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December 13, 2025 Kaytlin Arnold drives to her left in Friday's game at Allatoona. PHOTO: canes_athletics on Instagram. Friday night featured a full schedule of high school basketball games, with all local teams participating. The Cartersville girls' and boys' teams secured region victories at Allatoona. The Cass girls' and boys' teams won home-region games against Southeast Whitfield, and the Excel Christian Academy boys secured a close win at Trion. CARTERSVILLE GIRLS 45, ALLATOONA 27 Kaytlin Arnold scored 11 points, and Bayley Stanley added nine to help lead the Lady Canes to a 45-27 Region 7-4A victory at Allatoona on Friday night. Cartersville led 20-9 at halftime and extended the advantage to 36-15 by the end of the third quarter. Arnold added five rebounds and three assists in the contest, while Stanley contributed seven boards and three steals. Kaelyn Agee added six points with seven rebounds and two steals. Akira Leonard also added six points with four boards and a steal. Addie Gray led the Lady Bucs (1-5, 1-1) with 11 points. The Lady Canes (4-1, 2-0) visit Model on Saturday at 6 p.m., and will host Cass on Tuesday in a 6 p.m. tip-off. CARTERSVILLE BOYS 74, ALLATOONA 41 Xavier Lowe (4) scored 22 points on Friday night at Allatoona in the Canes' 74-41 region victory. Xavier Lowe led three Hurricanes in double-figure scoring with 22 points as Cartersville won at Allatoona on Friday night, 74-41. Cartersville led 37-16 at halftime and controlled the second half. Kyron McClendon scored 18 points for the Canes. Nas Bennett ended the game with 15 points, six rebounds, and two steals. Wyatt Thomason recorded 10 rebounds, three assists, and two blocks. Shakai Taylor contributed eight rebounds. Andre Dupree scored 12 points to lead the Buccaneers (5-3, 1-1). Cartersville (4-0, 2-0) hosts Cass on Tuesday. EXCEL CHRISTIAN BOYS 64, TRION 61 The Excel Christian Academy Eagles held off a second-half comeback attempt by the Trion Bulldogs Friday night to escape with a 64-61 victory on the road. A tight game from the start, the Bulldogs led 15-13 after one period and 34-31 at halftime before Excel knotted the score at the end of the third quarter at 45 apiece. The Eagles outscored Trion 19-16 in the closing frame to capture a three-point win. Aston Chappell led the way for Excel Christian Academy with a game-high 20 points. Mason McKinney added 11 points, while Jamari Gatson chipped in 10 to round out the double-figure scorers for the Eagles. Trion's offense ran through Sam Mobbs, who poured in an outstanding 33 points, keeping the Bulldogs in it until the final buzzer. With the win, ECA improved to 9-3 on the season. Trion fell to 6-4.  The Eagles return home on Thursday to host LaFayette at 6 p.m. CASS GIRLS 58, SOUTHEAST WHITFIELD 30 The Lady Colonels dominated the middle quarters Friday night to hand visiting Southeast Whitfield a 58-30 defeat. Cass led 15-14 after the first quarter before going on a 17-2 run in the second for a commanding 32-16 advantage at the break. The Lady Colonels extended their advantage in the third period by outscoring the Lady Raiders 19-5 to make it 51-21 heading into the final frame. Cadie Paez led a balanced Cass attack with 19 points. Nakayla Evans and Anizah Taylor each added 14 points while Yvonne Ellison contributed eight. Dellyn Walston paced Southeast Whitfield (0-7, 0-2) with eight points. Cass improved to 2-6 overall and 2-0 in region play. The Lady Colonels return to action at Cartersville on Tuesday at 6 p.m. CASS BOYS 70, SOUTHEAST WHITFIELD 49 The Colonels seized a 20-11 first-quarter lead and maintained a 33-25 advantage at halftime Friday night before seizing control over the visiting Southeast Whitfield Raiders in the third quarter. Cass outscored the Raiders 20-11 in the third period and sealed the win with a 17-13 fourth quarter and a 21-point region victory. Five players reached at least nine points in a balanced Cass attack. Isaiah Moreno and Eli Simmons each scored 12 points to lead the way, while Cameron Beauford, Derrick Sams, and Lucas Pealor each added nine. Mason Williams paced the Raiders (0-7, 0-2) with 16 points, and Tucker Townsend contributed 10. Cass (2-6, 2-0) visits Cartersville on Tuesday for a 7:30 p.m. tip. NORTHWEST WHTFIELD 62, ADAIRSVILLE GIRLS 48 The visiting Lady Bruins built a 30-15 lead by halftime and held off the Adairsville Lady Tigers on Friday night, 62-48. Miah Triana and Kaylee Gembe led Northwest Whitfield (6-3, 1-1) with 16 and 14 points, respectively. Savannah Viktora and Alivia Joslin each scored 12 points for Adairsville. Rihanna Crittenden chipped in with 11 and Samantha Gough added eight for the Lady Tigers. Adairsville (2-8, 0-3) hosts Chattooga on Friday at 6 p.m. NORTHWEST WHITFIELD 48, ADAIRSVILLE BOYS 35 The visiting Bruins improved to 5-2 overall and 2-0 in Region 7-3A with a 48-35 win at Adairsville on Friday night. Adairsville (0-7, 0-3) visits Walton on Tuesday at 6 p.m. and will host Chattooga on Friday. HIRAM 76, WOODLAND BOYS 35 Host Hiram outscored Woodland 35-7 in the second quarter to pull away from the Wildcats and carry a 48-16 advantage to the intermission on Friday night in a Region 7-4A matchup. The Hornets had four players score in double figures, led by Quin Jackson’s 25. Jordan Smith contributed 12, while A.J. Williams and Karon Fluker each added 11. Amir Heath led Woodland with 16 points. Hiram improved to 4-6 overall and 2-0 in region action. Woodland (5-4, 0-2) hosts Allatoona on Tuesday. HIRAM 56, WOODLAND GIRLS 21 The Lady Hornets used a dominant second quarter to pull away Friday night, cruising to a 56-21 home victory over the Woodland Lady Cats. The game was close early, with Hiram holding a slim 11-8 lead after the first quarter. The Lady Hornets then outscored Woodland 21-5 in the second period to take a commanding 32-13 advantage at the intermission. A 16-2 advantage for Hiram in the third quarter sealed the contest. Jaya Carter and Adrianna Howell each scored 10 points to co-lead the Lady Hornets’ scoring. Destiny Jackson scored 10 points and pulled down 12 rebounds to lead the Lady Cats. Hiram improved to 2-6 overall and 2-0 in region play.  Woodland (3-5, 0-2) hosts Allatoona on Tuesday at 6 p.m.

