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November 29, 2025 The Cass Colonels wrestling team finished third on November 26 at the Gauntlet in Gray, hosted by Jones County High School. The Colonels, still competing without a full lineup, had eight of nine wrestlers place in the tournament. Luka Jensen (150 pounds), David Jewell (157), and Ethan Harrington (175) won their respective weight divisions. Brandon Lalbehari (106), Hayden Trimm (126), Codey Dean (215), and John Abernathy (285) placed second. Justus Fife (132) earned a fourth-place finish. Adairsville wrestling finished 13th of 17 teams at the Ringgold Invitational on November 22.  David Coon went 2-1 and finished runner-up in the 175-pound division. Jarrett Chriswell went 5-1 in the 157-pound weight class to place third.

Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com In conjunction with WBHF and Bartow Sports Zone, Elite Stone Supply presents the ELITE ATHLETES OF THE MONTH. Each month, local high schools select an Elite Athlete of the Month from their varsity programs and share the information about their honoree through Bartow Sports Zone and on 100.3 FM and AM 1450, WBHF in Cartersville. Nazaire Fleurine is the November 2025 Elite Athlete of the Month representing Cass High School. A senior linebacker and wide receiver on the Colonels’ football team, Fleurine was recently named the Region 7-4A Defensive Player of the Year. In earning the honor, he put together one of the state’s most impressive defensive seasons with 61-½ tackles, including 30 solo, 10-½ for loss, two sacks, four interceptions, four pass break-ups, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, two defensive touchdowns, and one safety. “Naz embodies the spirit of this award with excellence, consistency, and character,” noted Cass assistant athletic director Bobby Hughes. “Beyond the numbers, he’s a leader, a worker, and an example every program hopes to have. The way he carries himself and pushes others around him makes him special.” Emma Grace Gilbert is the November Elite Athlete of the Month for Adairsville High School. The daughter of Brad and Allison Gilbert, Emma Grace is a senior and three-year member of the Tigers’ competition and sideline cheer team. “Emma Grace has led with skill, mentorship, and consistently has a positive attitude both on and off the mat,” said Adairsville cheerleading coach Katie Forsyth. “She pours into our younger athletes and serves as an outstanding role model. She brings a rare level of mental toughness, allowing her to excel in high-pressure moments and anchor the team when it matters most.” The Woodland High School Elite Athlete of the Month for November is Joel McSwain. A senior captain and third-year member of the Tigers’ swimming team, he is the son of Christie Duvall. McSwain swims all strokes, but his primary focus is on long distance. “Joel has been a valued member of our team for the past three years,” said coach Rebecca Beard-Arndt. “In that time, he has distinguished himself not only through his athletic performance but also through his growth as a leader. Where he once looked to others for guidance, he has now become the example his teammates strive to follow. I look forward to watching his continued development this season and seeing how his energy and commitment elevate the entire team.” McSwain is an Honor Roll student, and he started his own company this past summer called “Jumpin' Joel’s Inflatables.” Nate Russell is the Cartersville High School Elite Athlete of the Month for November 2025. A senior member of the Canes’ football and baseball teams, he is the son of Erik and Caroline Russell. He is the starting quarterback on the football team and a starting pitcher on the baseball team. Russell has enjoyed a fantastic senior campaign as the starting signal-caller for the 12-0 Purple Hurricanes, leading into Thanksgiving weekend’s state quarterfinal matchup with the Kell Longhorns in Marietta. He has completed 124 of 163 pass attempts in 2025 (.761%) for 2,575 yards and 36 touchdowns, despite playing in only 28 of 48 quarters. He has also thrown only one interception this season. "Nate is a fantastic competitor, teammate, and young man. His leadership and maturity have been instrumental in our success this season and throughout his career. Whether he is on the mound or taking a snap, Nate has proven that he is an elite competitor who consistently wins big games. Most of all, I have thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to coach Nate and see his growth as a leader on our team and in our school,” commented Canes’ quarterback coach Brent Rickman. After graduation, Russell will attend Georgia Southern University on a baseball scholarship. Editor's Note: The respective schools and athletic departments supply Bartow Sports Zone and WBHF with photos and bios. Elite Stone Supply Co., LLC is the monthly sponsor. Athletes receive a plaque and recognition during a WBHF radio feature. #EliteAthletesoftheMonth #Cass #Cartersville #Woodland #Adairsville #highschool

