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November 10, 2025 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com November is a transitional month in college athletics, as Fall sports begin to wind down and Winter sports get underway. This week’s update on pro and college athletes reports contributions from three dozen athletes in five sports. NFL TREVOR LAWRENCE — Jacksonville Jaguars (NFL, 5th-year pro; Clemson; Cartersville HS) …completed 13 of 23 passes for 158 yards and one touchdown with one interception this past Sunday as Jacksonville lost at the Houston Texans, 36-29. Lawrence also had five rushing attempts for 35 yards. The Jaguars (5-4) host the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday. FOOTBALL JOHNATHAN CLINE — East Tennessee State University (R-So., Cartersville HS) … was part of an offensive line rotation that helped generate 600 yards of total offense in a 38-14 win last Saturday at Samford University. The Buccaneers (5-5, 3-3 Southern Conference) visit 24th-ranked Western Carolina University on Saturday. CARLOS DEL RIO-WILSON — Marshall University (R-Jr., Cartersville HS) … completed 16 of 35 pass attempts for 154 yards and one touchdown in a 35-23 home loss to James Madison University this past Saturday. He also had 73 rushing yards on 23 attempts. The Thundering Herd (4-5) visits Atlanta on Saturday to play Georgia State University. TOKYO GORDON — Sam Houston State University (Jr., Adairsville HS) … made two tackles this past Saturday as the Bearkats picked up their first win of the season at Oregon State, 21-17. Sam Houston State (1-8, 0-5 Conference USA) hosts Delaware on Saturday night. DEVIN HENDERSON — Liberty University (R-Fr., Cass HS) … made one tackle and broke up one pass this past Saturday in the Flames’ 21-17 home loss to Missouri State. Liberty (4-5, 3-2 Conference USA) visits Miami on Saturday to face Florida International University. KEVIN HENDERSON — University of Findlay (So., Cass HS) … made seven tackles this past Saturday in the 9th-ranked Oilers’ 14-3 win at 15th-ranked Ashland University (OH). Findlay (10-0, 8-0 Great Midwest Athletic Conference) hosts Tiffin University (OH) on Saturday. SHADRE HURST — Tulane University (R-Jr., Cartersville HS) … a starting guard on the Green Wave’s offensive line that helped produce 435 total yards in a 38-32 win at then 23rd-ranked Memphis. Tulane (7-2, 4-1 American Athletic Conference) hosts Florida Atlantic University on Saturday. KHRISTIAN LANDO — Jacksonville State University (R-Fr., Cartersville HS) … rushed for eight yards on four carries this past Saturday in the Gamecocks’ 30-27 win at UTEP. Jax State (6-3, 5-0 Conference USA) hosts Kennesaw State on Saturday night. TYLER MARTIN — Berry College (Sr., Cass HS) … a starter on the Vikings’ offensive line that helped produce 395 yards of total offense this past Saturday in a 36-7 home win over Maryville College (TN). The victory locked up the SAA conference championship and an NCAA D-III playoff berth. Seventeenth-ranked Berry (8-1, 6-0 Southern Athletic Association) travels to Georgetown, Texas to play at Southwestern University (TX) on Saturday. ZAY NALLS — Anderson University (Fr., Adairsville HS) … made two tackles this past Saturday in the Trojans’ 44-20 loss at Catawba College (NC). Anderson finished the season with a 5-6 record overall and was 3-6 in South Atlantic Conference games.  JAKE PARKER — Cumberland University (R-Jr., Cartersville HS) … completed 24 of 37 passes for 388 yards and three touchdowns this past Saturday, but the Phoenix lost 56-37 at 9th-ranked Lindsey Wilson College (KY). Parker also rushed for 77 yards on 14 attempts. Cumberland (6-4, 2-3 Mid-South Conference) completes its regular season at home Saturday against Faulkner University (AL). SAM PHILLIPS — University of Iowa (Sr., Cartersville HS) … had one catch for 12 yards this past Saturday in an 18-16 home loss to 7th-ranked Oregon. The Hawkeyes (6-3, 4-2 Big Ten) travel to Los Angeles for a matchup with 17th-ranked USC on Saturday. DEVONTE ROSS — Penn State University (Sr., Cartersville HS) … was targeted four times, but did not have a reception this past Saturday in the Nittany Lions’ 27-24 home loss to 2nd-ranked Indiana. Penn State (3-6, 0-6 Big Ten) visits Michigan State on Saturday. STEPHEN ROWSER — Morehouse College (So., Cartersville HS) … made five solo tackles, including one for an eight yard loss this past Saturday during the Maroon Tigers’ 48-45 loss at Clark Atlanta University. Morehouse finished the season with a 3-7 record and was 3-5 in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. BRAXTON RYAN — Kentucky Wesleyan College (Fr., Adairsville HS) … a starter on the Panthers’ offensive line that helped generate 162 total yards this past Saturday in a 27-9 loss at Lake Erie College (OH). Wesleyan (0-10, 0-8 Great Midwest Athletic Conference) hosts Thomas More University (KY).  