Two hundred and forty two runners from throughout Georgia and surrounding states participated in the Third Annual Turkey Trot 5k Run held in downtown Statesboro Nov. 20.
    With near-perfect weather runners from ages 5 to 71 stretched, jumped and ran for short distances to help warm-up before the race. More than 150 family members and friends cheered their favorite athletes before legendary Coach Clarke Collins gave final instructions and shot the starting gun.
    John Frazier, former principal and coach of the girls state champion cross country team from Southeast Bulloch High led the runners throughout historic neighborhoods located near the downtown area on his customized bicycle.
    Frazier said, “I rode at a very rapid pace just to keep ahead of several of the fast runners. This was a very competitive group.”
    After the race, many of the runners were recognized by Joe McGlamery, one of the Turkey Trot coordinators. He was assisted by Frazier and Pat Hill during the awards ceremony.  
    Medallions were presented to the champions of several age groups. Carolyn Lota was awarded the top women’s Master’s level medallion and Joe Tilley was honored as the men’s Master’s champion. The overall winner was Hank Campbell who crossed the finish line with a time of 17:00. Jessica Self was the first place women’s runner with a time of 19:46. 
    “A number of people, including the local police, public works personnel, mayor, city manager, volunteers and sponsors helped make this yearly event the biggest and best ever.” said Steve Chester, one of the race’s coordinators.

Panthers open season with road win
    PEMBROKE — The Portal Panthers (1-0) knocked off the  Bryan County Redskins 69-49 Tuesday on the road in Pembroke.
    Robert Lee led all PHS scorers with 20 points.
    Jamie Hagins scored 16, Stacy Morgan netted 13 and Jordan Buchannon added 11 in the victory.
    The Lady Panthers fell at Bryan County 60-33.
    Portal stays on the road this weekend, traveling to Screven County for a 6 p.m. doubleheader before returning home for the home opener Saturday at 6 p.m. against Southeast Bulloch.

Lady Tigers fall to Richmond Hill
    CLAXTON — Polly Murray scored 19 points, but it wasn't enough.
    The Richmond Hill Lady Widcats knocked off Claxton 55-33 Tuesday, with two scorers in double figures.
    Claxton returns to the court  Friday at 6 p.m. when it hits the road to take on the Southeast Bulloch Lady Yellow Jackets.

Lady Gators top DEA
    STILLMORE — The Bulloch Academy Lady Gators (4-0) topped David Emanuel Academy 38-35 on the road Tuesday.
    Anna Newton led the Gators with 11 points. Haley Burke  finished with 10 points and Taylor Collins added eight.
    Bulloch returns to action when it hosts Tattnall Square Saturday at 3 p.m.

BA B-Team rolls
    STILLMORE — The Bulloch Academy girls B-Team won 32-15 Tuesday at David Emanuel Academy.
    It was the season-opener for the Lady Gators.
    Madison Poole  and Ashlee Lanier each had four points in the effort.

    If you have a score to report, please call the Statesboro Herald sports desk at (912) 489-9408.