November 26, 2025 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com Excitement filled the air with a flurry of local high school basketball action in recent days, leading up to the Thanksgiving holiday. Several local teams were battling it out in tournament play across the area. EXCEL CHRISTIAN BOYS 73, CASS 59 The Eagles built a 43-24 first-half lead on Tuesday at the Harrison High School Hoya Hoopsgiving Tournament and defeated the Cass Colonels, 73-59. Mason McKinney poured in 21 points for ECA, and Jamari Gatson added 16 for the Eagles.  Isaiah Moreno scored a game-high 24 points for Cass. Lucas Pealor added 10 for the Colonels. Excel Christian (4-3) plays at Chattooga on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. Cass (0-4) visits Paulding County on Friday, December 5, at 7:30 p.m. WOODLAND GIRLS 49, GORDON CENTRAL 25 The Woodland girls beat Gordon Central for a third time this season on Tuesday at the Gordon Central Thanksgiving Tournament in Calhoun. The host Lady Warriors held a slim 10-7 lead after one quarter, but the Lady Cats regained control by halftime, 21-17, and pulled away in the second half. Destiny Jackson led Woodland with 19 points and 15 rebounds. Cathryn Sneed scored 11, and Nevaeh Smith-Ferman added seven. Coach Whitney Wissing credited the defensive efforts of Angel Palmore and Sneed in the victory. The loss dropped Gordon Central to 0-6 on the season. Woodland (3-2) hosts Ridgeland on Tuesday at 6 p.m. McMINN CENTRAL (TN) 44, WOODLAND BOYS 43 The Wildcats rallied in the second half on Tuesday at the Gordon Central Thanksgiving Tournament, but couldn’t chase down the McMinn Central (TN) Chargers in a 44-43 loss. McMinn Central led 25-10 at halftime before Woodland began chipping away at the Chargers’ lead. The score was 33-24 at the end of the third quarter. Elijah Hacker led McMinn Central (3-1) with 11 points. Jesse Holden scored nine. Caiden Moore led the Wildcats with 15 points, and Jonathan Hart added 10. Woodland (3-2) hosts Ridgeland on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. CHATTOOGA 44, CASS GIRLS 32 The Lady Indians led by as many as 19 in the second half on Tuesday en route to a 44-32 win over Cass at the Adairsville Thanksgiving Tournament. Addie Veatch led Chattooga (3-0) with 13 points.  Nakayla Evans had 18 points to lead the Lady Colonels. Cass (0-5) plays at Paulding County on Friday, December 5, at 6 p.m. MODEL 49, ADAIRSVILLE GIRLS 42 A furious rally by the Lady Tigers on Tuesday in their final game of the Adairsville Thanksgiving Tournament wasn’t enough to overcome a big early lead by Model. The visiting Blue Devils led 16-7 after one quarter, 30-11 at the break, and 40-22 through three quarters. Adairsville outscored Model 20-9 in the final eight minutes, but the damage had been done. Kamri Sanders led Model (3-0) with 22 points. Savanah Minshew followed with 15 points. Rihanna Crittenden and Savannah Viktora scored 13 and 12 points, respectively, for the Lady Tigers. Adairsville (0-5) plays at Darlington on Tuesday at 6 p.m. LAFAYETTE 69, WOODLAND GIRLS 20 The Lady Cats dropped a 69-20 decision to the LaFayette Lady Ramblers on Monday night in action at the Gordon Central Thanksgiving Tournament.  LaFayette raced to a 35-3 lead after one quarter and led 40-10 at the intermission. Erin Grant and Tamra Young led the Ramblers with 16 points. Cathryn Sneed scored six for Woodland. Destiny Jackson and Reign West added five for the Lady Cats. NORTH MURRAY 57, WOODLAND BOYS 42 The Wildcats lost for the first time this season on Monday night, falling to the North Murray Mountaineers at the Gordon Central High School Thanksgiving Tournament, 57-42. North Murray led 23-15 at the intermission and held a 38-29 advantage heading into the final quarter. Cooper Watson led all scorers with 22. Troop Kilpatrick followed with 13 for the Mountaineers. Amir Heath scored 10 points for Woodland. Clayton McArdle chipped in eight, while Landon Dougherty and Solomon James added six each. CLEVELAND (TN) 68, ADAIRSVILLE GIRLS 34 A slow offensive start doomed the Lady Tigers on Monday, leading to a 68-34 loss to visiting Cleveland (TN) in action at the Adairsville Thanksgiving Tournament. Cleveland led 17-5 after the opening eight minutes and 35-12 at halftime. The Blue Raiders extended their lead to 52-23 by the end of the third quarter. Ariyah Huffman and Jada Davis led Cleveland with 16 and 10 points, respectively. Savannah Viktora led Adairsville with 12 points. Rihanna Crittenden scored eight. Cass' Nakayla Evans (4) defends the basket in the Lady Colonels' Thanksgiving Tournament game with Model on Monday in Adairsville. MODEL 50, CASS GIRLS 38 Savanah Minshew scored a game-high 19 points to lead Model in a 50-38 win over Cass at the Adairsville Thanksgiving Tournament. The Blue Devils led 18-6 after one quarter, 31-12 at halftime, and 40-22 after three quarters. Anizah Taylor scored 14 points for Cass. Fantasy Watkins added 11. WALTON 59, ADAIRSVILLE GIRLS 50 On Saturday, November 22, the visiting Walton Lady Raiders topped the Lady Tigers of Adairsville 59-50. Walton built a 17-8 lead in the first quarter before Adairsville chipped away. The Tigers narrowed the margin to 33-28 by halftime and trailed 47-38 after three quarters, but could not chase down the Raiders in the final period. Juliana McNeeley led Walton with 18 points. Karina Barton and Lauren Kent added 12 for the Raiders. Rihanna Crittenden paced Adairsville with 15 points. Lily Roberts and Alivia Joslin followed with 14 and 13, respectively. ROME 41, CASS GIRLS 28 The Lady Colonels led 16-14 at halftime on Saturday, November 22, before Rome outscored them 27-12 in the second half for a 41-28 decision at the Adairsville Thanksgiving Tournament. Adesi Foster and Lilli Blanchard led the Lady Wolves with 14 and 12 points, respectively. Anizah Taylor scored 10 for Cass. Nakayla Evans added seven.

