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October 18, 2025 Scott Barkley / CanesAthletics.com Cole Crawford runs to daylight in the Canes' win over Cedartown. RANDY PARKER / DTN Brady Marchese and Madoxx Davis combined for six touchdowns and 238 all-purpose yards, all in the first half, as CHS rolled to a 52-0 win over visiting Cedartown Friday night, Oct. 17.  Tyon Coe’s 17-yard run to paydirt and Ramsey Rowell’s 25-yard kick rounded out the scoring as the No. 3 Canes moved to 8-0 on the season and 4-0 in Region 7. Cedartown dropped to 2-6 and 0-4.    Quarterback Nate Russell was perfect through the air, connecting on all eight throws for 227 yards and five scores. The only time the ball left his hand and hit the ground came during a penalty against the Canes when he threw the ball to an unoccupied spot on the field intentionally.  “That was my fault,” he said afterward. “We were trying to go hurry up and our two receivers on the left weren’t set. They called a penalty, and I knew it was on us, so I just threw it where no one could get it.” The penalty wiped out the play and set up a first-and-15. After a Cooper Melvin nine-yard reception, Coe darted to the end zone for a 35-0 lead after Rowell’s kick with 10:04 remaining in the first half.  Tripp Chatmon (4) runs away from a Cedartown defender. RANDY PARKER / DTN “We focus on each week and try to play to our standard,” Russell said. “We don’t worry too much about who we’re playing, but focus on doing our thing. I think it really says a lot about our coaches on how good a job we did to prepare for tonight. I was really happy with how we did.” Davis tacked on 80 yards in punt returns alongside his 88 in receiving for 168 all-purpose yards, which more than made up for one bobbled punt catch the sophomore recovered up on the ground. Penalties wiped out touchdown catches by Cole Crawford and Braylon Hill.  “We talk about dominating the details, separating good from great,” said head coach Conor Foster. “We always want to find ways to improve, and generally it’s not big things. It’s a bunch of little things that we can clean up. Every game, every practice is a great opportunity to create a better version of ourselves, and it starts with handling the details." “I thought we played hard and fast," Foster continued. "Both sides came out and played physical. I’m pleased not just with our starters, but also with our guys who have gotten a lot of reps the last few weeks and shown growth. I thought we played better with our twos and backups to finish the game, so I’m proud of those guys as well.” Rowell’s field goal accompanied five touchbacks on the night.  Cartersville quarterback Nate Russell fires a pass vs. Cedartown. RANDY PARKER / DTN “Ramsey’s been great this year,” Foster said. “We really appreciate Coach [Jonathan] Cruz and the mental approach he takes, which has made a big difference in Ramsey’s confidence.” The Canes jumped to a 15-0 lead after 18- and 26-yard Marchese touchdown catches. Davis tacked on a two-point conversion after the second score for the 15-0 lead before extending the advantage with a 53-yard punt return to the end zone after Cedartown’s next possession.  After another Bulldog punt, Hill started with a 28-yard run before Marchese caught his third touchdown pass in as many receptions, another one covering 26 yards. A low snap on the extra point kept the score to 28-0 with 1:22 left in the opening quarter.  After Coe’s score, Davis followed up with touchdown catches of 46 and 42 yards for the 49-0 lead. CHS piled up 348 yards in the first half on the way to 448 for the game.  Backups played throughout the second half, as a running clock gave each team two possessions.  Zion Ayeni’s nine-yard reception from Harris Turner and 33 yards on the ground by PJ Richards set up Rowell’s field goal on the Canes’ opening drive. CJ McClendon’s 44-yard run on their next possession put Cartersville inside the ten. That drive ended, though, with Jaden Navarrez’s 27-yard kick that sailed left. Chatmon rushed for 50 yards on two carries. McClendon carried four times for 47 yards, and Hill totaled 44 yards on five attempts. Davis had two catches for 88 yards and two touchdowns. Marchese caught three touchdown passes totaling 70 yards. Third-ranked Cartersville (9-0, 5-0) closes out the regular season on Friday at Hiram.

October 20, 2024 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com Coach Glen Woodard talks offensive strategy with Addi Burns and Miley Jo Williams. The Cartersville Lady Canes softball team won both games of their Class 4A Sweet Sixteen playoff series Monday night over the Madison County Raiders, winning 10-0 and 3-0 behind the strong pitching of Presley Crabbe and Zoie Shiflett. The doubleheader sweep in the best-of-three series earned the Lady Canes a trip to the Final Eight State Championship tournament in Columbus which begins October 29 at the Olympic Softball Complex. Shiflett tossed all seven innings of Game 1, scattering three hits and two walks. She struck out six. Crabbe worked all five innings of Game 2 in the circle. She scattered four hits with no walks and three strikeouts to shut out Madison County. The opener remained scoreless through the first 5-½ innings before the Lady Canes posted all three of their runs in the bottom of the sixth. Shiflett, who started the Canes’ sixth with a double, later retired the Raiders in order in the seventh to earn the win. In Game 2, Cartersville posted five runs in the top of the second to gain control. The Lady Canes added two runs in the fourth and three more in the fifth to close out the series. LaKiaya Banks (sac fly, two RBI), Sam Porter (double), and Taryn Bradley led the Cartersville offense with three hits each in the series. Shiflett (double, two RBI), Kennedy Crenshaw (double, two RBI), Sophia Harper (double, RBI), and Addi Burns (two RBI) produced two hits. Carder Brock (RBI) and Miley Jo Williams (RBI) contributed one hit, while Kinsey Woodard added one RBI in the doubleheader. Cartersville (29-4) will open the double-elimination Class 4A Elite Eight Tournament October 29 against Kell (26-3) on Field 2 in Columbus at 1:15 p.m.

