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September 6, 2025 The Cartersville girls placed fifth of 29 teams in the Class 4A-6A Division, and the Cartersville boys were eighth on Saturday at the OrthoWest Invitational held on the state championship meet course at Carrollton High School. Sofia Burns (12th, 21:42) led the Lady Canes, followed by Zoe McCurry (30th, 22:35), Adalin Empie (33rd, 22:37), Sydney Burris (41st, 22:58), and Genevieve Alessandro (67th, 23:42). Ethan Empie (34th, 18:20) was fastest for the Hurricanes in the boys’ race. He was followed by teammates Tripp Chitwood (48th, 18:33), Kaleb Lanier (66th, 19:00), Carson Robinson (67th, 19:00), and Malachi Weir (74th, 19:07). The 4A-6A division included 241 girls and 335 boys. WOODLAND HOSTS 19TH RUN AT THE ROCK The Woodland girls were third of eight teams, and the Woodland boys placed fifth on Saturday at the 19th Run at the Rock Cross Country Invitational on the Woodland campus. Allison Snead of Woodland placed third individually in 21:40 to pace the Lady Cats. She was followed by Rylee Maxwell (8th, 23:00), Addison Brown (13th, 23:33), Lily Hiott (42nd, 27:12), and Sierra Woodie (43rd, 27:13). North Paulding won the girls’ division. The King’s Academy was runner-up. Paulding County and Kell finished fourth and fifth, respectively.  Cass did not field a full team, but individuals Karishma Archarya (29th, 25:54), Peyton Waldrop (65th, 32:21), Irelynn Wilmot (74th, 38:37), and Addelynn Wilson (75th, 39:41) recorded times for the Lady Colonels. The Woodland boys finished fourth behind North Paulding, Kennesaw Mountain, and Paulding County. Cass was tenth of 14 teams. The boys’ race included 144 runners. Jonathan Ringwell (5th, 17:54) led the Wildcats. He was followed by teammates James Morris (11th, 18:16), Charlie Hennington (29th, 19:28), Logan Marr (36th, 19:50) and Conner Cruz (38th, 19:53). The top runners for Cass were Nicholas Robinson (17th, 18:49), Booker Gearheart (18th, 18:50), Adam Brush (53rd, 20:26), Gavin Misztak (108th, 24:05), and Jonathan Fuenter (111th, 25:16). Cartersville will host the 24-team Wire2Wire XC Invitational on Saturday. Adairsville and Woodland will also participate. The next race for Cass is the Wingfoot XC Classic at Sam Smith Park in Cartersville on September 20.

September 6, 2025 Cartersville's Mckenzie Wilkie Cartersville won its 18th straight Bartow County Volleyball title on Saturday at the Storm Center. The Lady Canes went 4-0 in the competition and overpowered runner-up Adairsville in the finals, 25-9, 25-8. In preliminary round action, Cartersville defeated Adairsville 25-9, 25-11. They beat Cass 25-4, 25-5, and also had a victory over Woodland. Adairsville defeated Cass 25-11, 25-21, and Woodland 25-16, 25-22 to reach the title match. Riley Huff (10) of Cartersville goes high at the net. Woodland beat Cass in straight sets during preliminary round action. Adairsville (6-16) hosts Northwest Whitfield and Calhoun on Tuesday, while the other local teams play on the road. Cartersville (21-5) travels to Cedartown and will also face Bremen. Woodland (7-17) visits Allatoona, where it will also play Hiram, and Cass (2-16) makes the trip to Dalton to play the host Catamounts and Southeast Whitfield.

