Jeff Hart

Belk Bowl Capsule

Mike Smith's status as the winningest coach in Falcons history wasn't enough to save his job. Owner Arthur Blank said he fired Smith on Monday because in his "heart of hearts" he didn't believe Smith could take the Falcons to the Super Bowl.

Chestatee and Gainesville each needed late runs while East Hall and Johnson turned in dominating performances in blow out wins to advance to the semifinals Saturday in the opening round of the 55th annual Lanierland Tournament at the West Hall gym.

Defending champion Gainesville, East Hall, Flowery Branch, and North Hall each took impressive victories fueled by second half spurts Saturday in the opening round of the 55th annual Lanierland Tournament at West Hall High.

How good has football gotten in northeast Georgia? All you have to do is look at the Georgia Sportswriters Association All-State teams, which were released on Thursday.

It's not how you start, but how you finish.

Jeff Teague scored 10 of his 25 points in the fourth quarter, Al Horford added 20, and the Atlanta Hawks beat the Milwaukee Bucks 90-85 on Saturday night.

The Buford girls advanced to the semifinals of the Farm Bureau tournament with a 60-29 victory over Wade Hampton out of Greenville, (S.C.) Saturday night.

The Chestatee wrestling team placed third in the Amicalola Classic Saturday.

Charles Mann scored 22 points as Georgia held off in-state foe Mercer 86-77 in triple overtime on Saturday.