MALACHI TOLIVER — University of Georgia (R-Fr., Cartersville HS) … saw his first collegiate action this past Saturday during the 5th-ranked Bulldogs’ 41-21 win at Mississippi State. He became part of an offensive line rotation that helped produce over 300 rushing yards and 567 total yards in the victory. Georgia (8-1, 6-1 Southeastern Conference) hosts Texas on Saturday night in Athens.  SACOVIE WHITE-HELTON — University of Georgia (R-Fr., Cass HS) … had one reception for two yards and returned one punt 19 yards this past Saturday in the 5th-ranked Bulldogs’ 41-21 victory at Mississippi State. UGA (8-1, 6-1 Southeastern Conference) entertains the University of Texas on Saturday night in Athens.  IAN WILLIAMS — University of Memphis (Fr., Cass HS) … saw action but did not have a stat line in the Tigers’ home loss this past Saturday to Tulane, 38-32. Memphis (8-2, 4-2 American Athletic Conference) visits East Carolina on Saturday. FISHING COOPER MOON — University of Montevallo (Fr., Cartersville HS) … became the first Georgian named to the USAngling Youth Bass Team and will compete in December in the Tri-Nations Cup in South Africa. Moon was selected for the international competition following a win with partner Carson Holbert at the Abu Garcia High School Championship. The U.S. Team of 13 anglers will compete against South Africa and Zimbabwe for the Tri-Nations Cup at Loskop Dam in Mpumalanga, South Africa.  CROSS COUNTRY DANIELLE THAYER — Augusta University (Jr., Woodland HS) … finished 28th with a personal best 23:18.44 6K at the 2025 NCAA D-II Southeast Region Cross Country Championship this past Saturday in Wingate, North Carolina. The 8th-ranked Lady Jaguars finished fifth in the region behind Wingate University (NC), Catawba College (NC), Flagler College (FL), and Anderson University (SC). Only the top three teams advanced to the NCAA D-II Championship in Kenosha, Wisconsin on November 22, plus eight at-large selections from the eight regional races. WRESTLING COLTON BISHOP — Reinhardt University (Sr., Woodland HS) … went 2-2 in his bouts at 125 pounds at the University of the Cumberlands Open on November 1. Reinhardt heads to Marietta for the Life University Open on November 22. LEE CAMP — Reinhardt University (So., Cass HS) … had a medical withdrawal at the University of the Cumberlands Open on November 1 after going 2-1 in his matches at 133 pounds. The Eagles compete at the Life University Open on November 22. CHAMP HIGDON — Lander University (Jr., Woodland HS) … went 2-2 in his 184-pound bouts this past Sunday at the Georgia Open hosted by Emmanuel University (GA). The Bearcats will wrestle Coker College and UNC Pembroke in Hartsville, South Carolina, on Thursday and will face Campbell University on Saturday on the USS Yorktown in Charleston. EAIDEN NEAL — Reinhardt University (So., Cartersville HS) … went 1-2 in his bouts at 133 pounds at the University of the Cumberlands Open on November 1. Next on the Reinhardt schedule is the Life University Open on November 22. KRIECG ROE — Lindsey Wilson College (Fr., Cass HS) … went 4-2 and placed sixth this past Saturday at the Millikin Open in Decatur, Illinois. The Blue Raiders will compete at the Grand View Open on Saturday in Des Moines, Iowa. HAYDEN SANTORA — Reinhardt University (So., Woodland HS) … went 2-1 before a medical withdrawal at the University of the Cumberlands Open on November 1. He also lost his bout at 165 pounds this past Saturday as the Eagles dropped a home dual with Southeastern University (FL), 32-7. Next on the Reinhardt schedule is the Life University Open on November 22. BASKETBALL NA’YEL CAMPER — Reinhardt University (So., Cartersville HS) … started at guard and scored 11 points with seven rebounds, one blocked shot, one steal, and one assist last Thursday in a 68-55 loss at Faulkner University (AL). The Eagles (0-1) host Tennessee Wesleyan on Wednesday before visiting Lindsey Wilson College (KY) and Campbellsville (KY) this weekend. SENAI CAMPER — Montreat College (Fr., Cartersville HS) … in the Cavaliers’ first five games, Camper has made one start and averaged 12 minutes of court time. She has averaged 2.8 points and two rebounds as Montreat went 2-3 with wins over Carolina University (NC) and Oakland City University (IN), but suffered losses to Brescia University (KY), William Carey University (MS), and Faulkner University (AL). CLAIRE DAVIS — University of North Florida (Sr., Cass HS) … logged six minutes of court time, but had no additional stat line in the Ospreys 96-62 loss November 3 at the University of Florida. UNF (1-1) also had a 70-67 home win November 5 over Palm Beach Atlantic University. The Ospreys play at Tulane University on Wednesday and the University of South Alaama on Friday. JA’KA’YAH DRAUGHN — Brewton Parker Christian University (So., Cartersville HS) … started each of the Barons’ first four games, averaging 