Former Lakeside standout waits to play in NFL

For any young football player, playing in the National Football League is the ultimate dream. For former Lakeside standout David Rivers, that dream is almost a reality.

Rivers has played in the Canadian Football League and NFL Europe and spent a season on the Falcons practice squad. When he did not earn a spot on the Falcons roster or practice squad after training camp, it looked as though his dream of playing in the NFL would not be realized.

But Rivers never quit working out and preparing himself for his big break, and now that break may have come. I reported in a previous column that he had signed with the Oakland Raiders after an injury to starting quarterback Rich Gannon. Currently Rivers is on the Raiders practice squad, and the Raiders seem to be pleased with what he has brought to the table. "David is a hard worker who has picked up everything very quickly," said Raiders Offensive Coordinator Jimmy Raye. Rivers is traveling with the team and waiting on his shot to play in the NFL.

Peach Belt softball has familiar look

A few weeks ago I did a story on the large number of former Columbia County baseball players who are now playing in the Peach Belt Conference. Columbia County has long been a producer of terrific baseball talent. Now, with the huge success Columbia County teams have had in softball, county players have become a hot commodity for Peach Belt Conference softball coaches as well. Augusta State will have three county players on their roster in 2005, and two more players will suit up for Georgia College & State University in Milledgeville, Ga.

Augusta State

Ashley Hale Jr. - Catcher/2nd Base

Evans (Abraham Baldwin Junior College)

Erica Johnson - Soph. 2nd Base/SS

Greenbrier (Gordon Junior College)

Tiffany Pate Jr. - OF

Lakeside (Young Harris Junior College)

Georgia College & State University

Heather Jones Jr. - Catcher, 1B, & 3B

Evans

Nikki Smith - Soph. 3B

Greenbrier