Archive for September 2018

Four-Down Territory: Week 5 Preview

Posted on September 13, 2018 by

Editor’s Note: Unless otherwise indicated, any and all historical information is courtesy of the Georgia High School Football Historians Association at http://www.ghsfha.org/. All games listed are played on Fridays unless otherwise indicated.

FIRST DOWN: Rutland (0-3) at Worth County (0-4)

The Rams play host to the Hurricanes from Macon in a battle of teams that are not only winless but also enduring long losing streaks of at least 10 games or more. Although Worth County’s last overall win came on Veterans Day, Friday, November 11, 2016, in a 35-7 triumph over Southeast Bulloch in the first round of the GHSA Class 3A playoffs, their last regular-season win actually came two weeks before over Monroe in a 35-34 thriller on October 28. The 2016 Rams squad finished 7-5 overall. Worth County has lost 15 straight games overall since the end of that season.

As for Rutland, the Hurricanes have had an even longer losing streak, having lost 16 straight games dating back to September 29, 2016. They outlasted Kendrick 23-18 that night, and haven’t won since. To be fair, though, one of Rutland’s games from 2017-against Crisp County-was canceled due to Hurricane Irma.

Still, it’s like the saying goes: Something has got to give when Worth County and Rutland both square off in Sylvester this week.

SECOND DOWN: Southwest (Macon)-(2-1) at Lee County (4-0)

The GHSA Region 3-2A Patriots from Middle Georgia will be the latest team to take on the Trojans from Leesburg for the latter team’s Homecoming. After opening the 2018 campaign with a 21-0 shutout loss to fellow Macon rival Westside, Southwest won back-to-back close games over teams with the word “Macon” in the name, as the Patriots outlasted Class A Macon County 14-8, followed by a 14-6 win over yet another team from Macon-Bibb County in, you guessed it, Central. Southwest finished the 2017 season at 5-5 overall, losing to Jefferson County in the first round of the Class 2A playoffs.

Meanwhile, Lee County looks to build on the amazing start to their 2018 season, with the Trojans outscoring their opponents 164-16 thus far this year.

THIRD DOWN: Monroe (2-2) at Thomas County Central (2-1)

After losing their second straight game in a 43-0 loss to Perry at Hugh Mills Stadium in Albany, it doesn’t get any easier for the Tornadoes, as they travel to Thomasville to take on the Class 5A Yellow Jackets in their first true road game for the Class 3A squad this season. TCC has a 23-7 lead over Monroe in the all-time series, winning last year’s meeting over the Tornadoes in a 33-32 thriller.

FOURTH DOWN (GAME OF THE WEEK): Northside (Columbus)-(2-1, 1-1 GHSA Region 1-4A) at Westover (1-2, 0-1 GHSA Region 1-4A)

It’s Westover from Albany facing off against Northside of Columbus in a “Battle of the Patriots” at Hugh Mills Stadium this week. Despite being in the earliest stages of region play, this contest is a must-win game for both squads. Westover fell to Columbus in their opener 46-26 last week, while Northside was crushed by Cairo 38-0. Westover is 1-2 all-time vs. Northside, with their lone win over the Columbus-based Patriots coming in 2014, a 31-10 triumph in the inaugural game of the short series.

One thing is for sure, the winner of this game could make a solid case for putting themselves in playoff contention going into October, while the loser could find itself fighting an uphill battle just to finish strong, let alone advance to postseason play.

Follow the Southwest Georgia Network on Twitter @swganetwork.

Comments Off on Four-Down Territory: Week 5 Preview Posted in Uncategorized

High School Football Round-Up Podcast: Week 4 Review/Week 5 Preview/Florence Update

Posted on September 12, 2018 by

Here’s what you’ll hear on this week’s installment of the High School Football Round-Up Podcast on the Southwest Georgia Network:

-Lee County remains unbeaten.

-Dougherty County teams struggle.

-Quick recap & preview of this week’s games.

-Plus, an even quicker update on Hurricane Florence.

