October 29, 2026 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com Carder Brock homered, doubled, and drove in three runs as the Lady Canes improved to 2-0 at the Class 5A State Finals Tournament in Columbus. For the second straight day, the Lady Canes won on the final swing of the game and have now advanced to the final three teams in the Class 5A State Softball Championship Tournament at the Columbus Softball Complex. After rallying on Wednesday to edge Marist 4-3 in the eighth inning of their first round of the double-elimination tournament, Cartersville did it again in the bottom of the seventh inning on Thursday, defeating North Oconee 5-4. Allie Waldrop gave the Lady Titans a 1-0 lead in the top of the first with a solo home run, but Cartersville answered in the bottom of the inning, taking advantage of three walks and a sacrifice fly off the bat of Kennedy Crenshaw. Izzy Tummins and LaKiaya Banks produced back-to-back, one-out hits in the fourth, and Zoie Shiflett gave Cartersville a 2-1 lead with a sacrifice fly. North Oconee knotted the score at 2-2 in the top of the fifth. Mary Peyton Malone doubled to lead off the inning and moved to third on a sacrifice bunt by Abigail Keith. Malone scored on a bunt play and a Canes’ error. Carder Brock homered for a second consecutive game to give Cartersville a 3-2 lead in the bottom of the sixth, but North Oconee regained the lead at 4-3 in the top of the seventh on two singles, a groundout, and a two-run infield throwing error. With one out in the bottom of the seventh, the Lady Canes delivered three straight hits to walk off with victory. Sophia Harper singled, Sam Porter doubled, and Brock hit a hard ground ball back up the middle to drive home the game-winning runs. Presley Crabbe started for Cartersville in the circle and worked into the sixth inning, allowing two runs (one earned) on five hits and one walk. She struck out two. Shiflett earned the win with two innings of relief, allowing two runs (one earned) on four hits and no walks. She struck out two. Brock (home run, double, three RBI) and Porter (double) led the Lady Canes offense with two hits each. Sophia Harper, Tummins, and Banks (double) each had one hit. Ansley Breedlove, Kourtney Wells, and Malone combined for six of the Titans’ nine hits. Whitney Smith (6.1 IP, 5ER, 7H, 10BB, 4K) took the loss for North Oconee. Lady Canes’ head coach Glen Woodard spoke Thursday night about the two walk-off wins. “Man, it’s been a joyful ride so far. We’ve talked to the girls all year about our ability to come back from behind—from one through nine in the lineup. Our girls have bought into it, and that’s really been evident the last two nights. Both nights, we’ve been down in the seventh and come back to walk it off. To beat it all, it’s been our nine-hole hitter that has delivered.” “Our pitching is keeping us in every single game,” Woodard continued. “We’re enjoying this ride and playing deeper in the tournament than any Cartersville team in history. We just want to keep the momentum and keep going forward.” North Oconee (29-5) slipped to the elimination bracket to play Thursday night’s Starr’s Mill/Central-Carroll winner. Cartersville (32-2) advanced to play Jefferson (29-7) on Friday at 3:30 p.m. The Lady Canes and Lady Dragons are the only two unbeaten teams remaining in the tournament. Jefferson (29-7) beat Central-Carroll 14-0 on Wednesday and Harris County 6-5 on Thursday.

October 28, 2026 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com LaKiaya Banks' walk-off home run in the eighth lifted the Lady Canes to a 4-3 first-round win at the double-elimination GHSA Class 5A Elite Eight Championship Tournament. LaKiaya Banks delivered the decisive blow Wednesday evening, launching a walk-off home run in the bottom of the eighth inning to lift the Cartersville Lady Canes to an opening-round victory over Marist in the GHSA Class 5A state Elite Eight tournament at the Olympic Softball Complex in Columbus. Cartersville outlasted the War Eagles in a back-and-forth contest, with Banks’ home run breaking a 3-3 tie and giving the Lady Canes a dramatic win to open the double-elimination championship tournament. The two teams traded leads throughout regulation. Marist struck first to take a 1-0 lead before Cartersville took a 2-1 lead in the bottom of the third inning. The War Eagles answered with two runs in the top of the fifth to reclaim the lead, but the Lady Canes refused to let the game slip away. Carder Brock tied the game with a solo home run to left field in the bottom of the seventh, sending the contest into extra innings and setting the stage for Banks’ game-winning blast in the eighth. Banks finished with two hits, including the walk-off homer, and stole two bases. Brock added a solo home run, while Allana Williams contributed one hit. Cartersville used two pitchers to hold Marist to three runs, two of them earned. Zoie Shiflett started in the circle and worked 4 1/3 innings, allowing three runs, two earned, on six hits. She did not issue a walk and struck out five. Presley Crabbe took over in relief and delivered 3 2/3 scoreless innings to earn the victory. Crabbe allowed no hits, walked three and struck out four. Marist pitcher Perry Drake pitched well despite taking the loss. She allowed two earned runs on four hits and three walks while recording 12 strikeouts. The victory improved Cartersville’s record to 31-2 and kept the Lady Canes moving through the championship bracket. Cartersville will face North Oconee (29-4) on Thursday at 2:45 p.m. North Oconee advanced with a 7-2 win over Wayne County on Wednesday. Marist (26-8) drops into an elimination game Thursday night against Wayne County (29-5).

