The Excel Christian Academy Eagles lost to visiting Shiloh Hills Christian Academy Monday night, 67-54. Aidan Nemat scored 18 points to lead the Challengers (10-2). Seth Bledsoe and Kayden Jeter added 14 and 13 points, respectively. Kamarion Profit paced Excel with 15 points. David Jinks contributed 12 and Carter May had 11 points for the Eagles. Excel (2-6) hosts Johnson Ferry Christian Academy on Thursday at 7:30 p.m.

The Cass girls, boys, and combined swim teams finished runner-up to host Rome High School last Thursday (Dec. 7) in a six-team event. In the combined scoring and girls scoring, Model was third followed by Armuchee, Pepperell, and Coosa. In the boys’ events, Model was third followed by Armuchee and Coosa. The Cass boys 200-yard freestyle relay team, consisting of Sawyer Foy, Brandon Silva-Escuen, Gavin Srybnik, and Jordan Russell, won their event in 2:03.23. Stacia Zappoli, Monica Martinez, Carson Brannon, and Adyson Doolittle of Cass won the girls' 200-yard freestyle relay in 2:14.77. Foy was second in the boys' 50-yard freestyle; Lam Vy was second in the boys' 100-yard breaststroke; and the Cass girls' 400-yard freestyle relay team (Doolittle, Zappoli, Martinez, and Mallece Lorimer) finished second. The Colonels will take a holiday break before competing in the Bartow County Championships at Adairsville High School on Saturday, January 6.

The Woodland High and Cass High wrestling teams participated Saturday in the Al Miller Cleveland (Tenn.) Duals. Woodland went 2-1 in Pool B of the 16-team event with victories over Rossview (63-15), Gilmer (36-24), and a loss to Huntsville (43-27). The Wildcats then dropped a 51-24 decision to Blackman in the semifinals of the Silver brackets before defeating Central-Carroll 38-36 in the Silver bracket third-place match. In Pool C, Cass was 0-3 with losses to Christian Brothers (39-34), Central-Carroll (45-33), and Maryville (40-36). The Colonels then won the Copper Bracket with victories over Mountain View (55-16) and Rossview (58-23). Individual performances: Woodland: 106: Amari Kinnamore - 5-0 113: Noah Cates - 1-4 120: Dylan Couey - 1-4 126: Griffin Firth - 2-3 132: Nathan Cates - 4-1 138: Briggis Taff -  1-4 144: Zachary Wallace -  3-1 150: Keidon Linden - 0-4 157: Christian Cothran - 4-1 165: Heath Tatum - 0-4 175: Melvin Ramos - 1-4 190: Owen Jones -  5-0 215:  John Gill -  3-2 285 - Kwadrus Wilson - 3-1 Cass 106: Nathaniel Johnson - 0-2 113: Angel Castenado - 4-1 120 / 126: Hunter Barrett - 4-1 120 / 126: Lee Camp - 5-0 132: Luka Jenson - 1-4 138: Ethan Harrington - 3-2 144/ 150: A.J. Piatt - 3-1 144: Austin McArthur -  1-1 150: David Jewell - 5-0 157: Richard Martin - 1-3 165: Mason Tompkins - 5-0 175: Kirecg Roe - 5-0 190 - Tyler Rutledge - 0-4 215 - Wyatt Harris - 2-3 285 - John Abernathy - 0-5 Woodland will wrestle in the Gorilla Warfare at Berkmar High School in Lilburn this Friday and Saturday. Cass will compete at the Smokey Mountain Duals in Gatlinburg, Tennessee on the same dates.

