and reflected on Big R and what he meant to many families.

What makes a community? Is it big buildings or successful businesses? Or is it the people and the relationships that we have with others? The Lyons/Toombs County community had a unique relationship with a special man for over 65 years. Many people were impacted by this relationship. Ronnie Yawn had special needs that were met through his interactions with others, especially coaches. He was a good person and a loyal friend. We all miss Big R, but will never forget what he did and what he meant to us. "Book 'em Danno"

Listen to a tribute to the Big R featuring memories from coaches who were quite fond of Ronnie. Audio
Coach Greg James writes- I did my student teaching under Coach Calloway in the Spring of 1976. Ronnie really made me feel at ease and was a big help to me. I always enjoyed his friendship and it was a joy when I would see him at games and when we would see him and Ms. Jackie out eating. Ronnie put a smile on many people's faces and he will be missed. The Big R, a Real Good Dawg!

Courtney's Dream lives on

Courtney's parents with the rebuilt 1952 Ford Tractor

Bible Baptist Youth Group finished Courtney's Dream

Courtney Wilkes was many things at Toombs County High School. A fine student, everybody's friend and an excellent soccer player. But, Courtney was also heavily involved in the FFA. Prior to her tragic death in June, Courtney was working on a FFA project. She and her father were rebuilding a 1952 Ford Tractor. Courtney never got to finish the project. However, her friends in the Youth Group at Bible Baptist Church did in an effort called Courtney's Dream. On Saturday, at the Toombs County Ag Center Courtney's Dream was unveiled. After a video tribute to Courtney, the tractor was driven in to the Ag Center to a standing ovation. Sam NeSmith, an eleventh grade student at TCHS, tells the story of Courtney's Dream Video also watch a Slideshow

Bulldogs end summer with win over the Indians

The catcher can pitch- Berry Aldridge started against Vidalia

The Toombs County Bulldogs wrapped up a successful summer of baseball with an 8-6 home win over Vidalia. Leadoff hitter Hunter Braddy stroked three hits and Berry Aldridge, Jeremy Beasley and Brandon Driggers each pitched in the victory. Despite losing eight starters, the Bulldogs finished the summer with a 13-6-1 record. Watch highlights of the Vidalia game Video

Bulldogs swing wooden bats

Jeremy Beasley pitched seven solid innings in the heat

Brandon Driggers swings wood and hits a sacrifice fly

A season after college baseball made the switch from metal to composite bats, high school baseball will be doing the same in 2012. So this summer the Toombs County Bulldogs are getting plenty of swings with the old fashioned wooden bats. The Bulldogs played in a wood bat tourney at Clinch County and split four games and now this week and weekend they are playing host to their own multi-team wood bat event.

The Bulldogs won their first of five games by defeating Bryan County 7-1. Jeremy Beasley pitched a complete game with plenty of strikeouts and very few good swings by the Redskins. James Ethredge led the offense with two run scoring base hits. Watch Highlights Video