Time-Out: Valley Softball and Football Turn Up the Heat

As summer fades into fall, the roar of Friday night crowd's mixes with the sharp crack of bats echoing across Muscogee County and the surrounding Valley. Whether it’s under the lights of a football stadium or along the chalk lines of a softball diamond, this past week reminded fans why high school sports are more than just games—they’re a showcase of community pride, relentless effort, and young talent chasing greatness.

The storylines were plenty: Hardaway’s bats exploded in a midweek slugfest, Shaw showed no mercy in a shutout win, and several football teams continued to prove they’re among the elite in Georgia and Alabama. Let’s break it all down.

The Hardaway Hawks softball program has been building momentum, and Tuesday night felt like a breakthrough moment. Facing off against Sumter County, the Hawks didn’t just win—they dominated in a 14-7 offensive showcase that highlighted their speed, power, and depth. From the opening frame, the Hawks were locked in. Daisia Crutchfield, Shelby Huff, and Neeraja Thomas each delivered RBI singles, fueling an early rally. A routine groundout from Kamora Ingram still managed to drive in a run, a sign that Hardaway wasn’t wasting any opportunities.

Perhaps the most eye-popping stat of the night was Hardaway’s aggressiveness on the basepaths. The Hawks stole a staggering 29 bases, a testament to their speed and willingness to push the envelope. Ingram and Thomas each drove in two runs, while Chloe Stewart, Liliona Wright, Crutchfield, and Huff contributed multiple hits apiece.

If Hardaway set the bar on Tuesday, Shaw raised it even higher on Thursday. The Lady Raiders hammered Sumter County 16-0 in a mercy-rule blowout that showcased a balance of pitching, hitting, and defense. Katlyn Moss set the tone from the circle, tossing three shutout innings without allowing a hit. Her command was sharp, and she made quick work of the Panthers’ lineup. At the plate, she added a double and an RBI, proving her value as a two-way leader.

The offensive star of the night, though, was Kaiden McBurnett, who drove in a career-high four RBIs while going a perfect 2-for-2. Alexis McClain added two runs and a stolen base, while the Raiders combined for 11 hits as a team. Defensively, Shaw was flawless—Sumter never even scratched out a base hit.

The win pushed Shaw to an 8-6 record, but more importantly, it showed they’re rounding into form at the right time. With three straight victories under their belt, the Raiders are becoming a dangerous team in their region.

Friday Night Lights Recap

When the weekend arrived, the spotlight shifted to the football field. Week 3 of the season didn’t disappoint, delivering blowouts, nail-biters, and highlight-reel performances that had fans buzzing.

The Carver Tigers are beginning to look unstoppable. Facing Harris County, they wasted no time flexing their dominance, cruising to a 63-0 win that moved them to 3-0. Freshman phenom Zach Watts was the talk of the night. On just six carries, he racked up 123 rushing yards and two touchdowns, showing a rare combination of speed and vision. He also dazzled with a punt return touchdown that brought the crowd to its feet.

Not to be outdone, Keimaurii Miles tallied 115 receiving yards, keeping the offense balanced and explosive. Defensively, Carver smothered Harris County, holding them to just 0.8 yards per carry. It was the kind of complete team win that sends a message: Carver is a state championship contender.

Down in Orlando, the Central Red Devils showed their toughness, outlasting The First Academy 38-35 in a thrilling road win. With the victory, Central climbed to #1 in the Double Coverage rankings, a spot they’ve earned with consistency and resilience. The Red Devils’ offense looked sharp, but it was their composure in the final minutes that sealed the deal. Winning tough road games is never easy, but Central proved they can handle the pressure. The Brookstone Cougars kept their unbeaten streak alive with a 28-13 win over Mt. Vernon, improving to 4-0. Running back Dillon Terry was everywhere, rushing for 151 yards and two touchdowns while also adding 70 receiving yards.

Defensively, the Cougars came up big with Gray Jones and Kingston Terry each grabbing interceptions to secure the victory. Brookstone’s mix of physicality and playmaking is quickly making them one of the most respected private school programs in the region.

The Russell County Warriors have been quietly building momentum, but after a 35-14 win over Eufaula, people are starting to take notice. Their offense was explosive, their defense was disciplined, and they continue to play with a chip on their shoulder. At 2-0, they’re proving they belong in the conversation among the area’s best.

Other Area Football Scores

• Hardaway 26–32 Greenville
• Shaw 14–44 Athens
• Jordan 21–46 Chatt. Co.
• Columbus 17–14 Randolph-Clay
• Northside 6–49 Northgate
• Kendrick 14–49 Crawford Co.
• Pacelli 14–34 First Presbyterian
• Spencer 7–27 Lovett
• Glenwood 49–6 Elba
• Smiths Station 21–37 Valley

Double Coverage Top Ten Rankings – Week 3

This week’s shake-up brings a new leader:

1️⃣ Central Red Devils (2-0)
2️⃣ Carver Tigers (3-0)
3️⃣ Russell County Warriors (2-0)
4️⃣ Columbus Blue Devils (2-0)
5️⃣ Calvary Christian Knights (2-0)
6️⃣ Brookstone Cougars (4-0)
7️⃣ Glenwood Gators (2-1)
8️⃣ Kendrick Cherokees (2-1)
9️⃣ Northside Patriots (1-2)
🔟 Smiths Station Panthers (1-2)

Looking Ahead: This Week’s Games

Several teams will be on bye weeks, but the Valley still offers plenty of football action:

• Jordan vs. Terrell County @ Odis Spencer, 7:00 PM
• Spencer @ Griffin, 7:30 PM
• Northside @ Monroe, 7:30 PM
• Central vs. Smiths Station, 7:30 PM
• Brookstone vs. First Presbyterian Day, 7:30 PM
• Calvary vs. Tattnall, 7:30 PM
• Harris County vs. Dougherty, 7:30 PM

This past week reminded us why fall sports mean so much to the Valley. Hardaway’s 29 stolen bases were a lesson in aggression, Shaw’s no-hit shutout showed the value of teamwork, and Carver’s 63-point football explosion reminded everyone that dominance is earned, not given. From the dugout to the end zone, athletes are giving fans unforgettable performances, and the season is still just getting started. Rivalries will only intensify, rankings will shift weekly, and more young stars will rise under the bright lights.

One thing’s certain, here in the Valley, we don’t just keep score we keep memories. And with the way this season is shaping up, there are plenty more memories to come.