December 9, 2025 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com Offensive linemen Malachi Toliver at the University of Georgia and Shadre Hurst at Tulane University helped their respective teams to important wins this past weekend as the Bulldogs and Green Wave advanced into the College Football Playoffs. Two other locals -- Sacovie White-Helton (Georgia Bulldogs) and Jordyn Woods (Ohio State Buckeyes) will also join teammates in the CFP. In NFL action, another former Cartersville Purple Hurricane -- Trevor Lawrence -- had one of his strongest performances as a pro, guiding the Jacksonville Jaguars to a win over the Indianapolis Colts. L-R: Malachi Toliver (Georgia Bulldogs), Shadre Hurst (Tulane Green Wave), and Trevor Lawrence (NFL Jacksonville Jaguars) -- all former Canes -- enjoyed important wins last weekend. NFL TREVOR LAWRENCE — Jacksonville Jaguars (NFL, 5th-year pro; Clemson; Cartersville HS)  …had one of his best games as a pro this past Sunday, leading the Jaguars in a 36-19 rain-soaked win over the Indianapolis Colts. Lawrence threw for 244 yards and two touchdowns with no turnovers to move Jacksonville to the top of the AFC South standings. He also connected on several key downfield plays to Brian Thomas Jr. and Tim Patrick. His touchdown throws went to Jakobi Meyers (14 yards) and Patrick (8 yards). Jacksonville (9-4) leads the Houston Texans and Indianapolis by one game in the divisional standings. The Jaguars host the New York Jets on Sunday. FOOTBALL SHADRE HURST — Tulane University (R-Jr., Cartersville HS) … a starter on the Green Wave’s offensive line that helped produce 344 total yards, including 199 on the ground, in a 34-21 home victory over North Texas to capture the American Athletic Conference championship. The win, a fifth-straight for the Green Wave, advanced Tulane (11-2) to the College Football Playoffs against No. 6 seed Ole Miss in Oxford on December 20. KHRISTIAN LANDO — Jacksonville State University (R-Fr., Cartersville HS) … the Gamecocks’ running back had one reception for two yards last Friday in a 19-15 home loss to Kennesaw State University in the Conference USA Championship Game. Jacksonville State will play Troy University on Tuesday, December 16, in the Salute to Veterans Bowl played in Montgomery, Alabama. TYLER MARTIN — Berry College (Sr., Cass HS) … a starter on the Vikings’ offensive line that helped produce 318 yards of total offense, including 178 on the ground, in a 31-23 home playoff win over Trinity University (TX) this past Saturday. The victory advanced No. 17 Berry (11-1) to the NCAA DIII Quarterfinals for the first time in program history, where the Vikings will host No. 9 John Carroll University (11-1) on Saturday at Valhalla Stadium in Mount Berry at noon. MALACHI TOLIVER — University of Georgia (R-Fr., Cartersville HS) … started on the Bulldogs’ offensive line in place of Drew Bobo at center and helped produce 297 yards of total offense, including 141 rushing yards, as Georgia beat Alabama 28-7 to win the Southeastern Conference Championship Game in Atlanta last Saturday. Toliver has appeared in five straight games and made two starts in November and December. Georgia (12-1) is the No. 3 seed in the College Football Playoffs and will play in the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans on January 1 against the Ole Miss/Tulane first-round playoff survivor. SACOVIE WHITE-HELTON — University of Georgia (R-Fr., Cass HS) … had one reception for two yards this past Saturday in the Bulldogs’ 28-7 win over Alabama in the Southeastern Conference Championship Game in Atlanta. White-Helton has appeared in every game this season for Georgia, compiling seven receptions for 50 yards and five punt returns for 57 yards. Georgia (12-1) is the No. 3 seed in the College Football Playoffs and will face the Ole Miss/Tulane first-round playoff winner in the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans on January 1. VOLLEYBALL AILEE ENGLAND — Berry College (So., Cartersville HS) … saw action in all nine sets, contributing one service ace and one dig as the Vikings reached the NCAA DIII National semifinals in Bloomington, Illinois. Berry knocked off undefeated and top-ranked East Texas Baptist (25-18, 22-25, 25-14, 25-17) in the national quarterfinals before falling to national runner-up LaVerne University (CA) in five sets (28-26, 17-25, 22-25, 25-22, 13-15) in the semifinals. LaVerne fell to Wisconsin-Oshkosh in the championship match. England appeared in 107 sets across 34 matches this season, compiling 38 aces, 27 digs, and 11 kills as the Vikings finished 28-8. WRESTLING COLTON BISHOP — Reinhardt University (Sr., Woodland HS) … went 2-1 in his 125-pound bouts at the Carolina Clash hosted by Lander University (SC) this