October 20, 2025 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com This week’s update on locals contributing with their teams at the collegiate and professional level includes more than two dozen athletes from five different sports. NFL TREVOR LAWRENCE — Jacksonville Jaguars (NFL, 5th-year pro; Clemson; Cartersville HS) … completed 23 of 48 passes for 296 yards and one touchdown, but the Jaguars lost 35-7 to the Los Angeles Rams last Sunday in London’s Wembley Stadium. Lawrence added two runs for 18 yards. Jacksonville has a bye week before playing at the Las Vegas Raiders on November 2. FOOTBALL JOHNATHAN CLINE — East Tennessee State University (R-So., Cartersville HS) … was part of an offensive line rotation that helped produce 517 total yards, but lost at Chattanooga this past Saturday 42-38. The Buccaneers (3-5, 1-3 Southern Conference) host Wofford on Saturday. CARLOS DEL RIO-WILSON — Marshall University (R-Jr., Cartersville HS) … completed 22 of 32 passes for 277 yards and one touchdown with one interception in a 40-37 home win over Texas State this past Saturday. He also rushed for 88 yards on 17 attempts. The Thundering Herd (4-3, 2-1 Sun Belt Conference) has a bye week before traveling to Coastal Carolina on October 30. KAIL ELLIS — Auburn University (Fr., Cass HS) … the 17-year-old center saw action in his third game this season during a 20-17 overtime loss to15th-ranked Missouri. Auburn produced 357 total yards in the loss. The Tigers (3-4, 0-4 Southeast Conference) play at Arkansas on Saturday. TOKYO GORDON — Sam Houston State Univesity (Jr., Adairsville HS) … credited with one tackle October 15 in the Bearkats 35-17 home loss to UTEP. Sam Houston State (0-7, 0-4 Conference USA) hosts Louisiana Tech on Friday. DEVIN HENDERSON — Liberty University (R-Fr., Cass HS) … made five solo tackles October 14 in the Flames 30-27 home victory over New Mexico State. Liberty (3-4, 2-1 Conference USA) host Delaware on Saturday. KEVIN HENDERSON — University of Findlay (So., Cass HS) … made four tackles, including two tackles for loss in the 14th-ranked Oilers’ 28-0 home win over Kentucky Wesleyan University last Saturday. The starting linebacker was also credited with one pass breakup. Findlay (7-0, 5-0 Great Midwest Athletic Conference) hosts Ohio Dominican on Saturday. SHADRE HURST — Tulane University (R-Jr., Cartersville HS) … a starter on the Green Wave’s offensive line that helped produce 402 yards of total offense in a 24-17 home win last Saturday over Army. Tulane (6-1, 3-0 American Athletic Confernce) plays next at UTSA on October 30. KHRISTIAN LANDO — Jacksonville State University (R-Fr., Cartersville HS) … had four carries for 24 yards, including a 17-yard run in the Gamecocks’ 38-25 home win over Delaware on October 15. Jax State (4-3, 3-0 Conference USA) visits Middle Tennessee on Wednesday. TYLER MARTIN — Berry College (Sr., Cass HS) … a starter on the Vikings’ offensive line that helped produce 430 total yards in a 44-7 win at Sewanee last Saturday. Berry (5-1, 3-0 Southern Athletic Association) hosts Millsaps College (MS) on Saturday. JAKE PARKER — Cumberland University (R-Jr., Cartersville HS) … completed 26 of 45 passes for 240 yards last Saturday in a 34-13 loss at 18th-ranked Georgetown College (KY). He also had 66 rushing yards on 13 attempts. The Phoenix (4-3) host 9th-ranked Campbellsville University (KY) on Saturday. SAM PHILLIPS — University of Iowa (R-Jr., Cartersville HS) … a starter at wide receiver, but did not have a reception in the Hawkeyes’ 25-24 home win over Penn State last Saturday. Iowa  (5-2, 3-1 Big Ten) hosts Minnesota on Saturday afternoon. CHRIS ROPER — Dartmouth College (Jr., Adairsville HS) … was a participant, but did not have a stat ljne in the Big Green’s 30-13 win last Saturday at Fordham. Dartmouth (4-1, 1-1 Ivy League) hosts Columbia University on Friday night. DEVONTE ROSS — Penn State University (Sr., Cartersville HS) … had two catches for 15 yards in the Nittany Lions’ 25-24 loss last Saturday at Iowa. Penn State (3-4, 0-4 Big Ten) has a bye week before visiting Ohio State on November 1. STEPHEN ROWSER — Morehouse College (So., Cartersville HS) … made six tackles last Saturday in a 31-7 home victory over Lane College (TN). The Maroon Tigers (3-4, 3-2 Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference) visit Savannah State University for a conference game on Saturday afternoon. BRAXTON RYAN — Kentucky Wesleyan College (Fr., Adairsville HS) … was a starter on the Panthers’ offensive line last Saturday in a 28-0 loss at 16th-ranked University of Findlay. KWC (0-7, 0-5 Great Midwest Athletic Conference) had 151 yards of total offense in the loss. They host Northwood University (MI) on Saturday. SACOVIE WHITE-HELTON — University of Georgia (R-Fr., Cass HS) … the Bulldogs’ slot receiver saw action, but was not targeted in their 