Two local high school girls’ teams participated Saturday in the Wood Elite Showcase at Etowah High School and both came up short in their respective contests. CREEKVIEW 56, CARTERSVILLE GIRLS 49 The Lady Canes trailed 29-20 at halftime Saturday and could not recover in the second half in a 56-49 loss to the Creekview Grizzlies. KK Arnold led Cartersville with 14 points. Jayda Cothran followed with 10. Ansley Griffin scored nine points. Zoie Shiflett tossed in six and Taff Bradley added five points for the Lady Canes. Ashlynn Buciasath led Creekview (6-3) with 12 points. Kailyn Hamby and Amilya Taft added 10 points each. Cartersville (2-5) hosts Sonoraville on Tuesday at 6 p.m. HARRISON 44, ADAIRSVILLE GIRLS 32 Sloane Vick scored 18 points and Harper Smith totaled 10 as Harrison defeated Adairsville 44-32 in a game played at Etowah High School as part of the Elite Wood Showcase. NaXyria Roberts led Adairsville with 17 points. Savannah Viktora scored five and Alissa Winters added four points for the Lady Tigers. Adairsville (5-3) visits Coahulla Creek on Tuesday at 6 p.m.

Saturday, December 9 Cartersville wrestling finished twelfth and Adairsville was fourteenth this weekend (Dec. 8-9) at the 39-team McCallie Wrestling Invitational Tournament in Chattanooga. Cartersville results: 106: Jair Flores, 0-2 120: Will Benson, 0-2 126: Eaiden Neal, 5th place, 5-2 132: Wyatt Earwood, 1-2 138: Talan Nix, 5-0, Champion 144: Grey Williams, 2-2 175: Peter Cepeda, 0-2 215: GianCarlo Rivadeneyra, 2-2 285: Delroy Hurst, 3-2 Adairsville results: 113: Madden Boyce, 6th place,  5-3 138: Ethan Bruce, 0-2 150: Jay Chancey, 1-2 157: Howard Bailey, 3rd place, 6-1 165: Jacob Pasley, 4-2 190: Jaimen Long, 4th place, 5-2 Adairsville and Cartersville return to the mats December 15-16 in the Clash at Coahulla Creek.

The Adairsville High basketball teams swept Ridgeland in Region 6-AAA action Friday night while the Woodland High teams swept non-region contests with Bowdon. The Excel Christian Academy boys dropped a home matchup with Calhoun in other local action. ADAIRSVILLE GIRLS 50, RIDGELAND 39 The Lady Tigers remained unbeaten in region play with a 50-39 home win Friday night over Ridgeland. Adairsville led at each quarter stop including 13-8 after one quarter; 21-17 at halftime; and 37-25 through three quarters on the way to their 11-point win. NaXyria Roberts and Darby Adams paced the Lady Tigers in scoring with 12 and 11 points, respectively. Jamiah Lewis led the visiting Lady Panthers (2-6, 0-3) with 13 points. Adairsville (5-2, 3-0) steps out of Region 6-AAA play Saturday to host Harrison at 4:30 p.m. ADAIRSVILLE BOYS 64, RIDGELAND 53 The Tigers led 18-10 after the opening eight minutes and extended the lead to 34-17 by halftime Friday night in a home region win over Ridgeland. The Panthers narrowed the margin to eight points during the second half but Adairsville held on for a 64-53 victory. Xavious Nalls led Adairsville with 21 points. Tay Jackson and Ben Abernathy followed with 13 points apiece. Chase Hickman led Ridgeland (4-3, 1-2) with 16 points. Adairsville (3-4, 2-1) plays at Coahulla Creek on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. WOODLAND GIRLS 54, BOWDON 39 The Lady Cats had three players reach double-figure scoring Friday night in a 54-39 home victory over Bowdon. Woodland led 23-11 at the intermission on the way to a 15-point win. Gracie Shipp led with 17 points. Ella Shipp scored 14 and Megan Schultz totaled 10 points for Woodland. Reagan Weightman posted seven and Libby Morgan added six. Carlie Whitman led the Red Devils (0-3) with 12 points. The Lady Cats (4-3) visit Southeast Whitfield on Tuesday. WOODLAND BOYS 62, BOWDON 33 The Wildcats improved to 3-5 with a 62-33 home win Friday night over Bowdon (0-3). Brelace Williams scored 16 points and grabbed 12 rebounds for the Wildcats. Zyon Heath added 14 points and collected eight rebounds. Woodland travels to Southeast Whitfield on Tuesday. CALHOUN 85, EXCEL CHRISTIAN ACADEMY BOYS 62 Visiting Calhoun led 51-31 by halftime on the way to an 85-62 win at Excel Christian Academy Friday night. Bryant Arnold led Calhoun with 18 points followed by Jace Johnson with 14, Blake Hammett with 12, and Landon Chattam with 10 points. King Eleazer paced the Eagles with 23 points. Carlos Cartagena scored 16 and Carter May had 11 points for ECA. Calhoun improved to 1-2 on the season. Excel (2-5) hosts Shiloh Hills Christian on Monday at 7:30 p.m.