November 22, 2025 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com On a warm November night with temperatures lingering in the upper 60s at Chatham County Memorial Stadium, the fourth-ranked Benedictine Cadets leaned on a punishing ground game and timely defense to turn back Cass 21-7 in the Class AAAA second round Friday night. The Cadets rushed for 272 yards, controlled the clock in the second half, and advanced to host Central-Carroll in next week’s quarterfinals. The game could not have started more explosively. Cass received the opening kickoff and needed just eight plays to march 63 yards.  Quarterback Brodie McWhorter found Elijah Slocum for a 44-yard touchdown strike, the ball was tipped by a Cadet defender at the last moment before Slocum snatched it out of the air. Anthony Quijada’s PAT made it 7-0 with 8:08 left in the first quarter. Benedictine answered in four plays. Texas Tech commit Stephen Cannon, the 6-3, 200-pound quarterback, took a designed draw 39 yards untouched for the tying score at the 6:32 mark. Parker Lewis tied it 7-7. Two minutes later, Notre Dame commit Bubba Frazier changed the game.  After a Cass three-and-out, Frazier fielded the punt between the hashes, cut right, and sprinted 56 yards down the sideline for a touchdown and a 14-7 Benedictine lead that would stand until halftime. The Colonels’ defense stiffened the rest of the half. Starting six first-half possessions inside their own 25, Cass managed only one threat, reaching the Benedictine 44 before McWhorter’s first interception. The Cadets crossed midfield four times in the second quarter, including four trips inside the Cass 40, but came away empty each time. Cam Beauford’s end-zone interception and a missed 28-yard field goal kept it 14-7 at the break. Benedictine seized control on the opening drive of the third quarter.  Starting at their own 48 after a solid kickoff return, the Cadets covered 52 yards in six plays, capped by Cannon’s 6-yard keeper around left end. Stephen Smart’s 25-yard burst and Eron Mallard’s 13-yard run set the tone. Lewis’ kick made it 21-7 with 9:44 remaining in the third. From there the defenses took over.  Over the final 21 minutes the teams traded eight possessions. Cass crossed midfield twice and reached the Benedictine 35 – once after Zach Stiles recovered a Cannon fumble – but the four second half possessions ended with two punts, an interception, and a turnover on downs. Benedictine never threatened to score again but never needed to. Pinned inside their own territory for most of the fourth quarter, the Cadets milked the final four minutes with a 13-play drive that forced Cass to burn all three timeouts. Cannon took a knee at the Cass 19 as time expired. Benedictine rushed 46 times for 272 yards and held Cass to 183 total yards.  Smart led the 4th-ranked Cadets with 125 yards on 18 carries. Cannon added 86 rushing yards and both rushing touchdowns on 13 attempts while completing 7 of 15 passes for 75 yards. McWhorter finished 12-of-24 for 102 yards with one touchdown and four picks, adding 33 yards on the ground. Kalil Charles was limited to 22 yards rushing on 15 attempts. Elijah Slocum hauled in four passes for 55 yards and the Colonels’ lone score. Chase Tatum also caught four balls for 47 yards. Jeremy Barrett had two catches for 28 yards, and Jah Abdullah-Kortey had 23 yards on three receptions. Benedictine (9-2) will host Central-Carroll next Friday night in the state quarterfinals, while Cass closes a strong 9-3 campaign. NOTE: Game photos will be attached to this story soon.

