The 2026 Emanuel County 4-H Project S.A.F.E. Modified Trap team wrapped up their season during the State 4-H Modified Trap Match on Saturday, May 9. Emanuel County 4-H’ers participated in three levels of competition: the local Randy Fagler Memorial County Match, Southeast District 4-H qualifiers, and the State 4-H Modified Trap match at the Georgia National Fairgrounds in Perry, Georgia. The program is open to 6th through 12th grade students in Emanuel County who are enrolled in the 4-H Program.
4-H’ers in the modified trap contest are given 25 clay targets they must hit from a single thrower. All 4-H’ers are coached by volunteer leaders from the 4-H program who are certified instructors. The Modified Trap program is coordinated by 4-H volunteers Jeremy and Erin Way. Emanuel County 4-H had 29 total 6th through 12th grade 4-H’ers participating in the Project SAFE Modified Trap program for the 2026 year.
Sixth through 8th grade 4-H’ers on the Modified Trap Team were: Bentley Brinson, Ellis Claxton, Drake Clements, Dalton Flowers, Eli Hackle, Benton Harry, Jace Henry, Landon Nasworthy, Addi Rae Robertson, Hunter Rowland, McKenleigh Tankersley, Abi Torpy, Julianne Way, and Tate Wilkes.
Ninth through 12th grade 4-H Modified Trap members were: Bryan Beasley, Amelia Clements, Aaden Cumbee, Paxton Dixon, Lillie Hammond, Nathaniel Harry, Sam Lawrence, Ethan Mason, Maddox Robertson, Lauren Sapp, Tate Torpy, Eli Way, Brett Way, Marshall Way, and Sam Williams.
The Southeast District qualifier was held on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Bay Gall Sporting Clays. At the district match, 24 of the youth shooters qualified for state competition. After shooting a perfect score of 25, 12th grade shooter Maddox Robertson placed second in the competition after shooting doubles to break the tie.
The Randy Fagler Memorial County Match was held on Sunday, April 26. The following 4-H’ers were recognized as top shooters for their grade level: 6th grade- Ellis Claxton; 7th grade- Drake Clements; 8th grade- Bentley Brinson; 9th grade- Sam Lawrence; 10th grade- Brett Way; 11th grade Aaden Cumbee; and 12th grade- Maddox Robertson. Overall top shooter awards went to Senior Female Lillie Hammond; Senior Overall Maddox Robertson; Junior Female Julianne Way; and Junior Overall Drake Clements.
The state competition was held on Saturday, May 9 in Perry, GA, and Emanuel County was represented by 22 4-H’ers. Shooters are grouped by age to form teams of five.
Emanuel County 4-H would like to thank its volunteers who have donated hundreds of hours of service to coach this year’s team. Without Erin and Jeremy Way, Becky Amerson, Josh Clements, Chesley Dixon, Whitney and Senaca Lawrence, Spencer Lawrence, and Cliff Mason, a program of this size and quality would not be possible.
4-H provides fun, exciting, and educational events year-round for youth in 4th-12th grade. For more information about Emanuel County 4-H and how you can get involved as a member, volunteer, or sponsor, contact Jakyn Tyson at the Emanuel County Extension Office at (478) 237-1226.