past Sunday. The Eagles defeated Coker College, Mount Olive University, and Lincoln Memorial University. The next event for Reinhardt is the Rocky Top Duals on Saturday in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. LEE CAMP — Reinhardt University (So., Cass HS) … went 2-1 in his 133-pound bouts at the Carolina Clash hosted by Lander University (SC) this past Sunday. The Eagles won dual matches against Coker College, Mount Olive University, and Lincoln Memorial University. Reinhardt heads to the Rocky Top Duals on Saturday in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. CHAMP HIGDON — Lander University (Jr., Woodland HS) … went 2-0 in extra bouts in the 184-pound weight class hosted at the Carolina Clash by Lander. Higdon had wins over opponents from Newberry University and Coker College. Next for the Bearkats is the Midwest Classic this weekend in Indianapolis. LIAM EAIDEN NEAL — Reinhardt University (So., Cartersville HS) … went 1-2 in his 141-pound bouts at the Carolina Clash at Lander University (SC) last Sunday. The Eagles defeated Coker College, Mount Olive University, and Lincoln Memorial University. The next event for Reinhardt is the Rocky Top Duals on Saturday in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. KRIECG ROE — Lindsey Wilson College (Fr., Cass HS) … won his 174-pound bout as the Blue Raiders won at Rio Grande (OH) last Friday 42-3. Lindsey Wilson College hosts Rochester Christian University (MI) and Midway University (KY) on Monday, Dec. 15. ANETRA WITHERSPOON — Life University (So., Cartersville HS) … went 2-4 in her 207-pound bouts at the University of the Cumberlands Patriot Duals. She had wins over opponents from Indiana Tech and Rochester Christian University during team victories. The Runnin’ Eagles finished 9-4 at the 16-team event. The next event for Life is the Midlands Women’s Championship on December 30 in Evanston, Illinois. BASKETBALL TAFF BRADLEY — Huntingdon College (So., Cartersville HS) … saw her first action as a Hawk, scoring two points and grabbing two rebounds last Saturday in a 69-45 loss at Berry College. Huntingdon (1-6) visits Warren Wilson College (NC) on Saturday and the Mississippi University for Women on Monday. NA’YEL CAMPER — Reinhardt University (So., Cartersville HS) … had one rebound on Dec. 3 during a 67-60 loss at Bryan College (TN). She also had two rebounds, two assists, and one steal this past Saturday in a 68-47 win at Columbia College (SC). The Eagles (6-5, 5-1 Appalachian Athletic Conference) play at Union Commonwealth University on Wednesday before hosting Columbia International University (SC) on Saturday. SE’NAI CAMPER — Montreat College (Fr., Cartersville HS) … scored six points and grabbed two rebounds in a 70-55 win last Saturday at Bluefield University (VA). The Cavaliers (5-5, 3-2 Appalachian Athletic Conference) host Bryan College (TN) on Wednesday and Milligan University on Saturday. JA’KA’YAH DRAUGHN — Brewton Parker Christian University (So., Cartersville HS) … scored 11 points with five assists, one rebound, and one steal last Thursday in a 90-86 home loss to Coastal Georgia. Draughn then scored 13 points with five rebounds and four assists in a 75-47 win at Point University last Saturday. The Barons (2-9, 1-1 Southern States Athletic Conference) play at Jacksonville State on Tuesday and will face the University of the Cumberlands (KY) and Southeastern University (FL) next Monday and Tuesday in Lakeland, Florida. ANSLEY GRIFFIN — North Carolina Wesleyan University (So., Cartersville HS) … in three home starts against Brevard College, Christopher Newport University, and Pfeiffer University, Griffin totaled two steals, one assist, and one rebound as the Battlin’ Bishops lost all three games. NCWU (1-6, 0-2 USA South Athletic Conference) visits Regent College (VA) on Wednesday and plays at Southern Virginia and Mary Baldwin University (VA) on Monday and Tuesday. ZION HAYES — Vincennes University (So., Cass HS) … totaled 42 points, 17 rebounds, six assists, and two steals as the Trail Blazers beat Lewis & Clark CC on December 2, but lost to Three Rivers College (MO) on Dec. 3.  