October 28, 2026 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com Blakely Morris goes high for a kill in the state semifinals vs. Blessed Trinity on October 28. Photo: Russell Andrews Cartersville’s bid for a spot in the GHSA Class 5A state volleyball championship match came down to a fifth set Wednesday night, but Blessed Trinity rallied to end the Lady Canes’ season with a grueling five-set victory at LakePoint Champions Center. The Titans defeated Cartersville 25-18, 26-28, 29-31, 25-16, 15-12 in the state semifinals, avenging last season's quarterfinal loss to the Lady Canes. Cartersville defeated Blessed Trinity 2-0 (25-18, 26-24) in the regular season on Sept. 15 and finished the year with a 37-6 record. Blessed Trinity (44-8) advances to Saturday night’s state championship match at LakePoint in Emerson, where it will face Marist. Marist swept North Oconee in three straight sets in Wednesday night’s other semifinal. The Lady Canes battled back from an early deficit to claim the second set, then survived a marathon third set to take a 2-1 lead. However, Blessed Trinity responded with a dominant fourth set before pulling away late in the decisive fifth set. The Titans took control early in the opening set, leading 8-3 after back-to-back service aces by Destiny Chukelu. Blessed Trinity stretched its advantage to 16-7 before a block by Holly Dufrene slowed the momentum. A Chukelu block made it 18-9, but Cartersville rallied to win the longest point of the night and cut into the deficit. The Lady Canes claimed five of the next six points to pull within 21-18 before Blessed Trinity closed out the set by winning the final four points, including another Chukelu kill, for a 25-18 victory. Amara Ejieke prepares to serve in the Lady Canes' state semifinal match vs. Blessed Trinity on Oct.28. Photo: Russell Andrews Cartersville answered in the second set, which featured the closest margins of the match until the final points. Blakely Morris’ service ace gave the Lady Canes their largest lead of the set at 17-13. Amara Ejieke delivered four kills in the set, while Adelynn England added three and Dufrene contributed two. Cartersville held off the Titans in the extended finish, winning 28-26 to even the match at one set apiece. The third set brought even more drama, with neither team able to create significant separation. Cartersville’s largest advantage was four points, coming when Emma Wall served an ace to put the Lady Canes up 13-9. Blessed Trinity answered with Raquel Mina and Chukelu, who each recorded four kills in the set. Cartersville kept fighting through the back-and-forth finish, with Dufrene’s kill giving the Lady Canes their seventh set point. Ejieke then delivered the decisive kill to complete a 31-29 victory and put Cartersville one set away from the state championship match. Blessed Trinity responded emphatically in the fourth set. Stella English recorded two kills, and Riley Gilmore added two service aces as the Titans raced to a 10-4 lead. Morris and England answered with consecutive kills to pull Cartersville within 10-6, but the Titans gradually extended their advantage. Gilmore's back-to-back kills pushed Blessed Trinity’s lead to 17-8. The teams traded points the rest of the way before Chukelu recorded her fourth kill of the set to seal a 25-16 win and force a deciding fifth set. The Titans carried that momentum into the tiebreaker, opening a 4-1 lead behind two Gilmore kills. Ejieke and England responded for Cartersville, tying the score at 6-6 and keeping the Lady Canes within reach. However, consecutive blocks by Mina and Gilmore gave Blessed Trinity a 12-9 advantage and forced a Cartersville timeout. A Chukelu block and another Gilmore kill moved the Titans to match point at 14-11. Dufrene answered with a block to keep the Lady Canes alive, but Gilmore finished the match with a kill, completing the 15-12 fifth-set victory. Note: Individual stats to be added once available.