September 6, 2025 Barrett Fuller (6) scored Adairsville's opening touchdown Friday with a 12-yard run. The Adairsville Tigers broke into the win column with a heart-stopping 36-30 victory over the Woodland Wildcats in a Friday night shootout at Tiger Stadium.  The game, marked by big plays, a lightning delay, and multiple momentum shifts, kept fans buzzing as Adairsville outlasted its intra-county rivals in a high-scoring affair. The Tigers struck first, capping a 6-play, 38-yard drive with a 12-yard touchdown run by Barrett Fuller at the 9:02 mark of the first quarter. Cooper Souders’ PAT kick gave Adairsville a 7-0 lead.  Woodland responded swiftly, as quarterback Sammy Ray connected with Korbyn Jarrett for a 65-yard touchdown pass just 1:37 later, tying the game at 7-7 after Hunter Limbaugh’s extra point. Adairsville’s offense roared back with a 7-play, 83-yard drive, finished by a 45-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Braxton Elrod to wide receiver Colt Sanford. Souders’ kick pushed the Tigers ahead 14-7 with 4:49 left in the first. But before the quarter could continue, lightning forced a one-hour delay, sending both teams to the locker room. Solomon James (6) protects Woodland passer Sammy Ray. When play resumed, Woodland seized momentum. Preston Sorrells electrified the crowd with a 90-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, though Limbaugh’s PAT attempt failed, leaving the score at 14-13.  Late in the first, a fumble by Elrod deep in Tiger territory set up a quick two-play drive for Woodland, with running back Solomon James plunging in from 5 yards out and adding a two-point conversion run to give the Wildcats a 21-14 lead with 21 seconds left in the quarter. The second quarter saw Adairsville regain control. A 3-play, 80-yard drive, sparked by a 77-yard pass from Elrod to Sanford, ended with Jay Carson’s 2-yard touchdown run, tying the game at 21-21 after Souders’ kick.  Later, with 2:01 left before halftime, Westin Crisp punched in a 1-yard touchdown run to cap an 8-play, 62-yard drive, giving the Tigers a 28-21 lead at the break. Woodland battled back in the third quarter. James scored his second touchdown on a 5-yard run, finishing a 10-play, 71-yard drive, but a blocked PAT by Adairsville’s Max Hatch kept the score tight at 28-27.  Colt Sanford looks for running room in Friday's win over Woodland. The Wildcats’ ensuing kickoff return set up a 45-yard field goal by Limbaugh, giving Woodland a 30-28 lead with 1:14 remaining in the third quarter. The fourth quarter belonged to Adairsville’s Crisp, who broke free for a 77-yard touchdown run with 6:15 remaining, shifting the momentum one final time. Elrod then found Sanford for a two-point conversion, securing a 36-30 lead.  The Tigers’ defense held firm from there, thwarting Woodland’s final possession to seal the victory. Both teams now head into a bye week. Adairsville (1-3) opens Region 7-AAA play at LaFayette on September 19, while Woodland (0-3) faces Cartersville at Weinman Stadium in a Region 7-AAAA matchup on the same date. ~~ Larry Gardner and Stuart Morse contributed to this story.

September 4, 2025 The Adairsville Lady Tigers lost two matches Thursday night in Ringgold, falling to host Heritage-Catoosa 25-19, 25-13 and Gilmer 25-15, 25-9. Ella Steward had eight kills in the two matches. Myka Colston contributed four kills and two digs. Alexis Scott had three kills and one dig. Nadelyn Dodson finished with one kill and 14 digs. Ansley Mims totaled three blocks. Teaghan Myers produced one kill, three assists, and six digs. Delaney Baxter and Carleigh Pierson contributed 12 and five digs, respectively. Adairsville (5-15, 1-3) will play in the Bartow County Championship on Saturday at Cartersville. WOODLAND SUFFERS HOME LOSSES   The Lady Cats lost two home matches Thursday evening, falling to region foe Southeast Whitfield 25-14, 25-18, and Villa Rica in a non-region match 25-11, 25-18. In the match against Southeast Whitfield, Izzy Hazelwood recorded four digs, three assists, two kills, and one ace; Alex Williams contributed three kills, four digs, and two assists. Reese Martinak added eight digs. Against Villa Rica, Hazelwood had seven assists and three digs. Martinak had four kills and four digs.  Aby Childs added six digs, two kills, and one ace. Woodland (6-16, 0-3) plays Cass on Saturday at 9 a.m. in the first round of the Bartow County Tournament at Cartersville. ALLATOONA TOPS CASS AND CARTERSVILLE Allatoona volleyball defeated Cass and Cartersville on Thursday at Cass High School. A third match between Cass and Cartersville was not reported at the time of this release. The Lady Buccaneers defeated Cass 25-5 and 25-8. Allatoona topped Cartersville in a tight match extended to three sets. Cartersville won the opening set 25-19 before Allatoona won the final two sets 25-21 and 15-13. In a third match between Cass and Cartersville, the Lady Canes won the best-of-three sets match 2-0. Cartersville (17-5) will host the Bartow County Tournament on Saturday. Woodland plays Cass (2-13) and Adairsville squares off with the Lady Canes in the opening round.