43-35 home win last Saturday over then 5th-ranked Ole Miss. Newly 5th-ranked Georgia (6-1, 4-1 Southeastern Conference) enjoys a bye week before facing off with Florida in Jacksonville on November 1. IAN WILLIAMS — University of Memphis (Fr., Cass HS) … saw action but did not have a stat line in the Tigers’ upset loss at UAB, 31-24. Memphis (6-1, 2-1 American Athletic Conference) hosts the University of South Florida on Saturday. GOLF BRODY TIDWELL — Georgia State University (Jr., Cartersville HS) … tied for 71st with rounds of 78-72-76 this past weekend and GSU was seventh of 15 teams at the Furman Intercollegiate at Furman University Golf Club in Greenville, South Carolina. Tidwell was also seventh individually with rounds of 73-76-71 on October 12-13 at The Scrappy hosted at Cobblestone Golf Club in Acworth. The Panthers were tournament runner-up behind host Kennesaw State in the nine-team tournament. Georgia State will return to action on February 2-3 in the Battle at Briar’s Creek in Charleston, South Carolina. SOCCER ABBEY CRAIG — Reinhardt University (Sr., Cartersville HS) … was a starter in both of the Lady Eagles’ losses last week to Truett McConnell (1-0) and the University of Pikeville (3-2). Reinhardt (7-5-2, 7-3-2 Appalachian Athletic Conference) visits Brenau University on Wednesday night. LIBBY MORGAN — Shorter University (Fr., Woodland HS) … made one start and totaled 89 minutes of pitch time in a pair of Hawks’ losses last week to Young Harris College at home and at Converse University. Shorter (1-8-2, 0-7-2 Conference Carolinas) visits Emmanuel University on Tuesday and hosts Ferrum College on Saturday. MACI NICKLAS — Truett McConnell University (So., Cartersville HS) … entered as a reserve and logged 59 minutes in a 2-0 win this past Saturday at Bluefield University (VA). The Bears (14-0-1, 11-0 Appalachian Athletic Conference) also won 2-0 at Milligan University on Sunday. TMU plays at Johnson University (TN) on Wednesday and hosts Spartanburg Methodist College on Saturday. VOLLEYBALL AILEE ENGLAND — Berry College (So., Cartersville HS) … saw action in seven sets and recorded two digs as the Vikings beat Southwestern University (TX), but lost to Trinity University (TX) this past weekend. Berry (18-4, 9-2 Southern Athletic Association) visits Oglethorpe University on Tuesday and has road matches at Centre College (KY) on Saturday and Sewanee-University of the South on Sunday. VANESSA JOHNSON — Georgia Highlands College (So., Cartersville HS) … recorded two blocks, one kill, and one service return this past Saturday in a three-set home loss (7-25, 6-25, 20-25) to Toccoa Falls College. The Chargers completed their first varsity campaign with a 1-16 record. MADELYN ORTON — LaGrange College (Sr., Cartersville resident, Cornerstone Prep Academy) … played in one set and had two digs this past Saturday in a 25-8, 25-11, 25-18 win at Agnes Scott College. The Panthers also had losses last Thursday and Saturday to Bellhaven University and Maryville College (TN). LaGrange (9-16, 7-4 Collegiate Conference of the South) travel to Huntingdon College on Wednesday and will play Piedmont University and Covenant College on Saturday in Lookout Mountain. MEREDITH ORTON — LaGrange College (Sr., Cartersville resident, Cornerstone Prep Academy) … saw action in three sets across a pair of wins over Belhaven University last Thursday and Agnes Scott College on Saturday. Orton had three kills against Agnes Scott. LaGrange (9-16, 7-4 Collegiate Conference of the South) travel to Huntingdon College on Wednesday and will play Piedmont University and Covenant College on Saturday in Lookout Mountain. CROSS COUNTRY McKINLEY CHAPPELL — Berry College (Sr., Woodland HS) … ran 59th (26:57.5) as the Vikings earned an eighth-place finish at the South Region Showdown in Salem, Virginia, this past Saturday. Berry travels to Texas for the SAA Championships on November 1. TYLER JONES — University of West Georgia (Jr., Woodland HS) … placed 129th (27:33.3) and UWG was seventh of 22 teams at the USC XC Invitational this past Saturday in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Next for the Wolves is the Atlantic Sun Conference Championships on October 31 in Jacksonville, Florida.

October 19, 2025 Cartersville volleyball breezed into the Class 4A state quarterfinals with a 25-3, 25-14, and 25-8 victory Saturday over Wayne County at the Storm Center. The straight set win by the 4th-ranked Lady Canes in the best-of-five second round sets up a showdown on Tuesday evening with visiting Blessed Trinity. The Lady Titans (35-10) beat St. Pius X in the second round, 25-9, 25-19, and 25-18 to advance.  The Cartersville/Blessed Trinity survivor will advance to the state semifinals on Saturday at Seckinger High School in Buford. The GHSA finals for each classification are October 29-30 at LakePoint in Emerson.