October 26, 2026 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com From the golf course to the football field, cross country trails and beyond, athletes with ties to Bartow County continue to make their mark at the collegiate and professional levels. This week’s Athletes Beyond Bartow capsules highlight their latest performances, upcoming competitions, and achievements across a wide range of sports, including professional golf, college football, college golf, cross country, volleyball, rifle, equestrian, and soccer. PGA TOUR CHAMPIONS BOO WEEKLEY — 29th-year professional; 53; Cartersville Country Club member; Jay, Florida resident — shot 72-68-64 (9-under par) this past weekend and tied for sixth at the Stifel Charity Classic, played at Norwood Hills Country Club in St. Louis. The tournament was the first event in the Charles Schwab Cup Playoffs. Weekley’s final round moved him up 19 spots on the leaderboard. He continues to hold a top ten spot in the playoffs. The Champions Tour playoffs, with only the top 54 players, move to Little Rock this week for the Simmons Bank Championship at Norwood Hills Country Club. The top 36 players will advance to the Charles Schwab Cup Championship in Phoenix, Arizona, November 12-15. KORN FERRY TOUR QUALIFYING BUCK BRUMLOW — 2nd-year pro; 24; University of Georgia; Cartersville HS — will participate in the Korn Ferry Tour’s First Stage Qualifier at Lake Caroline Golf Club in Madison, Mississippi on November 3-6. Brumlow, who played on the PGA Americas Tour last year, was exempt from the Pre-Qualifying Stage. CHANC WILLIS — Age 24; Reinhardt University; Cartersville HS — will participate in the Korn Ferry Tour’s First Stage Qualifier at Sand Creek Station Golf Club in Newton, Kansas on October 27-30. Competing as an amateur, Willis advanced to the First Stage with a T11 finish (69-69-68) at the Pre-Qualifying Stage earlier this year at Kinderlou Forest Golf Club in Valdosta. FOOTBALL JOHN ABERNATHY — Centre College (Fr., Cass HS) … saw his first collegiate action on the Colonels’ offensive line this past Saturday during a 69-30 home victory over Sewanee-University of the South (TN). Centre (3-4, 2-2 Southern Athletic Association) plays at 19th-ranked Berry College on Saturday afternoon. J.D. DeROCHE — University of the Cumberlands (So., Cass HS) … made three tackles, including one tackle for loss, at inside linebacker last Saturday in a 48-21 home loss to Cumberland University (TN). UC (5-3, 1-2 Mid-South Conference) visits 22nd-ranked Georgetown College (KY) on Saturday. KADEN ELLIS — Appalachian State University (So., Cass HS) … the defensive lineman made one tackle last Thursday in the Mountaineers’ 34-31 overtime win over visiting James Madison University. App State (5-2, 2-1 Sun Belt Conference) visits Georgia Southern University on Saturday night. BARRETT FULLER — Centre College (Fr., Adairsville HS) … saw his first collegiate playing time this past Saturday in the Colonels’ 69-30 home win over Sewanee-University of the South. Centre (3-4, 2-2 Southern Athletic Association) visits 19th-ranked Berry College on Saturday. TOKYO GORDON — Sam Houston State University (Sr., Adairsville HS) … made three tackles, including one tackle for a 3-yard loss October 21 in the Bearkats’ 30-24 home loss to New Mexico State. SHSU (1-6, 0-3 Conference USA) visits Missouri State on Tuesday night. DEVIN HENDERSON — Appalachian State University (Jr., Cass HS) … made six tackles (four solo) last Thursday as the Mountaineers beat visiting James Madison University in overtime, 34-31. App State (5-2, 2-1 Sun Belt Conference) travels to Statesboro to play Georgia Southern University on Saturday night. KEVIN HENDERSON — Appalachian State University (Jr., Cass HS) … saw action at linebacker, but did not have a stat line in the Mountaineers’ overtime win last Thursday night over James Madison University. App State (5-2, 2-1 Sun Belt Conference) travels to Statesboro to play Georgia Southern University on Saturday night. BRAYLON HILL — Kentucky Wesleyan College (Fr., Cartersville HS) … had one carry for eight yards and caught one pass for 10 yards last Saturday in the Panthers’ 56-0 loss at Ashland University (OH). KWC (0-8, 0-6 Great Midwest Conference) welcomes Hillsdale College (MI) to Steele Stadium on Saturday. SHADRE HURST — University of Houston (Fifth Yr., Cartersville HS) … a regular starter on the 18th-ranked Cougars’ offensive line that helped produce 368 total yards, but lost last Saturday night at 10th-ranked Utah, 21-13. Houston (6-2, 3-2 Big 12 Conference) has a bye week before hosting the University of Cincinnati on November 7. BRAXTON KITCHENS — Georgia State University (So., Cartersville HS) … a long snapper for the