Vincennes (5-4) visits John A. Logan College on Wednesday and hosts Lincoln Trail College on Saturday. HALEY JOHNSON — Reinhardt University (Sr., Cass HS) … totaled two points with four rebounds, three assists, and one steal as the Lady Eagles lost at Bryan College (TN) and won at Columbia College (SC) last week. Reinhardt (6-5, 5-1 Appalachian Athletic Conference) travels to Union Commonwealth University (KY) on Wednesday and hosts Columbia International University (SC) on Saturday. KEARA McDANIEL — Toccoa Falls College (Sr., Cass HS) … in wins last week at Clinton College (SC) and at Regent University (VA), she totaled 24 points with eight assists and seven rebounds. The Screamin’ Eagles (4-8) visit Emmanuel University (GA) on Tuesday, Wesleyan University (GA) on Thursday, and Young Harris College on Saturday. T.J. PRINTUP — Tusculum University (Jr., Adairsville HS) … totaled 38 points in three starts last week as the Pioneers went 1-2 with a win over The Crown College (TN) and losses to Wingate University (NC) and East Tennessee State. Printup added 16 rebounds, five steals, four assists, and two blocked shots across the three games. Tusculum (4-4, 1-2 South Atlantic Conference) entertains Carson-Newman University on Wednesday and Catawba College on Saturday. MEGAN SCHULTZ — Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (So., Woodland HS) … scored two points and had one rebound this past Saturday in a 68-50 home loss to Life University. She also saw playing time, but had no stat line in a 60-51 win Dec. 2 at Thomas University (GA) in Bainbridge. The Fillies (3-6, 1-2 Southern States Athletic Conference) host Georgia Gwinnett College on Wednesday and Trinity Baptist College (FL) on Monday. LONDAISHA SMITH — Reinhardt University (Sr., Cass HS) … totaled 20 points with nine rebounds, five steals, and three assists in starts at Bryan College (TN) — a 67-60 loss — and Columbia College (SC) — a 68-47 win. The Lady Eagles (6-5, 5-1 Appalachian Athletic Conference) travel to Union Commonwealth University (KY) on Wednesday and host Columbia International University (SC) on Saturday.  ALISSA WINTERS — Truett McConnell University (So., Adairsville HS) … scored 14 points with six rebounds, three steals, and one assist Dec. 3 in a 68-56 win at Brenau University (GA). She added four rebounds and four assists last Saturday in a 73-65 home loss to Union Commonwealth University (KY). The Bears (2-7, 1-5 Appalachian Athletic Conference) host Columbia College (SC) on Wednesday before visiting College of Coastal Georgia on Saturday. INDOOR TRACK AND FIELD ANDY FORSYTH — Berry College (So., Woodland HS) … placed 10th (4:33.26) in the one-mile run at the 33-team Birmingham Indoor Icebreaker last Friday. Next for the Vikings is the Samford Multi and Invitational on January 15-16. TYLER JONES — University of West Georgia (So., Woodland HS) … ran third with a personal best time of 4:43.48 at the 10-team Commonwealth Collegiate Opener in Louisville this past Saturday. West Georgia won the team title, finishing 15.5 points ahead of Lindsey Wilson College (KY) and 27.5 points ahead of third-place University of the Cumberlands (KY). The next event for UWG is the Samford University Invitational on January 17. KENDRICK PRICE — Troy University (So., Cartersville HS) … placed 36th (23.23) in the 200 meters at the 33-team Birmingham Indoor Icebreakers last Friday. The Trojans return to Birmingham on January 10 for the UAB Vulcan Invitational. ZACHARY WIGGINS — University of West Georgia (So., Woodland HS)   … placed seventh (8.60) in the 60-meter hurdles at the Commonwealth Collegiate Opener in Louisville this past Saturday, helping West Georgia to the team title over nine other schools. The next event for the Wolves is at Samford University on January 17.

December 10, 2025 The Cass High School swim team placed second in combined scores Tuesday night as the Colonels hosted a six-team event at the Adairsville High School facility. Pickens was the overall winner with 187 points, finishing 14 points ahead of Cass. Model (120), Hiram (70), Armuchee (25), and Pepperell (2) rounded out the scoring. The Lady Colonels were first in the girls’ scoring with 123 points, followed by Model (54) and Pickens (52). The Pickens boys scored 135 points, followed by Model (66) and Cass (50). Top performances for Cass: FIRST PLACE Anniston Duckett — 100-yard freestyle — 1:00.89 Krishma Acharya — 500-yard freestyle — 7:26.82 Girls 200-yard medley relay team — Krishma Acharya, Carson Brannon, Anniston Duckett, Adyson Doolittle — 2:19.33 Girls 200-yard freestyle relay team — Carson Brannon, Krishma Acharya, Adyson Doolittle, Anniston Duckett — 2:04.53 SECOND PLACE Alex Mendoza — 50-yard freestyle — 28.58 Anniston Duckett — 50-yard freestyle — 27.49 Krishma Acharya — 100-yard backstroke — 1:26.82 Boys 200-yard medley relay team — Booker Gearhart, James Wilson, Alex Mendoza, Carlos Cuellar — 2:32.82 Girls 200-yard medley relay team — Charlie Doyle, Lily Fekete, Gabriela Jordan, Jersi Best — 2:44.76 Girls 200-yard freestyle relay team — Charlie Doyle, Lily Fekete, Gabriela Jordan, Jersi Best — 2:25.24 THIRD PLACE Boys 200-yard freestyle relay team — Booker Gearhart, Carlos Cuellar, James Wilson, Alex Mendoza — 2:13.62 Next on the Cass schedule is a meet at Rome High School on Thursday and the Bartow County Championships at Adairsville on January 10.