September 4, 2025 All four local high school softball teams picked up wins on Thursday. WOODLAND 8, DALTON 0 The Woodland Lady Cats started fast Thursday evening with a five-run bottom of the first and cruised to an 8-0 win at home over Dalton. Evelyne Tucker collected the Woodland pitching win by completing all five innings in the circle. She allowed five hits and one walk, striking out three. Ashlyn Baines (two doubles, RBI), Kamryn Smith, and Bailey Ryan (triple) had two hits for Woodland. K Poston (RBI), Gracie Korb (triple, three RBI), and Bailey Gerstner had one hit. Bella Turner and Sis Pirkle added one RBI. The loss dropped Dalton to 0-10 on the season and 0-8 in region play. Woodland (3-7, 2-5) travels to Hiram on Monday for a 5:30 p.m. first pitch. CARTERSVILLE 8, SOUTHEAST WHITFIELD 0 The Lady Canes and Lady Raiders played four scoreless innings Thursday night in Dalton before Cartersville broke the ice for four runs in the top of the fifth. The Lady Canes added four more runs over the next two innings to complete an 8-0 road victory. Zoie Shiflett (5 IP, 0R, 2H, 0BB, 9K) and Presley Crabbe (2 IP, 0R, 0H, 1BB, 3K) shared the pitching duties for Cartersville in the shutout. Sophia Harper (triple, RBI) had three hits and stole three bases for the Lady Canes. Emilee Brinson (two RBI), Kinsey Woodard (two RBI), and Sam Porter (triple, two RBI) produced two hits each. LaKiaya Banks (RBI) and Taryn Bradley (RBI) added one hit. Southeast Whitfield slipped to 4-11 overall and 1-9 in Region 7-4A. Cartersville (14-2, 7-2) hosts Allatoona on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. CASS 8, HIRAM 0 Cass pitcher Kylie Gentry threw a one-hit shutout Thursday evening and the Lady Colonels blanked visiting Hiram 8-0 in Region 7-4A action at the Cass Athletic Complex. Cass scored at least one run in four of their five offensive frames and closed out the run-rule victory with a four-run bottom of the fifth inning. Gentry had two hits with one RBI. KK Evans (RBI), Natalie Hughes (RBI), MJ McFarlane, Bailey York (triple), Molli Morrow, and Harlee Thomason had one hit each. Shyia Woods contributed a sacrifice fly and added three RBI. The loss dropped Hiram to 3-7 overall and 3-6 in Region 7-4A. Cass (10-4, 8-2) plays a non-region game at Paulding County on Saturday at 1 p.m. ADAIRSVILLE 4, MT. ZION-CARROLL 3 Mt. Zion-Carroll threatened late with a two-run sixth inning, but the Adairsville Lady Tigers held off the Eagles for a 4-3 non-region home win on Thursday. Ashlyn Carlton worked all seven innings in the circle and picked up the pitching victory for the Tigers. She scattered six hits and one walk. All three Mt. Zion runs were unearned, and Carlton struck out five. Cadey Evans (double, RBI) and Chloe Hill (two RBI) had two hits for Adairsville. Carlton (RBI), Maddie Baggett, Ansley Powell (double), and Annabelle Mitchell added one hit. Mt. Zion-Carroll slipped to 7-5 on the season. Adairsville (9-4, 3-3 in Region 7-3A) hosts Wheeler in another non-region game on Saturday at 11 a.m.

September 3, 2025 Cartersville shortstop LaKiaya Banks makes a throw across the infield. Cartersville shut out Woodland in a Region 7-4A contest on Wednesday, while Adairsville added to its victory total with a forfeit. CARTERSVILLE 11, WOODLAND 0 Cartersville pitcher Presley Crabbe tossed a five-inning, two-hit shutout Wednesday evening to blank visiting Woodland 11-0. Ashlyn Baines and Kamryn Smith had the base hits for the Lady Cats. Evie Tucker (2.2 IP, 9R, 4ER, 8H, 1BB, 1K) and Bella Kuykendall (1.1 IP, 2ER, 3H, 0BB, 1K) shared the pitching responsibilities for Woodland. Sophia Harper (double, sac fly, five RBI) led the Cartersville offense with two hits. Miley Jo Williams (home run, three RBI), Suzannah Russell (double, RBI), Crabbe (RBI), Kennedy Crenshaw, Taryn Bradley (double), Zoie Shiflett (double), Kinsey Woodard, and LaKiaya Banks added one hit. Woodland (2-7, 1-5) hosts Dalton on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. Cartersville (13-2, 7-2) travels to Southeast Whitfield on Thursday for a 6:30 p.m. start. ADAIRSVILLE 7, HAMPTON 0  (forfeit) The Lady Tigers (8-4, 3-3) picked up a non-region win on Wednesday by forfeit. Adairsville hosts Mount Zion-Carroll on Thursday at 5 p.m.

