Page 2B THETHE NORTH NORTH GEORGIA GEORGIA NEWS NEWS June June 2, 2021 2, 2021

SportsSee the Sports Section at nganews.com Football: Offense is the focal point during Perry’s first spring By Todd Forrest “[He] stood out as a kid Sports Editor that’s going to give it his all, no [email protected] matter what,” Perry added. According to Perry, his staff is nearly complete, minus Incoming Panthers coach one additional assistant coach. Michael Perry caught the first He is also bringing back a few glimpse of his new squad in ac- familiar faces in James Avery, tion when Union County hosted Justin Byers, Parker Daniel two weeks of spring football and Paul McBride. Former of- last month. fensive line coach Neil Setzer Beginning May 10, Perry will handle the middle school and the Panthers used the sub- coaching duties. sequent 10 practices to become The Panthers will hit the acquainted with one another ground running on June 7 with while using the opportunity to a full summer slate of practices install a few new wrinkles on and camps. Union County is offense. (Incoming defensive scheduled to participate in a coordinator Thomas Nelson pair of 7-on-7 tournaments later was still coaching Murphy, in the month. The first is slated during their for June 24 at Towns County, postseason, so Perry concen- and the second coming one day trated on offense in the spring. later at White County. The North Georgia News will “I’m very excited to be spotlight Nelson’s arrival with a here and everyone has been so feature interview in next week’s welcoming to me,” he said. “I edition.) hope we’re able to put a [prod- “I didn’t have a complete uct on the field] that the com- staff because some of the guys munity can be proud of.” had to fulfill their teaching ob- ligations at their other schools, but just for me, it was about seeing what I have and to be around the kids as much as possible and get our offense implemented,” Perry said about Gage Barnes (35) is all business after dropping the Heard County quarterback for a loss during last year’s State Tournament. According to Perry, the 69 kids that came out for Barnes could see a larger role, on both sides of the ball, as a junior this fall. Photo/Todd Forrest spring practice. “Murphy was guys, so that definitely shows the tight end role nicely fol- high praise for his returning leaned on heavily on defense, still in season so I let Coach the benefits of the way things lowing two stellar seasons at signal-caller and Underwood’s as well. Logan Helcher and Nelson worry about them and were done here in the past,” linebacker. Meanwhile, junior potential replacement at tight Caiden Tanner both did a lot we just focused on offense.” he said. quarterback Logan Helcher end, but admitted that he still of good things at quarterback. Perry noted the simi- Additionally, Perry is was in the midst of an up-and- has his work cut out for him on I’m extremely pleased with the larities between his new of- confident that his squad took a down 2020 campaign when he the heels of the program’s first starting point but we still have a fense and the previous system, significant step toward address- suffered a pair of late-season losing season in a decade. long way to go. We have to get recognizing that he doesn’t ing two concerns entering 2021: injuries, forcing senior safety/ “Gage Barnes really better at every position.” expect a steep learning curve Tight end and quarterback. wide receiver Kaston Hemp- stood out to me at our tight Rising junior safety/wide as a result. Union County gradu- hill behind center for the final end or H-back position,” Perry receiver Wilson Walker’s non- “I don’t think it’s going ated do-everything senior Noah month. But after just two weeks said. ‘He did a lot of really good stop motor also caught Perry’s to be a big transition for the Underwood, who stepped into of tinkering, Perry delivered things and he’s going to be attention. Michael Perry Softball preps for busy summer, opens with June 7 youth instructional camp By Todd Forrest Sports Editor [email protected]