December 9, 2025 A full lineup of local high school teams competed on Tuesday night. Both Cass teams secured their first victories of the season. Cartersville's two teams triumphed over Dalton, and the Excel Christian Academy boys gathered a region win against Oakwood Christian. CASS GIRLS 46, WOODLAND 15 The Lady Colonels built a 29-3 lead by halftime and cruised to a 46-15 home region win over Woodland on Tuesday night. Anizah Taylor led the way with 17 points for Cass. Nakayla Evans scored 12, and Cadie Paez added 10 for the Lady Colonels. Angel Palmore scored three points for Woodland. The Lady Cats (3-5, 0-1) visit Hiram on Friday for a 6 p.m. tip. Cass (1-6, 1-0) hosts Southeast Whitfield on Friday at 6 p.m. CASS BOYS 54, WOODLAND 47 The Colonels picked up their first win of the season Tuesday night with a 54-47 home region victory over Woodland. A tight contest throughout, Cass led 11-10 after one quarter, 27-25 at halftime, and 38-32 through three quarters. Isaiah Moreno led the Colonels with 22 points. Cameron Beauford and Lucas Pealor added 12 each. Caiden Moore paced the Wildcats with 19 points. Amir Heath and Landon Dougherty added nine and eight points, respectively. Woodland (5-3, 0-1) plays at Hiram on Friday.  Cass (1-6, 1-0) hosts Southeast Whitfield on Friday. EXCEL CHRISTIAN BOYS 76, OAKWOOD CHRISTIAN 31 The Eagles built a big lead early and routed visiting Oakwood Christian on Tuesday, 76-31. Excel led 32-11 after the opening eight minutes and 56-19 by halftime to take control. Karden Wingard scored 17 points, and Tristan Jenkins added 12 for the host Eagles. Nick Sullivan scored 12 points for Oakwood Christian (1-8). Excel Christian (8-3) plays at Trion on Friday. CARTERSVILLE GIRLS 55, DALTON 46 In a showdown of two of the top contenders in Region 7-4A Tuesday night, the Lady Canes built a 26-13 lead by halftime and held off visiting Dalton, 55-46. Kaytlin Arnold was the top scorer with 21 points for Cartersville, reaching the 1000-point career milestone. Zoe McCurry and Blakely Morris each contributed 10 points. Emery Silvers led the Lady Cats with 17 points. Aubriyana Camp contributed 14, and Georgia Sanders added 10 points for Dalton (3-2, 0-1). Cartersville (3-1, 1-0) visits Allatoona on Friday for a 6 p.m. start. CARTERSVILLE BOYS 57, DALTON 38 Nas Bennett scored 17 points and grabbed 10 rebounds Tuesday night to lead the Hurricanes in a 57-38 region-opening win at The Storm Center. Kyron McClendon followed with 12 points, five assists, and four steals for the Canes. Xavier Lowe contributed 11 points, and Wyatt Thomason added 10 points and six boards. The loss dropped the Catamounts to 2-2 overall and 0-1 in Region 7-4A. Cartersville (3-0, 1-0) travels to Allatoona on Friday. HERITAGE-CATOOSA 44, ADAIRSVILLE GIRLS 30 Emma Tanner scored 10 points, and Tori Epps added nine Tuesday evening as host Heritage-Catoosa defeated the Lady Tigers, 44-30. The Lady Generals led 17-12 at the intermission before outscoring Adairsville 13-6 in the third quarter for a 12-point advantage entering the final period. Rihanna Crittenden led the Lady Tigers with nine points. Alivia Joslin and Savannah Viktora added seven points each. Heritage-Catoosa improved to 6-1 overall and 2-0 in Region 7-3A. Adairsville (2-7, 0-2) hosts Northwest Whitfield on Friday at 7 p.m. HERITAGE-CATOOSA 84, ADAIRSVILLE BOYS 45 The Generals raced to a 23-4 lead after one quarter Tuesday and led 46-7 at the intermission en route to an 84-45 win over visiting Adairsville. Cayden Lowery and Noah Awotula led Heritage-Catoosa (4-3, 1-1) with 21 and 16 points, respectively. Chris Moore led Adairsville with 17 points. Brooks Rutledge followed with 10 points, and Eli Pearson added seven for the Tigers. Adairsville (0-6, 0-2) hosts Northwest Whitfield on Friday.

December 8, 2025 The football coaches in Region 7-AAA have released their All-Region selections for the 2025 season: Colt Sanford was selected as the 2025 Region 7-3A Co-Athlete of the Year CO-PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Gavin Nuckolls, Northwest Whitfield, and Justin Beasley, Calhoun CO-OFFENSIVE POY: Brayden Slaughter, Heritage, and Trace Hawkins, Calhoun CO-DEFENSIVE POY: Douglas Callihan, Gilmer, and Alec Upshaw, Calhoun CO-ATHLETE OF THE YEAR: Colt Sanford, Adairsville, and Cody Bryan, Heritage CO-LINEMAN OF THE YEAR: Sager Quinn, Calhoun, and Clay Stephenson, Calhoun FIRST TEAM OFFENSE Jake Collett, Heritage, K Jayven Williams, LaFayette, P Kyle Cummings, Northwest Whitfield, Ath Hunter Britain, Gilmer, Ath Caden Hight, Heritage, QB Hudson Chadwick, Calhoun, RB Gage Parker, Northwest Whitfield, RB Peyton Chancey, Gilmer, FB Kade Mitchell, Northwest Whitfield, WR Jaxon Moore, Calhoun, WR Porter Sentell, LaFayette, WR Brayden Stoker, Heritage, WR Robert Pim, Gilmer, TE Barrett