October 18, 2025 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com The Cass Colonels showcased a relentless second-half performance, scoring on five straight possessions to overpower the Dalton Catamounts 48-16 on Friday night at Harmon Field in Bill Chappel Stadium. The Colonels jumped out to a 13-0 lead in the first quarter, capitalizing on efficient offensive drives. With 6:13 remaining, quarterback Brodie McWhorter capped a 7-play, 68-yard drive with a 1-yard touchdown run, followed by Anthony Quijada’s PAT for a 7-0 lead.  Late in the quarter, Cass struck again, marching 80 yards in seven plays. McWhorter connected with Elijah Slocum for an 8-yard touchdown pass, though a blocked PAT left the score at 13-0. Key plays included a 28-yard pass to Slocum and a 30-yard run by Kalil Charles. Dalton’s first promising drive reached the Cass red zone but ended with a missed 37-yard field goal. Another Dalton possession ended on downs at the Cass 36. The Catamounts finally found life when quarterback Caine Woods hit Kamdyn London for an 80-yard touchdown pass at 8:22 in the second period, with Ed Chaviarra’s PAT narrowing the gap to 13-7.  Both teams traded punts until Dalton mounted a late drive, starting from their own 28. Three consecutive completions by Woods and a roughing-the-passer penalty on Cass set up a 30-yard field goal by Brax Bennett as time expired in the half, making it 13-10 at intermission. Cass took control in the third quarter, opening with an 8-play, 85-yard drive, highlighted by Charles’ 38 yards on four runs and a 28-yard swing pass from McWhorter. The Colonels’ QB scored on a 1-yard run, pushing the lead to 20-10.  After Cam Beauford intercepted a Woods pass, Cass capitalized with a quick 3-play, 50-yard drive, ending in a 45-yard touchdown pass from McWhorter to Slocum, making it 27-10.  Dalton answered with a 3-play, 59-yard drive, as Woods connected with London Cox for a 40-yard touchdown pass, but a missed PAT kept the score at 27-16. The fourth quarter belonged to Cass. Charles broke free for a 19-yard touchdown run to cap an 11-play, 80-yard drive, extending the lead to 34-16. Then with 6:58 left, Charles added an 86-yard touchdown run, pushing the score to 41-16.  After linebacker Naz Fleurine intercepted Woods, Cass sealed the rout. Jeremy Barrett caught a short pass that resulted in a 42-yard play to the Dalton 12. McWhorter then connected with Chase Tatum to finalize the score at 48-16. McWhorter was 14-for-20 passing for 290 yards and two touchdowns, plus 63 rushing yards and two scores. Charles was a workhorse, rushing for 244 yards and two touchdowns on 20 carries while catching three passes for 65 yards. Slocum hauled in six receptions for 148 yards and two scores, and Tatum added two catches for 19 yards and a touchdown.  For Dalton, Woods threw for 257 yards and two touchdowns on 16-for-29 passing but was hindered by two interceptions and rushed for 43 yards. Cass, now 7-2 overall and 4-1 in Region 7-AAAA, has clinched a state playoff berth and can secure a first-round home game with a win against Allatoona on Friday or a Cartersville win at Hiram.  Dalton, falling to 2-7 overall and 2-3 in the region, will take a bye week before closing the regular season at Woodland on October 31.

October 18, 2025 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com Woodland's Solomon James heads for the end zone in the Wildcats' home win over Southeast Whitfield on Oct. 17. RANDY PARKER / DTN The Woodland Wildcats delivered a dominant performance on Friday night, overwhelming the Southeast Whitfield Raiders 42-3 at Wildcat Stadium. Led by an electrifying five-touchdown effort from sophomore running back Solomon James, Woodland secured their first victory of the 2025 season, improving to 1-7. The Wildcats wasted no time asserting dominance. With 10:17 left in the first quarter, James broke free for a 72-yard touchdown run, setting the tone for the night. The extra point gave Woodland an early 7-0 lead. Just over two minutes later, James struck again, powering in from seven yards out to extend the lead to 14-0. James continued his onslaught in the second quarter, scoring on 10-yard and 2-yard runs to push Woodland’s advantage to 28-0.  Southeast Whitfield managed a response late in the half when their kicker, Gabriel Fraire, drilled a 34-yard field goal with seven seconds remaining, cutting the deficit to 28-3. However, James delivered a final blow before halftime, returning the ensuing kickoff 99 yards for his fifth touchdown of the night, sending the Wildcats into the break with a commanding 35-3 lead. Woodland's Clayton McArdle hauls in a pass in the Wildcats' home game against Southeast Whitfield on Oct. 17. RANDY PARKER / DTN The Wildcats maintained control in the second half. In the third quarter, quarterback Sammy Ray connected with Korbyn Jarrett for a 12-yard touchdown pass, stretching the lead to 42-3.  With the score lopsided, the fourth quarter was played with a running clock, and neither team added to the scoreboard. James finished with 157 yards rushing on 12 attempts and scored five touchdowns, including his kickoff return. Ray was 8-for-11 passing for 108 yards and one touchdown. Ray also rushed for 47 yards. Clayton McArdle had three receptions for 52 yards. "I'm just so happy for the players and coaches," said Woodland head coach Andy Scott on Saturday morning. "This has been a tough season from a win-loss perspective. I'm proud of them for continuing to work hard and see the fruits of their labors. It feels good to put a win on the board." The loss dropped the Raiders to 2-7 on the season, with their final game looming next Friday at home against Towns County. For Woodland, the win was a long-awaited breakthrough in a challenging season. The Wildcats return to Region 7-4A play on Friday when they host the Cedartown Bulldogs. ~~ Stuart Morse contributed to this report. PHOTOS BY RANDY PARKER / DTN -- Woodland quarterback Sammy Ray IV looks downfield for an open receiver in the Wildcats' home victory over Southeast Whitfield, and Woodland head football coach Andy Scott high-fives a player on the Wildcats' sideline.