Related Posts:

High School Football: Week 4 Scoreboard

Follow the Southwest Georgia Network on Twitter @swganetwork.

Comments Off on High School Football Round-Up Podcast: Week 4 Review/Week 5 Preview/Florence Update Posted in Uncategorized

ICYMI: Phoebe revises visitation policy

Posted on September 12, 2018 by

(File Photo by Walter L. Johnson II)

Press Release courtesy of Phoebe Putney Health System

Albany, Ga. – The Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital Board of Directors approved an updated visitation policy at its board meeting on Wednesday.  It is designed to optimize family participation in the care of patients, minimize opportunities for the spread of germs and offer children a chance to visit loved ones, all while providing clinical staff a work environment most conducive to administering excellent care.  The primary guidelines of the new policy are:

·         Visiting hours will be from 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. for those 12 and older.

·         In addition to a caregiver, two visitors will be allowed in a patient’s room at a time.

·         Children will be allowed to visit patients from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. and during other special circumstances such as births and end-of-life care.

“We believe this revised policy is what is best for our visitors and our staff, but most importantly, it is best for our patients,” said Evelyn Olenick, DNP, Phoebe Chief Nursing Officer.  “We encourage family members to play an active role in the caregiving and healing process for patients in the hospital.  This policy promotes that family caregiving, provides ample opportunity for visitors to spend time with patients, and supports our staff as they work to offer the best possible care.”

The policy was developed based on input from more than 250 stakeholders.  “We sought opinions from a large and diverse group of people who spend a great deal of time in our hospitals,” said Joe Austin, Phoebe Putney Health System Chief Operating Officer.  “We discussed this issue with members of our patient and family advisory councils, hospital volunteers and members of the clergy.  We also surveyed members of our medical staff, other clinical staff and our leadership council to make sure we heard a variety of viewpoints.”

During the severe flu outbreak earlier this year, Phoebe restricted visiting hours and began asking all hospital visitors to use hand sanitizer when they enter the hospital.  “We will continue to maintain hand sanitizing stations at our visitor entrances,” said Steven Kitchen, MD, Phoebe Chief Medical Officer.  “This is an important part of our infection control measures.  It has been well-received by visitors and staff and shows Phoebe’s commitment to doing all we can to minimize the spread of illness.”

The boards at Phoebe Sumter Medical Center and Phoebe Worth Medical Center will consider this policy at their next meetings.  The new rules go into effect immediately in Albany.  “Our patients and visitors understand that we must enforce certain rules to ensure safe and efficient operation at our hospitals,” Austin said.  “We appreciate their cooperation as we institute this new policy as part of our continual efforts to improve our service to the people of southwest Georgia.”

###

Follow the Southwest Georgia Network on Twitter @swganetwork.