November 25, 2025 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com A weekly report on local contributors at the professional and collegiate level. NFL Trevor Lawrence and the Jags remain in contention for an NFL playoff spot. TREVOR LAWRENCE — Jacksonville Jaguars (NFL, 5th-year pro; Clemson; Cartersville HS)  … completed 18 of 30 pass attempts for 256 yards and three touchdowns with three interceptions this past Sunday in a back-and-forth 27-24 overtime win in Glendale over the Arizona Cardinals. Lawrence also rushed for 29 yards on five attempts and lost one fumble. The Jaguars (7-4) are currently in second place in the AFC South, trailing the 8-3 Indianapolis Colts. Jacksonville plays the Tennessee Titans on Sunday in Nashville. FOOTBALL JOHNATHAN CLINE — East Tennessee State University (R-So., Cartersville HS) … an offensive lineman who saw action in the Buccaneers' 28-26 home win over The Citadel. ETSU (7-5, 5-3 Southern Conference) compiled 409 yards of total offense in the season finale’s victory.  CARLOS DEL RIO-WILSON — Marshall University (R-Jr., Cartersville HS) … completed 13 of 21 pass attempts for 146 yards with one interception. He also rushed 14 times for 71 yards and two touchdowns in a 26-24 loss at Appalachian State University. The Thundering Herd (5-6, 3-4 Sun Belt Conference) hosts Georgia Southern on Saturday. KAIL ELLIS — Auburn University (Fr., Cass HS) … saw action at center in the Tigers’ 62-17 home win this past Saturday over Mercer University. Auburn rolled up 547 yards of total offense in the non-conference contest. The Tigers (5-6, 1-6 Southeastern Conference) host Alabama in the annual Iron Bowl game on Saturday night. MYLES FORRISTALL — Georgia Tech (R-So., Cartersville HS) … saw special teams action in the Yellow Jackets’ 42-28 home loss to Pittsburgh this past Saturday. Georgia Tech (9-2, 6-2 Atlantic Coast Conference) hosts 4th-ranked Georgia on Friday afternoon in Mercedes-Benz Stadium. DEVIN HENDERSON — Liberty University (R-Fr., Cass HS) … the Flames’ safety made one tackle this past Saturday in a 34-28 loss at Louisiana Tech. Liberty (4-7, 3-4 Conference USA) hosts Kennesaw State University on Saturday afternoon. KEVIN HENDERSON — University of Findlay (So., Cass HS) … made a team-high and season-high 13 tackles this past Saturday in the 12th-ranked Oilers’ 37-14 NCAA D-II playoff loss at home to 21st-ranked Minnesota State. Henderson led the Oilers with 80 tackles this season. He also had six pass breakups, three quarterback hurries, one interception, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery. The linebacker was credited with 15.5 tackles for loss totaling 48 yards and one safety. Findlay’s season ended with a 10-2 record.  SHADRE HURST — Tulane University (R-Jr., Cartersville HS) … the Green Wave’s starting guard was part of an offensive unit that produced 406 total yards this past Saturday in a 37-13 win at Temple University. Tulane (9-2, 6-1 American Athletic Conference) hosts Charlotte on Saturday night. KHRISTIAN LANDO — Jacksonville State University (R-Fr., Cartersville HS) … had one rushing attempt for 12 yards this past Saturday during the Gamecocks’ 27-21 loss at Florida International University. Jax State (7-4, 6-1 Conference USA) hosts Western Kentucky on Saturday. Sam Phillips, University of Iowa / Hawkeyes Wire SAM PHILLIPS — University of Iowa (R-Jr., Cartersville HS) … a starter at wide receiver for the Hawkeyes, Phillips had one fourth-quarter reception for 33 yards, including nine yards after his catch, in a 20-17 home win over Michigan State this past Saturday. Iowa (7-4, 5-3 Big Ten) plays at Nebraska on Friday. DEVONTE ROSS — Penn State University (Sr., Cartersville HS) … had one reception for 28 yards in the Nittany Lions’ 37-10 home victory over Nebraska this past Saturday. Penn State (5-6, 2-6 Big Ten) plays at Rutgers on Saturday. Malachi Toliver, UGA MALACHI TOLIVER — University of Georgia (R-Fr., Cartersville HS) … made his first collegiate start this past Saturday in the Bulldogs’ 35-3 home win over Charlotte. The offense produced 449 total yards in the victory. Georgia (10-1, 7-1 Southeastern Conference) plays Georgia Tech on Friday night in Atlanta. SACOVIE WHITE-HELTON — University of Georgia (R-Fr., Cass HS) … had two punt returns for 11 yards this past Saturday in the Bulldogs’ 35-3 home win over Charlotte. Georgia (10-1, 7-1 Southeastern Conference) plays Georgia Tech on Friday night in Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium. VOLLEYBALL Ailee England, Berry College AILEE ENGLAND — Berry College (So., Cartersville HS) … saw action in 11 sets across three match wins this past Thursday through Saturday in the NCAA D-III National Championship Tournament Regionals at Virginia Wesleyan University. England contributed eight service aces, six digs, and one kill as the Vikings beat Washington & Lee University (3-0), 15th-ranked Virginia Wesleyan University (3-1), and Christopher Newport University (3-1) to advance to the NCAA D-III Final Eight Championship at Shirk Center Arena in Bloomington, Illinois on December 3-6. Berry (27-7) is the No. 8-seed and will face No. 1-seeded East Texas Baptist in the first round. WRESTLING COLTON BISHOP — Reinhardt University (Sr., Woodland HS) … went 2-3 in his 125-pound bouts at the Lucha Open in Douglasville this past Saturday. The Eagles return to action on January 2 at the Huntingdon College Duals. BRYCE KRESHO — Franklin & Marshall College (Sr., Cass HS) … went 3-3 and finished eighth in the 141-pound bracket at the Penn University Keystone Classic in Philadelphia this past weekend. The Diplomats finished ninth of 11 teams in the tournament. Up next for F&MC is the Cliff Keen Las Vegas