October 18, 2025 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com Adairsville quarterback Braxton Elrod picks up yardage against the Northwest Whitfield Bruins. The Adairsville Tigers secured a thrilling 33-17 victory over the Northwest Whitfield Bruins this past Friday night at Tigers Stadium, bolstering their standing in the region with a strong second-half performance. The game started with Northwest Whitfield winning the toss and electing to receive before striking quickly.  Bruins quarterback Gavin Nuckolls connected with Zirous Davison for a 46-yard touchdown pass just 1:18 into the first quarter. Nery Martinez’s PAT kick gave Northwest an early 7-0 lead.  After the Tigers’ opening possession stalled and turned the ball over on downs, Nuckolls and the Bruins struck again. Kade Mitchel hauled in a 61-yard touchdown pass at the 5:19 mark, pushing the Bruins’ lead to 14-0. Adairsville responded late in the first quarter with its first points. Braxton Elrod capped a 7-play, 44-yard drive with a 1-yard touchdown run. Cooper Souders’ PAT made it 14-7 with 1:01 remaining in the quarter. The Tigers then executed a successful onside kick but were hampered by penalties, stalling their momentum. The second quarter saw both teams exchange three-and-outs until Nuckolls threw the first of his two interceptions. Westin Crisp picked off a pass in the end zone with 3:18 left in the half. Crisp was injured on the play and did not return.  The Tigers capitalized quickly, however, with Elrod completing back-to-back passes to Barrett Fuller for 31 yards and Colt Sanford for a 44-yard touchdown. Another Souders’ kick tied the game at 14-14. With just 38.7 seconds left in the half, Northwest turned the ball over on downs at the Adairsville 22, and the Tigers seized the opportunity. Elrod connected with Sanford again for a 24-yard touchdown pass with 14 seconds remaining that gave Adairsville a halftime lead. A missed PAT left the score 20-14. Thomas Duncan makes a defensive plan Friday vs. Northwest Whitfield. The third quarter was a defensive battle, with both teams exchanging three-and-outs on their first two possessions. A short Adairsville punt early in the quarter gave Northwest prime field position, but the Tigers’ defense held firm.  The Bruins managed the only points in the third quarter with a 23-yard field goal by Martinez at the 6:29 mark. Adairsville took control in the fourth quarter.  Elrod broke free for a 38-yard touchdown run with 11:10 remaining, though a failed two-point conversion left the score at 26-17.  The Tigers later sealed the game with 4:56 left, as Elrod powered in for a 20-yard touchdown run. A successful PAT extended the Adairsville lead to 33-17.  Northwest’s final push ended when Nuckolls was intercepted by KJ Smith inside the Tigers’ 30, allowing Adairsville to run out the clock. “The backs ran hard and the offensive line played their best game to date,” said Adairsville head coach Jonathan Cudd on Saturday. “The defense gave up only three points after falling behind 14-0. It was a great team effort. The belief and buy-in over the last couple of weeks have been tremendous. We are finally starting to play to our capabilities.” Elrod’s dynamic performance included 194 yards rushing with three touchdowns. The Tigers’ quarterback also had 118 yards passing with two scoring tosses to Sanford. The Tigers’ victory moved them into second place in Region 7-AAA behind Calhoun. Adairsville (4-4, 3-1) heads to Ellijay next week to face Gilmer. Meanwhile, Northwest Whitfield, now 6-3 overall and 3-2 in the region, will look to rebound at home against Ridgeland in their final regular-season game. ~~ Larry Gardner contributed to this report.

October 15, 2025 Amara Ejieke (3) and Riley Huff (10) block a Drew return Tuesday night in the Lady Canes' 25-7, 25-4, 25-14 home win in the first round of the state playoffs. The Cartersville Lady Canes volleyball team easily advanced in the opening round of the Class 4A state playoffs Tuesday evening with a one-sided, straight-set win over Drew at the Storm Center. Cartersville (42-6) won the best-of-five match 25-7, 25-4, and 25-14 and will move into the Sweet Sixteen round to host Wayne County on Saturday. The Yellow Jackets (22-8) lost the first two sets of their first-round match with Walnut Grove on Tuesday, but won the final three sets to advance. The Cartersville/Wayne County winner on Saturday will face the St. Pius X/Blessed Trinity winner in the state quarterfinals on October 21.

