Jeff Hart

Carson Beck will open the season as No. 1 Georgia's starting quarterback as the Bulldogs begin their quest for a third straight national championship.

Sophomore Addie Rackley tossed a two-hitter and fanned a career-high nine to pace Buford to a 9-0 win over South Forsyth on Saturday at the Buford Softball Complex.

The Rabun County offense, sporting several new components, looked a lot like the old offense Friday night in the Wildcats’ season-opener.

Class 7A No. 1 Buford, in one of the most anticipated games in the country, relied on special teams and defense to hold off perennial national power St. Frances Academy of Baltimore, 18-0, on Friday at Tom Riden Stadium.

For all the talk of the Gainesville offense coming into the 2023 season, the Red Elephants' defense, especially over the final minute, was the ultimate difference-maker Friday night against Marist.

A fast start was all that USA Basketball needed to remain unbeaten as it keeps moving closer to the World Cup.

Three area teams get underway on Thursday, two in the annual Corky Kell Classic, as the 2023 high school football season kicked off around the state and the area. Sixteen more games are schedule for Friday.

In a tri-match at North Hall on Thursday, Jefferson swept both matches with Gainesville and North Hall while the Lady Red Elephants split their two matches.

East Forsyth stayed perfect and atop the Region 8-4A standings after a 10-1 clubbing of Walnut Grove on Thursday at home.

Jefferson remained unbeaten and in first place in Region 8-5A after taking an 11-1 win in five innings over \Clarke Central on Thursday.