Fuller, Adairsville, TE Beau Kelly, Calhoun, TE Logan Stevens, Northwest Whitfield, OL Sam Jones, Gilmer, OL Austin Green, Gilmer, OL Baker Capehart, Heritage, OL Trey Perkins, Calhoun, OL FIRST TEAM DEFENSE Denny Rameriz, Gilmer, DL Jack Puckett, Gilmer, DL Logan Wooten, LaFayette, DL Kane Romano, Heritage, DL Rob Burgess, Ridgeland, DL Lucas Amos, Northwest Whitfield, LB Jake Barszcz, Adairsville, LB Andrew Huggins, LaFayette, LB Blake Hammett, Calhoun, LB Brayden Hudson, Heritage, LB Heath Gregg, Jr., Ridgeland, LB Kade Parker, Northwest Whitfield, DB Bo Cronic, Gilmer, DB Brody James, Heritage, DB Kenneth Hudson, Calhoun, DB Weston Crisp, Adairsville, DB Bryson Cleghorn, LaFayette, DB ADAIRSVILLE SECOND TEAM SELECTIONS CJ Gardner, Adairsville, OL Joseph Thorne, Adairsville, OL Hunter Gilley, Adairsville, DL Matthew Cook, Adairsville, LB ADAIRSVILLE HONORABLE MENTION SELECTIONS: Cooper Souders, Adairsville, K Braxton Elrod, Adairsville, QB Jayvian Carson, Adairsville, RB Zeek Carter, Adairsville, RB Torron Hale, Adairsville, WR Tucker Duncan, Adairsville, OL Archer Dasinger, Adairsville, OL Thomas Duncan, Adairsville, DL Gatlin Fair, Adairsville, LB Micah Pittman, Adairsville, DB Max Hatch, Adairsville, DB

December 8, 2025 The football coaches in Region 7-AAAA have released their All-Region selections for the 2025 season. 2025 REGION 7-AAAA ALL REGION SELECTIONS PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Nate Russell, Cartersville OFFENSIVE POY: Brodie McWhorter, Cass Brady Marchese, Cartersville DEFENSIVE POY: Naz Fleurine, Cass ATHLETE/ALL-PURPOSE POY: Nash Smith, Dalton SPECIAL TEAMS POY: Wilson Perry, Allatoona COACH OF THE YEAR: Conor Foster, Cartersville Clockwise from top left: Conor Foster, Nate Russell, Brodie McWhorter, Naz Fleurine, Brady Marchese FIRST TEAM OFFENSE Bear McWhorter, Cass, OL Marshall Hammond, Dalton, OL Langston Hogg, Cartersville, OL Trenton Mahaffey, Cartersville, OL Tyler Duckworth, Allatoona, OL Tyler Wade, Cedartown, OL Julian Fishburne, Hiram, OL Kalil Charles, Cass, RB Solomon James, Woodland, RB Ethan Corpus, Allatoona, RB Chase Tatum, Cass, FB/TE Cole Crawford, Cartersville, FB/TE Caine Woods, Dalton, QB Elijah Slocum, Cass, WR Jahill Abdullah-Kortey, Cass, WR Havyn Searels, Dalton, WR Xavier Rucker, Allatoona, WR Maddox Davis, Cartersville, WR FIRST TEAM DEFENSE Frank Antagana, Dalton, DB Kaden Kent, Cartersville, DB Reed Ezell, Cartersville, DB Josh Love, Cass, DB Sebastian Garcia, Woodland, DL Grayson Villar, Cartersville, DL Elijah Peeks, Cartersville, DL Gabe Morgan, Allatoona, DL John Abernathy, Cass, DL Brayden Logan, Cartersville, ILB Malachai Harris, Cass, ILB Andrew Ingle, Allatoona, ILB Chris Johnson, Cedartown, OLB Gavin Dixon, Hiram, OLB Michael Odinjor, Allatoona, OLB Brax Bennett, Dalton, K Josh Corvea, Hiram, P Ashton Daniels, Cass, Specialist SECOND TEAM OFFENSE Codey Dean, Cass, OL Cameron Quinney, Woodland, OL JD Carroll, Dalton, OL Weston Sumner, Dalton, OL Peyton Emery, Cartersville, OL Adam Reed, Cartersville, OL Alex Miller, Allatoona, OL Jacob Striklen, Hiram, OL DL Walker, Cedartown, OL Braylon Hill, Cartersville, RB Jakobe Dorsey, Cedartown, RB Dylan Maina, Hiram, RB Caleb Carmichael, Hiram, QB Isaac Summey, Dalton, WR Cam London, Dalton, WR Rhys Rooney, Allatoona, WR AD Anderson, Hiram, WR Jaylen Johnson, Cedartown, WR Ayden Ashlock, Dalton, FB/TE Sean Shead, Hiram, FB/TE SECOND TEAM DEFENSE Cooper Melvin, Cartersville, DB Demarcus Ballenger, Cass, DB Tyson Beauford, Cass, DB Aidan Navarro, Allatoona, DB Landon Ortega, Allatoona, DB Cam Collins, Woodland, DL Mason James, Cartersville, DL Will Worthington, Cedartown, DL Michael Smallwood, Hiram, DL James Marshall, Hiram, DL Derick Watkins, Hiram, DL Peyton Young, Woodland, ILB Elijah Long, Dalton, ILB Abrehem Evans, Dalton, ILB Parks Silvers, Dalton, OLB Kylen Pope, Cartersville, OLB Aidan Dupree, Allatoona, OLB Branson Adams, Cedartown, K Jacob Wan, Allatoona, P

December 6, 2025 The Excel Christian Academy boys basketball team earned a hard-fought road victory on Saturday afternoon at Rockmart, 58-54. The Eagels trailed 36-29 at the intermission, but erupted for a 20-6 advantage in the third quarter to take control of the game. Mason McKinney led Excel with 19 points. Damir McBride scored 15. Aston Chappell and Mier Bell each added eight. M.J. Berry paced the Yellow Jackets (0-5) with 15 points. A.D. Samples added 10. Excel (7-3, 1-0 GAPPS 1-A, Region 1) hosts Oakwood Christian on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. ADAIRSVILLE GIRLS 37, ROME 21 Alivia Joslin looks to pass inside vs. Gilmer. Photo: CHARLES WILSON / BSZ The Lady Tigers took a 9-2 lead after the opening eight minutes and led at the end of each quarter en route to a 37-21 win on Saturday at Rome. Adairsville led 17-13 at halftime and 24-17 at the end of