Make no mistake - this summer the Newton County Lugnuts (15 and under) have been red hot.

The Lugnuts (16-1-3 overall) have competed in four area tournaments, placing second in their first competition and proceeding to win three consecutive tournaments.

Recently, they placed second in the Battle at Black Rock.

In earlier action, they finished first in three other tournaments - Metro Atlanta Invitational (16U), Mid-State Summer Slam and the Gwinnett Invitational.

Currently, the Lugnuts are preparing to compete in the Triple Crown Summer Nationals in Myrtle Beach, S.C., from July 25-29. This event will host 24 teams from 12 different states, with some of the top travel teams from the east coast competing.

The Lugnuts are coached by Jeff Gresham, Chris Austin, Butch Loew and Jim Gayler.

Team players (from Newton, Rockdale and Walton counties) include Seth Allen, Dylan Austin, Kyle Austin, Montana Collins, Will Gayler, Jake Gresham, Johnathon Hilley, Sam Johnson, Chase Lackey, Randy Loew, Travis Marks, Ryan McCranie and Tyler Sanders.

Compiled by Jason Murdock, News sports editor.