continued from page The ….
continued from page
The Lady Indians then fought off Savannah Country Day to win the 1A Region 3 Championship 5646 at Parsons-Reid Gymnasium. This was the first Championship for the Lady Indians since 2020 and the first for Head Coach Kourtnee Williams. VHS led 26-22 at the half. In the fourth quarter, the Lady Indians took control and pulled away for the win. Freshman Tori Polk led the way with 12 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 steals. Region Player of the Year Hannah Nichols and Cori Warner each had 11 points for Vidalia.
“Our team overcame every challenge with heart and determination,” said Williams. “I’m so proud of these girls for showing how that infamous ‘Never Quit’ attitude from the late Coach Reid still wins Region Championships.”
February 19 Bulldogs Are Region Champs The Toombs County High School Bulldog basketball teams took part in the Region Tournament. The boys got a big upset over rival Vidalia in the semifinals and then defeated Woodville-Tompkins in the Region Championship Game.
Toombs fell behind early to Swainsboro in the opener but closed the gap to 30-28 by halftime. In the third quarter, the Bulldogs took the lead and held on in the fourth to win 65-61. Mike Polke led with 21 points, Gavin Fletcher added 20, and Parker Stanley posted 14. This set up a semifinal against the #1 seed, Vidalia. It was a defensive battle, with Toombs leading 22-19 at the half. The Bulldogs clung to a 32-30 lead heading into the fourth. Neither team scored much down the stretch, but Toombs picked up the win, 38-36. Fletcher led with 11 points. In the Championship Game against Woodville-Tompkins, Toombs led 2016 at halftime. The Wolverines stormed back to take a 39-32 lead heading to the fourth, but Toombs outscored them 22-10 in the final period to grab the win and the Region Championship, 54-49. Polke led with 18 points.
continued from page
March 5 Back-to-Back State Champions The Lady Crusaders of Robert Toombs Christian Academy won their second straight GIAA State Championship, defeating St. George’s Episcopal School in the title game at Columbus State University. RTCA defeated the #1 team in the state, Fullington Academy, in the Final 4 to reach the Championship.
Against Fullington (24-4), RTCA played a disciplined game. The Lady Crusaders led 25-22 at halftime. The third quarter was defensive, with RTCA holding a slim 29-28 lead. In the fourth, Meredith Durden hit clutch shots to keep RTCA ahead. With 17 seconds left, Amelia Mercer added free throws to seal the 44-39 victory. Kailen Brantley led with 16 points.
RTCA faced St. George’s for the title. Both teams struggled offensively early, but RTCA built a 2314 halftime lead. Durden and Brantley extended the lead in the third, and a buzzer-beating three by Mercer put RTCA up 3417 heading to the fourth. The Dragons closed the gap to 39-34 with 40 seconds remaining, but Mercer hit two free throws to seal the win, 41-34. Mercer led with 16 points, Brantley added 12, and Durden scored 8.
Head Coach Jake Wilkinson said, “I don’t think anyone expected us to take it all, but we tried to play like we could every game. It is awesome to take this back-to-back.”
March 5 Bulldogs Make It Back To Final 4 The Toombs County High School Bulldog basketball team made it to the Final 4 for the second consecutive year. After upsetting archrival Vidalia in the Elite 8, Toombs fell to #2 Southwest Macon in the semifinals.
In the Elite 8, the Bulldogs and Indians traded blows. Toombs led 26-22 at halftime, but Vidalia took a 33-31 lead into the fourth. With 30 seconds left, Amari Eason hit a three-pointer to give Toombs a 44-43 lead. TCHS added free throws to win 46-43.
In the Final 4, Toombs played well early, leading Southwest 30-24 at halftime thanks to scoring from Mike Polke and Cornelius Bullard. However, Southwest fought back to take a 42-40 lead ending the third. The Patriots pulled away in the fourth quarter to win 65-54. Polke led with 19 points. Toombs finished the season 18-12. March 12 Toole Named Coach of the Year Vidalia High School Head Cheerleading Coach Ann Michele Toole was awarded the Ashley Taube Georgia Cheerleading Coaches Association Coach of the Year. Toole, who led the program to six State Championships, was recognized at the GCCA banquet on March 21.
