Jeff Hart

This time last year, Matt Ryan was a wide-eyed rookie with a limited understanding on the NFL. Not anymore. The Atlanta Falcons' quarterback is comfortable and confident after surpassing expectations as the No. 3 overall draft pick.

A federal appeals court says investigators were wrong to seize the list of all baseball players who allegedly failed drug tests in 2003. Braves third baseman Chipper Jones figures it's too late to do anything about it now.

Georgia's starters had a surprise when they ran onto the Sanford Stadium field for Wednesday's scrimmage.

No. 5 Alabama's new starting quarterback Greg McElroy succeeded Chase Daniel at his Texas prep powerhouse and marched the team to a state title. Now, the junior is taking over for the Crimson Tide's all-time leading passer, John Parker Wilson, on a team with national title aspirations.

Gainesville football coach Bruce Miller is hoping history does not repeat itself as his Red Elephants prepare for their season opener Friday against Chestatee at City Park Stadium.

Host Buford opened the Buford Invitational Softball Tournament with a 5-2 win over Wesleyan Wednesday.

The Lakeview Academy volleyball team split a pair of matches Wednesday against North Hall and Gainesville.

Flowery Branch improved to 2-1 in Region 7-AAA after taking a 5-2 win over Pickens Tuesday in softball action.

Clemson will play in a Thanksgiving weekend tournament that includes six teams that made the 2008-2009 postseason.

Coach Mike Smith is still waiting for two starters to win jobs on the left side of the Atlanta Falcons' defense. Chauncey Davis is trying to beat out Jamaal Anderson at end, and Brent Grimes is trying to hold off competition at cornerback.