4.8 points and 2.3 rebounds as BPCU suffered losses to Fisk University (AL), Stillman College (AL), Southeastern University (FL), and St. Thomas University (FL). The Lady Barons (0-4) will play Freed-Hardeman University (TN) and Xavier University of Louisiana on Friday and Saturday in Marietta. ZION HAYES — Vincennes University (So., Cass HS) … made starts and averaged just over 10 points, seven rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.3 steals as the Trailblazers beat Owens CC, Richard Daley CC, and Olive-Harvey College,  but lost at Mineral Area College, November 1-8. Vincennes (3-1) visits Danville Area CC on Tuesday, November 18. HALEY JOHNSON — Reinhardt University (Sr., Cass HS) … scored two points and added two rebounds last Thursday in the Eagles’ 68-55 loss at Faulkner University (AL). Reinhardt (0-1) hosts Tennessee Wesleyan on Wednesday, then travels to Lindsey Wilson College (KY) and Campbellsville (KY) on Saturday and Sunday. KEARA McDANIEL — Toccoa Falls College (Sr., Cass HS) … a starter for the Screamin’ Eagles in their initial six games, she has averaged slightly over four points and three rebounds. Toccoa Falls has secured victories against Columbia International University (SC) and Welch College (TN), while experiencing defeats against Georgia Gwinnett College, Brenau University, both at home and away, and Truett-McConnell University. The Eagles, with a record of 2-4, will host Columbia International on Tuesday and then travel to Cumberland University (TN) on Friday. MEGAN SCHULTZ — Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (So., Woodland HS) … made starts in the Fillies’ first three games and totaled six points, 12 rebounds, two assists, and one blocked shot. ABAC (1-2) lost to Warner University (FL) and Spartanburg Methodist College (SC), but beat Beacon College. The Fillies visit Georgia Gwinnett College on Saturday. LONDAISHA SMITH — Reinhardt University (Sr., Cass HS) … started at forward and scored 17 points with five rebounds, one steal, and one assist in a 68-55 loss at Faulkner University (AL) last Thursday. The Eagles (0-1) host Tennessee Wesleyan on Wednesday before visiting Lindsey Wilson College (KY) and Campbellsville (KY) this weekend. ALISSA WINTERS — Truett McConnell University (So., Adairsville HS) … started the Bears’ first three games, averaging 3.7 points and 1.7 rebounds. She also totaled two assists, four steals, and had one blocked shot as TMU (1-2) beat Toccoa Falls College, but lost to Talladega College (AL) and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (AZ). The Bears visit Bryan College (TN) on Wednesday and host Johnson University (TN) on Saturday. NOTE:  In today’s collegiate transfer climate, please notify Bartow Sports Zone if a current contributing athlete was omitted this week or is not currently listed on our Athletes Beyond Bartow "watch list" page at BartowSportsZone.com .  Email: bartowsportszone@comcast.net

November 7, 2025 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com Allison Snead was the top runner for the Woodland girls at the GHSA State Championships on Nov. 7. The Cartersville girls placed 11th, the Woodland girls finished 17th, and the Cartersville boys placed 18th on Friday at the Georgia High School Association Class 4A Cross Country Championships in Carrollton. Westminster’s girls’ and boys’ teams won the Class 4A team titles. The Marist girls were runner-up, followed by Harris County, St. Pius X, and Blessed Trinity. The Starrs Mill boys were the runner-up, followed by Jones County, Marist, and Pace Academy, which rounded out the top five of 24 qualifying teams. Cartersville sophomores Sofia Burns (21:13) and Zoe McCurry (21:14) placed 38th and 39th to pace the Lady Canes. Freshman Sydney Burris (65th, 22:08), sophomore Samantha Stepp (70th, 22:27), and freshman Adalin Empie (86th, 22:55) had scoring runs for Cartersville. Genevieve Alessandro (94th, 23:30) and Kylie Ham (124th, 24:23) also ran for the Lady Canes. Sofia Burns (366) and Zoe McCurry (370) helped lead the Lady Canes to an 11th-place finish at the GHSA Class 4A State Championships on Nov. 7 in Carrollton. Sophomore Allison Snead (36th, 21:12) led the Woodland girls with the best individual finish among locals. She was followed by teammates Rylee Maxwell (80th, 22:42), Addison Brown (96th, 23:31), Jette Julius (145th, 25:51), Leilani Monroy (154th, 27:03), Lily Hiott (160th, 28:15), and Sierra Woodie (162nd, 30:32). Ben Russell’s 59th-place finish led the Cartersville boys in 17:47. Other runners for the Hurricanes included Carson Robinson (87th, 18:12), Tripp Chitwood (92nd, 18:16), Micah Sanders (116th, 18:36), Knox Matthews (123rd, 18:45), and Malachi Weir (137th, 19:07). Sophomore Jonathan Ringwell represented the Woodland boys (17:11) with a 31st-place finish. Cass sophomore Nicholas Robinson qualified as an individual and finished 101st in 18:22.