Following a disappoint- ing close to the 2020 season, Union County softball is eager to get a jump on its 2021 re- demption tour. Despite spending most of season ranked among the top-five teams in Class AA, and securing the regular season region title a week early, the Lady Panthers struggled down the stretch -- losing its last four contests and stumbling to third place in the Region 8-AA tour- nament before getting bounced in the first round of State. However, Union County loses only two senior starters and returns 13 players that recorded a varsity hit in the shorter-than-usual 2020 cam- paign. And unlike last year, when COVID-19 denied the Lady Panthers their preseason, head coach Stephen Mitchell will have plenty of time to sort through his large crop of returnees in order to uncover a starting-nine. L-R: Assistant Coach Kaitlyn Payne, then-junior Aubrie Banton and head coach Stephen Mitchell during last year’s Region 8-AA Tournament at UCHS. Photo/Todd Forrest On the heels of last running. UCHSLadyDiamondClub/ ticing until the Georgia High month’s spring tryouts that in- But most importantly, locale.x=en_US. School Association dead week Local Racing Report: Tri-County serted 10 new freshmen into the Mitchell hopes the campers will For additional details, that typically coincides with By Blake Lynch No. 05 Shawna Harkins came program, summer workouts and develop a love for the game. contact Coach Mitchell at July 4. Then, the Lady Panthers Racing Reporter in fifth. Crate: No. 14 Danny Led- games will get underway later “We’re going to have [email protected] or dive right into preseason ac- North Georgia News this month. But before taking a little fun too,” said Union (770) 328-5975. tion with contests vs. Lumpkin ford was the winner. No. 12 Daniel the field, UCHS softball is host- County’s fourth-year coach. Assistant coach Kaitlyn County on July 5 and 7. Brasstown, NC - Tri- Wilson came in second. No. 7 ing a youth instructional camp “We’re going to play some Payne may also be contacted As in years past, Union County held its annual Memorial Jason Deal was third. No. 30 Dav- next week for ages 6-14. games with them and have a will participate in the Franklin Day race on Thursday May 27 with enport Dillbeck was fourth. No. at (706) 994-3755. 108 Chuck Southard was fifth. The three-day camp runs good time and do some team- County Mountain Summer a $1000 to win in each class and In case of inclement post-race fireworks. Modified Hobby:No. 27 June 7-9 from 9 a.m. to noon at building type of activities.” weather, the camp will be League starting July 12. The the UCHS softball field. The price for the camp Street Stock: Alex Vance’s Mike Davidson took the checkered moved to one of the indoor week of July 19, the Lady Pan- No. 95 car took home the win. flag. No. 37 Michael Barnett was Instructors will include is $75. Make all checks pay- facilities. If there is a possibility thers travel to Carrollton for a second. No. 81 John Howard was able to the UC Lady Diamond No. 21 Troy Turner was second. members of the Union County for severe weather, all the day’s two-day camp before resuming No.44 Chuck Sims was third. No. third. No. 42 Johnny Guilizi was Lady Panthers softball team, Club - 153 Panther Circle, activities will be canceled. play at Franklin County during 32 Logan Exum was fourth. No. fourth. No. 88 Ricky Smith came coaching staff and possibly Blairsville, Ga. “If you need anything the final week of July. 01 Jacob Lynch rounded out the in fifth. alumni. Payments may be mailed or if there is anything I can do The regular season is top five. Pony: No. 441 Matt Garrin The camp will cover or dropped off at the front to help, please don’t hesitate expected to begin at home on FWD: No. 19R Sean Rice took home first place. Coming in various aspects of softball office of your child’s school. to call or email me,” Mitchell Thursday Aug. 5. On Saturday, took the win. No. 192R Robby second was No. 16 Jamie Cross. fundamentals including, but Payments may also be made reiterated.” Aug. 7, Union County wel- Lynch was a very close second. Third place went to No. P11 Joey not limited to hitting, bunting, through PayPal at the follow- Following the camp, comes Commerce and Dawson No. 7 Dustin Hooper placed third. Payne. No. 01 Phil Wood was fielding, throwing and base ing link: https://paypal.me/ Union County will begin prac- County for a three-game slate. No. 05 Glenn Coker was fourth. fourth place. Buy 4 select tires & get up to a $100 rebate or 40,000 points *05/21/21 - 06/14/21 ~ rebate is by mail points are fordpass and = $200