Collegiate Invitational on December 5-6. EAIDEN NEAL — Reinhardt University (So., Cartersville HS)  … lost two bouts in the 133-pound division this past Saturday at the Lucha Open in Douglasville. The Eagles return to action on January 2 at the Huntingdon College Duals. KRIECG ROE — Lindsey Wilson College (Fr., Cass HS) … went 1-2 in the 174-pound bracket of the Lucha Open this past Saturday in Douglasville. The Eagles return to action on January 2 at the Huntingdon College Duals. HAYDEN SANTORA — Reinhardt University (So., Woodland HS)  … lost two bouts in the 165-pound bracket this past Saturday at the Lucha Open in Douglasville. The Eagles return to action on January 2 at the Huntingdon College Duals. BASKETBALL NA’YEL CAMPER — Reinhardt University (So., Cartersville HS) …  did not score, but had three rebounds in a start at Spartanburg Methodist this past Saturday, where the Eagles won 65-46. Reinhardt (3-4, 2-0 Appalachian Athletic Conference) hosts Truett McConnell on Tuesday and visits Life University on Saturday. SENAI CAMPER — Montreat College (Fr., Cartersville HS) … totaled eight points, three rebounds, and one assist in losses November 19 at Columbia International University (SC) and at home this past Saturday to the University of Pikeville (KY). Camper started the game at CIU. The Cavaliers (3-5, 1-2 Appalachian Athletic Conference) play an exhibition at D-I USC-Upstate on Tuesday and return to conference action on December 3 at Tennessee Wesleyan University. JA’KA’YAH DRAUGHN — Brewton Parker Christian University (Fr., Cartersville HS) … made her seventh consecutive start, finishing with four points, one rebound, and one steal this past Saturday in an 85-54 loss at Life University in Marietta. The Barons (0-7, 0-1 Southern States Athletic Conference) play at College of Coastal Georgia on Saturday. ANSLEY GRIFFIN — North Carolina Wesleyan University (So., Cartersville HS) … started and did not score, but had two rebounds this past Saturday in a 70-62 loss at Roanoke College (VA). The Battlin’ Bishops (1-3) return to action on Tuesday, December 2, at home against Brevard College. ZION HAYES — Vincennes University (So., Cass HS) … a starting guard for the Trailblazers, Hayes totaled 14 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists, as VU won at Danville Area CC (IL) 73-71 but lost at Three Rivers College (MO) 63-58 on November 18 and this past Saturday. Vincennes (4-2) visits Volunteer State CC (TN) on Tuesday night. HALEY JOHNSON — Reinhardt University (Sr., Cass HS) … scored six points with five rebounds, three steals, and one assist this past Saturday in a 65-46 win at Spartanburg Methodist. The Eagles (3-4, 2-0 Appalachian Athletic Conference) host Truett McConnell on Tuesday and visit Life University on Saturday. KEARA McDANIEL — Toccoa Falls College (Sr., Cass HS) … totaled 18 points, eight rebounds, six assists, and five steals in losses last Thursday and Friday to Clinton College (SC) and Newberry College (SC). The Screamin’ Eagles (2-8) travel to Johnson & Wales University (NC) on Tuesday. T.J. PRINTUP — Tusculum University (Jr., Adairsville HS) … started both games and totaled 14 points with six rebounds, five steals, three assists, and one blocked shot in a 76-60 win at North Greenville University on November 18 and a 98-75 home loss this past Saturday to Trevecca Nazarene University (TN). The Pioneers (2-2) begin conference play at Newberry College (SC) on Tuesday afternoon and host Coker University (SC) on Saturday. MEGAN SCHULTZ — Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (So., Woodland HS) … made three assists and blocked one shot this past Saturday in a 70-52 loss at Thomas University (GA). On Monday, she scored two points with two rebounds and one steal in a 144-95 loss to College of Coastal Georgia. The Fillies (1-5, 0-1 Southern States Athletic Conference) host Thomas University (GA) next Tuesday in Bainbridge. LONDAISHA SMITH — Reinhardt University (Sr., Cass HS) … scored nine points with five rebounds and three assists this past Saturday in a 65-46 win at Spartanburg Methodist. Reinhardt (3-4, 2-0 Appalachian Athletic Conference) hosts Truett McConnell on Tuesday and visits Life University on Saturday. ALISSA WINTERS — Truett McConnell University (So., Adairsville HS) … a starter at guard, Winters contributed one rebound on November 19 in a 59-56 home loss to Tennessee Wesleyan University. The Bears (1-5, 0-3 Appalachian Athletic Conference) visit Reinhardt University on Tuesday.

November 22, 2025 The Woodland Wildcats’ wrestling team repeated as winners of the Allatoona Blackbeard Duals on Saturday, with Cass placing third. Woodland defeated Creekview in the championship round. Cass beat North Paulding for third place.  Woodland had wins over Hillgrove, North Cobb, and handed Cass its only loss to reach the finals. The Colonels had wins over North Cobb, Villa Rica, and South Paulding during the day. Noah Cates (144 pounds), Paul Lanier (175), Owen Jones (190), Cadd Bagley (106), and John Gill (215) finished 4-0 on the day for Woodland. Gavin Walker, Hayden Trimm, Luka Jensen, and David Jewell were unbeaten during the tournament for Cass.  Woodland returns to action for a Senior Night dual with Rockmart on December 3. Cass is back in action on Wednesday at Jones County. FLORES WIN 113 TITLE AT SEQUOYAH INVITATIONAL Jair Flores The Cartersville boys finished 13th of 18 teams, and the Lady Canes finished 15th on Saturday at the Sequoyah Invitational. The Columbus boys won the tournament, followed by Campbell and Woodstock. Campbell won the girls' event. Jair Flores (113 pounds) won his tournament bracket. Andrea De Leon Pozuelos (130) went 2-2 to place fourth in her bracket.