The Cass girls and boys teams defeated visiting Sonoraville Tuesday night while the Adairsville girls and Woodland girls also collected wins. Local high school basketball results for Tuesday, December 5 as reported to BartowSportsZone.com. Updates will be made when information is made available. ADAIRSVILLE GIRLS 52, RINGGOLD 40 The Adairsville Lady Tigers utilized a strong defensive effort and rebounded well in a 52-40 region win at Ringgold Tuesday night. “Our defense helped us tonight,” said Adairsville Melissa Winters following the game. “We had 18 steals and 26 rebounds.” Aliya McBryde led the Adairsville scoring with 15 points. NaXyria Roberts scored 14 and Alissa Winters added 10 for the green and gold Tigers. Leiah Henderson paced Ringgold (3-2, 1-1) with 12 points. The Adairsville girls (4-2, 2-0 Region 6-AAA) host Ridgeland on Friday at 7 p.m. and Harrison on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. WOODLAND GIRLS 43, UNITY CHRISTIAN 28 The Lady Cats built a 30-9 lead by halftime and beat the visiting Lady Lions of Unity Christian Tuesday night, 43-28. Megan Schultz and Gracie Shipp led the Woodland scoring attack with 16 and 9 points, respectively. Anna Grace Wells and Emily King posted six points each for Unity (0-3). Woodland (3-3) hosts Bowdon on Friday at 6 p.m. WOODLAND BOYS 73, UNITY CHRISTIAN 48 The Wildcats defeated Unity Christian School of Rome Tuesday night at home, 73-48, for their second win of the year. The loss drops Unity Christian to 0-3 on the season. Woodland (2-5) hosts Bowdon on Friday night. CASS GIRLS 49, SONORAVILLE 41 The Lady Colonels outlasted visiting Sonoraville Tuesday night, 49-41. Cass led at each quarter stop but the Lady Phoenix kept the game tight. Cass led 14-7 after one quarter; 18-16 at halftime; and 32-25 at the end of the third quarter. Olivia Woods led the Cass scoring with 13 points. Tamira Feanny and Zion Hayes controlled the boards with 15 and 10 rebounds, respectively. Hayes added nine points and Feanny scored two. Kiana McDaniel also scored nine points and finished with five steals. Darianna Sosa chipped in six points. Cadie Paez had five. Kaitlyn Godwin scored three points and KK Evans added two. Ella Kate Walraven led Sonoraville (0-6) with 16 points. Lakelin Hall followed with 11 and Malya Moore scored 10 points for the Phoenix. Cass (4-1) has a break before playing Mt. Zion-Carroll at the Carroll County Christmas Tournament on Thursday, December 14 at 4 p.m. CASS BOYS 55, SONORAVILLE The Colonels picked up their first win of the season Tuesday night at home, 55-49 over Sonoraville. Cass led the back-and-forth contest 16-11 after one quarter but trailed 23-20 at halftime and 40-28 at the end of the third quarter. The Colonels then rallied in the fourth quarter to outscore the Phoenix 27-9 to escape with a six-point win. Jayden Foster had 14 points to lead Cass. Kevin Henderson finished with nine. Jakai Baldwin and Dylan Miller contributed eight points each while Parnell Gamble added seven. “Excited to get a tough win over a good Sonoraville team,” said Cass coach Kevin Cunningham. “We had a full week of practice and it came together for us tonight. Parnell Gamble, Kevin Henderson, and Derris Reece played great off the bench and it helped us pull out a come-from-behind win. I’m proud of these guys.” Jordyn Storey scored 15 points for Sonoraville (3-3). Elijah Woods chipped in ten. Cass (1-4) plays at Rome on Monday, December 11. NORTH PAULDING 68, CARTERSVILLE GIRLS 51 KK Arnold and Ansley Griffin both scored 12 points to lead the Lady Canes but the Cartersville girls fell at North Paulding Tuesday night, 68-51. Arnold added three rebounds and three assists. Griffin