2450 W US HWY 64 Murphy, NC 28906 Service hours Mon-Fri 7:30 Am - 6PM 800.388.2897 KING Sat 8 am - 4 pm sun closed kingfordsales.com Page 3B JuneTHE 2,NORTH 2021 THEGEORGIA NORTH NEWS GEORGIA June 2, NEWS 2021 Page 3B Summer basketball returns to UCHS, games underway June 8 Lady Panthers youth basketball camp scheduled for June 14-15 By Todd Forrest on some of those freshmen Sports Editor to come in and really help us. [email protected] We’re also hoping that [rising- sophomores] Lara Turner and Sophia McNabb, along with a Summer camps and few others, step up and take on workouts are an integral aspect a larger role for us.” of preparation for any basketball The Union County wom- season, and unfortunately, both en tip-off summer camps next Union County squads missed week with a two-day visit to the out on that phase while attempt- University of North Georgia on ing to break in several first-year June 8-9. UCHS expects to host starters in 2020. a couple of scrimmages the fol- This summer, Union lowing week. County resumes normal pre- “Starting next week, we’ll season prep with a majority of be going strong for three solid the Panthers and Lady Panthers’ weeks,” Hunter said. “We’re try- production returning from the ing to gain as much experience previous year. The Union men as possible since we didn’t get graduated only one senior fol- a summer and didn’t get many lowing last February’s first- games last season.” round exit from the Class AA On the coaching front, State Tournament. The Panthers Hunter said parents and fans anticipate seeing 95% of its should expect an official state- scoring, 94% of its rebounding ment in the coming weeks con- and 100% of the team’s 3-point cerning the future head coach. shooting back in uniform this Hunter has served in an winter. interim role since January when The Union County men second-year head coach Crystal hit the court four times last Beach temporarily stepped week where Garrett observed UCHS head coach Corey Garrett conducts practice last week with a Returning all-region point guard Caleb John glides to the hoop between away. In April, she officially an excellent turnout featuring large underclassmen turnout. Photo/Todd Forrest a pair of defenders last Thursday afternoon. Photo/Todd Forrest tendered her resignation to the 10 freshmen, along with some around 10 of them coming in, Forsyth on June 22 and 24. coach Mandy Hunter expects “We were up early, get- Union County Board of Edu- older players returning to the so we’re looking for things that “We’re just trying to play the bulk of her returners to suit ting back into the swing of cation. (The article discussing program following a one-year work. We have a big returning as much as possible and get back up again this November. She things and just trying to get bet- Beach’s resignation is available hiatus. With an experienced group and we’re just playing into the rhythm of having a sum- also anticipates a boost from ter each day,” Hunter said after online via the NGN’s April 21 crop, Garrett used last week to around with some things right mer,” Garrett said. “We have a another gifted crop of rising guiding Union to a fourth-place Facebook post.) leap right into fine-tuning his now and seeing what works.” good set-up this summer with freshmen moving up from the finish in 8-AA and a state play- The Lady Panthers are offense and defense. Next Thursday, June 10 Hayesville, Towns and Fannin. middle school ranks. off appearance as interim coach hosting a youth basketball camp “We’ve put in some new Union will host the Hayesville, We’ll see some good teams at all The ladies