MONDAY

Soccer season kicks off
As the basketball and wrestling seasons wind down, the players on the pitch begin their season.

The 2009 soccer season begins tonight when Flowery Branch visits Class AAAAA’s Mill Creek in Hoschton.

TUESDAY/FRIDAY

Tuesday night tussle

A pair of region title contenders from both the boys and the girls go head-to-head Tuesday.

The undefeated Gilmer girls (20-3, 10-0 Region 7A-AAA) visit Chestatee, which has an 8-2 subregion record and is looking to avenge a 71-64 loss to the Lady Bobcats.

On the boys side, Gainesville (19-8, 7-2 Region 7B-AAA) battles West Hall (19-4, 5-3) with first place on the line. The Red Elephants beat the Spartans by four points on Jan. 23.

Regular season ends

Friday marks the final day of the regular season for basketball teams in Region 7-AAA and 8-AA. With the region tournaments starting next week, teams hope to finish strong to build momentum that will hopefully carrry them to a state playoff berth.

SATURDAY

Swimmers, wrestlers compete at state

The dream of being the best wrestler in your weight class begins this weekend at the state sectionals. Grapplers from around the state will battle for a chance to move on to the state traditionals meet next weekend at the Gwinnett Arena.

Swimmers from across the state will also battle to determine the best. The state swim meet begins Thursday and concludes Saturday at Westminster.

SATURDAY/SUNDAY

MLB Spring training begins

Major League Baseball’s three-month layoff is finally over as pitchers and catchers are scheduled to report this weekend.

The Braves report Sunday with many questions. Will newly acquired Derek Lowe be a viable ace? Will the young guys like Jair Jurrjens and Charlie Morton be able to replace the veterans John Smoltz and Mike Hampton, who both left via free agency? And how will the bullpen hold up?

More importantly, will the Braves be able to bounce back this year and return to the postseason? Sunday won’t provide the answers, just the start of the questions.