the third quarter. Savannah Viktora poured in 17 points for the Lady Tigers. Alivia Joslin scored nine, and Samantha Gough produced seven points for Adairsville. Adesi Foster led Rome (2-3) with seven points. Adairsville (2-6, 0-1 Region 7-AAA) visits Heritage-Catoosa on Tuesday at 6 p.m. PAULDING COUNTY 81, CASS BOYS 61 The Colonels kept pace for three quarters on Friday night, but the host Patriots pulled away in the fourth quarter for an 81-61 non-region victory. Jerron Wilson exploded for 42 points to lead Paulding County. Zion Ekwealor finished with 14 points and Marcus Hill added 10. Jahill Abdulla-Kortey scored 15 points for Cass. Derrick Sams contributed 12 points and Isaiah Moreno added 10 for the Colonels. Cass (0-5) hosts Woodland on Tuesday. PAULDING COUNTY 58, CASS GIRLS 48 The Lady Colonels lost a non-region game at Paulding County on Friday, 58-48. Paulding County improved to 5-2 on the season.  Cass (0-6) hosts Woodland on Tuesday at 6 p.m. GILMER 65, ADAIRSVILLE GIRLS 26 The Adairsville girls lost their region opener at home on Friday, falling to the Gilmer Bobcats 65-26. Jace Sanderson scored 24 points to lead Gilmer (3-5, 1-0). Savannah Viktora and Lily Roberts scored nine and six points, respectively, for the Lady Tigers. GILMER 61, ADAIRSVILLE BOYS 47 Eli Pearson looks to score in the middle of the Gilmer defense. Photo: CLARISSA BAGWELL / BSZ The Tigers dropped their region opener to visiting Gilmer Friday night, 61-47. Gilmer improved to 3-5 overall and 1-0 in Region 7-AAA. Adairsville (0-5, 0-1) plays at Heritage-Catoosa on Tuesday.

December 7, 2025 The Woodland swim team placed second in combined scores, and Adairsville was third of 13 teams on Saturday in the annual Tiger Plunge meet at Adairsville High School. Habersham Central (758) won the combined scores meet, followed by Woodland (732), Adairsville (598), Notre Dame, TN (294), and Northwest Whitfield (227) in the top five. The Woodland girls led all girls’ teams with 437 points, followed by Habersham Central (356), Adairsville (218), Notre Dame (157), and Northwest Whitfield (116). The Habersham Central boys (402), finished ahead of Adairsville (380), Woodland (295), Notre Dame (137), and Northwest Whitfield (111). Top local performances: First Place Brooklyn Bechtold — Woodland — Girls 200-yard individual medley — 2:46.69 Madysen Grano — Woodland — Girls 50-yard freestyle — 29.38 Joel McSwain — Woodland — Boys 500-yard freestyle — 6:06.21 Sarah Harper Lee — Adairsville — Girls 500-yard freestyle — 6:45.85 Eli Burke — Adairsville — Boys 100-yard backstroke — 1:05.95 Brinley Coover — Woodland — Girls 100-yard breaststroke — 1:28.67 Woodland boys 200-yard freestyle relay — Grant Davenport, Joel McSwain, Jac Williams, Isaiah Muriel — 1:44.07 Woodland girls 200-yard freestyle relay — Kailyn Black, Peighton Young, Madysen Grano, Emily Guin — 1:58.42 Woodland girls 400-yard freestyle relay — Kailyn Black, Peighton Young, Madysen Grano, Emily Guin — 4:49.06 Second Place Sarah Harper Lee — Adairsville — Girls 200-yard freestyle — 2:35.56 Isaiah Muriel — Woodland — Boys 200-yard individual medley — 2:31.04 Lily Chancey — Adairsville — Girls 50-yard freestyle — 30.28 Isaiah Muriel — Woodland — Boys 100-yard freestyle — 53.42 Kailyn Black — Woodland — Girls 100-yard freestyle — 1:05.59 Calvin Konen — Adairsville — Boys 500-yard freestyle — 6:44.12 Brian Grist — Adairsville — Boys 100-yard backstroke — 1:06.59 Dylan Barrett — Adairsville — Boys 100-yard breaststroke — 1:16.27 Adairsville boys 200-yard medley relay — Brian Grist, Dylan Barrett, Andrew Harris, Eli Burk — 1:57.78 Adairsville boys 200-yard freestyle relay — Eli Burke, Jaylin Simpson, Brian Grist, Dylan Barrett — 1:44.93 Adairsville boys 400-yard freestyle relay — Aiden Viktora, Calvin Konen, Jaylin Simpson, Gavin Flores — 4:45.70 Third Place Andrew Harris — Adairsville — Boys 200-yard individual medley — 2:31.12 Dylan Barrett — Adairsville — Boys 50-yard freestyle — 25.34 Addie Bell — Adairsville — Girls 50-yard freestyle — 30.44 Andrew Harris — Adairsville — Boys 100-yard butterfly — 1:03.31 Ella Howe — Adairsville — Girls 100-yard butterfly — 1:28.47 Emily Guin — Woodland — Girls 100-yard freestyle — 1:05.95 Gavin Flores — Adairsville — Boys 500-yard freestyle — 6:59.97 Madysen Grano — Woodland — Girls 100-yard backstroke — 1:18.31 Peighton Young — Woodland — Girls 100-yard breaststroke — 1:29.02 Woodland boys 200-yard medley relay — Isaiah Muriel, Hayden Alexander, Joel McSwain, Grant Davenport — 2:07.78 Adairsville girls 200-yard medley relay — Lily Chancey, Logan Dean, Ella Howe, Addie Bell — 2:25.59 Woodland girls 400-yard freestyle relay — Sarah Reyes, Ireland Perkins, Kimberlin Smith, Brinley Coover — 5:24.61 Up next for both Woodland and Adairsville is the Whoville Invitational at Adairsville on December 20.