“I am truly honored,” Toole said. “This recognition means so much to me. Coaching has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my life, and I am forever grateful to the athletes, fellow coaches, and parents who have been part of this journey.”
April 23 Godbee Head To Naval Academy Vidalia High School’s Jack Godbee signed his appointment to the United States Naval Academy. He follows in the footsteps of his brother Tom (West Point) and brother Barron (Marines).
Godbee said, “It feels pretty good for this day to 2025
continued from page 4B
come. I have worked hard to have this opportunity. I know this will challenge me, but I look forward to it. I know that this will lead to good things in life.”
His mother, Mandy, added, “We are so proud of Jack. This is something that he has always wanted to do. He is going to have his work cut out for him, but he has been prepared growing up in our household.”
April 23 TCHS Wins Region Title Toombs County and Vidalia baseball teams met for a three-game series to end the regular season. Toombs needed one win to clinch the Region 3A Division 1 Championship, which they secured in Game 2.
In that deciding game, Vidalia led 3-2 in the fifth inning, but a passed ball brought home two runs to give Toombs a 4-3 lead. Jackson Jenkins earned the win on the mound, pitching six innings, while Nick Carroll shut the door in the seventh. Toombs held on to win 4-3 and secure the Region Title.
April 30 Indians Are Region Champions The Vidalia High School track & field teams swept the Region 3 Championships. Takaiyah Bacon and Georgia Meredith tied for the girls’ high-point award, while Jaydyn Young won the high-point award for the boys.
VHS girls took the top spot with 149 points. Firstplace finishers included Takaiyah Bacon (long jump, triple jump, 400m), Georgia Meredith (800m, 1600m, 3200m), J’Miyah Hunt (100m, 200m), Dashia Ford (100m hurdles), Diedra Boston (shot put), and Alana Claxton (high jump). The Lady Indians also swept all four relay events.
The Indian boys took first place with 107 points. Winners included Jaydyn Young (110m hurdles, 300m hurdles), Jayon Coleman (triple jump), Cash Driggers (1600m), Jack Godbee (pole vault), and AJ Thomas (high jump). The boys also won three relay events. Coach Mandy Godbee stated, “I am overwhelmed by the grit and determination these athletes put forth everyday. They have shifted their sights to the Sectional Meet.” May 7 Vidalia Indians Are Area Champs The Vidalia High School golf teams became Area Champions. Skylar Fountain was Low Medalist for the girls with a round of 79 as the team shot 186 to beat Dodge County. Austin Mosley led the boys with a 74, helping VHS shoot 324 to defeat Toombs County. Both teams advanced to the State Tournament at Arrowhead Pointe Golf Course.
May 7 RTCA Track At State Meet RTCA competed in the GIAA State Meet at Strong Rock Christian, bringing home two State Champions. Mekhia Bell won the 100m dash, and Jakobe Mobley won the high jump. Other podium finishers included Kylie Acosta (2nd in triple jump) and Jayden Toole (4th in high jump). May 14 Lady Indians Are State Champions The Vidalia High School Lady Indians track & field team captured the Class A Division 1 State Championship in Rome. The Lady Indians scored 70 points, outdistancing Model (63) and Bremen (57) to claim their second State Championship in the last seven years.
Takaiya Bacon won two State Championships on Day 1 in the long jump and triple jump. The 4x200m relay team (Love, Ford, Jackson, Hunt) and the 4x100m relay team (Love, Clements, Walton, Hunt) both won Gold on Day 2. The championship was sealed when the 4x400m relay team scored the final points. “Our kids worked hard all season,” said Head Coach Mandy Godbee. “From the track to the field, every point counted.” May 28 Local Golf Teams Perform At State The Vidalia golf teams competed at the GHSA State Tournament at Arrowhead Pointe. The Lady Indians finished fifth in the state, led by Skylar Fountain, who finished as the individual State Runner- up with a two-day score of 164. The boys’ team finished sixth, led by Austin Mosley (158), who placed sixth individually.
The Toombs County golf team also competed at Arrowhead Pointe, finishing sixth in the state with a team score of 681. This was the program’s best finish since 1971. Clay Conner led the Bulldogs with a 162, tying for 13th. Sarah Ellis Walker made history as the first female from Toombs to compete in the State Tournament in over a decade.