were in the in 2020-21. “We had roughly June 14-15 from 9-11:30 a.m. things,” he said. “We’re not re- NC men for a one-day workout of our stops, but that North For- gymnasium bright and early at 20 kids last week, about half of at the UCHS gymnasium. For ally taking in what we’ve done and scrimmage before visit- syth camp will really test us.” 6:30 a.m. last week, holding four them freshmen and four seniors. further details, contact Coach in the past, but we’re just trying ing Fannin County and Towns Meanwhile, the Lady practices each day to return to We’re super excited to get back Hunter at mhunter@ucschools. to add a couple of things. We County the following week. The Panthers fielded a senior-free form before camps get under- to normal and get back to work. org. have a big group of freshmen, Panthers will travel to North roster last year, and interim way later this month. But we’re going to have to rely Benton MacKaye Trail Association hikes for June 7-14 The following hikes Ocoee Whitewater Center easy hike on the Lost Creek NASCAR 2021 are sponsored by the Benton and see the water release ar- section of the Benton MacK- MacKaye Trail Association. rive from two miles upriver aye Trail. Dog-Friendly Hike By Gerald Hodges/the Racing Reporter The current social distancing .Hike leader: Clare Sullivan. (adult humans may bring a and health rules are used by For more information, con- leashed dog). Beautiful walk Larson dominates Coca Cola 600 hike Leaders. tact HikeleaderCS2@bmta- along Big Lost Creek. Hike and his Hen- June 7 (Monday) - The mail.org Leader: Ken Cissna. For more drick Motorsports teammates Benton Mackaye Trail Asso- June 14 (Monday) - information, contact hike- put on a dominating perfor- ciation sponsors a moderate The Benton Mackaye Trail [email protected]. mance in Sunday’s Coca Cola 4.7 mile hike on the Quartz Association sponsors a 6 mile 600, the longest NASCAR race loop at the Whitewater Cen- of the season. Larson led 327 laps of the 400 lap race, while ter in Ducktown, TN. Hike Trout stocking sites his teammates finished second, Leader Evelin Yarns. For fourth, and fifth. Only Kyle more information contact week of May 24-28, 2021 Busch’s third-place finish kept HikeleaderEY@bmtamail. Hendrick from sweeping all org Fannin: Sugar Creek, Big Creek, Hemptown Creek, Hot- four top spots for the second June 9 (Wednesday) - house Creek, Rock Creek, Toccoa River and Toccoa River Tail- time this season. The Benton Mackaye Trail waters (below Lake Blue Ridge Dam) “It was not easy,” said Association sponsors an easy Gilmer: Boardtown Creek and Rock Creek Larson. “Had to work for it. I 5-6 mile hike on the Bolling Lumpkin: Etowah River, Nimblewill Creek, Cane Creek, feel like I had to fight off Wil- Park trails Canton, GA, a Clay Creek, Ward Creek and Dockery Lake liam and Chase a lot. It kind of great preserve. Hike Leader worked out there that last run: Union: Canada Creek, Suches Creek, Toccoa River and The 43 () had to pit Howard Baggett. For more Winfield Scott Lake and pulled out in front of me, I information, contact the Hike- Note: Information is subject to change. Please call the just towed with him for awhile [email protected] hatchery at 706-838-4723 for questions. Stay up-to-date with and stretched my lead out. We Kyle Larson And Team Owner Rick Hendrick June 13 (Sunday ) - The stocking and events through Facebook www.facebook.com/ had a good car there that last Palou was second, fol- Benton Mackaye Trail Asso- chattahoocheeforestnfh.The hatchery also provides trout for run. Feels great to be the guy lowed by Simon Pagenaud, Pa- ciation sponsors an easy to the state. Please contact Georgia DNR for information on sites to help Mr. H break that record tricia O. Ward, Ed Carpenter, moderate, 4 miles hike from stocked by the state. NT(Jun2,Z14)CA finally.” Larson’s win was his Santino Ferrucci, Sage Karam, second of the season and 269th Ryan Hunter-Reay, Rinus Vee- victory for Hendrick Motor- kay, Juan Pablo Montoya, and The 2021 golf season for the Old Union sports, moving them ahead of Tony Kanaan. Ladies’ Golf Association began Monday, May 10th Richard Petty in overall NA- TY GIBBS GETS SECOND SCAR race victories. INFINITY WIN “It’s overwhelming,” said Ty Gibbs won his second Rick Hendrick. “It’s an honor Xfinity Series victory in the to reach this mark, but Rich- sixth start of his career, recover- ard Petty is tops with me. All I ing from a spin off Turn 4 to take can think about now is all those the checkered flag Saturday at drivers that won a race for us. Charlotte. The grandson of team So many people gave so much. owner Joe Gibbs led the final 20 We don’t have a bunch of sepa- laps, surviving two eventful re- rate teams, we are one team.” starts during that stretch to beat Larson started from the series leader Austin Cindric to and swept the the finish line by .437 seconds. three stage wins in the four- Austin Cindric was sec- stage race. He also became the ond, followed by Harrison Bur- first to eclipse the 1,000 laps led ton, Brandon Brown, Tyler Red- mark this season. dick, Chase Briscoe, Ty Dillon, , winner of Brandon Jones, and last week’s Texas road race fin- Jeremy Clements. ished as runner-up. “Happy for Top 10 leaders after 12 of The Old Union Ladies’ Golf Association members Kyle,” said Elliott. “The best 33: 1. Cindric-520, 2. H. Bur- Helio Castroneves wins Indy 500 car won. We had a good car, and ton-436, 3. Allmendinger-412, the worst decision that we’ve The 2021 golf season golfers. The new superinten- Union Ladies’ Golf Associa- I’m proud of our team, but we 4. Hemric-412, 5. Allgaier-387, ever made in our sport that I’ve for the Old Union Ladies’ dent, Brian Sosebee,, was on tion is pleased to announce just didn’t have the winning car 6. J. Burton-383, 7. Haley-348, been a part of, and I’ve never Golf Association started with hand to meet the ladies and that 30 new women are joining today.” 8. Clements-329, 9. Gragson- felt more unsafe in my whole a bang on May 10th with a give a brief demonstration on them for the event. Third-place went to Kyle 323, 10. Snider-309. racing career, period,” Harvick champagne breakfast. Old repairing pitch marks on the The Association has Busch. NEMECHEK HOLDS ON said. “It’s the most unsafe thing Union Golf Course is in excel- green. Brian also arranged announced their first PAR & “We didn’t have anything FOR TRUCK WIN I’ve ever done in a race car by lent condition, and the golf- flowers on all tee boxes for our BAR to be held on Tuesday, for the Hendrick cars,” said John Nemechek held off a lot. You can’t see anything ers really enjoyed seeing their opening day to welcome the June 8. Two man teams will Busch. “I didn’t want them to rookie Carson Hocevar over a down the straightaways. These golfing buddies again. League ladies back. Graciously, Old compete in a scramble and finish 1-2-3-4, so I had to break 10-lap green-flag run after a vi- cars were not built to run in the members still pay $20 for 18 Union continues to offer a free then the group will reconvene it up.” olent crash at the entrance to the rain, and when you can’t see, holes on league day. During round of golf each week for at Lucky’s Taqueria and Can- Two other Hendrick driv- tri-oval stripped the body off my spotter said, ‘Check up, ers, William Byron and Alex ’s No. 13 . check up,’ because he thought the morning meeting, Karen the closest to the pin. Thank tina for supper and Trivia. To Bowman finished fourth and Ben Rhodes ran third, fol- he saw two cars wrecking.” Mussoline introduced five you, Old Union. date, eight teams will compete fifth, respectively, while Austin lowed by Stewart Friesen, Todd The decision to call the new members: Lee Cromwell, Women’s Golf Day will for bragging rights. Dillon, , Chris Gilliland, Chandler Smith, Ty race on Lap 54 was met with Vickie Hudson, Vicki Hough, be celebrated on June 1 at Old Match Play has been a Buescher, , and Majeski, Derek Kraus, Austin criticism from fans, as there Melanie Reed and Katie Fa- Union. Women’s Golf Day, a huge success in the Ladies’ rounded out the Hill and Zane Smith completed was still several hours of day- riss. Also, Jinna