October 13, 2025 Cartersville pitcher Zoie Shiflett Cartersville softball secured two three-inning victories on Monday night in the first round of the Class 4A state playoffs, but the Cass Lady Colonels suffered two challenging defeats in Atlanta. GAME 1:  CARTERSVILLE 15, FOREST PARK 0 GAME 2:  CARTERSVILLE 15, FOREST PARK 0 The Lady Canes made quick work of visiting Forest Park Panthers Monday night and advanced to the second round of the GHSA Class 4A state playoffs with a pair of 15-0 wins in three innings. Zoie Shiflett struck out seven while tossing a no-hitter in the first game. Presley Crabbe tossed a no-hitter in the second game and fanned five. Both hurlers faced the minimum for three-inning perfect games. The Lady Canes took advantage of eleven walks and three errors in Game 1. The second game saw Forest Park pitchers issue 16 walks, and the Panthers committed one error. Sever Cartersville batters had one hit each, including Miley Jo Williams (double, three RBI), Kennedy Crenshaw (double, two RBI), Kinsey Woodard (RBI), LaKiaya Banks (RBI), Taryn Bradley (RBI), Addi Burns (RBI), and Sophia Harper (triple). Emma Miller added one RBI. Forest Park’s season ends with a 9-13 record. Cartersville (27-4) advances to the Sweet Sixteen to host the Madison County/Perry series winner next Monday and Tuesday if needed. GAME 1:  PACE ACADEMY 5, CASS 4 GAME 2:  PACE ACADEMY 9, CASS 4 The Lady Colonels had their season come to an end Monday night in Atlanta with a doubleheader first-round loss at Pace Academy, 5-4 and 9-4. Cass led the opening game 4-1 through four innings before the host Lady Knghts responded with a three-run fifth and a go-ahead run in the sixth. In Game 2, the two teams were knotted 4-4 until the fifth inning when the Knights took the lead with two runs. Pace added three insurance runs in the sixth to put the game and the series away. Kylie Gentry (6 IP, 5ER, 8H, 4BB, 6K) was the Cass pitcher of record in the first game. Bailey York (7 IP, 9R, 7ER, 9H, 7BB, 3K) suffered the pitching loss in Game 2. Gentry had four hits in the doubleheader, including a triple in Game 1 and a home run in Game 2. York had three hits in the two games with four RBI. Natalie Hughes, Shyia Woods, and KK Evans finished the series with two hits. Harlee Thomason, Emma Gibson, Lindsey Chubb (double), and MJ McFarlane added one hit. Molli Morrow contributed one RBI. Pace Academy moves on to the second round with a 14-9 record. The season ends for Cass with an 18-10 mark.

October 13, 2025 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com This week’s update on locals contributing with their teams at the collegiate and professional level includes 23 athletes from four different sports. NFL TREVOR LAWRENCE — Jacksonville Jaguars (NFL, 5th-year pro; Clemson; Cartersville HS) … completed 27 of 42 passes for 258 yards and two touchdowns this past Sunday in a 20-12 home loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Lawrence also had nine rushing yards on three attempts. The Jaguars (4-2) play the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday at Wembley Stadium in London. FOOTBALL JOHNATHAN CLINE — East Tennessee State University (R-So., Cartersville HS) … was part of an offensive line rotation that rolled up over 500 yards of total offense in a 45-10 home victory over VMI. The Buccaneers (3-4, 1-2 Southern Conference) play at Chattanooga on Saturday. CARLOS DEL RIO-WILSON — Marshall University (R-Jr., Cartersville HS) … completed 17 of 24 passes for 219 yards and two touchdowns this past Saturday in a 48-24 home win over Old Dominion University. He also rushed for 95 yards and two touchdowns on 17 attempts in the victory. The Thundering Herd (3-3, 1-1 Sun Belt Conference) hosts Texas State on Saturday. TOKYO GORDON — Sam Houston State University (Jr., Adairsville HS) … had one tackle last Thursday in the Bearkats’ 29-27 home loss to Jacksonville State University. SHSU (0-6, 0-3 Conference USA) hosts UTEP on Wednesday night. DEVIN HENDERSON — Liberty University (R-Fr., Cass HS) … recorded three tackles October 8 in the Flames’ 19-8 home win over UTEP. Liberty (2-4, 1-1 Conference USA) hosts New Mexico State on Tuesday night. KEVIN HENDERSON — University of Findlay (So., Cass HS) … made five tackles, including one tackle for a nine-yard loss and one sack for an eight-yard loss in the 19th-ranked Oilers’ 16-14 home win over Hillsdale College. He was also credited with one quarterback hurry. Findlay (6-0, 4-0 Great Midwest Athletic Conference) hosts Kentucky Wesleyan on Saturday. SHADRE HURST — Tulane University (R-Jr., Cartersville HS) … started on an offensive line that helped produce 362 yards of total offense in a 26-19 home win last Thursday over East Carolina University. The Green Wave (5-1, 2-0 American Athletic Conference) hosts Army on Saturday. KHRISTIAN LANDO — Jacksonville State University (R-Fr., Cartersville HS) … rushed for 21 yards on six attempts and caught one pass for 16 yards in the Gamecocks’ 29-27 win last Thursday at Sam Houston State. Jax State (3-3, 2-0 Conference USA) hosts Delaware on Wednesday night. TYLER MARTIN — Berry College (Sr., Cass