had a pair of steals and two assists. Senai Camper contributed nine points, seven assists, and three rebounds. Zoie Shiflett finished with seven points and Taff Bradley six. The Lady Canes (2-4) return to action Saturday at Etowah High School where they will play Creekview at 6 p.m. in the Wood Elite Classic. GRACE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY 88, EXCEL CHRISTIAN ACADEMY BOYS 34 Grace Christian (5-1) led 27-9 after one quarter Monday night and was up 51-17 at halftime en route to an 88-34 win at home over Excel. ECA (2-5) hosts Calhoun on Friday at 7:30 p.m. RINGGOLD 55, ADAIRSVILLE BOYS 47 The Adairsville boys led 28-20 at halftime but a third-quarter surge by host Ringgold led to a 55-47 Region 6-AAA victory. Ringgold (4-1, 2-0) outscored Adairsville 35-19 in the second half. Gabe Gomez and Xavious Nalls each scored 15 points for Adairsville. Adairsville (2-4, 1-1) hosts Ridgeland on Friday at 8:30 p.m. NORTH PAULDING 53, CARTERSVILLE BOYS 39 North Paulding improved to 2-4 on the season. Cartersville is now 0-3. Next for the Canes is a home game on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. against Rockmart.

The Cartersville High swim team won a quad meet Tuesday at the Adairsville High pool defeating Woodland, Northwest Whitfield, and Cass in combined team scores. Cartersville’s combined score of 250 edged out Woodland with 244. Northwest Whitfield (196) was next followed by Cass (150). The Cartersville girls scored 148 followed by Cass (92), Woodland (89), and Northwest Whitfield (77). The Woodland boys (155) finished ahead of Northwest Whitfield (119), Cartersville (109), and Cass (58). Local winners by event: Boys 200 yard medley relay — Woodland (Grayson Moore, Isaiah Muriel, Isaac Muriel, Nicholas Lumpkin) — 2:08.66 Girls 200 yard medley relay — Cartersville (Lainey Saunders, Margot Walker, Margherita Miniati, Kat Conley) — 2:17.29 Boys 200 yard freestyle — Gavin Hubbard, Woodland, 2:40.67 Boys 50 yard freestyle — Grayson Moore, Woodland, 23.05 Boys 100 yard butterfly — Isaac Muriel, Woodland, 1:20.91 Boys 100 yard freestyle — Grayson Moore, Woodland, 55.27 Girls 100 yard freestyle — Margherita Miniati, Cartersville, 69.65 Boys 200 yard freestyle relay — Woodland (Isaiah Muriel, Nicholas Lumpkin, Isaac Muriel, Grayson Moore) — 1:4397 Girls 200 yard freestyle relay — Cartersville (Kat Conley, Margot Walker, Lainey Saunders, Margherita Miniati) — 1:58.87 Girls 100 yard backstroke — Lainey Saunders, Cartersvile, 1:23.73 Boys 100 yard backstroke — Isaiah Muriel, Woodland, 1:24.78 Girls 100 yard breaststroke — Margherita Miniati, Woodland, 1:20.13 Girls 400 yard freestyle — Cass (Adyson Doolittle, Mallece Lorimer, Jimena Perez, Stadia Zappoli) — 5:18.28 Upcoming meets: Cass at Rome on December 7 Woodland at Adairsville on December 16

Elite Stone Supply, in conjunction with WBHF and Bartow Sports Zone, presents the ELITE ATHLETES OF THE MONTH. Each month, local high schools are provided the opportunity to name an Elite Athlete of the Month from their varsity programs and present the information on their honoree through Bartow Sports Zone and on 100.3FM and AM1450, WBHF in Cartersville. The November Elite Athlete of the Month representing Cass High School is Bryant Cullifer. “When I think of Bryant Cullifer, I think of the words resilient and selfless. Bryant has battled through injury the last couple of years because his teammates needed him and because he was determined to be out on the field to play the sport he loves. Bryant is a senior defensive end who has been a big part of our program for the last couple of years. He has never been the biggest or fastest player on the field, but he