November 22, 2025 Scott Barkley / CanesAthletics.com A wise man once said, ”Wow, that escalated quickly.” With rain falling, Canes' QB Nate Russell looks downfield vs. Warner Robins on Nov. 21. RANDY PARKER / DTN Warner Robins has been a familiar playoff opponent for Cartersville in recent years, with the Canes on the losing end from 2020 to 22. As such, there was no chance of looking past the Demons in Friday’s second-round matchup, despite their 7-4 record. And on cue, the visitors snuffed out an early Cartersville two-point conversion attempt, forced a rare Cartersville punt, and moved the ball to set up a 30-yard field goal attempt with less than five minutes to play in the first quarter, down only 6-0.  But the kick sailed wide. The Canes then overwhelmed Warner Robins with 30 unanswered points before the end of the quarter on the way to a 64-0 trouncing. Demons, exorcised.  Warner Robins attempted to steal a possession with an onside kick to start. Holden Hoopingarner recovered, though, to set the offense up on the Cartersville 39. Five plays, including a swing pass that Brady Marchese took 21 yards and a 25-yarder to Madoxx Davis to the one, set up a Braylon Hill score and 6-0 lead. After Warner Robins moved on the kick attempt, the Canes tried for two, but Cole Crawford was stopped short.  Maddoxx Davis returned a free kick for a touchdown. RANDY PARKER / DTN The visitors responded with a drive to the Cartersville 35 that Tripp Chatmon ended with an interception. Then the Canes’ offense experienced a rare three-and-out and punt that rolled to the Demons’ 48. Ten plays later, Warner Robins settled for the field goal attempt on fourth-and-eight from the Canes’ 14.  Starting from their 20, Nate Russell and company only needed five plays and 1:21.  Passes of 14 and 28 yards to Marchese joined Hill’s 38 on the ground, the last from three yards out that brought the score to 13-0 after Ramsey Rowell’s kick. Two more points were tacked on when the next Demons’ drive ended with a high snap to the punter into the end zone. And then came the flood from all three phases of the game.  Davis returned the free kick 80 yards for a touchdown.  Brady Marchese sprints to the end zone for a 55-yard score in the Canes' win over Warner Robins on Nov. 21. RANDY PARKER / DTN Following a Warner Robins punt. Russell hit Marchese for a 55-yard score.   On the first snap of the next Warner Robins possession, Reed Ezell stepped in front of a quick out pass and returned it untouched.  With 21 seconds remaining in the first quarter, the Canes had completely blown the door open for a 36-0 lead. His team’s performance came while dealing with sickness throughout the week, said head coach Conor Foster.  “God’s been so good to us, so all praise to him, but our word of the week was toughness,” he said. “We had over 40 guys out most every day of practice with the flu, and God allowed us to learn about toughness and to rely on him, and our kids responded. They just laid it on the line, and I couldn’t be more proud of them and our coaches.” Cartersville head coach Conor Foster. RANDY PARKER / DTN “I saw the quarterback step forward and they’d thrown the screen about five times already, so I was ready for it,” said Ezell, the Air Force commit.  The pace of the Canes’ play may seem fast. To them, it’s normal. “It all starts in practice,” said Davis, a sophomore whose FBS offer list keeps growing. “We go fast every day, game speed always. It helps us make quick calls and get on the line and throws the defense off guard. We get the upper hand.” Hill‘s three touchdowns came with 79 yards rushing on ten carries. For added measure, the senior caught two passes for 35 yards.  Russell finished 10-of-12 for 223 yards and two scores, one to Marchese and a 30-yard strike to Davis that pushed the lead to 43-0. Marchese led the Canes with 118 yards receiving on four catches, while Davis followed with three receptions for 63 yards.  Hill’s 23-yard scamper placed the halftime advantage at 50-0. Two minutes into the third quarter on Warner Robins’ first drive, Chatmon stepped in front of a pass and returned it 42 yards for another pick-six and a 57-0 lead.  The running clock allowed for only one Canes possession. PJ Richards carried the ball on eight of the drive’s 11 plays, capped by the senior’s one-yard plunge for the 64-0 score midway through the fourth quarter. The third-ranked Canes will travel to Kell next Friday, Nov. 28. The Longhorns (10-2, No. 6) defeated Southwest DeKalb 17-10.