November 8, 2025 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com PHOTO: Cartersville Cheerleading on Facebook The Cartersville High Competition Cheer team scored a 105 to win Region 7-4A and had the highest score in the 4A sectional on Saturday at Walnut Grove High School in Loganville.  The region title for Cartersville was the program’s seventh straight, and their 105 score was the best in the program’s history. Dalton was the region runner-up in 7-4A at 93, followed by Cedartown (90.5) and Woodland (87.5).  Central-Carroll (104), Cambridge (103.5), Union Grove (100), and Harris County (99) rounded out the top five in the Class 4A sectional. Adairsville won Region 7-3A with a score of 101 and had the third-highest sectional score at West Laurens High School. The Tigers were followed by Heritage-Catoosa (98.5) and Northwest Whitfield (94.5) in Region 7-3A.  Cherokee Bluff (104.5) and West Laurens (103.5) led Class 3A, followed by Adairsville, Whitewater (98.5), and Heritage-Catoosa in the Class 3A top five. The GHSA Cheerleading State Championships will take place on Friday and Saturday, November 14-15 at the Macon Centreplex. Class 4A begins on Friday at 10 a.m. Class 3A begins on Saturday at 10 a.m.

November 4, 2025 The Excel Christian Academy boys basketball team opened the 2025 season Monday night with a 72-52 home win over Cornerstone Prep Academy. Following a tight first half, the host Eagles opened up a double-digit lead by the end of the third quarter and pulled away in the final eight minutes for a 20-point victory. The Eagles led 14-9 after one quarter and 31-28 at the intermission. Excel extended its lead to 52-42 by the end of the third period. Mason McKinney and Karden Wingard shared scoring honors for Excel with 13 points. Aston Chappell and Jamari Gatson followed with 11 points. Damir McBride and TJ Hubert each scored eight. Connor Garland added four, while Clay Poe and Jayden Jinks finished with one point. Simeon Greene led the visiting Cougars with 13 points. Seth Bledsoe and Eli Stone added eight for Cornerstone. The loss dropped Cornerstone Prep to 1-1 on the young season. Excel Christian (1-0) hosts Trion on Friday at 7:30 p.m. in Emerson.

November 4, 2025 The Georgia High School Association has released its proposed Classifications for the 2026-2028 Reclassification Cycle. Schools will have until Sunday at noon to appeal or request a move to a higher classification. The appeals meetings will take place on Monday, November 10, at 10 a.m. at the GHSA offices in Thomaston. Any schools opting for a higher classification must remain in that classification until the next statewide reclassification. Geographical region assignments will not be made until classification assignments are finalized. Currently, schools assigned to Class 5A that have either been in past regions with local schools or are located in the general vicinity of Bartow County include Villa Rica, Dalton, Cartersville, Allatoona, Hiram, Lithia Springs, Blessed Trinity, Woodland-Cartersville, Cass, LaGrange, Central-Carroll, and Cedartown. Schools currently assigned to Class 4A that are in the general vicinity of Adairsville include Southeast Whitfield, Calhoun, Ridgeland, Heritage-Catoosa, Northwest Whitfield, Gilmer, Pickens, and LaFayette. Based on historical assignments, not all of these schools will be placed together in a single region, but they are relatively close in geography and may be considered.  The GHSA reclassification committee will strive to balance the number of schools in each region within a classification, taking into account geography, travel time, and other relevant factors.  A complete list of schools in each classification is available at this link —  https://www.ghsa.net/sites/default/files/documents/reclassification/GHSA_Reclassification_2025_FTE_-_Classifications.pdf

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. The Cartersville High School Elite Athlete of the Month for October 2025 is Emerie Elrod. A senior on the Canes’ competition cheer, sideline cheer, Game Day cheer, and gymnastics teams, she is the daughter of Kelly Elrod. “Emerie has demonstrated exceptional athleticism and leadership throughout her cheerleading career,” noted Breanna Johnson and Cissi Adams. “Her consistent excellence and ability to perform under pressure make her a standout athlete in the program.” Elrod has been a key contributor to the Cartersville GHSA Class 4A state championship team in 2024 and helped secure a state runner-up title in 2022. Her teams achieved a three-peat region title, and she was selected to the competition all-region team in 2023. Academically, Elrod has completed pathways in engineering and business. She plans to attend Georgia Southern University to major in nursing. Nick Robinson is the October 2025 Elite