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. Ashlyn Carlton is the August 2025 Elite Athlete of the Month for Adairsville High School. A senior who pitches and plays first base, Carlton leads the Lady Tigers entering September with a .519 batting average and a 2.04 ERA in the circle. She has accumulated 38 strikeouts as a pitcher. “Ashlyn has been a workhorse for us this season,” said Adairsville softball coach Justin Evans. “She works hard at everything she does and gives her all for the 'A' every time she steps on the field.” She is the daughter of Brian and Katie Carlton. Kylie Gentry is the August 2025 Elite Athlete of the Month representing Cass High School. The daughter of Jake and Kristen Gentry and a sophomore on the Lady Colonels’ softball team, she has been a force in the circle and at the plate this season. In the circle, Gentry has an ERA under 2.00 across 52 innings and tossed a no-hitter in a crucial region matchup. Offensively, she has been impactful with a .333 batting average. Her year-round dedication to athletics is evident. In addition to softball, she competes with a top-level travel softball team and also plays for the Cass basketball team. Gentry has excelled in the classroom, maintaining a 4.4 GPA while participating in the school’s magnet program.  “We are proud to have Kylie representing Cass High School both in the classroom and on the field,” stated Cass softball coach Taylor Washington. Zoie Shiflett represents Cartersville High School as the August 2025 Elite Athlete of the Month. A junior pitcher and designated hitter on the Lady Canes’ softball team, she also plays some first base. In August, Shiflett recorded her 300th career strikeout and has exhibited some hitting power during her high school career. “Zoie is a hard worker,” said Cartersville softball coach Glen Woodard. “She leads by example and is willing to take the ball every game if needed. She works hard on her pitching and hitting.” The daughter of Joey and April Shiflett, she is currently undecided on her college decision, although she is receiving a lot of interest. She maintains a 4.2 GPA while participating in sports. Preston Sorrells is the Elite Athlete of the Month for August 2025 at Woodland High School. The son of Bill Sorrells and Lisa Knight, Preston is a senior wide receiver and cornerback on the Wildcats’ football team and plays outfield for the baseball team. Sorrells has received multiple ‘Player of the Week’ awards in the Woodland program during his career. He currently plays 120-130 snaps per game in football, playing on both sides of the ball. “The best thing about Preston is his character and his competitive spirit,” noted Woodland head football coach Andy Scott. “He is a young man that you wish you had 50 of, because you never have to worry about him. He will always give his absolute best in everything he does.” Sorrells has performed well in the classroom with a 3.7 GPA. He plans to attend Georgia Highlands College for two years and then work toward a career in Law Enforcement or Forensics. 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

September 2, 2025 Woodland volleyball battled but came up short in matches on Tuesday at Paulding County. The Lady Cats lost to Cedartown 17-25, 20-25, and fell to the host Lady Patriots 21-25 and 19-25. “We played really hard this evening,” said coach David Condon. “We are continuing to improve.” Alex Williams totaled four digs, three aces, and two blocks in the matches. Emily Guin contributed four aces and four digs. Bella King had five kills and two blocks, and Karisma Torres added three kills and two blocks. Woodland (6-14, 0-3) hosts Villa Rica and Southeast Whitfield on Thursday at 5 p.m.

September 2, 2025 Cass shortstop Shyia Woods makes a throw to first base. The Cass and Cartersville softball teams added wins Tuesday evening on the road. Cass won a region matchup at Southeast Whitfield, and Cartersville won a non-region contest at Calhoun in five innings. CASS 6, SOUTHEAST WHITFIELD 2 Cass softball took control of a close game Tuesday with runs in each of its final three offensive frames and won at Southeast Whitfield, 6-2. The Lady Colonels led 2-1 through four innings before adding single runs in the fifth and sixth innings. They added two more in the seventh for a 6-1 lead and held off the Raiders in the bottom of the seventh. Kylie Gentry worked all seven innings in the circle for Cass and earned the pitching victory. She allowed two runs (one earned) on five hits and no walks. Gentry struck out eight. Lindsey Chubb had three hits and three RBI to pace the Colonels’ offense. Harlee Thomason (RBI), Shyia Woods, MJ McFarlane, and Gentry (double, RBI) contributed one hit. Natalie Hughes added one RBI. The loss dropped the Lady Raiders to 4-10 overall and 1-8 in Region 7-4A. Cass (9-4, 7-2) has won seven of its last eight games and will host Hiram on Thursday in another region contest at 5:30 p.m. CARTERSVILLE 12, CALHOUN 1 The Lady Canes scored five runs in the top of the first inning on Tuesday and went on to win at Calhoun 12-1 in five innings. Kennedy Crenshaw homered twice for the Lady Canes and drove in six runs. Sophia Harper (double, 2 RBI), Kinsey Woodard, and Shiflett (double, RBI) contributed two hits each. LaKiaya Banks (solo home run), Izzy Tummins, and Suzannah Russell (RBI) added one hit. Zoie Shiflett collected the pitching victory by working all five innings in the circle. She allowed only one, unearned run on three hits and one walk, while striking out eight. The loss dropped Calhoun to 3-8 on the season. Cartersville (12-2) returns to Region 7-4A action on Wednesday, hosting Woodland at 6:30 p.m.

