Jeff Hart

Most anyone that follows high school football in northeast Georgia figured the newly-realigned Region 7-AAA -- the one without Buford, North Hall, or White County -- would be up for grabs the entire season.

The girls state softball playoffs are ready to begin and several local and area teams are ready to find out if they have enough to make it to Columbus in 2014.

Former Habersham Central strandout Kevin Ellison ran for two touchdowns and threw for another in Georgia Southern's 47-24 victory over winless Idaho on Saturday night.

Marc Gasol had 21 points and 13 rebounds, Mike Conley added 23 points and the Memphis Grizzlies beat the Atlanta Hawks 93-88 on Saturday night in their preseason home opener.

Eric Carrion scored twice and added an assist as the UNG men's soccer team picked up its second win in as many matches, blanking host Georgia Southwestern 4-0 on Saturday.

The Piedmont women's volleyball team extended its conference winning streak to four matches with two hard fought victories Saturday against Ferrum and Averett.

Former Gainesville High standout Deshaun Watson, who recently took over as the starter at Clemson, left Saturday's game against Louisville with a broken finger.

In a season of big wins, none may be bigger for Class AAAAA No. 8 Lanier than Friday

Devin Hester danced around the question, knowing that everyone wonders what he thinks - really thinks - about former teammate Jay Cutler. Hester prefers to keep the focus on who he's playing with now.

The Jefferson offense showed tremendous balance and explosiveness in a 51-16 demolition of Morgan County Friday night in Region 8-AAA action.