Sports

Submitted photo - Peyton Satterfield stands with his parents on senior night at Fannin County High School. He is the latest inductee into the Fannin County Sports Hall Of Fame Class of 2026.

Submitted photo - Peyton Satterfield stands with his parents on senior night at Fannin County High School. He is the latest inductee into the Fannin County Sports Hall Of Fame Class of 2026.

Satterfield recognized in Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2026

News Staff
Monday, June 22, 2026
By Mike Harper - Special to The News ObserverPeyton Satterfield, 2026 Fannin County Sports Hall of Fame inductee, came by his athletic prowess honestly.
Photo by Deango Motorsports Photography - Mineral Bluff Driver Matt Sandefur has won two races in 2026 at Sugar Creek Raceway. He has been racing for seven years.

Photo by Deango Motorsports Photography - Mineral Bluff Driver Matt Sandefur has won two races in 2026 at Sugar Creek Raceway. He has been racing for seven years.

Racing Spotlight: Sandefur wins races, but loves helping people also

Jason Queen
Monday, June 22, 2026
Matt Sandefur is Mr. Consistency when it comes to winning dirt track races.At age 39, he has won over 60 races in a seven-year span including a track championship at Tri-County Racetrack in Brasstown, North Carolina in 2023. He has won two races so far at Sugar Creek Raceway in Blue Ridge in 2026.
News Observer photo/Jason Queen - Fannin County Rebel Ryan Preston (right) attempts to get around his Murphy opponent in 7-on-7 action at the school's stadium June 11.

News Observer photo/Jason Queen - Fannin County Rebel Ryan Preston (right) attempts to get around his Murphy opponent in 7-on-7 action at the school's stadium June 11.

Nichols pleased with Rebels effort in 7-on-7 games

Jason Queen
Monday, June 22, 2026
The Fannin County High School football program hosted Murphy High School, McMinn Central High School and Copper Basin High School June 11 for it’s annual seven-on-seven event.Rebel Head Coach David Nichols got his first opportunity to see his team compete against other football teams.
Photo by Allstar Photos - Randy Hallmark is the assistant girls coach at Fannin County High School and has two high school state championships in his 54-year career.

Photo by Allstar Photos - Randy Hallmark is the assistant girls coach at Fannin County High School and has two high school state championships in his 54-year career.

Hallmark's career includes two state titles

Jason Queen
Tuesday, June 2, 2026
If you go to Fannin County High School basketball games, then you know Randy Hallmark.Hallmark is assistant to Fannin County High School girls head coach Ryan Chastain.
Submitted photo - Fannin County Lady Rebel basketball team members Albany Cole, Izzie Jabaley, Avi Ethington, Maggie Ledford and Reese Lewis each received All-Region Team Honors and were recognized at the team's annual banquet May 12.

Submitted photo - Fannin County Lady Rebel basketball team members Albany Cole, Izzie Jabaley, Avi Ethington, Maggie Ledford and Reese Lewis each received All-Region Team Honors and were recognized at the team's annual banquet May 12.

Rebels basketball players get season awards

Jason Queen
Thursday, May 28, 2026
Fannin County High School's basketball teams held their annual banquet May 12 to recognize individual efforts for the 2025-26 season. Special awards were given to both teams.For the boys, the Sixth Man Award was given to co-winners Cannon Holloway and Kolby Kaylor.
Photo by Allstar Photos - Riley Akens was 3-for-3 with three RBIs against Bradford May 20. She is shown in recent action. Copper Basin reached the final four, but lost to Eagleville May 21.

Photo by Allstar Photos - Riley Akens was 3-for-3 with three RBIs against Bradford May 20. She is shown in recent action. Copper Basin reached the final four, but lost to Eagleville May 21.

Lady Cougars’ season ends in Final Four

Jason Queen
Thursday, May 28, 2026
The historic softball season for the Copper Basin High School Lady Cougars ended Thursday with a 6-0 loss to the Eagleville Lady Eagles May 21. However, the Lady Cougars enjoyed the ride every step of the way.“It was one of the best seasons.
The News Observer

The News Observer

Lady Rebels headed for State

Glenn Harbison
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
Ten Fannin County High School Lady Rebels Track & Field team members, plus three relay teams have qualified for the State Championships.The athletes competed at the State Sectionals Monday, May 4, in Bremen, Georgia, and placed in the top eight in their respective event(s).
The News Observer

The News Observer

Rebels earn spots at State championships

Glenn Harbison
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
Eight members of the Fannin County High School Rebels Track & Field team in addition to two relay teams have qualified to compete in the Georgia High School Association State Championships.
Fannin Lady Rebel Lily Williams (17) goes for the kick while Natalie Middleton (5) looks on.

Fannin Lady Rebel Lily Williams (17) goes for the kick while Natalie Middleton (5) looks on.

Lady Rebels season is over

Jason Queen
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
The Fannin County Lady Rebels soccer team’s season came to an end at Lamar County May 5 in the Elite 8 state playoff round. The Lady Rebels lost the tough and aggressive game 4-0.“I thought we were evenly matched. I felt like it was a competitive game.
Fannin high bass fisherman Austin Rogers (left) and Gabe Pirkle (right) won second place in a tournament May 3 in Gainesville.

Fannin high bass fisherman Austin Rogers (left) and Gabe Pirkle (right) won second place in a tournament May 3 in Gainesville.

Anglers place high at Lake Lanier

Jason Queen
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
Freshman anglers Gabe Pirkle and Austin Rogers from Fannin County High Schools Fishing Club competed in a Georgia High School Fishing Series Tournament at Laurel Park on Lake Lanier in Gainesville May 3 and came home in second place.Rogers and Pirkle’s combined for a total weight of 18.42 lbs.