Falcons’ owner has had enough, says ‘no Mora’

FLOWERY BRANCH - Not long after Atlanta owner Arthur Blank fired him as the Falcons' third-year coach, Jim Mora went to great lengths to list his accomplishments.

The year that was - sports surprised in ’06

Joey Cheek grabbed a seat at the head table after the greatest race of his athletic career, very much aware that all those folks in front of him, with their cameras and microphones and notepads, would be hanging on his every word.

Never say die - UGA prevails, 31-24

ATLANTA - Tony Taylor set up two fourth-quarter touchdowns with interceptions and Georgia rallied from an 18-point deficit to upset No. 14 Virginia Tech 31-24 on Saturday night in the Chick-fil-A Bowl.

It was a forgettable year in Georgia sports

At the end of their 162nd game, the Atlanta Braves found themselves in an unfamiliar position.

Tech quarterback Taylor Bennett gets second-career start

Taylor Bennett threw a 42-yard touchdown pass on the first down of his first start for Georgia Tech. That was last season, and he has barely played since.

Vick has history of struggling against Eagles

PHILADELPHIA - For a one-of-kind quarterback, Michael Vick sure has looked ordinary against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Virginia Tech, Georgia to match similar strengths

ATLANTA - Virginia Tech coach Frank Beamer had a ready response to Friday's question: Does Chick-fil-A Bowl opponent Georgia remind you of any team?

Fastbreak: Knox, four others honored with all-state nods

Statesboro's John Knox was named first team, and four other players from the area received honorable mention, when selections for the Georgia Sports Writers Association all-state football teams were released Friday.

Statesboro finishes ECI tourney with win over Treutlen County

The Statesboro Blue Devils ended their showing at the Emanuel County Institute Christmas Tournament on a positive note, routing Treutlen County 74-47 Friday night. A 25-9 second quarter proved to be the difference and the Devils' defense held the Vikings to just 30.6 percent shooting.

Giants sign pitcher Zito to 7-year, $126-million deal

NEW YORK - Barry Zito and the San Francisco Giants reached a preliminary agreement on the largest contract for a pitcher in baseball history, a $126 million, seven-year deal.

Gator Bowl could be Johnson’s last

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Calvin Johnson isn't saying much. He rarely does. But the Gator Bowl sure feels like his college farewell.

Panthers split with Treutlen County

TWIN CITY - It was a tale of two halves for the Portal Panthers Thursday afternoon on Day 2 of the Emanuel County Institute Christmas Tournament. The Panthers (9-2) exploded for 29 third-quarter points, opening the pivotal frame on a 19-2 run to beat Treutlen County 80-64.

Both Portal teams fall at ECI tourney

By CHAD BISHOP

Vick 'keeping it real' about Falcons' offense

FLOWERY BRANCH - Michael Vick didn't take back his criticisms of the Atlanta Falcons' inconsistent offense Wednesday, one day after coach Jim Mora said Vick's remarks were only the result of postgame frustrations following Sunday's loss to Carolina.

Taylor makes most of senior season for UGA

ATLANTA - Tony Taylor was on the verge of star status for Georgia as he closed his 2003 sophomore season with a flourish.

Downhill duo ties for gold

By FRED LIEF

Outdoor Life: Spring crappie fishing is around the corner

Warmer temperatures are probably not far off and even though winter may not be completely over with, it's time to go ahead and start planning your strategy.

Watson focused on games, not names for Ryder Cup roster

LOS ANGELES - This is what Tom Watson knows about the American with a big lead in the Ryder Cup standings.

Norway wins 4 more medals; US hopefuls falter

SOCHI, Russia - The most decorated country in Winter Olympic history earned four more medals Tuesday, and the most famous snowboarder in the world had his hopes for a third straight gold in the halfpipe dashed.

SEC hoops upgrade very much work in progress

MONTGOMERY, Ala. - The Southeastern Conference's efforts to upgrade men's basketball remain a work in progress.

Column: Michael Sam bravely comes out. Now what?

Michael Sam could've taken the - well, not the easy, but certainly the easier - way out by staying mum on his sexual orientation, at least until after the NFL draft.

Walker goes from journeyman to juggernaut

PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. - The brightest lights that interest Jimmy Walker are found in another galaxy through his high-powered telescope.

Georgia Southern vs. St. Francis photo gallery

Georgia Southern vs. Savannah State photo gallery