December 6, 2025 Jair Flores won the 113-pound weight division, and four other wrestlers placed for Cartersville on Saturday at the North Atlanta High School Atlanta Invitational. Flores was 4-0 on the day, winning the title.  PJ Richards (175 pounds, 3-2) placed fourth. Fite Casey (106, 3-2) was fifth, while Peter Cepeda (165, 1-3) and GianCarlo Rivadeneyra (285, 2-3) finished sixth. Andrea De Leon Pozuelos (130, 3-1) finished as runner-up in her weight division at the Girls’ Atlanta Invitational. Delilah Ramirez (145, 1-3) finished sixth for Cartersville. Next for the Canes is the Smoky Mountain Duals on Friday and Saturday in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.

December 6, 2025 Cass wrestling finished third on Saturday at the 19-team Creekview Invitational in Cherokee County.   The host Grizzlies won the tournament with 194.5 points, followed by South Effingham (174), Cass (170), Woodstock (145), and Rockmart (144.5) to round out the top five. Cass had nine of eleven competitors to earn podium spots, including three runner-up, four third-place, one fourth-place, and one sixth-place finish. Rowdy Duck (144 pounds, 3-1), Luka Jenson (150, 3-1), and Codey Dean (215, 3-1) finished second. Brandon Lalbehari (106, 3-1), Hayden Trimm (120, 3-1), David Jewell (157, 4-1), and Ethan Harrington (175, 4-1) placed third. John Abernathy (285, 4-2) finished fourth, and Mason Tompkins (190) advanced to the tournament semifinals before withdrawing with a medical forfeit to place sixth. Next for Cass is the Smoky Mountain Duals in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, on Friday and Saturday.

December 5, 2025 Cartersville senior golfer, Chad Branton, carded rounds of 71-71-67 (7-under par) this past Wednesday through Friday to win the 2025 Dixie Amateur Senior Invitational at Eagle Trace Golf Club in Coral Springs, Florida. Branton finished three shots ahead of runner-up John Wright of Fairhope, Alabama, and five shots clear of Savannah’s Mike Combs. Rick Stimmel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was fourth at 1-under par, with Allen Peake of Macon and Scott Stevens of Encinitas, California, tying for fifth at even par. Branton’s title earns him additional points in the Senior World Amateur Golf Rankings.

December 5, 2025 The Woodland Wildcats and the Excel Christian Academy girls’ and boys’ basketball teams earned home wins on Thursday. WOODLAND BOYS 54, PEPPERELL 47 Amir Heath scored 19 points, including 13 in the first half, Thursday night as Woodland defeated the visiting Pepperell Dragons 54-47. Landon Dougherty posted 13 points for the Wildcats. Jonathan Hart and Solomon James added seven and six points, respectively. Antonio Barton scored 13 points to lead Pepperell (1-3). Woodland (5-2) visits Cass on Tuesday. PEPPERELL 55, WOODLAND GIRLS 18 Despite a strong second quarter by the Lady Cats, visiting Pepperell pulled away in the second half to defeat the Woodland girls, 55-18. Woodland trailed 9-0 after the opening eight minutes, but narrowed the deficit to 22-15 at halftime. The Lady Cats were limited to only three points in the second half. Hannah Smith led Pepperell (5-0) with 18 points, and Sarah Harris added 12. Woodland (3-4) opens Region 7-4A play on Tuesday at Cass at 6 p.m. EXCEL CHRISTIAN BOYS 97, PRAISE ACADEMY 61 Three Eagles scored in double figures in the first three quarters Thursday night to lead the Excel Christian Academy boys in a 97-61 win over Praise Academy of Powder Springs. Karden Wingard scored 17 points for ECA, followed by Mason McKinney with 16 and Mier Bell with 15. Daniel Foote scored 18 points for Praise Academy (1-1). Hunter Ivey added 11. Excel (6-3, 1-0 GAPPS 1-A, Region 1) visits Rockmart on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. and hosts a region game with Oakwood Christian on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. EXCEL CHRISTIAN GIRLS 37, PRAISE ACADEMY 29 The Lady Eagles won for the first time this season on Thursday night at home, defeating region-foe Praise Academy 37-29. The loss left the visiting Lady Lions winless in their first two games. The Excel girls (1-5, 1-0 GAPPS 1-A, Region 1) host Oakwood Christian on Tuesday at 6 p.m.