June 4 Heritage Are State Runner-up
The Vidalia Heritage Academy baseball team finished as State Runnerup in their first year in the GIAA. They fell to Citizens Christian Academy in the finals. In Game 1, CCA won 13-0. In Game 2, Heritage improved at the plate but fell 8-0. The Eagles finished the season 16-15, bidding farewell to seniors Luke Moxley, Greer Posey, RJ Wells, and Gray Mc-Neal. July 2 Local Rec. Teams Bring Home Trophies Local recreation teams shined at the GRPA State Tournaments. Vidalia brought home State Championships in 12U Boys, 10U Boys, and 10U Girls. They were Runners-up in 8U Girls and 8U Boys. Lyons finished second in 10U Boys, 14U Girls, and 12U Girls. Wheeler County took second in 12U Girls.
July 16 VRD Swims At State Meet The Vidalia Recreation Department Swim Team had a strong showing at the GRPA B State Swim Meet in Moultrie. Mason Zorn placed 2nd in the 50-yard free and 25yard free. Virginia Meredith placed 2nd in the 100yard free. Autumn Moore finished 3rd in the 50-yard free, breaststroke, and backstroke.
October 1 The Storms Have Passed: Warmouth Sands Looks To Spring 2026 Opening
Warmouth Sands is progressing after a tough couple of years of severe weather. Despite damage from Tropical Storm Debby, a tornado, and Hurricane Helene, the course is on track to open its front nine in Spring 2026.
Vidalia Mayor Doug Roper, Authority Chairman Andy Woodruff, and committee member Jacob Woodfin updated the community on the progress. Trackman technology will be installed in the driving range bays next month, offering a TopGolf-like experience. “We didn’t want to just check the box of getting golf back into the community, but we wanted to figure out a way to use golf as a vehicle to create economic growth,” said Roper.
October 15 Lady Indians Are Region Champs The Vidalia Lady Indians softball team clinched the Region 3A Division 1 Championship, marking the 18th in program history. The team finished region play with a 7-2 record. They celebrated wins over Savannah Christian (18-1) where Anastyn Blewett hit a home run, but dropped a close game to Swainsboro (4-3). Head Coach Ben Beck credited the team’s unity for the title.
October 15 Record Setting Season For Lady Vikings The Treutlen County Lady Vikings had a historic softball season, finishing with fewer than 5 losses for the first time in program history. Highlights included the first winning season in 10 years, a perfect nonregion record, and a team batting average of .384. Head Coach Seth Sitzman said, “This group of young women has completely changed the standard for Treutlen softball.”
November 5 Bulldogs Are Region Champions The #2-ranked Toombs County Bulldogs dismantled #5 Savannah Christian 52-24 to claim the Region 3 Championship. Senior Justin Powell rushed for 177 yards and three touchdowns. After trailing early, Toombs exploded for 24 points in the second quarter. Quarterback Joseph Owens connected with Justice Wilds and Gavin Fletcher for scores, and the defense shut down the Raiders in the second half. Toombs improves to 9-1.
November 5 Wheeler Dominates Second Half To Claim Region Championship The Wheeler County Bulldogs secured the first Region Championship in school history with a 5814 rout of Treutlen County. Alvin Ricks had a monster game, rushing for 205 yards and 5 touchdowns. Justin Culver added 100 yards and a score. The Bulldogs trailed 14-0 early but scored 58 unanswered points to finish the regular season 10-0.
November 5 Vidalia Indians Sweep Region 3 Cross Country Championships Both the Vidalia boys’ and girls’ cross country teams captured the Region 3 titles in Hazlehurst. Junior Judith Hussey won the individual girls’ championship, leading a squad that placed five runners in the top 15. For the boys, Cash Driggers took silver, and the team placed four runners in the top 10 to secure the trophy.
November 12 VHS Head Coach Rodney Garvin Announces Retirement Vidalia Head Football Coach Rodney Garvin announced his retirement after three years. Garvin, a 31-year coaching veteran, said, “It is time.” Athletic Director Tommy Dalley praised Garvin for building young men of integrity and character.
