Jeff Hart

For several teams, the real season gets under way starting Friday.

The Atlanta Falcons have released quarterbacks Rex Grossman and T.J. Yates, leaving Sean Renfree as the backup to starter Matt Ryan.

The Gwinnett Braves fell behind 2-0 on a pair of solo home runs by Christian Walker, but regrouped with six unanswered runs to defeat the Norfolk Tides 6-2 on Thursday night at Harbor Park.

Come Friday, it will be North Hall’s chance to see if it can slow down what has so far been a dominant and punishing Jefferson ground game. But Trojans’ coach David Bishop said that’s not his team's biggest priority as it prepares to open the 2015 campaign on the road against the Dragons.

A pair of freshmen stole the show in the Piedmont College volleyball season opener as the Lady Lions won 3-0 against local rival Toccoa Falls College. Setter Emily Peters led the way with 28 assists while libero Haley Hixon recorded a team-high 14 digs and six service aces.

There was NO quarterback controversy for Flowery Branch coming into this season.

The North Hall boys and White County girls country teams each took dominating wins Tuesday at the War Eagle Invitational at the Chestatee High course.

The Atlanta Falcons agreed to a $71.25 million, five-year contract extension with Julio Jones on Saturday that compares favorably with recent deals paid to other top wide receivers.

The Buford girls softball team split a pair of games Saturday with South Forsyth and Milton in a yearly series between the three schools.

Ryan Tannehill threw for 145 yards in less than a half despite working behind a makeshift offensive line, and the Miami Dolphins beat the Atlanta Falcons 13-9 in an exhibition game Saturday night.