September 1, 2025 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com Mason Barnett, a former standout pitcher from Cartersville High School, made his Major League Baseball debut this week, joining Anthony Seigler from the Canes at the Big League level.  In other areas, college Fall sports have begun their seasons, with several local athletes making contributions. MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL Mason Barnett made his MLB debut on August 30 against the Texas Rangers. MASON BARNETT — Oakland Athletics; 4th-year pro; Auburn; Cartersville HS) … called up by the Oakland A’s earlier in the week, Barnett made his Major League debut last Saturday against the visiting Texas Rangers. The 24-year-old right-hander went four-plus innings, allowing five earned runs on eight hits, and was charged with the pitching loss in an eventual 9-3 loss. Barnett worked a quick 1-2-3 first inning on 12 pitches. In the second, however, he ran into some trouble. He allowed three hits in the frame, leading to three runs. He yielded an RBI double in the third inning and was lifted in the fifth following Wyatt Langford’s home run that gave the Rangers a 5-2 lead. Despite the outcome, it was a memorable night for Barnett, who had family members and friends seated behind the A’s dugout. After the game, he told reporter Martin Gallegos of Athletic.com , “I was super excited and super pumped. I feel like after the first inning, I settled in a little bit. I wish I could’ve made some better pitches when I needed to. Moving forward, I just need to make adjustments and go from there.” Barnett’s fastball maxed out at 97 mph in his first MLB appearance, and his fastball averaged 94.6 mph. He did not issue a walk and threw strikes on 46 of his 66 pitches. Before the call-up, he appeared in 25 games (23 starts) in his first Triple-A season at Las Vegas, Barnett was 6-2 with a 6.13 ERA. Entering the week, the Athletics (63-75) are in the cellar of the AL West. Oakland has three games at the St. Louis Cardinals through Wednesday and three at the Angels this weekend. Anthony Seigler celebrates in the dugout on August 28. ANTHONY SEIGLER — Milwaukee Brewers (Major League Baseball; 8th-year pro; Cartersville HS) … made a start at third base August 28 at home against the Arizona Diamondbacks and went 1-for-4 with a double, two RBI, and a run scored during a 9-8 win. He struck out in two other pinch-hitting appearances during the week and appeared at third base. The 26-year-old is now 12-for-59 (.203) in his MLB plate appearances since joining the Brewers at the beginning of July. He has five RBI and has scored six runs with an on-base percentage of .304. Milwaukee began the week with an 85-53 record, leading the Chicago Cubs by 6-½ games in the NL Central. They host the Phillies for three games through Wednesday and visit the Pirates for a three-game series over the weekend.  MiLB LOGAN MARTIN — Quad Cities River Bandits (Kansas City Royals High-Class A affiliate; 3rd-year pro; Kentucky; Cartersville HS) … completed a scoreless three-inning start last Thursday at the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers in his first pitching appearance since August 16. It was only his third appearance in August. The right-hand hurler scattered two hits, two walks, and hit a batter. He also fanned four. Martin received no decision in the eventual 3-2 road loss. For the season in 21 starts, he is 8-4 with a 3.62 ERA across 87 innings. He has 74 strikeouts. Quad Cities (71-55 overall) is 32-28 in the Midwest League’s second half standings and trailing division-leading Beloit by 1-½ games entering the final week of the regular season. The River Bandits host the Cedar Rapids Kernels for their final six games. They will need to win the second-half race to reach the postseason. PGA TOUR AMERICAS BUCK BRUMLOW — (1st year pro; University of Georgia; Cartersville HS) … fired rounds of 65-68-70-67 (14-under par) and tied for 44th place this past weekend at the CRMC Championship held at Craguns Legacy Course in Brainerd, Minnesota. Michael Brennan defeated Derek Hitchner in a playoff to win the event. The two players were tied after 72 holes at 26-under par. The 22-year-old Brumlow is currently 68th on the PGA Tour Americas Fortinet Cup points list with three events remaining. The Top 80 will have exempt status for the 16-event Latin America swing that begins next March, and the Top 10 will earn exempt Korn Ferry Tour membership. Up next on the schedule is the ATB Classic on September 11-14 at Northern Bear Golf Club in Alberta, Canada. COLLEGE FOOTBALL JOHNATHAN CLINE — East Tennessee State University (R-So., Cartersville HS) … was a starter on the Buccaneers’ offensive line that helped produce 572 total yards in a 45-17 home win over Murray State. ETSU (1-0) visits Knoxville to face the University of Tennessee on Saturday. CARLOS DEL RIO-WILSON — Marshall University (R-Jr., Cartersville HS) … was 2-for-3 passing for 10 yards and had three rushing attempts for four yards in a 45-7 loss at Georgia. The Thundering Herd (0-1) hosts Missouri State on Saturday night. TOKYO GORDON -- Sam Houston State University (Jr., Adairsville HS) ... made 10 total tackles (eight solo), including 1-½ for loss with one sack in games August 23 at Western Kentucky and at home this past Friday against UNLV. The Bearkats (0-2, 0-1) play at Hawaii on Saturday. DEVIN HENDERSON — Liberty University (R-Fr., Cass HS) … had one tackle from his safety position in a 28-7 home win Saturday over Maine. The Flames (1-0) play at Jacksonville State University on Saturday afternoon. SHADRE HURST — Tulane University (R-Jr., Cartersville HS) … was a starter on the Green Wave’s offensive line that helped produce 421 total yards in a 23-3 home victory over Northwestern University. Tulane (1-0) travels to Mobile for a Saturday game at the University of South Alabama. KHRISTIAN LANDO — Jacksonville State University (R-Fr., Cartersville HS) … had one rushing attempt for no yards last Thursday in the Gamecocks’ 17-10 loss at the University of Central Florida. Jax State (0-1) entertains Liberty University on Saturday. SAM PHILLIPS — University of Iowa (R-Jr., Cartersville HS) … started at wide receiver and was targeted once with no receptions, but he had a 46-yard punt return from his own 7-yard line to the Albany 47 in the fourth quarter during a 34-7 Hawkeyes home win. Iowa (1-0) plays at Iowa State on Saturday afternoon. DEVONTE ROSS — Penn State University (Sr., Cartersville HS) … the transfer from Troy had one catch Saturday for four yards in the Nittany Lions’  46-11 home opener win over Nevada. Penn State (1-0) welcomes Florida International University on Saturday afternoon. STEPHEN ROWSER — Morehouse College (So., Cartersville HS) … started at defensive back and had three tackles, including one solo, in a 45-9 loss to Johnson Smith University in the HBCU Classic in Boston. The Maroon Tigers (0-1) face Howard University on September 13 in East Rutherford, NJ. SACOVIE WHITE-HELTON — University of Georgia (R-Fr., Cass HS) … had one reception for 12 yards in the Bulldogs’ 45-7 home win this past Saturday over Marshall. Georgia (1-0) hosts Austin Peay on Saturday. CROSS COUNTRY TYLER JONES — University of West Georgia (Jr., Woodland HS) … ran a personal best time of 16:41.71 and placed 48th last Friday at the Jacksonville State University Invitational in Oxford, Alabama. West Georgia was sixth in the 20-team race. The next race for the Wolves is the Southern Showcase in Huntsville on September 12. VOLLEYBALL AILEE ENGLAND — Berry College (So., Cartersville HS) … in three team victories over Wittenberg University (OH), Transylvania University (KY), and Wartburg College (IA) at the Transylvania Tournament in Lexington, Kentucky, last Friday and Saturday, England saw action in five sets. She had two service aces against Transylvania. The Vikings (3-0) travel to Whitewater, Wisconsin, this weekend for the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Invitational. VANESSA JOHNSON — Georgia Highlands College (So., Cartersville HS) … totaled 20 kills, five blocks, three digs, and two assists in a pair of straight sets losses on August 22 to Andrew College and Cleveland State CC. This past weekend, the Chargers dropped three-set losses to Coastal Alabama-South, Wallace State CC, and Cleveland State CC, but individual stat lines were not available. GHC (0-5, 0-1 GCAA) hosts Reinhardt University JV on Tuesday and travels to Cleveland State CC on Saturday. MADELYN ORTON — LaGrange College (Sr., Cartersville resident, Cornerstone Prep Academy) … The Panthers finished 1-3 last Friday and Saturday at the McDowell Invitational in Atlanta, hosted by Emory University. LaGrange defeated Mississippi University for Women, but lost to St. Catherine University, LeTourneau University, and Oglethorpe University. She saw action in nine sets and totaled six aces and eight digs. LaGrange hosts Clark Atlanta University on Wednesday night and will play in the Huntingdon Tournament Friday and Saturday. MEREDITH ORTON — LaGrange College (Sr., Cartersville resident, Cornerstone Prep Academy) … totaled seven kills and six digs across seven sets during the McDowell Invitational