November 22, 2025 The Excel Christian Academy boys basketball team routed Dade County Saturday afternoon 71-39, while the Adairsville boys dropped a 62-33 decision at King’s Ridge Christian in Alpharetta. EXCEL CHRISTIAN BOYS 71, DADE COUNTY 39 The Eagles raced to leads of 23-4 after one quarter and 49-17 at halftime in an eventual 71-39 home win Saturday over the visiting Wolverines.  Mason McKinney paced ECA with 16 points. Tristan Jenkins finished with 12 points on four three-pointers in the second quarter. Jack Floyd scored 12 points for Dade County (1-1). Excel Christian (3-3) plays Cass on Tuesday in Marietta at the Harrison High School Hoya Hoopsgiving. The game is scheduled to tip at 3:30 p.m KING’S RIDGE CHRISTIAN 62, ADAIRSVILLE 33 In a battle of two teams called Tigers on Saturday, King’s Ridge built a 35-21 lead by halftime and pulled away in the second half for a 62-33 win over visiting Adairsville. Winston Steinberger and Markus Galins led King’s Ridge (3-0) with 21 and 14 points, respectively. Brooks Rutledge and Lucas Poarch scored eight for Adairsville. Eli Pearson and Hank Barfield added five points. Adairsville (0-2) plays Dalton on November 28 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta. A JV game will start at 12:45 p.m., to be followed by the varsity.

November 22, 2025 Adairsville finished second, and Woodland was third of seven teams in combined scores Saturday at the Wildcat Invitational held at the Adairsville High School swimming facility. Adairsville won the boys’ competition with Woodland third.  The Lady Cats were second, and the Lady Tigers were fourth. Whitewater won the combined scores. Trinity Christian was fourth, followed by Pickens, East Paulding, and Paulding County. Local event winners: Woodland girls 200-yard medley relay — Madysen Grano, Peighton Young, Emily Guin, and Kailyn Black — 2:12.45 Adairsville boys 400-yard freestyle relay — Brian Grist, Beau Hollimon, Calvin Konen, Kevin Andres Cortez Suarez — 4:19.60 Dylan Barrett — Adairsville — 100-yard freestyle — 55.53 Joel McSwain — Woodland — 500-yard freestyle — 6:15.88

November 21, 2025 The Woodland girls’ and boys’ basketball teams completed a regular-season, home-and-home sweep of Gordon Central with wins on Friday night in Calhoun. The Lady Cats won 45-18, and the Wildcats won 57-43. WOODLAND GIRLS 45, GORDON CENTRAL 18 The Lady Cats led 12-4 after one quarter, 21-16 at halftime, and 36-18 after three quarters en route to a 27-point road win. Woodland freshman Destiny Jackson had a double-double with 25 points and 13 rebounds. Freshman classmate Angel Palmore added six points. Savannah Dyer led Gordon Central (0-4) with six points. “It was a complete team win,” said Lady Cats coach Whitney Harris. “We got in some early foul trouble, but our team was able to come together to win the game collectively. I’m extremely proud of the effort.” Woodland (2-1) plays LaFayette on Tuesday at 2 p.m. at the Gordon Central Thanksgiving Tournament. WOODLAND BOYS 57, GORDON CENTRAL 43 The Wildcats built a 37-20 lead by halftime and held off Gordon Central in the second half for a 57-43 victory. “We got off to a hot start, but foul trouble and sloppy play on the defensive end slowed down our momentum,” said Wildcats’ coach Kip Dyer. “I’m still proud of this group for being able to finish the drill and for sticking together.” Caiden Moore led Woodland with 21 points. Amir Heath and Landon Dougherty added eight. Tre Bigby led Gordon Central (0-3) with 23 points. Woodland (3-0) plays North Murray on Monday at the Gordon Central Thanksgiving Tournament at 3:30 p.m. SONORAVILLE 38, ADAIRSVILLE GIRLS 17 The hosting Lady Phoenix led 19-6 at halftime and added to their lead in the second half. Lilli Lovingood led Sonoraville (2-0) with 14 points. Savannah Viktora and Rihanna Crittenden scored five points for the Lady Tigers. Adairsville (0-2) hosts Walton on Saturday at 6 p.m. SONORAVILLE 58, ADAIRSVILLE BOYS 46 The Adairsville boys dropped their season-opening game Friday night at Sonoraville, 58-46. The Tigers led 19-15 after the opening eight minutes, but trailed 29-23 at halftime and 45-33 at the end of the third quarter. Beaty Terrette and Clay Worley led the Phoenix (2-0) with 20 and 15 points, respectively. Eli Pearson paced Adairsville with 23 points. Brooks Rutledge followed with eight. Adairsville (0-1) plays at King’s Ridge Christian on Saturday at 4 pm.

November 21, 2025 The Cartersville boys basketball team opened the 2025-26 season Thursday night at New Manchester in Douglasville with a 62-49 victory.  The Canes led 14-11 at the end of the first quarter, but trailed 25-22 at the intermission before regaining a 44-41 advantage by the end of the third quarter. Nas Bennett led the Cartersville scoring attack with 24 points. Wyatt Thomason followed with 13. Shakai Taylor and Brayden King added seven points. Bennett had six rebounds. Thomason added 13 rebounds, nine assists, and four blocked shots. Taylor contributed 12 rebounds. Kayden Baxter and Touren Thurston led New Manchester with 14 and 12 points, respectively. The Lady Canes suffered their first loss of the season at New Manchester, 47-39. KK Arnold scored 14 points with eight rebounds and four assists. Zoe McCurry produced eight points with nine rebounds and three assists. Akira Leonard added seven points. The Cartersville boys (1-0) host Hillgrove on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. The Cartersville girls (2-1) will return to action on December 9 at home against Dalton at 6 p.m.

