Wes McCard

Sports Editor

As fall arrived in 2012, the Upson-Lee Knights football team began their journey through a new region with new teams. This year in the Knights region, four of the teams they played were ranked in the top 10 in the state at some point throughout the 2012 football season.

The Knights also played neighboring Pike County for the first time in 2012. The game was the buzz around the two communities over the summer, and when the date came, the Pirates upset the Knights in a 40-39 double overtime victory. The Knights were down 26-9 in the fourth quarter, but fought back to tie the game up and send the contest into overtime.

The Knights finished the season with a 4-6 record, although Upson-Lee was in every game in the fourth quarter and averaged 25 points per game in the 2012 season. Corey Moss was named the Region 4 Offensive Player of the Year, after rushing for 1501 yards and 20 touchdowns. Moss also threw for over 700 yards and seven touchdowns. Tyler Stewart was named First Team All-Region as a punter and Second Team All-Region as a kicker. Freshman Kenderious Pennyman rushed for 800 yards and was named Second Team All-Region, along with Toby Fuentes, Kymbl Fulcher, Hunter Stubbs, and Drevian Ivey. Markel Mannuel, Nick Kennedy, Ben Barber, Cornell Harris III, and C.J. Kirschmann were all named All-Region Honorable Mention.

Seniors Corey Moss, Ben Barber, and Cornell Harris III were chosen to play in the East vs. West All-Star Game in Macon, while Moss was also chosen to play in the Georgia vs. Florida All-Star Game in Boca Raton, FL on Jan. 5.

The Upson-Lee Cross Country team had one of their best seasons in the history of the program. Both the Knights and Lady Knights advanced to the State Meet, with the Knights reaching the State Meet as a team for the first time in school history. The Knights finished third in the Region and the Lady Knights were Region 4 Runners-Up.

The Thomaston-Upson Bulldogs went undefeated in the Piedmont 12 & Under Football League. They won the Piedmont Championship by defeating the Spalding County 49ers.

The Lady Knights softball team finished one victory away from having a .500 record. The Lady Knights lost to the Lady Bulldogs from Dutchtown in the Region Tournament, ending their season with a 9-11 record.

Upson-Lee’s Jonny Colley has qualified for the State Dive Meet once again this year. Colley is the only diver in classifications A-4A from south of Fulton County. Colley will participate in the State Meet in February.

The Lady Knights volleyball team played their first full varsity schedule under the direction of head coach Angela Murchison. They earned their first Region 4 victory over North Clayton, and also racked up victories over Lamar County and Jackson.

The Upson-Lee Runnin’ Knights started their 2012-13 campaign with a tough loss to Taylor County. However, the Knights currently have a 6-4 record, and a 3-2 record in Region 4. The Knights recently won the Lamar County Christmas Tournament by defeating Griffin. Freshmen O’Qualon Harris and David Marshall were named to the All-Tournament Team, with Marshall earning Tournament MVP honors.

The Lady Knights basketball squad also got off to a good start this year. Under new head coach Bart Phillips, they earned two Region 4 victories early in the season. Unfortunately for the Lady Knights they have had their struggles recently, and currently hold a 2-8 record, but a 2-3 record in Region 4.

The Knights wrestling team recently defeated Lamar County handily and C.J. Kirschmann currently leads the Knights in pins. Kirschmann and Jeff Bloodworth each earned medals at the prestigious Auburn, AL wrestling meet. Kirschmann placed second and Boodworth placed first in their respective weight classes.