editorial4@thomastontimes.com

The Philadelphia Phillies just wrapped up a World Series Championship over the surprising Tampa Bay Rays, and football is in full swing as the fall months are passing us by.

However, with America’s pastime now behind us, the decrease in temperatures will usher in a new dose of sports for us fanatics who find ourselves yearning to find some kind of sport to watch on the television.

The Georgia/Florida game will have fans across the country tuned in on Saturday afternoon, and the youthful Falcons still have half their season left to play, which should give us something to watch for the next several Sundays.

The Upson-Lee Knights football team has had a disappointing season thus far, but yet still have a slim possibility of reaching the state playoffs. With all these exciting sports going on all around us, what is a sports fanatic to do? The answer is simple. Watch more sports.

Here in Upson County, Upson-Lee boys basketball coach Darell Lockhart, has his runnin’ Knights ready for another trip to the state playoffs. Last season the Knights finished with a 20 win season, and this summer the Knights compiled an impressive 22-3 record at different basketball camps throughout the state.

The Knights will have seniors Micktavious Holt and Antoine Draine working in the post this year. Seniors Jamarcus Larry and Lamar County transfer Jakevious Harris should also add a spark to the team.

Coach Tim Cook has his “new look” Lady Knights in the gym already, as they set to improve on their record from last year. Cook plans on using anywhere from 10-12 players a night to execute this year’s faster paced squad. He says he would like to be able to add more pressure on defense this year.

Cornell “C.J” Jordan returns to the mat this season to lead the Knights in wrestling. C.J. will be joined by junior Logan Winkles, who also had a very good year last as well.

On the professional front, the Hawks tipped-off their season on Wednesday night, with a victory against the Orlando Magic. The Hawks had an improbable run last year to the playoffs, even though they failed to make it out of the first round.

Now that the expectations of the Hawks has been raised, (yes, the Hawks have expectations now) can they make a return trip back to the playoffs in the weak Eastern Conference?

The Hawks made a few moves in the off season, acquiring Flip Murray from the Pacers and Maurice Evans from the Magic. The Hawks were able to hold on to high flying Josh Smith, as he tested the free-agency waters. With Zaza Pachullia returning with Al Horford down low, the Hawks also added some height, by signing former Georgia high school standout Randolph Morris. Morris spent last year with the Knicks after leaving the University of Kentucky following his freshman season.

This year could be even better for the Hawks. Billy Knight is now removed from the GM position, and head coach Mike Woodson held on to his job.

Knight was questioned by many after some horrible draft picks. One in particular, was the drafting of former Hawk Sheldon Williams. The Hawks selected Williams with future All-Star Brandon Roy still on the board. This move came one year after the Hawks selected Marvin Williams ahead of Hornets' point guard Chris Paul. Paul went on to become the rookie of the year.

With the fan support the Hawks received after last year’s playoff run, it will be interesting to see if the crowd flocks to Philips Arena again this year. After all, the Hawks are in the shameful Eastern Conference. Boston and Detroit are the only definites in the conference to make the playoffs. Perhaps the same can be said for Labron James and the Cavs, but they have yet to sign a formidable big man to help him out.

In the Western Conference, the Lakers will return as the favorites. Kobe now has his big man Andrew Bynum healthy. Bynum and Pau Gasol make for a tough tandem in the post. Throw in Lamar Odom and veteran Derrick Fisher coming off the bench, and you have a pretty good team.

It will be interesting this year to see how “rookie” Greg Oden handles his first year in the association. Oden sat out all of last year with a micro-fracture in his leg.

The Rockets will look to add some toughness to their squad, after signing controversial Forward Ron Artest. Artest joins a team already rich in talent with big man Yao MIng and perennial all-star Tracy McGardy.

Then there are the old guys. Phoenix has two crafty veterans in “Big Daddy Diesel” and the quick Canadian Steve Nash. Couple them with the freak of nature known as Amore Staudomire and wing man Paco Diaw, the Suns could be right back in the thick of things.

Honestly, in my opinion, the Mavericks, Spurs, Jazz, and even the Trail Blazers could all make some noise this year in the playoffs. We will just have to wait and see how everything pans out. After all, no one really watches the NBA until the playoffs anyway. That gives us as sports fans time to watch our beloved BCS and NFL playoff games.