November 19 December 3 Bulldogs End 26-Year Drought with Historic continued from page
Playoff Win
Wheeler County ended a 26-year playoff drought by throttling Manchester 55-20 in the first round. Alvin Ricks and Justin Culver combined for five touchdowns in the historic win.
The following week, Wheeler defeated Warren County 28-20 to advance to the quarterfinals for the first time. Ricks rushed for 179 yards and 3 scores. The magical run ended in the Elite 8 with a heartbreaking 27-22 loss to Clinch County, concluding a record-shattering 12-1 season.
November 26 Crusaders Get Revenge On Spartans: Win GIAA State Championship RTCA flipped the script on Edmund Burke Academy, winning the GIAA Class A State Championship 23-12. Quarterback Drew Edwards scored two rushing touchdowns and threw a TD to Blake Durden. The defense was stifling, with Brittan Tabor and Edwards both grabbing interceptions to seal the victory. It was sweet redemption for the Crusaders, who had lost to EBA earlier in the season.
December 17 Vidalia’s Godbee Named GHSA State Coach of the Year Vidalia Girls Track Coach Mandy Godbee was named the GHSA State Girls’ Track Coach of the Year. Under her leadership, the program won two state titles. Godbee credited her staff and athletes: “This is truly a Coaching Staff of the Year award. It took the whole staff years to accomplish a state championship.”
December 24 Heartbreak at the Benz: Bulldogs Fall Just Short of Historic Repeat In a heavyweight clash at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the Toombs County Bulldogs fell 17-13 to Worth County in the State Championship, just missing a repeat title.
Toombs led 13-10 at halftime thanks to a Nick Carroll touchdown and Alex Otero field goals. However, a scoreless second half and a late Worth County touchdown ended the run. Justin Powell rushed for 150 yards in the loss. It was a tough end to a magnificent 13-2 season for the Bulldogs.
Conclusion As the books close on 2025, we reflect on a year defined by championship resilience and historic breakthroughs. From the wrestling mats in Macon to the gridiron at the Benz, our local athletes have set a new standard of excellence, bringing home hardware and pride to our local communities. While the heartbreak of close finishes will surely fuel the fire for the offseason, the future looks brighter than ever. With the highly anticipated opening of Warmouth Sands next spring and a roster of returning talent across all schools hungry for redemption, 2026 promises to be another banner year for our community. We look forward to being there to tell those stories.
(L to R): Coach Sam Sapp, Nick Foskey, Adam Crutchfield, Tucker Reynolds, Sam Sapp Jr., Austin Mosley, Wynn Ramsey, and Coach Rusty Mosley.Photo by VHS
(L to R, Front): Zaviyana Walton, Georgia Meredith, Journey Clements, Alana Claxton, Dashia Ford, Aidyn Driggers, Kayden Love; (Back): Judith Hussey, Dreshiya Jackson, Jesse Wynn, J’Miyah Hunt, Takaiyah Bacon, Deidra Boston, Maniyah Phillips, and Emilynn Campbell.Photo by VHS
(L to R, Front): Cole Johns, Jacob Beasley, Head Coach Daniel King, Luke Moxley, Maddyx Herrin, Hamp McDade; (Back): Coach Billy John’s, Peyton McLain, Bragg Alford, Jake Adams, RJ Wells, Pearson O’Neal, Judd Wilkes, Greer Posey, Trevor White, Levi McDade, Coach Kevin White, and Headmaster Jeff McCormick.Photo by VHA
The course at Warmouth Sands is coming along well as greens and fairways are beginning to grow in.Photo by Mike Branch
Wheeler County Head Coach Thomas Smith speaks to his team after their first ever 10-0 season and Region Championship.Photo by Wheeler County
The Robert Toombs Christian Academy Crusaders brought home the GIAA Class A State Championship.Photo by Mike Branch
Coach Rodney Garvin leads his team through the Indian faithful during the VHS pregame Warpath.Photo by VHS
(L to R): Justin Powell, Hayden Roy, Gavin Fletcher, and Head Coach Buddy Martin of the Toombs County Bulldogs football team on the stage at Mercedes-Benz Stadium to accept their second place trophy..
VHS’ Coach Mandy Godbee has led the VHS track teams to 3 State Championships, 2 of those with the girls team, to go along with a total of 15 Region Championships.