Athlete of the Month for Cass High School. A sophomore member of the Colonels’ cross country team, he is the son of Cass Cantrell. “Nick is a positive influence in cross country and in the classroom. He works extremely hard at everything he does and doesn’t have an ounce of quit in him,” said coach Hunter Abney. “He is a natural-born leader with the potential to do anything he sets his mind to. Any coach would love to have him on their team because of his resilience and determination. He makes the students, teammates, and coach around him better.” Robinson has a goal to run at the collegiate level. The Elite Athlete of the Month representing Adairsville High School is Colt Sanford. A senior defensive back and wide receiver on the Tigers’ football team, he is the son of Josh and Brittney Mitchell. “Colt has been a leader in all three phases of the game for our football team this year,” said Adairsville head football coach Jonathan Cudd. “He leads the team in receiving yards and touchdowns on offense. He leads the defense in interceptions and is fourth in total tackles. Finally, he leads the team in kickoff return and punt return yardage on special teams. Additionally, his impact on the game and his teammates goes well beyond his stats.” Sanford maintains a 3.9 GPA and plans to attend college and play football. Allison Snead represents Woodland High School as an October 2025 Elite Athlete of the Month. The daughter of Joseph and Terri Snead, she is a sophomore on the Wildcats' cross-country and track and field teams and has placed in the top twenty in many races over the past two seasons. “Allison is a very hard worker,” stated Woodland cross country coach Amber Parker. “She is a well-rounded individual who is always eager to get out there and race — whether it is school competition or community races.” Snead is a member of the National Honor Society and has received the DAR award while participating in Woodland’s magnet program. 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 radio feature on WBHF. #EliteAthletesoftheMonth #Cass #Cartersville #Woodland #Adairsville #highschool

November 3, 2025 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com Former Cartersville High School quarterback Trevor Lawrence and the Jacksonville Jaguars survived in overtime this past Sunday in Las Vegas. They moved to within one game of the AFC South division lead.  Meanwhile, in college football, former Cass Colonels center Kail Ellis has become not only the youngest player in FBS but also a starter at Auburn. NFL TREVOR LAWRENCE — Jacksonville Jaguars (NFL, 5th-year pro; Clemson; Cartersville HS) … completed 23 of 34 pass attempts for 220 yards with one interception and rushed for 24 yards and two touchdowns on nine attempts as the Jaguars won 30-29 at the Las Vegas Raiders this past Sunday in overtime. Both teams scored touchdowns on their initial possessions in the extra period, but Vegas went for a two-point conversion and failed. Jacksonville (5-3) plays at the Houston Texans on Sunday. FOOTBALL CARLOS DEL RIO-WILSON — Marshall University (R-Jr., Cartersville HS) … completed 21 of 36 pass attempts for 153 yards and one touchdown, but threw two interceptions in a 44-27 home loss to Coastal Carolina last Thursday night. He also rushed for 70 yards on 21 attempts. Marshall (4-4, 2-2 Sun Belt Conference) hosts James Madison University on Saturday. KAIL ELLIS — Auburn University (Fr., Cass HS) … started at center for a second straight game and was part of an offensive line rotation that produced 241 total yards in a 10-3 home loss this past Saturday to Kentucky. Ellis, 17, is the youngest player in the FBS after reclassifying last year to attend Auburn one year early. Ellis has taken over at center after All-American Connor Lew was lost for the season to injury. Auburn (4-5, 1-5 Southeastern Conference) visits Vanderbilt on Saturday. TOKYO GORDON — Sam Houston State University (Jr., Adairsville HS) … the linebacker saw action but did not have a stat line in the Bearkats’ 55-14 loss at Louisiana Tech last Friday. SHSU (0-8, 0-5 Conference USA) travels to Corvallis to play at Oregon State on Saturday night. DEVIN HENDERSON — Liberty University (R-Fr., Cass HS) … had one solo tackle this past Saturday in the Flames’ 59-30 home win over Delaware. Liberty (4-4, 3-1 Conference USA) hosts Missouri State on Saturday. Kevin Henderson (9) makes a tackle from his linebacker position. FINDLAY UNIVERSITY PHOTO. KEVIN HENDERSON — University of Findlay (So., Cass HS) … made 11 tackles, including seven solo tackles, three tackles for loss, and two sacks this past Saturday as the 11th-ranked Oilers won 31-16 at Northwood University (MI). Findlay (9-0, 7-0 Great Midwest Athletic Conference) visits Ashland University (OH) on Saturday. SHADRE HURST — Tulane University (R-Jr., Cartersville HS) … a starter on the offensive line, Hurst was part of an offensive unit that produced 434 total yards in a 48-26 home loss to UTSA. The Green Wave (6-2, 3-1 American Athletic Conference) visits the University of Memphis on Friday night. KHRISTIAN LANDO — Jacksonville State University (R-Fr., Cartersville HS) … rushed for 13 yards on six attempts October 29 in the Gamecocks’ 24-21 win at Middle Tennessee. Jax State (5-3, 4-0 Conference USA) travels to El Paso to face UTEP on Saturday. TYLER MARTIN — Berry College (Sr., Cass HS) … a regular starter on the Vikings’ offensive line that helped produce 371 yards of total offense this past Saturday in a 31-13 win at Centre College (KY). 