Comments Off on ICYMI: Phoebe revises visitation policy Posted in Uncategorized

ICYMI: Two Dougherty County residents diagnosed with West Nile Virus

Posted on September 12, 2018 by
Press Release courtesy of the Southwest Georgia Public Health District
ALBANY-Two residents of Dougherty County have been diagnosed to have West Nile Virus infections, Southwest Health District reports. The cases are the first examples of the mosquito-borne infection in the District so far this season, prompting Public Health officials to remind area residents to take precautions against being bitten by the pests that carry the potentially dangerous disease.
One patient, an older adult, was hospitalized, but is recovering. The other, a young adult, was free of symptoms, which is a common scenario.
Recent rains have boosted mosquito activity, noted Southwest Health District Health Director Dr. Charles Ruis, who added that more mosquito activity increases the likelihood of mosquito bites.
“The best protection against West Nile Virus is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes,” he said.
Ruis offered tips for protection against mosquitoes:
*  Apply insect repellent. DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, and IR3535 are effective repellents recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and http://www.cdc.gov/westnile/prevention/index.html.
*  When possible, wear long sleeves, long pants and socks, particularly at dawn and dusk and in mosquito-prone areas.
*  Eliminate standing water in gutters, planters, toys, wheelbarrows and old tires.  A mosquito needs only a few drops of water in order to breed and lay eggs.
*  Trim tall grass, weeds, and vines to discourage mosquitoes.
*  Ensure window and door screens fit tightly to keep mosquitoes out of the home.
Ruis added that 80 percent of the people infected with West Nile Virus experience no symptoms. “It has no noticeable effect on them,” he said.
“About 20 percent of infected people will experience symptoms such as headache, fever, fatigue, joint pain and weakness,” he said. “The majority of those will make a complete recovery within a few days.”
But about one percent of people infected with West Nile Virus will develop severe symptoms such as high fever, severe headaches and mental status changes. Ruis added, “Uncommonly, the outcome is death.”
West Nile Virus cannot be transmitted from person to person. “Further, humans are considered dead-end hosts where West Nile is concerned,” Ruis said. “This means that even a mosquito cannot bite an infected human and transmit the virus to another human, in contrast to the Zika virus.”
Those most at risk of severe illness from West Nile Virus include those with pre-existing medical conditions and older adults.
So far this season, one person has died in Georgia from the infection. Each year, Georgia typically sees six to 10 cases per year. August is typically peak time for West Nile Virus infections in the state.
For more information about West Nile Virus, visit http://www.cdc.gov or contact your county health department.
###
Follow the Southwest Georgia Network on Twitter @swganetwork.
Comments Off on ICYMI: Two Dougherty County residents diagnosed with West Nile Virus Posted in Uncategorized

SWGA Health District News: September is National Preparedness Month

Posted on September 12, 2018 by

Press Release courtesy of the Southwest Georgia Public Health District

(Image courtesy of the Georgia Department of Public Health)

ALBANY-Southwest Georgia residents face familiar risks like tornadoes, floods and severe heat, says Southwest Health District Emergency Preparedness Director Hank Wilson.
“But there are other potential emergencies they should also have on their radar, such as pandemic flu, and man-made disasters, which could be accidental, such as a railcar spill of a hazardous chemical, or deliberate, such as a terrorist attack,” Wilson said. “National Preparedness Month is the time to think and plan about what to do in case of an event…not during the event itself.”
Preparing for worst-case scenarios allows individuals, families, schools, businesses and organizations to protect themselves and to able to return to normal more quickly.
“The theme for this year’s National Preparedness Month is `Disasters Happen. Prepare Now. Learn How,'” he said.  Wilson listed a series of simple steps aimed at improving disaster readiness:
 *  Be informed. Learn what protective measures to take before, during and after an emergency. Rely on credible sources.
 *  Make a plan. Prepare a plan and share it with your family. Be sure to include the elderly and your pets.
 *  Build a kit. Build a kit for disaster designed for you and your family’s specific needs.
 *  Get involved. Find opportunities to support community preparedness, such as volunteering with the Regional Medical Reserve Corps (medical background is not required).
More information on making an emergency plan, building a kit and other preparedness activities can be found at http://www.southwestpublichealth.org under “Preparedness” or by going to http://www.ready.gov. Plus, Southwest Health District is posting readiness tips on its Facebook and Twitter pages throughout September.
“Planning ahead and being prepared doesn’t waste time or resources,” Wilson said. “Being proactive can prevent damage and save lives.”

Follow the Southwest Georgia Network on Twitter @swganetwork.

Comments Off on SWGA Health District News: September is National Preparedness Month Posted in Uncategorized

High School Football: Week 4 Scoreboard

Posted on September 8, 2018 by

NOTE: All final scores are in alphabetical order, with the winning team marked in BOLD type.

Last updated at 12:27 a.m. on Tuesday, September 11, 2018

GHSA Scores–Week of September 7, 2018

Thursday, September 6

Columbus 46, Westover 16

Shaw 32, Dougherty 12

Friday, August 31

Berrien 28, Wilcox County 19

Brooks County 15, Bainbridge 13

Cairo 38, Northside (Columbus) 0

(Cairo wins its first game of the season, the Syrupmakers now 1-2, 1-0 in GHSA Region 1-4A!!!)