HS) … a starter on the Vikings’ offensive line that helped generate 313 yards of total offense in a 29-6 home win over Trinity University (TX) this past Saturday. Berry (4-1, 2-0 Southern Athletic Association) plays at Sewanee-University of the South on Saturday. JAKE PARKER — Cumberland University (R-Jr., Cartersville HS) … completed 10 of 29 passes for 238 yards and three touchdowns with one interception this past Saturday in a 28-24 loss at Bethel University (TN). Parker also rushed for 31 yards on 11 attempts. The Phoenix (4-2) visit 19th-ranked Georgetown College on Saturday afternoon. SAM PHILLIPS — University of Iowa (Sr., Cartersville HS) … had one catch for 14 yards this past Saturday in the Hawkeyes’ 37-0 win at Wisconsin. Iowa (4-2, 2-1 Big Ten Conference) hosts Penn State on Saturday night. DEVONTE ROSS — Penn State University (Sr., Cartersville HS) … caught seven passes for 115 yards, including a 67-yard reception, but the Nittany Lions lost a third-straight game to visiting Northwestern, 22-21. Penn State (3-3, 0-3 Big Ten) visits Iowa on Saturday night. STEPHEN ROWSER — Morehouse College (So., Cartersville HS) … had two tackles, including one for a six-yard loss this past Saturday in a 31-26 win at Central State (OH). The Maroon Tigers (2-4, 2-2 Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference) host Lane College (TN) on Saturday afternoon. BRAXTON RYAN — Kentucky Wesleyan University (Fr., Adairsville HS) … made a start on the Panthers’ offensive line that helped produce 258 total yards, but lost 21-3 to Ohio Dominican this past Saturday. Kentucky Wesleyan (0-6, 0-4 Great Midwest Athletic Conference) visits 19th-ranked University of Findlay on Saturday. SACOVIE WHITE-HELTON — University of Georgia (R-Fr., Cass HS) … saw action but was not targeted in the Bulldogs’ 20-10 win this past Saturday at Auburn. Georgia (5-1, 3-1 Southeastern Conference) hosts Ole Miss on Saturday. CROSS COUNTRY DANIELLE THAYER — Augusta University (Jr., Woodland HS) … placed 61st (18:51) at the 5K Royals Cross Country Challenge last Friday in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Lady Panthers finished fifth of 19 teams in the Blue Division. Augusta prepares for the Peach Belt Conference Championship on Saturday, October 25, in Milledgeville. SOCCER ABBEY CRAIG — Reinhardt University (Sr., Cartersville HS) … was credited with one shot on goal last Wednesday and logged all 90 minutes as a defender in a 2-0 home win over Johnson University (TN). She also started and played all 90 minutes in a 2-1 win at Union Commonwealth University (KY) this past Saturday. The Lady Eagles (7-3-2, 7-1-2 Appalachian Athletic Conference) host Truett McConnell University on Wednesday night and the University of Pikeville (KY) on Sunday. LIBBY MORGAN — Shorter University (Fr., Woodland HS) … entered as a reserve and logged 44 minutes in a 0-0 draw at home last Wednesday against Erskine College (SC). She also logged 38 minutes at forward in a 6-1 loss last Saturday at North Greenville University. The Lady Hawks (1-6-2, 0-5-2 Carolinas Conference) host Young Harris College on Wednesday before traveling to Converse University (SC) on Saturday. HALEY SKLBA — Point University (Fr., Cass HS) … entered off the Skyhawks’ bench to log 15 minutes in a 12-0 home win this past Saturday over Blue Mountain Christian University (MS). Point (9-4-1, 4-2 Southern States Athletic Conference) visits Thomas University (GA) on Thursday and Brewton-Parker College on Saturday. VOLLEYBALL AILEE ENGLAND — Berry College (So., Cartersville HS) … saw action in seven sets this past Saturday and Sunday as the Vikings won at Millsaps College (MS) and Rhodes College (TN). She had three aces and one dig. Berry (17-3, 8-1 Southern Athletic Association) will host Trinity University (TX) on Saturday and Southwestern University (TX) on Sunday. VANESSA JOHNSON — Georgia Highlands College (So., Cartersville HS) … had 19 kills, five blocks, and two digs October 8 in the program’s first win since beginning a varsity schedule — a five-set victory over Wesleyan College (25-20, 25-12, 23-25, 23-25, 15-7). The middle blocker also recorded nine kills, four blocks, two digs, and one assist on October 6 in a four-set loss to the Shorter University JV. The Chargers (1-14) have a home match with Toccoa Falls College on Friday. MADELYN ORTON — LaGrange College (Sr., Cartersville resident, Cornerstone Prep Academy) …  had eight digs and four assists this past Saturday in a three-set home win over Agnes Scott College. She added three digs in a loss to Maryville College (TN). The Panthers (7-15, 5-3 Collegiate Conference of the South) host Belhaven University (MS)  on Thursday and will play a tri-match at Maryville College and with Agnes Scott College on Saturday. MEREDITH ORTON — LaGrange College (Sr., Cartersville resident, Cornerstone Prep Academy) … contributed one dig in the Panthers’ loss to Maryville College (TN) this past Saturday. LaGrange (7-15, 5-3 Collegiate Conference of the South) hosts Belhaven University (MS) on Thursday and travels to Maryville College on Saturday, where the Panthers will also play Agnes Scott College.

