Harlem football earning statewide notice
The Harlem High School football team is moving into uncharted territory.
By beating Laney High School on Oct. 13, the Bulldogs notched a third consecutive win and virtually clinched a spot in the Class AAA state playoffs.
What's more, the Dogs earned state-wide respect, a fact which is evidenced by information posted on the Georgia Varsity Sports Vent web site. A lot of high school sports fans check out the Vent, and the site is a great way to keep up with prep athletes and squads throughout the state.
On two of the site's high school football rankings, the Harlem Bulldogs are featured for the first time ever. In the Vent's Power Ranking (a computer-based format) the Bulldogs were rated 16th last week. Harlem's Region 3-AAA foes Westside (sixth) and Washington County (ninth) also were ranked.
Additionally, the site includes a fan poll, where the Dogs checked in at No. 10. Westside was No. 8, while Washington County was No. 6.
Harlem has some real tests coming up, as the Dogs play host to Washington County on Nov. 2 and then travel to play Westside on Nov. 10.
Wouldn't it be something if Harlem and Westside both entered that Saturday matchup without a region loss?
Bowers excels for Blue Hose
Former Greenbrier High School standout Ryan Bowers is having a solid junior season with the Presbyterian College football team.
Bowers is the starting safety for the Blue Hose, and was the team's fourth leading tackler through six games, with 35 tackles. He also is tied for the team-lead with two interceptions. The 6-1, 206 pound junior has helped PC to a 3-3 start.
Presbyterian features two other Columbia County products.
Lakeside High School graduate Chris Dickerson is a junior at the Clinton, S.C. college. He is the starting left tackle for the Blue Hose.
Former Augusta Christian lineman Rob Fuqua is being redshirted this season.
Sauls, Holder have new gigs
Former Evans High and Georgia Southern baseball standouts Clint Sauls and Michael Holder have new jobs this fall.
Sauls, one of the best prep pitchers to come through Columbia County, is working at Furman University in Greenville, S.C. He will serve as the assistant pitching coach for the Paladins baseball team.
Holder, the youngest son of coaching legend Terry Holder, had a stellar career at Evans and Georgia Southern. He has joined the coaching staff at Vanderbilt University.
Vanderbilt is in the best baseball conference in the country, and the Commodores have one of the strongest recruiting classes this season. The team opens the season on Feb. 12 at home vs. Tennessee.
Unfortunately, for friends who may want to say high to Holder, Vandy does not play does not play in Columbia, S.C., or Athens, Ga. this year. The Commodores play host to both the Gamecocks and the Bulldogs.