at Emory University. The Panthers (1-3) host Clark Atlanta University on Wednesday and travel to Montgomery on Friday and Saturday for the Huntingdon Tournament. LaGrange is scheduled to face Huntingdon College, Millsaps College, University of St. Thomas (TX), and Piedmont University. SOCCER ABBEY CRAIG — Reinhardt University (Sr., Cartersville HS) … saw 17 minutes of pitch time as a defender in the Eagles’ 3-1 loss August 23 at Life University. Reinhardt (0-1) visits Bluefield University (WV) on Saturday. MACI NICKLAS — Truett McConnell University (So., Cartersville HS) … entered as a reserve in wins over Georgia Gwinnett College and Faulkner University (AL) August 26 and 30. She totaled 28 minutes on the pitch. The Bears (2-0) host Southeastern University (FL) on Wednesday and Montreat College (NC) on Saturday.

August 30, 2025 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com Naz Fleurine returned an interception 50 yards for a touchdown to open the scoring in the Colonels' 48-0 win Friday at Adairsville. ADAIRSVILLE, Ga. — The Cass Colonels were dominant in the 60th renewal of the intra-county rivalry, dismantling the Adairsville Tigers 48-0 in a non-region clash Friday night at Tiger Stadium.  A suffocating Cass defense and explosive second-half offense secured the Colonels’ third straight win over Adairsville, and extended their lead in the all-time series to 35-24-1. The Colonels got on the scoreboard first when senior linebacker Naz Fleurine intercepted a Braxton Elrod pass and returned it 50 yards for a touchdown with 8:35 left in the first quarter. Anthony Quijada made the first of his six extra points on the night and staked Cass to a 7-0 lead.  Cass head coach Steve Gates discusses strategy with quarterback Brodie McWhorter. The Colonels’ defense smothered Adairsville’s offense in the first half. In addition to the pick six, the four other possessions for the Tigers resulted in three punts and a possession halted by the halftime buzzer. Cass’s offense, despite two punts and two turnovers on downs inside Adairsville’s 20-yard line in the first half, began to find its groove in the second quarter.  Mississippi State-bound quarterback Brodie McWhorter connected with sophomore Jah Anderson for a 3-yard touchdown pass on a fourth-and-goal play to begin the period. The connection capped a 45-yard, 10-play drive to make it 14-0 with 11:48 remaining.  On the next Cass possession, running back Kalil Charles added a 25-yard touchdown run to finish off a six-play, 87-yard drive at the 5:47 mark. The scoring march sent the Colonels into halftime with a commanding 21-0 lead. Malakai Keita (35) wraps up Adairsville's Jayvian Carson on a first-half rushing attempt. The Colonels erupted in the second half, scoring touchdowns on four of their five possessions.  Junior safety Demarcus Ballenger’s interception on Adairsville’s opening drive of the third quarter set up a 26-yard touchdown run by Charles at 10:37, and pushed the lead to 28-0. Two minutes later, junior linebacker Eli Simmons snagged another interception, setting up Charles for a 17-yard touchdown scamper to make it 35-0 with 8:42 left in the quarter.  McWhorter and Anderson linked up again the next time the Colonels had the ball for a 66-yard touchdown pass at the 4:38 mark, ballooning the score to 42-0. With the outcome of the game settled, a running clock was instituted in the fourth quarter. Twin brother Kalel Charles capped the next Cass scoring drive with a 24-yard touchdown run with 7:22 remaining, though the PAT attempt missed, the score was finalized at 48-0. Cass' John Abernathy (65) and Landen Nelson (13) make a defensive stop on Carson. Kalil Charles led the way with three rushing touchdowns, while McWhorter and Anderson connected for two passing scores, including the highlight-reel 66-yarder. The Tigers’ rushing efforts improved in the second half, with Jay Carson producing some quality carries. However, the Colonels’ defense stifled Adairsville’s air game with three interceptions and relentless pressure on the quarterback throughout the contest. Cass has now won 15 of the last 21 meetings in this local rivalry. The Colonels (2-1) head to Class 6A North Cobb next Friday, while Adairsville (0-3) looks to rebound at home in another intra-county matchup with Woodland. Photos by Randy Parker / DTN