November 18, 2025 The Cartersville girls and the Woodland boys each earned basketball wins on Tuesday night, as several local teams were in action. CARTERSVILLE GIRLS 44, CARROLLTON 33 The Lady Canes improved to 2-0 by winning at Carrollton 44-33 in the Girls Night Out event. Cartersville led 17-13 at halftime and extended the lead to 30-22 by the end of the third quarter. KK Arnold led the Lady Canes in the scoring column with 13 points. She added seven assists and three steals. Trinity Montgomery scored eight points with six rebounds and three steals.  Bayley Stanley grabbed 11 rebounds and scored seven points with five assists. Akira Leonard and Zoe McCurry contributed six points. Kaelyn Agee added four points. Kaliyah Oliver led the Lady Trojans (1-1) with 19 points. Cartersville (2-0) plays at New Manchester on Thursday at 6 p.m. WOODLAND 61, DOMINION CHRISTIAN 37 The Wildcats improved to 2-0 this season with a 61-37 win on Tuesday night at Dominion Christian in Marietta. Woodland led 17-13 at the end of the first quarter and carried a 29-22 advantage to the intermission. The Wildcats stretched their lead to 45-28 by the end of the third quarter, and outscored the Knights 19-8 in the final period. Amir Heath led Woodland with 17 points. Clayton McArdle followed with 12. Caiden Moore posted eight points, while Canden Davis and John Hart added seven. Dominion Christian slipped to 1-3. Woodland (2-0) plays at Gordon Central on Friday at 7:30 p.m. EXCEL CHRISTIAN BOYS 80, CORNERSTONE PREP 65 The Excel Christian Academy boys basketball team completed a regular-season sweep of Cornerstone Prep Academy on Tuesday night with an 80-65 win in Acworth. ECA opened the season earlier this month with a home win over the Cougars. The Eagles held a 22-16 lead after one quarter on Tuesday and led 36-34 at halftime. Excel extended its lead to 63-50 by the end of the third quarter. Damir McBride scored 23 points for the Eagles, followed by Jamari Gaston (17), Mason McKinney (14), Aston Chappell (12), and Jayden Jinks (9). The loss dropped Cornerstone to 2-5 on the season. Excel (2-3) plays at Cass on Friday at 7:30 p.m. and hosts Dade County on Saturday at 11 a.m. CHAPEL HILL 41, ADAIRSVILLE GIRLS 27 The Adairsville Lady Tigers trailed 16-6 after one quarter and 24-12 at halftime before dropping their season opener at Chapel Hill, 41-27. Kendall Copeland and Cameron Terry led the host Lady Panthers (6-0) with 12 and nine points, respectively. Savannah Viktora led the Adairsville scoring column with 11 points. The Lady Tigers (0-1) visit Sonoraville on Friday at 7 p.m. and host Walton on Saturday at 6 p.m. SONORAVILLE 71, CASS GIRLS 35 The Cass Lady Colonels trailed host Sonoraville 38-19 by halftime en route to a 36-point loss.  Keegan Angel scored 16 points and Elizabeth Cady tossed in 15 as the Lady Phoenix won their season opener. Mayla Moore and Ellison Harper added nine points each. Anizah Taylor led Cass with 13 points. Nakayla Evans chipped in eight. Cass (0-2) hosts Excel Christian Academy on Friday at 6 p.m. and will play Rome on Monday at the Adairsville Tournament at 3 p.m. DOMINION CHRISTIAN 50, WOODLAND GIRLS 18 The host Lady Knights led 15-2 after one quarter and 23-9 by halftime in a 50-18 defeat of visiting Woodland. Nevaeh Smith-Ferman scored eight points for the Lady Cats. Destiny Jackson contributed 11 rebounds and six points. Cathryn Sneed and Angel Palmore added two points. Dominion Christian improved to 3-0. Woodland (1-1) visits Gordon Central on Friday at 6 p.m. SONORAVILLE 68, CASS BOYS 56 The Colonels led 20-15 after one quarter, but fell behind before the intermission and did not recover in a 12-point loss on Tuesday night at Sonoraville. The host Phoenix led 35-31 at halftime and 52-43 at the end of the third quarter. Clay Worley scored 36 points to lead Sonoraville (1-0). Derrick Sams scored 19 points for Cass. Isaiah Moreno contributed 13 points. Derris Reece and Ontario Crenshaw added nine and seven points, respectively. Cass (0-2) hosts Excel Christian Academy on Friday at 7:30 p.m. and will face Walton on Monday at 3 p.m. at the Harrison High School Hoya Hoopsgiving.