is everything a coach wants in a player. He works extremely hard, he is coachable, and has a high football IQ.” — Colonels head coach Steve Gates. Cullifer is heavily involved in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes club at Cass and maintains a 3.96 grade point average. He is the son of Scott and Mandi Cullifer. Khristian Lando represents Cartersville High School as the November Elite Athlete of the Month. A senior running back and outside linebacker on the Canes’ football team, Lando is also a member of the track and field team. Lando was selected as a First Team All-Region 7-5A running back. “It's truly heartwarming to have encountered a student like Khristian Lando at Cartersville. His dedication and hard work are truly remarkable, and his selflessness and joy for the success of his teammates are rare qualities to find. As a consistent leader on and off the field, he has played an essential role in our team's success during his three years of varsity football. This year, he finally got his chance to lead the backfield, and he did not disappoint, achieving a breakthrough year with 1,152 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns. His impact on defense with two sacks and 31 total tackles was also impressive. However, what truly stands out about Khristian is his personal growth. Despite facing numerous challenges, he has only become a stronger student-athlete through his perseverance and humility. It's truly a privilege to have had him at Cartersville High School, and being around him has been a pleasure for all that know him.” — Josh Flowers, Cartersville running back coach. The son of Tina Lando, Khristian is on the A/B Honor roll and plans to accept a football scholarship to continue his academic and athletic career. He currently holds several offers. Woodland High School’s November Elite Athlete of the Month is Grayson Moore. A junior member of the Wildcats’ swim team, Moore swims all strokes but has already qualified for the state meet in the 50-yard freestyle. He qualified in this season’s opening meet and broke his school record in the process. “Grayson is hard working whether he is in the water or the classroom. He is a member of the athletic leadership, as well as the food club. He has stepped up as a leader on the swim team and became a captain this year. Grayson has been a role model for the junior wildcats as our program expands,” Woodland swim coach Rebecca Beard. Moore, the son of Jennifer and Aaron Moore, is an Honor Student and has completed the Foods Pathway. He is striving to go to Florida and swim like his parents. Chloe Tomlinson is the November Elite Athlete of the Month for Adairsville High School. A senior and four-year member of the Tigers’ Competition Cheer program, she is the daughter of Kyle and Brittany Tomlinson. “Chloe is a great leader and competitor,” said Adairsville cheer coach Kaylie Smith. “She is a great athlete and an even better teammate. She’s always kind and uplifting while leading by example. Her efforts helped us to a top-six finish at state. We will miss her next season.” Tomlinson carries a 4.0 GPA and plans on attending Kennesaw State University to major in business or marketing. Editors Note: Photos and bios are supplied to Bartow Sports Zone and WBHF by the respective schools and athletic departments. Elite Stone Supply Co., LLC is the monthly sponsor. Athletes receive a plaque along with recognition during a radio feature on WBHF. #EliteAthletesoftheMonth #Cass #Cartersville #Woodland #Adairsville #highschool

