Sports

Fannin County Middle School wrestlers were honored for their tournament accomplishments by the Fannin County Board of Education. Shown during the ceremony at the February 12 school board meeting are, from left, front, Coach Josh Snider, Grayson Woody, Clay Maddox, Luke Snider, FCMS Principal Dr. Arpil Hodges and FCMS Assistant Principal Chuck Patterson; and back, board members Bobby Bearden, Ashley H. Weeks, Adam Born, Mike Cole, Robert Patterson, and School Superintendent Shannon Dillard.

Fannin County Middle School wrestlers were honored for their tournament accomplishments by the Fannin County Board of Education. Shown during the ceremony at the February 12 school board meeting are, from left, front, Coach Josh Snider, Grayson Woody, Clay Maddox, Luke Snider, FCMS Principal Dr. Arpil Hodges and FCMS Assistant Principal Chuck Patterson; and back, board members Bobby Bearden, Ashley H. Weeks, Adam Born, Mike Cole, Robert Patterson, and School Superintendent Shannon Dillard.

FCMS wrestlers honored

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, February 17, 2026
Three Fannin County Middle School (FCMS) wrestlers were honored last week as First Place Champions in the Mountain League, an accomplishment compared to as difficult as anything they will face in state tournament action at the high school level.
Several members of the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) at Fannin County High School returned from region competition having earned the right to move on to the state level. Shown at the region event are, from left, Kadence Mashburn, Jadyn Humanes, Jacquelyn Cline, Lana Cook, Kinsley Parks, Lyla Webb, Adeline Beavers, and Eva McNelley.

Several members of the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) at Fannin County High School returned from region competition having earned the right to move on to the state level. Shown at the region event are, from left, Kadence Mashburn, Jadyn Humanes, Jacquelyn Cline, Lana Cook, Kinsley Parks, Lyla Webb, Adeline Beavers, and Eva McNelley.

FFCLA members earn spots in state event

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, February 17, 2026
Fannin County High School’s Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) chapter returned from region competition Saturday, February 7, with a trio of awards. Competitors brought home two first place and one second place honors.
Kolton Kaylor has been the high scorer in the team’s recent wins over Coosa and Gordon Lee. News Observer Photo by Glenn Harbison

Kolton Kaylor has been the high scorer in the team’s recent wins over Coosa and Gordon Lee. News Observer Photo by Glenn Harbison

Rebels post two wins

Jenna Young
Tuesday, February 10, 2026
Two News Observer Sports Articles by Jenna Young:    Kaylor scores 21 in Gordon Lee win The Fannin County Rebels basketball team defeated Gordon Lee, 72-45, Saturday, February 7, as Kolton Kaylor scored 21 points and grabbed 14 rebounds.
Retiring Fannin County Rebels Head Football Coach Chad Cheatham was introduced Friday night as a member of the Fannin County Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2026. Joining Cheatham for the announcement were, from left, wife, Katherine Cheatham; daughter, Annaleigh Cheatham; son, Braxton Cheatham; Coach Cheatham; mom, Barbara Cheatham; and dad, Steve Cheatham.

Retiring Fannin County Rebels Head Football Coach Chad Cheatham was introduced Friday night as a member of the Fannin County Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2026. Joining Cheatham for the announcement were, from left, wife, Katherine Cheatham; daughter, Annaleigh Cheatham; son, Braxton Cheatham; Coach Cheatham; mom, Barbara Cheatham; and dad, Steve Cheatham.

Hall of Fame names Class of 2026

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, February 10, 2026
Five individuals and a basketball team were announced as the Fannin County Sports Hall of Fame inductees for the Class of 2026 Friday night, February 4.
RIGHT: Izzie Jabaley, shown in action earlier this season, iced the win over region rival Christian Heritage with four straight free throws Friday night. News Observer Photo/ Glenn Harbison

RIGHT: Izzie Jabaley, shown in action earlier this season, iced the win over region rival Christian Heritage with four straight free throws Friday night. News Observer Photo/ Glenn Harbison

Lady Rebels post region win

News Staff
Tuesday, February 10, 2026
Izzie Jabaley, Albany Cole and Reese Lewis led the Fannin County Lady Rebels fourth quarter comeback Friday night to defeat the Christian Heritage Lady Lions. It was Jabaley who would ice the victory with four clutch free throws with the game clock slowly ticking off the game’s final minute.
David Nichols, the new head football coach of the Fannin County Rebels, talked about expectations when he met with community members last Thursday night.

David Nichols, the new head football coach of the Fannin County Rebels, talked about expectations when he met with community members last Thursday night.

Nichols talks tradition, honor with community

Glenn Harbison
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
David Nichols concentrated on more than football when he was introduced to the community Thursday, January 29, at Fannin County High School.
Avi Ethington puts up two points in action earlier this year for Fannin County’s Lady Rebels.

Avi Ethington puts up two points in action earlier this year for Fannin County’s Lady Rebels.

Jabaley, Lewis pace victory

Jenna Young
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
Izzie Jabaley and Reese Lewis each scored 16 points in the Fannin County Lady Rebels victory over Armuchee, 64-60 in overtime, Wednesday, January 28. Lewis scored 16 points and grabbed 16 rebounds. Armuchee went on a 12-2 run to start the game.
Cannon Holloway aims for two Fannin County points. The Rebels are scheduled to host Christian Heritage this Friday night with tipoff at 7:30. Christian Heritage is currently ranked first in A D1 Region 7 with an 11-0 mark while Fannin County is second at 9-0.

Cannon Holloway aims for two Fannin County points. The Rebels are scheduled to host Christian Heritage this Friday night with tipoff at 7:30. Christian Heritage is currently ranked first in A D1 Region 7 with an 11-0 mark while Fannin County is second at 9-0.

York leads win with 18

Jenna Young
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
The Fannin County Rebels basketball team never trailed in their 68-25 victory over Armuchee, Wednesday, January 28. Hudson York scored 18 points to lead Fannin County in the win, as the Rebels improved their record to 19-1. They remain 9-0 in region play.
Copper Basin Lady Cougar basketball player Alexis Hyatt has become the all-time leading scorer in the modern era of the school’s history. She has more points than any athlete in both boys and girls basketball.

Copper Basin Lady Cougar basketball player Alexis Hyatt has become the all-time leading scorer in the modern era of the school’s history. She has more points than any athlete in both boys and girls basketball.

Alexis Hyatt sets Basin’s all-time record

Jason Queen
Tuesday, January 27, 2026
Copper Basin Lady Cougar Alexis Hyatt has made history. She is now the all-time leading scorer among boys and girls basketball teams in the modern era. She scored her 1,446 point at Nantahala High School January 19 on a fast break with two seconds to go in the first half of that game.
Maggie Ledford scored 14 points in Fannin County’s win over Armuchee.

Maggie Ledford scored 14 points in Fannin County’s win over Armuchee.

Lady Rebels fight back

Jenna Young
Tuesday, January 27, 2026
Izzie Jabaley and Reese Lewis each scored 16 points as the Fannin County Lady Rebels basketball team defeated Armuchee, 64-60, in an overtime battle Wednesday, January 21.  Armuchee went on a 12-2 run to start the game, and trailing 24-13, the Lady Rebels went on a seven-point run to close the gap.