Calhoun County 39, Stewart County 6

Colquitt County 48, Valdosta 13

Early County 27, Worth County 7

Fitzgerald 28, Upson-Lee 24

Lee County 49, Americus-Sumter 7

(Lee County is still undefeated, Trojans improve to 4-0 on the season!!!)

Mitchell County 43, Miller County 6

Perry 43, Monroe 0

Pierce County 47, Randolph-Clay 0

Seminole County 30, Baconton Charter 14

Thomas County Central 44, Cook 18

Thomasville 39, Everglades (Fla.) 0

Tift County 42, Crisp County 0

GISA Scores–Week of September 7, 2018

Friday, September 7

Heritage (Newnan) 21, Deerfield-Windsor 8

Piedmont 15, Westwood 14

Southland 38, Loganville 14

Southwest Georgia Academy 47, R.F. Munroe (Fla.) 14

Terrell Academy 28, Flint River 21

(Eagles from Dawson win their first game of the season, now 1-3 overall in 2018!!!)

GHSA vs. GISA Score–Week of September 7, 2018

Tiftarea (GISA) 53, Lanier County (GHSA) 12

GICAA Score–Week of September 7, 2018

Friday, September 7

Sherwood Christian 21, John Hancock 12

(Eagles have now won back-to-back games after snapping a 29-game losing streak dating back to 2014, now 2-1 overall!!!)

Follow the Southwest Georgia Network on Twitter @swganetwork.

Comments Off on High School Football: Week 4 Scoreboard Posted in Uncategorized

Four-Down Territory: Week 4 Preview

Posted on September 6, 2018 by

Editor’s Note: Unless otherwise indicated, any and all historical information is courtesy of the Georgia High School Football Historians Association at http://www.ghsfha.org/. All games listed are played on Fridays unless otherwise indicated.

FIRST DOWN: Dougherty (0-2, 0-1 GHSA Region 1-4A) at Shaw (1-1, 0-1) and Westover (1-1) at Columbus (1-1)-(Thursday)

Why two games in one for the first segment of this post? Because the race for playoff positioning in GHSA Region 1-4A is about to get into full swing, especially for the league’s two teams from the Albany area, in the Dougherty Trojans and Westover Patriots, respectively.

While the Patriots are coming off of their first win under new head coach Olten Downs, thanks to their upset win over previously undefeated Monroe last week, the Trojans are still looking to get that historic first victory under Damien Gary. They had last week off after losing 43-7 at Americus-Sumter the week before.

With that said, if either Dougherty and Westover hope to make serious runs at postseason play in 2018, winning on the road is a must, as both squads have the opportunity to return to Albany on top if they’re able to knock off their foes from Columbus in Columbus.

SECOND DOWN: Perry (3-0) at Monroe (2-1)

After scoring a combined 98 points in wins over Jordan and Terrell County, the Tornadoes had a harsh reality check against fellow Albany archrival Westover, with the Patriots holding to one touchdown in a 26-6 loss at Hugh Mills Stadium last Friday. It doesn’t get any easier for Monroe this week, as they play host to a Perry Panthers team that has won all three games by 11 points or less, including a close win over Westside (Macon) last week. With three more non-region games to play before starting GHSA Region 1-3A action at Crisp County on October 12, the Tornadoes need every win they can get before the end of September, as there are just four teams in the region, with three of them being guaranteed a playoff berth. The fourth-place team from Region 1-3A will be placed into a pool of seven fifth-place teams from Regions 2 through 8 for the at-large playoff berth from Class 3A, as determined by the power ratings.

THIRD DOWN: Lee County (3-0) at Americus-Sumter (1-1)

The defending Region 1-6A and GHSA Class 6A state champion Trojans from Leesburg will make the approximately 30-mile trip to Americus to take on the defending Region 1-4A champion Americus-Sumter Panthers. While Lee County has yet to give up an offensive touchdown, outscoring their opponents 115-9 in three games so far this season, the Panthers played Crisp County close before falling 17-14 in overtime in their opener, before rolling past Dougherty 43-7 two weeks ago. The Trojans lead the all-time series against Americus-Sumter 5-3, with Lee County winning last year’s meeting 49-14.