Panthers last Saturday in a 38-32 loss at Arkansas State. Georgia State (4-3, 1-2 Sun Belt Conference) hosts Coastal Carolina in Atlanta on Saturday afternoon. JAKE PARKER — Cumberland University (R-Sr., Cartersville HS) … completed 10 of 12 passes for 126 yards, and rushed for 64 yards and three touchdowns on 10 attempts last Saturday in a 48-21 win at 24th-ranked University of the Cumberlands (KY). Up next for the Phoenix (5-3, 1-2 Mid-South Conference) is 16th-ranked Lindsey Wilson University (KY) on Saturday afternoon. CHRIS ROPER — Dartmouth College (Sr., Adairsville HS) … rushed for eight yards on two attempts and had one tackle on special teams this past Saturday during a 38-13 win at Columbia University (NY). The Big Green (3-3, 2-1 Ivy League) host 18th-ranked Harvard on Friday night. BRAXTON RYAN — Kentucky Wesleyan College (So., Adairsville HS) … started on the Panthers’ offensive line in a 56-0 loss at Ashland University (OH). Wesleyan had 144 yards of total offense. KWC (0-8, 0-6 Great Midwest Conference) hosts Hillsdale College (MI) on Saturday. COLTON SANFORD — Centre College (Fr., Adairsville HS) … made three tackles this past Saturday in the Colonels’ 69-30 home win over Sewanee-University of the South. Centre (3-4, 2-2 Southern Athletic Association) visits 19th-ranked Berry College on Saturday. DAVIS WADDELL — Western Carolina University (Fr., Cartersville HS) … was a participant but did not produce a stat line in the Catamounts’ 41-18 home loss last Saturday to the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga. WCU (3-5, 1-3 Southern Conference) visits Furman University on Saturday. GOLF CARSON STANFIELD — USC Upstate (Fr., Cartersville HS) … shot 77-75-73 (12-over par) and tied for 41st individually at the 11-team Fripp Island Intercollegiate this past Friday through Sunday at Fripp Island Resort in Saint Helena Island, South Carolina. He played on the Spartans B team that tied for 10th. BRODY TIDWELL — Appalachian State University (Sr., Cartersville HS) … tied for 11th individually as the Mountaineers finished ninth of 11 teams at the Qubein Cup hosted by High Point University in Greensboro, North Carolina, on October 19-20. Tidwell shot 74-68-73 (5-over par) on the 6,953-yard par-70 layout at Sedgefield Country Club. App State takes a winter break and will return to action on March 1-2 at the Sam Ryder Intercollegiate in Daytona Beach, Florida. CROSS COUNTRY DANIELLE THAYER — Augusta University (Sr., Woodland HS) … finished 136th (23:06, personal best) last Saturday at the Alabama-Huntsville XC Invitational. The Jaguars finished 10th out of 38 teams at the John Hunt Cross Country Park. VOLLEYBALL AILEE ENGLAND — Berry College (Jr., Cartersville HS) … had five kills and two digs last Saturday in a 3-0 win over Maryville College (TN), played at Sewanee-University of the South. She also played in all three sets Sunday as the Vikings won 3-1 over Sewanee. Berry (19-4, 12-2 Southern Athletic Association) plays Millsaps College (MS) and Rhodes College (TN) on Saturday and Sunday in Memphis. RIFLE LUCY EVANS — Morehead State University (Fr., Cartersville HS) … finished third overall, with fourth in smallbore and third in air rifle, as the Eagles beat visiting UT Martin on Friday, 4672 to 4582. On Saturday, she was fourth overall in a 4681-4591 win over UT Martin. Morehead State hosts Jacksonville State on Saturday. EQUESTRIAN ARIANA WELCH — Berry College (So., Cass HS) … helped Berry earn Reserve High Point Team honors in the morning and afternoon IHSA Western shows this past Saturday at Berry’s Gunby Equine Center. She placed sixth in Level I Horsemanship in both shows. Berry will next compete in IHSA Western competition at Auburn on November 15. SOCCER BRIONNA CARVER — Johnson University (Fr., Woodland HS) … logged 41 minutes as an outside back in the Royals’ 2-1 win at Columbia College (SC) this past Saturday. Johnson (4-11-1, 1-8-1 Appalachian Athletic Conference) visits Truett McConnell on Wednesday and hosts Montreat College (NC) on Saturday. ELIZABETH MORGAN — Thomas University (So., Woodland HS) … played 47 minutes off the NightHawks’ bench this past Saturday in a 12-0 win. Thomas (9-4-3, 7-3-2 Southern States Athletic Conference) plays at Xavier University (LA) on Tuesday afternoon, and the SSAC playoffs begin this weekend. MALLORY NICKLAS — Northeastern State University (Fr., Cartersville HS) … The midfielder saw limited minutes in two home wins last week — 2-1 over the University of Nebraska-Kearney on Friday and 2-0 over Fort Hays State (KS) on Sunday — and recorded one shot on goal in Sunday’s game. The Riverhawks (8-6-3, 4-5-2 Mid-American Intercollegiate Athletics Association) host Central Oklahoma on Wednesday night.