Wheeler was global event which began in Association, and this year top 10. the top 10. light remaining. recognized as the Most Im- 2016, gives women and girls is no different. Eight teams Except for the stage Top 10 leaders after 10 Meanwhile NASCAR proved Golfer in 2020. Con- the opportunity to experience have already begun the com- breaks, there were only two of 22: 1. Nemechek-445, 2. has shifted the scheduled Truck gratulations to all! golf for the first time. It also petition. In Match Play, rather cautions: had en- Rhodes-401, 3. Hill-347, 4. Series race, from Ontario, Can- Our second round of allows current players to en- than trying to post the lowest gine troubles near the halfway Creed-339, 5. Gilliland-329, 6. ada, to Darlington, on Sept. 5, the season resulted in a record gage with other women who score, the golfers are trying point, while Ryan Newman Smith-302, 7. Crafton-300, 8. because of travel problems as- number of participants, 36 are interested in golf. Old to win more holes than their had the only on-track accident Friesen-293, 9. Enfinger-291, sociated with the Covid-19. of the day after suffering a tire 10. Hocevar-264. Weekend Racing: Two opponents during a round of failure. RAINY-RACE more road course races this golf. As each team wins, they Top 10 leaders after 15 of OFFICIATING weekend. The Cup Series will move to the next bracket. The 36: 1. Hamlin-633, 2. Larson- NEEDS TO IMPROVE be at Sonoma, CA, while the HELP WANTED ultimate Match Play winners 557, 3. Byron-557, 4. Elliott- In a statement, NASCAR Xfinity Series is at Mid-Ohio will be announced later in the 541, 5. Logano-506, 6. Truex said they need to do better when Sports Car Course near Lexing- season. Jr.-486, 7. Blaney-482, 8. Kyle it comes to officiating races in ton, OH. Overall, the 2021 season Busch-476, 9. Harvick-468, 10. the rain. The June 30th Cup Se- Sat., June 5; Xfinity Se- has started out with the fun of Keselowski-448. ries race was called 14 laps short ries race 13 of 33; Starting time: Staff Writer renewing friendships and the CASTRONEVES of the scheduled distance, with 1 p.m. ET; TV: FoxSports1. fun of making new ones. WINS INDY 500 Chase Elliott being declared the Sun., June 6; cup Series Helio Castroneves winner, due to rain that led to a race 16 of 36; Starting time: 4 for the claimed his fourth Indy 500 win several wrecks because of poor p.m. ET; TV: FoxSports1. Learn to before an estimated crowd of visibility. Racing Trivia Question: North Georgia News & 135,000 fans. The 46-year-old “I would kind of own the Who won the 2020 NASCAR play Pickleball Brazilian joined A. J. Foyt, Al fact that maybe we did let it go a Xfinity Series championship? Free Beginners Classes Unser, and Rick Mears as four- little bit too long before we did Last Week’s Question: Towns County Herald every Saturday at 10 a.m. time champions in an Indy car something,” Scott Miller, NA- The first race held at Charlotte at . Castroneves SCAR executive said. “It’s a was the 1960 World 600. Who Must have Writing Experience, (weather permitting). All equipment is provided and took over the lead late in the learning experience for all of us. was the winner? Answer. It was Reliable Transportation, race after Felix Rosenqvist and We will learn. We will be better Joe Lee Johnson. there is no need to sign-up... Takuma Sato opted to pit after next time. Will we the pull the Gerald Hodges/the Rac- Ability to work weekends and some holidays just come. Courts are located their respective strategies did plug earlier? Probably so.” ing Reporter is a syndicated on Chase Drive behind the not work. In the final five laps, Kevin Harvick, who was NASCAR writer and author. Email resumes to: Health Department. Castroneves held off a push eliminated from the race after a You may e-mail him at: hodg- For more information from Alex Palou and avoided wreck on Lap 19, was one of the [email protected]. [email protected] contact: blairsvillepickleball@ some lapped traffic to cross the more vocal drivers. gmail.com. N(Jun2,Z2)CA finish line in first place. “All I can say is this is