20th-ranked Berry (7-1, 5-0 Southern Athletic Association) hosts Maryville College (TN) and will honor Martin and the other Vikings’ seniors on Saturday. Jake Parker accounted for four touchdowns in last Saturday's win. CUMBERLAND UNIVERSITY PHOTO JAKE PARKER — Cumberlands University (R-Jr., Cartersville HS) … completed 8 of 13 passes for 221 yards and three touchdowns this past Saturday as the Phoenix edged the University of the Cumberlands (KY) 40-37 in overtime. Parker also rushed 10 times for 71 yards and one touchdown in the conference victory. CU (6-3, 2-2 Mid-South Conference) visits 7th-ranked Lindsey Wilson College on Saturday. DEVONTE ROSS — Penn State University (Sr., Cartersville HS) … caught five passes for 26 yards in the Nittany Lions’ 38-14 loss this past Saturday at top-ranked Ohio State. Penn State (3-5, 0-5 Big Ten Conference) hosts 2nd-ranked Indiana on Saturday. STEPHEN ROWSER — Morehouse College (So., Cartersville HS) … recorded four tackles this past Saturday in the Maroon Tigers’ 28-17 home loss to Miles College (TN). Morehouse (3-6, 3-4 Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference) plays at Clark Atlanta on Saturday night. BRAXTON RYAN — Kentucky Wesleyan College (Fr., Adairsville HS) … started on an offensive line that helped produce 305 total yards during a 24-12 loss this past Saturday at Tiffin University (OH). The Panthers (0-9, 0-7 Great Midwest Athletic Conference) play at Lake Erie University (OH) on Saturday. IAN WILLIAMS — University of Memphis (Fr., Cass HS) … made one tackle in the Tigers’ 38-14 home win last Friday over Rice University. 22nd-ranked Memphis (8-1, 4-1 American Athletic Conference) hosts Tulane on Friday night. SOCCER ABBEY CRAIG — Reinhardt University (Sr., Cartersville HS) … the Eagles defender appeared in 63 games in her four-year career and made 33 starts.  Reinhardt (8-6-2) was eliminated at Columbia International University in the Appalachian Athletic Conference tournament this past Saturday. LIBBY MORGAN — Shorter University (Fr., Woodland HS) … started and played 65 minutes in a 4-0 loss this past Saturday at Young Harris College. The Lady Hawks did not qualify for the Conference Carolinas tournament and finished the 2025 season with a 1-12-2 mark. VOLLEYBALL AILEE ENGLAND — Berry College (So., Cartersville HS) … had one dig and played in all three sets of a 3-0 win October 28 at Oglethorpe University. She also had three service aces this past Saturday and appeared in all five sets of a 3-2 loss at Centre College (KY). This past Sunday, she had one dig in four sets in a 3-1 loss at Sewanee. Berry (19-6, 10-4 Southern Athletic Association) plays Washington and Lee University, Randolph-Macon College, and Emory University on Friday and Saturday in Atlanta. Meredith (1) and Madelyn (10) Orton were recently recognized during a LaGrange College volleyball senior night ceremony. LAGRANGE COLLEGE PHOTO MADELYN ORTON — LaGrange College (Sr., Cartersville resident, Cornerstone Prep) … appeared in three sets this past Saturday as the Panthers beat Wesleyan College but lost to Asbury University (KY). LaGrange (12-18, 10-6 CCS) enters the Collegiate Conference of the South tournament on November 11 as the No. 4 seed and will host Huntingdon College (AL) in the quarterfinals. Asbury will host the conference final four on November 14-15. MEREDITH ORTON — LaGrange College (Sr., Cartersville resident, Cornerstone Prep) … had one kill and appeared in two sets this past Saturday as the Panthers beat Wesleyan College but lost to Asbury University (KY). LaGrange (12-18, 10-6 CCS) begins the conference tournament on November 11. CROSS COUNTRY McKINLEY CHAPPELL — Berry College (Sr., Woodland HS) … finished 49th in 27:18 at the 8K Southern Athletic Association conference championships in Grovetown, Texas. The Vikings finished third behind Trinity University (TX) and Centre College (KY).

November 2, 2025 The Georgia High School Association's Class 4A state playoff bracket has been released. Cartersville will host Jackson-Atlanta in the first round, while Cass will host Mays on Friday, November 14.