FOURTH DOWN (GAME OF THE WEEK): Heritage (3-0) at Deerfield-Windsor (2-0)

Coming off of two close wins to open the 2018 campaign; 15-12 over Westfield, and 13-10 over Glenwood (Ala.), the Deerfield-Windsor Knights will try to start a season at 3-0 for the first time since 2010 against the Heritage Hawks of Coweta County in an unlikely battle of unbeaten teams at Webb Stadium. That team went to finish undefeated en route to winning the GISA Class 3A state title that season.

As for Heritage, the Hawks have outscored their opponents by a combined score of 132-25 in their three wins over Terrell Academy, Flint River, and Creekside Christian so far this season. The Hawks finished the 2017 campaign at 7-4 overall, losing to Frederica in the quarterfinals of the GISA Class 3A state playoffs. On the other hand, the Knights finished last fall at 7-5 overall after defeating Bulloch Academy in the first round and losing to Gatewood in the quarterfinals.

This week’s contest marks just the second meeting between Deerfield and Heritage, with the Knights outlasting the Hawks 27-19 to win the GISA Class 3A crown in 2012, which turned out to be the last state championship for DWS. This year’s meeting between the Knights and the Hawks could not serve as a measuring stick for both teams in early-season action but also could be a sign of things to come for postseason play later this season.

Follow the Southwest Georgia Network on Twitter @swganetwork.

Comments Off on Four-Down Territory: Week 4 Preview Posted in Uncategorized

High School Football Round-Up Podcast: Week 3 Review, and Week 4 Preview

Posted on September 4, 2018 by

Here’s what’s coming up on this week’s episode of the High School Football Round-Up Podcast:

-Westover’s stunning win over Monroe.

-Shutout wins by Pelham and Lee County.

-A quick rundown of scores from Week 3.

-Finally, a brief look ahead to Week 4.

Follow the Southwest Georgia Network on Twitter @swganetwork.

 

Comments Off on High School Football Round-Up Podcast: Week 3 Review, and Week 4 Preview Posted in Uncategorized

High School Football: Week 3 Scoreboard

Posted on September 1, 2018 by

NOTE: All final scores are in alphabetical order, with the winning team marked in BOLD type.

Last updated at 4:56 p.m. EDT on Tuesday, September 4, 2018

GHSA Scores–Week of August 31, 2018

Thursday, August 30

Lincoln (Fla.) 28, Bainbridge 6

Pelham 63, Baconton Charter 0

Friday, August 31

Colquitt County 50, Thomasville 3

Dutchtown 28, Crisp County 3

Early County 17, Cook 0

Lee County 33, Peach County 0

(Game called with 9 minutes to play due to lightning)

Miller County 51, Terrell County 8

Mitchell County 41, Chattahoochee County 14

Seminole County 7, Calhoun County 6

Tift County 46, Worth County 6

Turner County 30, Taylor County 0

Westover 26, Monroe 6

GISA Scores–Week of August 31, 2018

Friday, August 31

Brookwood (Thomasville) 42, Terrell Academy 7

Deerfield-Windsor 13, Glenwood (Ala.) 10

Robert Toombs 49, Westwood 6

Southwest Georgia Academy 36, Crisp Academy 6

GHSA vs. GICAA Score–Week of August 31, 2018

Sherwood Christian (GICAA) 33, Pataula Charter 12

(Sherwood Christian snaps a 29-game losing streak dating back to the end of the 2014 season when the Eagles won the inaugural GICAA Class AA state championship!)

Follow the Southwest Georgia Network on Twitter @swganetwork.

Comments Off on High School Football: Week 3 Scoreboard Posted in Uncategorized
  Recent Entries »
Skip to toolbar