HENRY -- Nine-year-old R.J. Spencer remembers the first karate tournament in which he competed.

The event -- the 2006 Coventry Commonwealth Games of Virginia -- was more than three years ago. At age 6, he medaled in weapons, kata and sparring.

Since then, Spencer has continued to win and advance in the sport. He's earned countless trophies -- some of which are taller than he -- medals, plaques and he's months away from testing for the ultimate honor -- a black belt.

Franklin County senior running back Justin Seay takes a hit from an on-coming Liberty Christian defender during Friday's preseason scrimmage game between the Eagles and the Bulldogs at Benjamin Franklin Middle School. For more photos from the game, click on the link below. (Staff Photos by Steven Marsh)

WESTLAKE -- Returning Franklin County golf coach Charles Jamison employed 10 different golfers over two days of play at the annual Bob McLelland Metro Invitational for a reason.

With match experience being less than premium for the majority of his players, the Eagles used the area's most prominent prep tournament as a dress rehearsal for Western Valley District play, which begins this week.

The bottom-line result was an eighth-place finish in a 12-team field. But, Jamison said his experiment should pay dividends -- beginning with Wednesday's league opener at Green's Folly Golf Club in South Boston.

Hunter safety course is scheduled

Doubles bowling league sets organizational meeting

Golf tourney is set for Mariners Landing

Registration is open for volleyball

New football game sites are announced

FCHS season tickets are on sale

SONTAG -- The following events are sponsored or co-sponsored by the Franklin County Department of Parks and Recreation.

Call 483-9293, extension 22, visit www.franklincountyva.org/parks, email mcramblitt@franklincountyva.org or call the number listed for information.