The 2023 Adairsville Tigers football team won a second consecutive Region 6-3A championship this season and this week, several players and head coach Jonathan Cudd were recognized by the region coaches. Coach Cudd was selected as the Region Coach of the Year while quarterback Jonathan Gough was named Player of the Year in the region. Jamarian Pullum was named Athlete of the Year and Lineman of the Year honors went to Bobby Campbell. Tre Winters, Luke Altizer, Seth Sellers, Jett Johnson, Andrew Foster, Hayden Blalock, and Tamarius Wilkey were each named First Team All-Region. Player of the Year: QB Jonathan Gough, Adairsville, Sr. Offensive Player of the Year: QB Chase Ward, Coahulla Creek, Sr. Defensive Player of the Year: LB A.J. Sanders, Bremen, Sr. Athlete of the Year: RB/DB Jamarian Pullum, Adairsville, Jr. Lineman of the Year: OL/DL Bobby Campbell, Adairsville. Sr. Iron-man award: RB/LB Parr Folsom, Bremen, Sr. QB/DB Dawson Pendergrass, LaFayette, Sr. Coach of the Year: Jonathan Cudd, Adairsville First-team offense QB - Darian Keefe, Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe, So. RB - Khalas Finley, LaFayette, Jr. RB - Trent McPherson, Bremen, Jr. ATH - Brayden Stoker, Gordon Lee, So. WR - Tre Winters, Adairsville, Jr. WR - Jared Mitchell, Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe, So. WR - Malachi Hutchinson, Ridgeland, Sr. WR - Justin Faulkner, Bremen, So. TE - Parker Metcalf, Ridgeland, Sr. FB/H - Jonah Hatchett, Bremen, Sr. OL - Luke Altizer, Adairsville, Sr. OL - Evan Brown, Bremen, Sr. OL - Seth Sellers, Adairsville, Sr. OL - Donovan Spivey, Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe, So. OL - Andrew Muldoon, Bremen, Jr. OL - Zion Fleming, Ridgeland, Sr. PK - Ethan Rainwater, LaFayette, Jr. First-team defense DL - Elijah Bradberry, Ringgold, Sr. DL - Cam O'Neal, Bremen, Sr. DL - Gabe Dougherty, Gordon Lee, Jr. DL - Jett Johnson, Adairsville, Jr. DL - Andrew Foster, Adairsville, Sr. DL - Levi Lowery, Coahulla Creek, Sr. LB - Bryce Hart, Ringgold, Jr. LB - Payton Simpson, Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe, Sr. LB - Hayden Blalock, Adairsville, Sr. LB - Brody Barrow, Bremen, Sr. LB - Nick Whitefield, LaFayette, Jr. LB - Layne Vaughn, Gordon Lee, So. DB - Peyton Groce, Gordon Lee, So. DB - Tamarius Wilkey, Adairsville, Jr. DB - Dylan Huey, Bremen, Jr. DB - Logan Roberts, Ringgold, Jr. DB - Keith Collins, Coahulla Creek, Sr. P - Thatcher Wilbanks, Ringgold, Sr. LS - Kendall Chumley, Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe, Sr. Second-team offense QB - Carson Kimball, Bremen, Jr. RB - Tragontae Lewis, Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe, Jr. RB - Haddon Fries, Ringgold, So. RB - Kaleb Booker, Bremen, Sr. WR - Noah Matthews, Adairsville, Sr. WR - Braxton Holtcamp, Ringgold, Sr. WR - Luke Swinney, Coahulla Creek, Sr. WR - Owen Millians, Bremen, Sr. WR - Grayden Johnson, Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe, Sr. Ath - Kishaun Taylor, Ringgold, So. OL - Jonah Davenport, Gordon Lee, Jr. OL - Jack Mealor, Ringgold, Sr. OL - Nolan Burchfield, Ringgold, Sr. OL - Ryan Smith, Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe, Jr. OL - Michael Hamilton, LaFayette, Jr. OL - Braxton Ryan, Adairsville, Jr. PK - Carter Allen, Bremen, Fr. Second-team defense DL - Bryce Goins, Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe, Sr. DL - Jordan Montgomery, Ridgeland, Sr. DL - Brentlee Raby, Ringgold, Sr. DL - Vaidyn Payne, Adairsville, Sr. DL - Harrison Walker, Gordon Lee, Jr. LB - Nate Tilley, Coahulla Creek, Sr. LB - Cody Davis, LaFayette, Jr. LB - Zach Strawbridge, Ringgold, Jr. LB - Levi Gentry, Gordon Lee, Jr. LB - Kain Brown, Ridgeland, Jr. LB - Heath Gregg Jr., Ridgeland, So. LB - Braylon Pritchett, Ridgeland, Jr. DB - Aiden Haney, Bremen, Sr. DB - Jaydon Horvath, Adairsville, Sr. DB - Cole Runion, Ringgold, Jr. DB - Landon Norton, Gordon Lee, So. DB - Demetree Bates, Ridgeland, Jr. P - Bryan Ojeda, Ridgeland, Jr. LS - Thomas Mann, Bremen, Jr. Honorable mention: QB Garrett Edger, Ringgold, Jr.; RB Ethan Blome, Adairsville, Sr.; RB Peyton Bowen, Adairsville, Jr.; WR Carson Goff, Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe, Jr.; WR Hudson Moss, Ringgold, Sr.; WR Hurley McAllister, Gordon Lee, So.; OL Shephard Hodge, Bremen, Jr.; OL Noah Johnson, LaFayette, Sr.; OL Kason Christian, Bremen, Sr.; OL Aiden Stone, Ridgeland, So.; OL Obed Andres, Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe, Jr.; OL Caden Oliver, Gordon Lee, Jr.; OL Travis Talley, Ringgold, Sr.; OL Isaac McGill, Coahulla Creek, Jr.; OL Alex Goniea, Coahulla Creek, Sr.; OL Griffin Moore, Gordon Lee, So.; OL Jarrett Scott, Adairsville, Jr.; PK Manuel Saladania, Ringgold, Jr.; DL Jackson Lowery, Coahulla Creek, So.; DL Colt Forgey, Ringgold, Jr.; DL Bryce Goins, Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe, Sr.; DL Josh Connor, Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe, So.; DL Ethan Brown, Adairsville, Jr.; DL Michael Branam, Gordon Lee, Sr.; DL AJ Thomson, LaFayette, Sr.; DL CJ Slocum, Adairsville, Sr.; LB Dalton Russell, Gordon Lee, Jr.; LB Levi Harwell, Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe, Sr.; LB Seth Broadous, Ridgeland, Sr.; LB Cole Pruitt, Bremen, Jr.; LB Easton Yates, Gordon Lee, So.; DB Quanterrius Fleetwood, Ridgeland, Jr.; DB Brisyn Oliver, Gordon Lee, Jr.; DB Tyler Douglass, Coahulla Creek, Fr.; DB Xavious Nalls, Adairsville, Jr.; DB Aiden Price, Bremen, Jr.; LS Isaac Smith, Ridgeland, Jr.

December 2, 2023 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com The Cartersville Purple Hurricanes had their 2023 playoff run come to a close Friday night at Weinman Stadium with a 33-18 loss to the Coffee Trojans. Coffee, who has never won a state title, utilized a run-heavy offense powered by Fred Brown and one of the state’s top scoring defenses to collect a hard-fought win. The Trojans now move on to the Class 5A state championship game on Wednesday, December 13 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta where they will face Creekside. Creekside defeated Jefferson in Friday’s other state semifinal in Class 5A. Following a scoreless first quarter, Coffee scored on four straight possessions in the second and third quarters to build a 24-0 lead. A pair of Cartersville touchdowns in the third quarter sandwiched another Coffee score to leave the Trojans with a 31-12 lead. In the fourth quarter, Cartersville cut the score to 31-18 before a late safety for Coffee ended the scoring for the night. Cartersville had six offensive possessions in the first half. Five possessions ended with punts and the sixth saw the first half come to a close. After punting twice in the first quarter, Coffee’s offense found traction with the Trojans’ third possession. Coffee drove 67 yards on nine plays late in the first quarter and in the first minute of the second to take a 7-0 lead with 11:02 remaining in the half. Brown, who finished the night with 190 yards on 40 carries, punched in a 5-yard run. It would be his first of three touchdowns in the game. The Trojans had an apparent touchdown run by Brown called back for a personal foul penalty at the 5-yard line on their next possession. The drive stalled following the penalty and Coffee settled for a field goal by kicker Jonah Saylor to make the score 10-0. On Coffee’s next possession, the Trojans drove 73 yards on just five plays to go ahead 17-0 with 1:47 left in the first half. Quarterback Maurice Hansley shoveled a pass to Patrick McCall