November 1, 2025 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com Adairsville quarterback Braxton Elrod, left, hands the ball to running back Jake Barszcz in the Tigers' home game against Heritage Oct. 31. RANDY PARKER / DTN Brayden Slaughter ran for three touchdowns and the Heritage defense forced three turnovers as the Generals survived a late Adairsville rally to claim a 31-17 victory Friday night, ending the Tigers’ playoff hopes for the first time since 2018. The game opened with pick-six fireworks from the Tigers. Adairsville’s Colton Sanford intercepted Heritage quarterback Caden Hight on the Generals’ sixth play from scrimmage, returning it 65 yards for a touchdown. Cooper Souders added the first of his two PATs and the Tigers held a 7-0 lead less than two minutes in. Heritage answered on its third series. The Generals marched 49 yards on seven plays when Slaughter took a handoff off left tackle, found daylight, and raced 16 yards untouched to the end zone. Jake Collett’s extra point knotted it at 7-7 with 3:42 left in the first. Adairsville head coach Jon Cudd signals to his team in the Tigers' home game against Heritage Oct. 31.  RANDY PARKER / DTN The Generals seized momentum in the second quarter. Starting at their own 14, Heritage marched 86 yards in 12 plays, capped by Slaughter’s 9-yard scamper for a 14-7 lead.  The methodical drive chewed up 7:07 on the game clock. Adairsville responded immediately going 80 yards in seven plays. Sanford gashed the defense for a long run to the Heritage 35, setting up Braxton Elrod's 3-yard plunge to tie it. Heritage reclaimed the lead before halftime.  Hight hit Brayden Stoker on a seam route for a 50-yard gain to the Adairsville 8. Soon after, Collett drilled a 26-yard field goal to make it 17-14 with less than a minute remaining in the half. Adairsville marched back down the field before the intermission, but had a pass intercepted in the end zone to leave the Generals up by three points at halftime. The third quarter belonged to Slaughter. Heritage drove 69 yards in 10 plays to add to their lead. Slaughter finished the drive with a 32 yard touchdown scamper giving the Generals a 24-17 edge. Adairsville threatened late in the third when Braxton Elrod connected with Barrett Fuller for a big gain to the Heritage 36, but Elrod had the ball stripped at the three to halt the Tigers. Adairsville quarterback Braxton Elrod prepares to throw downfield to an open receiver. RANDY PARKER / DTN Trailing by 10 entering the fourth, the Tigers clawed back. Elrod again found Fuller, this time to the Heritage 15. The drive stalled, but Cooper Souders split the uprights from 24 yards to cut it to 24-17 with 5:31 remaining. An onside kick failed when Eli Thacker recovered at the Heritage 42. The Generals later tried to add a field goal that was blocked, allowing the Tigers another opportunity. Elrod’s subsequent pass to the sideline was picked by Brody James and returned to the Tigers' 5 yard line. On the next snap, Slaughter powered in for a touchdown to ice it. Heritage-Catoosa improved to 7-3 on the season and finished 4-2 in Region 7-AAA, qualifying for the state playoffs, which begin on November 14. Adairsville finishes 4-6 (2-4 region) and out of the 2025 playoffs. The Tigers are expected to return significant production from a youthful roster next fall. ~~ Larry Gardner contributed to this report. Photos below by Randy Parker / The Daily Tribune News: (Left) Braxton Elrod dives into the end zone for a touchdown. (Right) Two Adairsville defenders take down a Heritage receiver after a catch.

November 1, 2025 The Cartersville and Woodland girls’ cross country teams, along with the Cartersville boys' team, advanced to the GHSA State Finals, scheduled for Saturday, November 7, in Carrollton. Those teams qualified on Saturday at the Class AAAA Sectional 2 held at Sam Smith Park in Cartersville. The top twelve teams in each Sectional and the top 20 individuals advanced to the state meet. Cartersville girls finished second in Region 7-4A behind Allatoona and seventh in Sectional 2. The Woodland girls were third in the region and 10th in Sectional 2. The Cass girls did not field a whole team. Zoe McCurry led the Lady Canes (14th, 20:13), with Sydney Burris (28th, 20:50), Samantha Stepp (51st, 21:41), and Sofia Burns (54th, 21:58) under the 22-minute mark. Allison Snead led Woodland with a sixth-place finish in 19:47. Rylee Maxwell (29th, 20:52) was also under the 22-minute mark. Cartersville boys finished second in Region 7-4A behind Allatoona and were ninth in Sectional 2. Woodland was fifth in the region and 15th in the Sectional. Cass was sixth in the region and 20th out of 27 teams in the Sectional. Ethan Empie led Cartersville with an 11th-place finish in 16:38. Carson Robinson (40th, 17:23), Tripp Chitwood (56th, 17:35), Malachi Weir (76th, 17:53), and Know Matthews (78th, 17:53) had top runs for the Hurricanes.  Woodland’s Jonathan Ringwell placed sixth in 16:27. James Morris followed with a 72nd-place finish in 17:46 for the Wildcats. Nicholas Robinson (18th, 16:47) had the best time for the Colonels. The Adairsville boys finished sixth in Region 7-AAA and 19th in Sectional 2 at Ringgold. Aaron Souders was 61st in 18:53 to lead the Tigers. The Adairsville girls did not field a whole team, but Bella Smith was their top individual finisher, placing 30th in 21:51, to pace the Lady Tigers.