October 12, 2025 Joe Lyons of Ireland won the 2025 Golfweek International Senior Invitational presented by Georgia Power at Cartersville Country Club. Joe Lyons of Galway, Ireland, carded rounds of 71-68-70 (7-under par) this past Thursday through Saturday at Cartersville Country Club to win the 2025 Golfweek International Senior Invitational presented by Georgia Power.  Reigning U.S. Senior Amateur champion Michael McCoy (69-71-70) of Des Moines, Iowa, and Shane McMillan (65-74-71) of Bountiful, Utah, finished one shot back. Lyons made final round birdies on No. 16 and No. 18 to secure his victory. Yancey Johnson (71-70-70) of Simpsonville, South Carolina, placed fourth, and Tony Wise (72-73-67) of Georgetown, Kentucky, was fifth, followed by Kevin VandenBerg (75-72-67) of Pulaski, New York, and Cartersville’s Chad Branton (72-70-72) in a sixth-place tie. Carlos Aranda of Springfield, Virginia, and Rick Cloninger of McDonough tied for eighth at 1-under par. Steve Albright of Ocala, Florida, rounded out the top ten with an even-par 54-hole total. Team South Carolina rallied in the final round to edge Team Utah for the 2025 Senior International Invitational. South Carolina, represented by Johnson, Cloninger, and Gino Berchiatti, won the team title with a 6-under par total, surpassing Team Utah (McMillan, Brigham Gibbs, and Jon Wright) on the final day by two shots. Team Kentucky (Wise, Buddy Bryant, and Mark Knecht) finished third at 2-under par. Branton’s Team Georgia North, which also included Bob Royak (Alpharetta) and Rusty Strawn (McDonough), tied for fifth place at 1-over par. The host team representing Cartersville Country Club fell eleven spots on the final day to finish 23rd. David Coleman’s 39th-place finish led the local senior squad. Mike Hefner was 43rd, and Charles Wilson placed 86th. The best two individual scores in each round counted toward the three-man team totals. The event featured many of the top senior amateur golfers in the world and helped raise $10,000 for the local charity, Advocates for Children.

October 11, 2025 Scott Barkley / CanesAthletics.com Cartersville QB Nate Russell / Photo: Randy Parker / DTN Nate Russell piled up 318 passing yards and four touchdowns before four minutes elapsed in the second quarter as CHS sprinted to a 48-7 lead on the way to a 48-24 win over Allatoona on Oct. 10.  The night began by honoring impressive achievements, as the 2015 Canes state championship team was recognized before kickoff. Former players gathered on the field while video messages played from then-Canes coach Joey King and quarterback Trevor Lawrence. Miller Forristall, whose touchdown reception in the championship game sent Buford back to Gwinnett County empty-handed, narrated another video chronicling the season. Davis Waddell with yards after the catch in the Hurricanes' win over Allatoona. Photo: Randy Parker / DTN Like Forristall and Terrius Callahan did ten years ago, Canes receivers made getting behind the defense look routine as Russell averaged 34.6 yards per completion. Speedsters Brady Marchese and Madoxx Davis pulled in scoring bombs of 71 and 75 yards, respectively, while Tyon Coe ripped off a 65-yard scoring reception of his own. Davis Waddell’s two catches covered the final 34 yards of his team’s most sustained drive, an 11-play, 72-yard march in the first quarter that made the score 34-0.  Allatoona struck back fast with a 72-yard touchdown run on their first play after the kickoff. All that did, though, was give the Canes enough time to score once more in the opening quarter on Tripp Chatmon’s one-yard grind that pushed the lead to 41-7 with 39 seconds left.  “They’re just really talented,” Canes head coach Conor Foster said on Marchese and Davis’ ability to create separation downfield. “Our coaching staff did a good job of using some motions and shifts and some different things to create matchup issues. The guys were just doing a good job in the box, watching the eyes of defensive backs and different things like that. It was a combination of a good job by our coaching staff and two really talented players.” Russell’s growth has become evident, and not just in what is measured on the field, his coach said.  Brady Marchese hauls in a pass in Cartersville's win over Allatoona. Photo: Randy Parker / DTN “He’s been great all year,” said Foster. “Nate keeps it loose and doesn’t let anyone get too tight. He doesn’t press. The experience from being a three-year starter has put him in some big games he’s won and some he’s lost. He has kind of settled in to enjoy the last season, and everyone is playing loose because of him.” The Canes took the ball to start the game, with Russell finding Davis for 38 yards on the first play. After a six-yard throw to Kaiden Kent, Marchese motored 30 yards to the six off an inside screen. Adam Reed and Peyton Emory then bushhogged a path on the right side of the line for Braylon Hill’s run into the end zone. After Coe’s catch on the next possession pushed the lead to 14-0, Athens Davenport recovered a fumble on the kickoff return to set up the offense on the Allatoona 24. Russell scrambled for 22 yards before Chatmon twisted out of tacklers for the two-yard touchdown. Defensive pressure put the ball back in the offense’s hands early and often for the early scoring barrage.  “Setting that tone is important to start the game,” said defensive end Grayson Villar, who also got into the backfield for a key stop on a goal-line stand in the fourth quarter. “Once you get the first stop on that first drive, it controls the whole game. You have to give 100 percent on every play, every possession.” Canes' RB Tyon Coe runs to daylight in Cartersville's victory over Allatoona. Photo: Randy Parker / DTN Fellow defensive lineman Mason James said consistency is important. “We’re always talking about doing your job, running the correct technique,” he said. “I always want to grade high and feel I’ve really improved my focus. I used to overthink a lot, but now I’m more comfortable with the calls, so I’ve gotten better at reacting.” The third-ranked Canes move to 8-0, 4-0  in Region 7 with Cedartown coming to Weinman Stadium next Friday. The Bulldogs dropped to 2-6 and 0-4 on Friday night after losing to Dalton, 25-20. “I know every team in this region, and everyone has guys who can play,” said James, on not overlooking the Bulldogs. “You have to stay focused because other teams are hungry, ready to play, and looking for a win. So we’re going to kick it up a level next week in practice because we’re getting closer to the playoffs, and the focus has to be even higher.”