October 24, 2026 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com The Cass Colonels overcame second-quarter turnovers, then leaned on their running game and two fourth-quarter interceptions to defeat the Allatoona Buccaneers 21-14 on Friday night at Buccaneers Stadium in Acworth. Cass improved to 8-1 with the win, keeping its hopes of earning a higher seed and potential home-field advantage in the state playoffs alive. The Colonels had already clinched a postseason berth entering the game. Allatoona, which needed a victory to strengthen its slim playoff hopes and reach the top 32 of the GHSA Postseason Rankings, fell to 2-7. “With Allatoona’s back to the wall and literally having to beat us to make the playoffs, we knew we would get their best game, and we did,” said Cass head coach Steve Gates on Saturday. “We preached to the players all week that it was going to be that kind of game, but I’m super proud of our players and staff for the way they fought.” The Colonels controlled much of the contest defensively, but two late Allatoona possessions threatened to spoil their efforts before Xzavion Turner and Marcus Daniels sealed the victory with interceptions. Cass opened the game with a defensive three-and-out before putting together a 57-yard scoring drive. The 12-play march included two fourth-down conversions and took just over six minutes, ending when quarterback Noah Rogers scored on a three-yard bootleg with 4:59 remaining in the first quarter. Anthony Diaz added the extra point for a 7-0 lead. Allatoona managed one first down on its next possession before punting. The Colonels then made one first down on their second possession, but running back Kalil Charles lost a fumble at the Cass 31-yard line. The Buccaneers capitalized on the short field, scoring five plays later on a 21-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Frank Young to wide receiver Isaac Young. Tristian Anderson's extra point tied the game at 7-7 with 9:28 remaining in the second quarter. Cass struggled to regain its offensive rhythm before halftime. One of its remaining possessions ended in another fumble, while the other two produced just one first down apiece. The Colonels' defense, however, kept Allatoona from gaining another first down on the Buccaneers' final two first-half possessions, sending the teams to the locker room tied. Cass found its footing after halftime, scoring on consecutive possessions to take control. The Colonels opened the second half with a seven-play, 73-yard drive that benefited from two Allatoona penalties, one for a late hit on Rogers and another for a facemask. Charles capped the possession with a 16-yard touchdown run, and Diaz's kick put Cass ahead 14-7 with 9:11 remaining in the third quarter. After the defense forced another Allatoona punt, Cass took over at its own 36-yard line and needed just six plays to cover 64 yards. Charles ripped off a 24-yard run for a first down before finishing the drive with a 26-yard touchdown scamper. Diaz's extra point extended the Colonels' lead to 21-7 with 10:39 remaining in the game. The defenses controlled much of the remaining fourth quarter before Allatoona mounted a late scoring drive to make things interesting. Starting at its own 36, the Buccaneers faced fourth-and-13 before Frank Young connected with Isaac Young on a 57-yard pass to reach the Cass 10-yard line. Frank Young finished the 64-yard drive with a three-yard keeper, and Anderson's extra point cut the deficit to 21-14 with 3:50 remaining. Allatoona recovered its ensuing onside kick at the Cass 49-yard line and picked up a first down before Turner intercepted a pass to end that threat. The Buccaneers used their remaining timeouts and forced a three-and-out. Cass' punt was fair caught at the Colonels' 45-yard line, giving Allatoona one final opportunity with 1:47 left. A pass completion moved the Buccaneers to the Cass 22-yard line, but Daniels intercepted the next pass and returned it to the 40. The Colonels then took a knee in victory formation to run out the clock. Kalil Charles rushed for 155 yards and two touchdowns on 18 carries. Tyson Beauford had three tackles for loss. Codey Dean had two sacks Cass will have a bye week before returning to action Nov. 6 against Dalton at Cochran Stadium. Coach Gates talked about the timing of this bye week in the schedule. “We are excited about the bye week, and it comes at a good time. We have a chance to get some people healthy again before playing Dalton, one of the best teams in 5A, in two weeks. The region voted to rotate the bye weeks into the schedule this year and next, and our draw benefits us,” said Gates. “We’re sitting at 8-1, and that’s as good as any team in school history through nine games except for the 1983 team that finished 12-1. And that’s against a top-ten strength of schedule for our classification."

October 25, 2026 Scott Barkley / CanesAthletic.com Brooke Belarmino sets up a kill for Blakely Morris. Photo: Russell Andrews As they have throughout the season, Cartersville High’s volleyball team looked to be cruising against Jefferson on Saturday. The Lady Canes defeated the Dragons, 25-15, in the first set and built momentum early in the second with a 5-2 lead. Jefferson went on an 11-1 run, though, taking a 13-7 lead and energizing their cheering section. A kill by Blakely Morris, though, set by Brooke Belarmino, gave the ball to CHS, with Morris up to serve. The junior went on to earn three serve points, closing the difference to 13-10. Cartersville kept chipping away, finally tying the set at 18 when Amara Ejieke snuck an ace into the right back corner. She repeated the effort four serves later, making it 22-18 as her team seized momentum on the way to a 25-20 win. The Lady Canes completed the sweep with a 25-15 third-set win. Sammie Camper goes for the kill shot. Photo: Russell Andrews Cartersville (37-5) will face Blessed Trinity (43-8) in the semifinals on Wednesday, Oct. 28, at the LakePoint Sports Champions Center in Emerson at 4 p.m. The Lady Canes defeated the Titans 2-0 in the Storm Center on Sept. 15. “Kudos to Jefferson,” said Canes head coach Kyle Lundberg. “They remind me of us two years ago when we played for the state title. They’re young. They’ve won some where they were down 0-2. They’ve played a lot of 3-2 games. I think our experience gave us an edge today and allowed us to come out and play when we did.” Lundberg accepted the Cartersville job, his first head coaching position, three years ago and now has the distinction of leading the program to the Final Four every season. “Our girls’ experience was the difference, I think,” he said. “They’ve been there and done that. They know how to regroup, whether I call a timeout or not. The pressure doesn’t faze them.” Lundberg pointed to the play of Holly Dufrene and Morris, paired with that of outside hitters like Ejieke and Adelynn England, as crucial to the win. Emma Walll had eight assists in the Lady Canes' quarterfinal win over Jefferson. Photo: Russell Andrews “Both of our outsides have played well all season, and that was the case today,” he said. “But we knew we had to get our middles (Dufrene and Morris) involved early. They were ready for the stage and stepped up.” Morris led Cartersville with 11 kills, followed by Ejieke’s 10. Dufrene and England had four each, while Sammie Camper had three. “We try to not oversimplify things, and just play calm,” said Morris. “Amara is definitely a big help. All of our seniors trust each other and trust the rest of us to do our job. We don’t have to worry about each other and have confidence in each other.” “We kept telling each other to stay calm,” said defensive specialist and outside hitter Adelynn England, who led with three aces. “We did drills this week to prepare us for if we get behind in the score and have to fight out of that hole. Those really prepared us and helped us stay together and level-headed.” Kenzie Wilkie led with 10 digs. Belarmino had 5 digs and 16 assists, while Emma Wall had eight assists. Ejieke finished with five digs. Wilkie’s two aces were enough to become the school’s career leader in that category, as one dropped in the third set that made the score 16-8. Victory celebration. Photo: Russell Andrews “I felt we were a little flat [in the first two playoff games],” said Wilkie, who passed 1,800 digs in the second-round win over Druid Hills. “We knew in this game we needed to come out and push the tempo. We knew it was going to be a hard game, but we pushed each other and leaned on each other a lot.” Adelynn England joined the other seniors, Wilkie, Dufrene, and Ejieke, in playing her final match in the Storm Center. “It’s super-special,” she said of the legacy established during her time there. “It’s definitely not a one-man game, for sure. We all fight together. This senior class has been playing together for a long time, since we were in middle school, and we’ve kept the team chemistry going through being friends and teammates on and off the court. It’s just very special to know we’ve fought for something and left it behind for others.”

October 24, 2026 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com The Woodland High School swimming team totaled 643.5 points and finished second at North Paulding’s Swim for a Cause on Friday, held at the Cherokee Aquatic Center in Canton. North Paulding won the 9-team meet with 894 points. Ola (517) finished third, followed by East Coweta (345) and Eastside (245.5), rounding out the top five. Top performances for the Wildcats: First place Girls 200-yard medley relay — Madysen Grano, Brinley Coover, Kailyn Black, Emily Guin (2:08.52) Girls 200-yard freestyle relay — Madysen Grano, Maddie Weightman, Emily Guin, Kailyn Black (1:57.15) Girls 400-yard freestyle relay — Madysen Grano, Bella Kuykendall, Maddie Weightman, Brinley Coover (5:05.63) Hayden Alexander — Boys 200-yard individual medley (2:26.40) Hayden Alexander — Boys 100-yard breaststroke (1:06.54, state qualifying time) Brinley Coover — Girls 100-yard breaststroke (1:25.33) Second place Boys 200-yard medley relay — Grant Davenport, Hayden Alexander, Michael Vargas, Aiden Marrero (2:15.34) Boys 200-yard freestyle relay — Hayden Alexander, Aiden Marrero, Grant Davenport, Michael Vargas (1:53.68) Kailyn Black — Girls 200-yard individual medley (2:41.07) Kailyn Black — Girls 50-yard freestyle (28.35) Emily Guin — Girls 100-yard freestyle (1:04.33) Madysen Grano — Girls 100-yard backstroke (1:16.87) Sinclair Foy — Girls 100-yard breaststroke (1:28.31) Third place Girls 200-yard freestyle relay B — Sinclair Foy, Cloe Cabrera, Bella Kuykendall, Sarah Reyes (2:18.05) The next meet for Woodland is the TikTok Klassic at Calhoun on November 8

October 24, 2026 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com Jayvian Carson (22) escapes for yardage. Photo: Russell Andrews The Adairsville Tigers turned a strong defensive performance and the short-field advantage into a convincing 40-7 win over Southeast Whitfield on Friday night at Tigers Stadium. Adairsville scored in every quarter and held the Raiders scoreless until the fourth quarter, improving to 6-2 on the season. Southeast Whitfield fell to 2-6. The Tigers struck quickly, taking an early lead on an eight-play, 80-yard drive capped by a 57-yard touchdown pass from Braxton Elrod to Evan Hardin with 9:39 remaining in the opening quarter. The two-point conversion attempt failed, giving Adairsville a 6-0 lead. After the Tigers' next possession stalled at the Southeast Whitfield 20-yard line, Adairsville's defense and special teams helped create another scoring