October 31, 2025 The Lady Canes saw their state playoff run and 2025 season come to an end Friday afternoon with a 15-3 loss to Harris County in an elimination game at the Class 4A State Finals tournament in Columbus. The Tigers scored 10 runs across the first three innings and closed out the six-inning game with a run in the fifth and four more in the sixth. Cartersville scored three runs in the fifth inning on a walk and three singles. Chloe Wolfenbarger starred for Harris County, producing three hits, including one double, two home runs, and three RBI. She also pitched the final four innings for the Tigers and struck out four. Harris County out-hit the Lady Canes 16 to seven, and Cartersville committed four errors in the contest. Zoie Shiflett (4 IP, 10R, 7ER, 11H, 2BB, 1K) made the pitching start for the Hurricanes and was tagged with the loss. Presley Crabbe (2 IP, 5ER, 5H, 2BB, 1K) worked the final two frames in the circle for Cartersville.  Sam Porter and Shiflett had two hits and one RBI for the Canes. LaKiaya Banks, Kinsey Woodard, and Addi Burns contributed one hit. Kennedy Crenshaw added one RBI. Harris County improved to 32-5 with its win over Cartersville and later defeated Wayne County 9-1, becoming one of three teams remaining in the double-elimination tournament on Saturday. The Tigers will play Eastside on Saturday morning, with the winner advancing to the state championship round against Kell. Kell reached the finals by defeating Eastside 3-2 on Friday and remained unbeaten in the tournament. Cartersville had its season end with a Region 7-4A title and a 30-6 record.

October 31, 2025 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com LaKiaya Banks makes a play from her shortstop position. Cartersville softball bounced back from a first-round loss at the GHSA Class 4A Elite Eight State Finals tournament on Thursday night to eliminate Pace Academy 12-9 on Friday morning in a back-and-forth battle at the Olympic Softball Complex in Columbus. Cartersville led 4-0 before Pace Academy batted in the first inning, and the Lady Canes led 8-3 in the middle of the fifth inning. The early Hurricanes' advantage didn’t keep the Knights from fighting back into a late lead, before giving up that lead in the final frame. The Knights narrowed Cartersville’s lead to 5-3 in the third inning, but Cartersville scored a run in the fourth and two more in the top of the fifth to go up 8-3.  The persistent Knights responded with a five-run fifth inning to tie and grabbed a 9-8 lead with a run in the bottom of the sixth. Cartersville regained the lead with four runs in the top of the seventh, and Canes’ relief pitcher Zoie Shiflett closed out the game with two strikeouts and a come-back groundout. Zoie Shiflett picked up the pitching win for Cartersville in relief in their victory over Pace Academy. Shiflett picked up the pitching win, covering the final three innings. She allowed just one, unearned run on two hits and a walk and struck out four. Presley Crabbe started in the circle for Cartersville and was lifted in the fifth inning after allowing eight earned runs on six hits, four walks, and a hit batter. Crabbe fanned seven. It was far from a clean game for either team. Cartersville committed three errors, and Pace Academy made four. Additionally, Knights’ pitcher Megan Wrigley issued 13 walks but struck out 11 in a seven-inning effort. Pace Academy (14-11) had eight hits while Cartersville needed only four to produce their dozen runs. Bodhi Venturi led the Lady Knights’ offense with three hits, including two doubles and four RBI. Presley Crabbe made the pitching start for Cartersville on Friday in their win over Pace Academy. Sophia Harper had two hits, including one double and three RBI, to lead the Canes. Izzy Tummins (RBI) and Miley Jo Williams produced the other Cartersville base hits. Kinsey Woodard and Zoie Shiflett drove in runs with sacrifice flies. LaKiaya Banks was credited with two RBI, and Sam Porter added one RBI. With their victory, the Lady Canes (30-5) advanced to a 1 p.m. elimination game on Friday against Harris County (30-4). The Tigers defeated Wayne County in the first round, but lost a Thursday night game to Eastside 4-1 to fall into the elimination portion of the double-elimination bracket.  The Harris County/Cartersville survivor will be one of only four teams remaining and is scheduled to face the Central-Carroll/Wayne County/Union Grove survivor on Friday at 7 p.m. Kell (28-3), who defeated Cartersville in the first round, was scheduled to play Eastside (30-1) on Friday evening in a matchup of the last two unbeaten teams in the tournament.