August 30, 2025 Scott Barkley / CanesAthletics.com Braylon Hill rushed for 91 yards and two touchdowns in the first half vs. Hapeville Charter Cartersville scored on six straight possessions to run past Hapeville Charter on Friday night as the Canes rolled to a 42-6 win over the Hornets.  The second drive of the night looked different, but ended with a very familiar result as CHS began on their own 32. Living by the quick strike this season, Nate Russell and company began an 11-play march where the biggest gain was a 16-yard completion to tight end Cole Crawford. It ended with Braylon Hill’s 11-yard run for a touchdown for the 7-0 lead.  The team’s leader in all-purpose yards with 160 entering the game, Hill added 91 more on the night – all in the first half and all on the ground – to go with two touchdowns.  Nate Russell fires a short pass. “I want to thank my O-line because without them, I wouldn’t be able to do any of that,” Hill said. “I’m thankful for the coaching staff. Coach [JJ] Chatmon works us hard in the weight room. It helps me get better every day.” “Get better every day” could be the mantra for an offense with so many weapons. That mindset forces players to make the most of their opportunities, said head coach Conor Foster.  “They feed off each other,” he said. “They understand that if the other guy is playing well, then that’s going to determine some coverage assignments or front adjustments that open it up for other guys. They know that what the defense gives us is going to dictate touches.” On Friday, the defense continued to give.  Receiving the ball after Hill’s score, Hapeville drove from their 28 and across midfield in nine plays. The Hornets then took a shot deep, which was a mistake because Tyon Coe skyed for the interception, returning it to the Canes' 40.  Athens Davenport (35) and Reed Ezell (30) bring down a Hapeville Charter ball carrier as Kylen Pope (25) and Cooper Melvin (14) pursue the play. After a run for no gain and incomplete pass, Cartersville faced a third-and-long when Russell found Brady Marchese down the right sideline for 43 yards to the Hornet 17. Two plays later, Coe took a handoff up the middle, stutter-stepped to his left and dashed in for the 12-yard touchdown and 14-0 lead with 8:33 to play before halftime.   Two minutes later it was Hill’s turn again, racing 67 yards on a handoff up the middle to push the lead to 21-0. After forcing another Hapeville punt, the Canes only needed two plays to score again as a wide-open Kaiden Kent took Russell’s pass at the 20 and waltzed into the end zone for the 42-yard score.  Hapeville’s athleticism became apparent on the resulting kickoff. The Hornets should’ve had a score, but Canes kicker Ramsey Rowell did just enough to slow the runner down so teammates could arrive to force him out deep in CHS territory.  Langston Hogg (73) clears a path for Maddox Davis in the Purple Hurricanes 42-6 win over Hapeville Charter. “I give that team a lot of credit,” said Foster. “They’re really good, exceptionally talented and have played in a lot of tough environments, but so have our kids.” That showed on both counts as Hapeville moved inside the Cartersville ten. But on the next play, Crawford, at linebacker, scooped up a Hornet fumble and returned it to the Cartersville 37 before running out of gas.  After a Mason James sack squashed Hapeville’s drive to open the second half, Cartersville’s offensive starters made the most of their final appearance of the night.  Kyron McClendon began with a two-yard reception before a trio of Tripp Chatmon runs moved the ball to the Hornet 35. Russell then found Marchese for the touchdown and 35-0 lead.  Harris Turner came in for Russell on the next drive. The sophomore responded by leading a four-play drive that finished with his first varsity touchdown, a 23-yard toss to Cooper Melvin on fourth down.  On the night, Marchese added to his role as the team’s leading receiver with three catches for 82 yards and a score. “It’s important to be ready when your number is called,” said the Georgia commit. “We’ve got a lot of weapons. Our running back corps is insane and we’ve got some young guys like Madoxx Davis showing out as receivers.” One Hapeville drive late in the game was turned away by a Canes interception, but the Hornets finally got on the board as time ran out for the 42-6 final.  Cartersville (3-0) turns its attention to Calhoun as the rivals and defending 3A champs come to Weinman Stadium next Friday.  The Yellow Jackets are 2-0 following wins over Creekview (28-3) and Westminster (35-17). “Our intensity is going to be real high this week,” said Marchese.  “I can’t say enough good things about the Calhoun program,” added Foster. “We’re going to trust our process, recover as much as we can this weekend and enjoy time with our families, then come in ready to work on Monday.” Kickoff is set for 7:30.