opportunity. The Raiders went three-and-out, but a snap sailed over punter Gabriel Fraire's head. Max Hatch recovered the loose ball at the Southeast Whitfield 8-yard line. KJ Smith (8) breaks up a Raiders pass. Photo: Russell Andrews Elrod and Hardin connected again on the next play, covering eight yards for a touchdown with 51.6 seconds remaining in the first quarter. The extra-point attempt was blocked, but the Tigers had extended their lead to 12-0. Adairsville's Clay Hilburn intercepted Raiders quarterback Brailon Cuc on the ensuing possession, helping the Tigers take a 12-0 advantage into the second quarter. The Tigers added to their advantage late in the first half with a 12-play, 82-yard drive. Jayvion Carson finished the possession with an 11-yard touchdown run with 5:17 remaining in the second quarter. Adairsville converted the extra point to take a 19-0 lead. Neither team scored again before halftime. Adairsville added to its lead in the third quarter after forcing another three-and-out on Southeast Whitfield. The Tigers put together an eight-play, 50-yard drive, with Jay Carson scoring on an eight-yard run with 5:38 remaining in the period. The successful extra point gave the Tigers a 26-0 lead. Braxton Elrod looks for some running room vs. Southeast Whitfield on Oct. 23 / Photo: Russell Andrews The Tigers' defense then delivered another turnover. Homecoming King Matthew Cook intercepted Cuc's pass and returned it 36 yards to the Raiders' 3-yard line. Two plays later, Zeke Carter scored on a three-yard run with 4:00 left in the third quarter. Adairsville's successful extra point made it 33-0. The Tigers reached the 40-point mark early in the fourth quarter. Elrod connected with Hardin for their third touchdown of the night, a 29-yard completion, to cap a nine-play, 54-yard drive with 11:34 remaining. The extra point gave Adairsville a 40-0 lead. Southeast Whitfield avoided the shutout late in the game, putting together a nine-play, 65-yard drive. Cuc finished the possession with a five-yard touchdown run with 3:07 remaining, and Fraire converted the extra point to account for the final margin. Elrod and Hardin led the Tigers' passing attack, connecting on three touchdown passes, while Adairsville's defense grabbed three interceptions and helped set up multiple scoring opportunities. Despite his team's 19-0 halftime lead, Tigers head coach Jon Cudd was concerned about his team's focus. "When our guys are locked in, we can be a pretty good team," noted Cudd on Saturday morning. "Unfortunately, we weren't locked in early in the game. Give Coach Peppers and the Southeast team credit. They made us uncomfortable early on." Coach Cudd continued, "I thought offensively the plays were there to be made early on, but we lacked focus in a lot of areas. Defensively, we were steady, and we played a lot better coming out of the half." He looked ahead to next week's home matchup with the Ridgeland Panthers and the final regular season week against Calhoun. "We will need to put four quarters together if we want to give ourselves a chance to win the next two weeks. We have a big and physical Ridgeland team coming in this week that is definitely athletic. We will need to prepare well," added Cudd. Adairsville hosts Ridgeland on Friday, Oct. 30. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ~~ Larry Gardner contributed to this report.

October 24, 2026 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com A flurry of big plays in the second quarter put the Woodland Wildcats in a difficult position Friday night, as Cedartown rolled to a 49-22 victory at Memorial Stadium. The Bulldogs scored five touchdowns in the second quarter to build a 35-6 halftime lead and added two more scores in the second half to secure the win. After a scoreless opening quarter, Cedartown broke through with Rohan Kent’s 24-yard touchdown run with 9:03 remaining in the first half. Just 18 seconds later, Jaylen Johnson returned an interception 27 yards for another touchdown. The Bulldogs struck again eight seconds later, recovering a Woodland fumble and returning it 32 yards for a touchdown to extend their advantage to 21-0. Cedartown continued to capitalize on its opportunities when Wyatt Mosley connected with Jakobe Dorsey for a 35-yard touchdown pass with 3:34 remaining in the second quarter. Branson Adams' fourth successful extra-point kick pushed the Bulldogs’ lead to 28-0. Woodland reached the end zone late in the half after quarterback Sam Ray fumbled on a run. Eli Osborn recovered the loose ball for a Wildcats touchdown with 1:05 remaining, putting Woodland on the scoreboard at 28-6. However, Kent answered for Cedartown with a 55-yard touchdown run just 13 seconds later. The extra point gave the Bulldogs a 35-6 halftime lead. Kent added his third rushing touchdown early in the third quarter, breaking loose for a 23-yard score with 8:40 remaining to make it 42-6. The Wildcats responded with their own scoring connection. Ray threw a 27-yard touchdown pass to Braylen Collum with 7:30 left in the third quarter, and Hayden Collins ran for the two-point conversion to cut the deficit to 42-14. Cedartown restored its 35-point advantage when Dorsey scored on a 23-yard touchdown run with 10:31 remaining in the fourth quarter. The successful extra point made it 49-14. Woodland added the final points of the night with 1:27 remaining. Ray connected with Peyton Young on a 51-yard touchdown pass, and Cam Davis ran for the two-point conversion to account for the final 49-22 margin. The loss dropped Woodland to 2-6, while Cedartown improved to 6-3. The Wildcats return home Friday, Oct. 30, to host Allatoona at 7:30 p.m. Woodland will then host Cartersville on Nov. 6. Cedartown plays at Villa Rica on Friday, Oct. 30. ~~ Stuart Morse contributed to this report.

October 23, 2026 Scott Barkley / CanesAthletics.com Kenzie Wilkie crossed 1,800 career digs for Cartersville as the Lady Canes swept Druid Hills on Wednesday, Oct. 21, to set up an Elite Eight matchup in the Storm Center tomorrow, Oct. 24. Cartersville (35-6) will face Jefferson (28-9) at noon in the best-of-five match. Wilkie, a four-year starter, recorded 15 digs on Wednesday, as Cartersville beat Druid Hills 25-21, 25-8, and 25-16. Amara Ejieke and Holly Dufrene led in kills, with 10 and nine, respectively. Adelynn England and Blakely Morris each finished with seven, while Sammie Camper had six. England also had 12 serve points, 10 digs, seven blocks, and three aces. Emma Wall finished with 13 assists, 10 serve points, and three aces. Brooke Belarmino had 13 assists. Dufrene also had seven blocks, while Ejieke finished with eight digs, and Morris contributed 10 serve points. Gallery photos by Randy Parker / The Daily Tribune News Clockwise from top left: Holly Dufrene, Kenzie Wilkie, Coach Kyle Lundberg, Brooke Belarmino, and Amara Ejieke.

October 22, 2026 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com The Cartersville boys cross country team scored a perfect 15 points, and the Lady Canes finished with a competition-low 25 points Wednesday at Sam Smith Park to win the Sundown Showdown. The Woodland girls and boys placed second, and the Cass teams finished third at the local meet. Carson Robinson of Cartersville won the boys’ race in 16:21, followed by teammates Ben Russell (17:09), Tripp Chitwood (17:40), Ethan Empie (17:45), Brock Morris (18:16), and Knox Matthews (18:18) in the top six. Julian Medina paced Woodland with a seventh-place finish in 18:42. Booker Gearhart led the Cass boys, finishing 18th in 20:52. Rylee Maxwell (21:32) of Woodland won the girls’ race, but the Lady Canes took the next four spots to win the meet. Cartersville was led by Kylie Ham (21:35), Sydney Burris (21:59), Sofia Burns (22:15), and Kyla Poole (23:17), finishing second through fifth individually. Jordan Hathaway (23:46) added a seventh-place scoring run. Samatha Stepp (24:23) and Ella Daniel (24:27) finished in the top ten. Other Lady Cats’ top scoring runs included Allison Snead (23:36) and Tatum Currier (23:59). Charley Doyle led the Lady Colonels with a 26:45 finish. All three schools will compete next in the GHSA Class 5A Sectional 2 and Region 7-5A Championship on the same course at Sam Smith Park on October 31.

October 21, 2026 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com Lady Canes' shortstop LaKiaya Banks applies a tag vs. Blessed Trinity on October 21. Photo: Russell Andrews Cartersville High School softball quickly dispatched Blessed Trinity on Wednesday evening, sweeping the visiting Titans in a doubleheader at Dellinger Park in the second round of the Class 5A state playoffs. The Lady Canes won 11-3 in five innings and 18-0 in four innings, advancing to the Elite Eight double-elimination state tournament, October 28-31, at the Columbus Olympic Softball Complex for the third time in four seasons. Presley Crabbe was the Game 1 winning pitcher. The junior allowed three earned runs on eight hits with no walks and three strikeouts. Zoie Shiflett earned the Game 2 win, shutting out the Titans on two hits, with no walks and four strikeouts. Presley Crabbe delivers a pitch in Game 1 vs. Blessed Trinity on Oct. 21. Photo: Russell Andrews Cartersville pounded out 27 hits in its nine offensive frames. The Lady Canes had 14 extra-base hits, including three homers. Allana Williams led the offense with five hits (two doubles, one triple, and one RBI) in the series. Kennedy Crenshaw (grand slam home run, nine RBI), LaKiaya Banks (home run, two doubles, six RBI), and Izzy Tummins (double, three RBI) each had four hits. Carder Brock (two doubles, three RBI) had three hits. Shiflett (home run, double, two RBI), Sam Porter (double, RBI), and Sophia Harper (RBI) each had two hits. Taryn Bradley (two RBI) had one hit. Lady Canes’ head coach Glen Woodard reflected on the second-round series win. Allana Williams had five hits in the Lady Canes' second-round series win over Blessed Trinity on Oct. 21. Photo: Russell Andrews “Man, it was a great environment to play in,” said Woodard. “Kennedy Crenshaw’s grand slam put us up in the first game. In the second game, our bats came alive. We hit two more home runs, and the runs just kept coming. Zoie (Shiflett) and Presley (Crabbe) both did their thing on the mound, propelling us to Columbus for the third time in four years. I couldn’t be prouder of this senior class. They're leaving a legacy, and the younger ones are gaining valuable experience to help it continue.” Blessed Trinity finished the season 19-11. Cartersville (30-2) will play either Marist or East Forsyth on October 28 at 5:45 p.m. on Field 8 to begin the double-elimination Elite Eight state finals. The War Eagles and Broncos split their second-round doubleheader on Wednesday, with Marist winning the first game 7-3 and East Forsyth winning the second game 10-9. They will play a series-deciding third game on Thursday. Other teams advancing on Wednesday in Class 5A were Harris County, Jefferson, Wayne County, Starrs Mill, and Central-Carroll. North Oconee and Perry split their doubleheader on Wednesday and will play a rubber game on Thursday.