who took it 39 yards for the score. The Trojans made it four consecutive scoring drives at the beginning of the third quarter. Coffee took the second-half kickoff and drove 80 yards on 12 plays to go ahead 24-0 with 8:47 left in the third quarter. The drive was all running plays and included the conversion of a fourth-and-four play deep in Canes’ territory. Cartersville narrowed the margin to 24-6 with their initial possession of the second half. Nate Russell completed a 48-yard scoring strike to his tight end, Connor Brasfield, for the score. Brasfield raced down the seam and outran the Trojans’ secondary to the end zone. A two-point conversion pass attempt failed. Coffee answered immediately. The Trojans started at their 20-yard line with the next possession and drove the distance in 12 plays. Jaquavious Simpkins cashed in an 8-yard touchdown run to put Coffee ahead 31-6 with 3:05 left in the third quarter. The Canes posted the game’s next two touchdowns. Andrew Purdy led a five-play, 61-yard drive and scored on an 8-yard touchdown run. Another two-point conversion pass attempt failed but the Canes had cut their deficit to 31-12 with 1:41 left in the third quarter. The Hurricanes’ next possession started at their 20-yard line following a Coffee punt. In three quick plays, Cartersville scored again. Khristian Lando, who finished the night with 153 yards on 12 carries, had a 58-yard run and Richard Houston completed the drive with a 22-yard touchdown scamper. A two-point conversion run attempt failed leaving the score 31-18. After Coffee pinned the Canes near their goal line in the final seconds, the Trojans added a safety when Purdy was called for intentional grounding from his end zone. Other numbers for Coffee included Maurice Hansley who completed 10-of-12 passes for 157 yards — almost all on short shovel passes with the effect of a speed sweep with McCall. Hansley also had 36 rushing yards. McCall caught six of the described passes for 92 yards and Tyrese Hansley finished with 69 yards rushing on 14 attempts. For Cartersville, Russell was 4-for-8 passing for 54 yards and one touchdown. He also ran six times for 26 yards. Purdy, who also played quarterback, was 1-for-8 for 15 yards and rushed for 28 yards and one touchdown. Brasfield had three receptions for 60 yards and a score while Kendrick Price had a 15-yard reception. Cartersville finishes the 2023 season with a 13-1 record, a semifinal appearance, and a Region 7-5A championship.

The Adairsville boys' swim team won the 15-team Tiger Plunge Saturday at Adairsville High School and combined with the Lady Tigers to capture the combined score title. In the boys' competition, the Tigers earned 371 points to finish ahead of Union Grove (233), Whitewater (205), Woodland (203), and Notre Dame (148). Cartersville (119) was seventh. The Cartersville girls' team placed third with 221 points, finishing behind Union Grove (325) and Whitewater (234). The Adairsville girls finished fourth with 199 and Woodland was fifth with 191. Local event winners: ★ Boys 200-yard Medley Relay - Adairsville - (Gabriel Greenway, Brayden Rizer, Eli Burke, and Luke Altizer. ★ Boys 200-yard Freestyle - Adairsville - Gabriel Greenway ★ Girls 200-yard Individual Medley - Cartersville - Margherita Miniati ★ Boys 50-yard Freestyle - Woodland - Grayson Moore ★ Girls 100-yard Butterfly - Cartersville - Margherita Miniati ★ Boys 200-yard Freestyle Relay - Adairsville - (Brayden Rizer, Dylan Barrett, Luke Altizer, Gabriel Greenway ★ Boys 100-yard Breaststroke - Adairsville - Brayden Rizer ★ Boys 400-yard Freestyle Relay - Woodland - (Isaac Muriel, Kadin Keith, Nicholas Lumpkin, Isaiah Muriel Full individual results: