The Cartersville girls basketball team began its 2023-24 campaign this past Saturday with a 67-49 win at Paulding County. Cartersville led 32-24 at halftime and pulled away in the fourth quarter by outscoring the Patriots 20-4 in the final eight minutes. Kaytlin Arnold led the Lady Canes with 19 points, six rebounds, and six steals. Taff Bradley followed with 17 points and grabbed nine rebounds. Jayda Cothran had eight boards and six assists. Ansley Griffin added eight rebounds. Alexus Wilson led Paulding County with 18 points. Cartersville (1-0) plays at Carrollton on Saturday night. SHILOH HILLS CHRISTIAN 59, EXCEL CHRISTIAN GIRLS 28 The Lady Eagles trailed 33-10 by halftime and lost their season opener at Shiloh Hills Christian Academy on Tuesday, 59-28. Excel (0-1) returns to action on November 28 at Praise Academy. SHILOH HILLS CHRISTIAN 73, EXCEL CHRISTIAN BOYS 57 Carlos Cartagena scored 21 points and David Jinks finished with 15 but the Excel Christian Academy boys slipped to 0-2 on the season Tuesday night with a 73-57 loss at Shiloh Hills Christian Academy. Christian Vieira led Excel in rebounds with five. On November 2, the Eagles lost at Cornerstone Prep Academy, 86-68. David Jinks led Excel with 23 points. Kingston Eleazer posted 15 points. Carlos Cartagena finished with 13 points and Zion Green added 11 in the loss. Excel (0-2) returns to action on Monday afternoon at Gordon Central.

The Cass boys basketball team dropped its 2023-24 season opener at Whitefield Academy Tuesday night, 57-54. The Colonels, playing without its members that play football, led 29-24 at halftime and swapped leads with the host Wolfpack throughout the second half. “This was a tough one,” said Cass head coach Kevin Cunningham. “With the football guys missing, we still had a shot at the buzzer. We were short-handed and in early foul trouble.” Freshman Jakez Baldwin led the Colonels with 16 points. Jayden Foster followed with 12. Whitefield Academy improved to 1-0. Cass (0-1) plays at East Paulding next Tuesday.

The Cass girls basketball team opened its 2023-24 season Tuesday night at Kennesaw Mountain with a 65-16 win. Olivia Woods and Tamira Feanny shared scoring honors for Cass with 11 points each. Kaitlyn Godwin scored nine and KK Evans added eight. The Lady Mustangs slipped to 0-2 on the season with their loss. Cass (1-0) plays at East Paulding next Tuesday, November 21.

November 13, 2023 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com It is the cross-over season for 'Athletes Beyond Bartow' when the Fall sports begin to finish their seasons and the Winter sports begin. This week's update includes more than three dozen local athletes and their contributions in pro football and basketball plus collegiate football, volleyball, golf, swimming, basketball, and wrestling. NFL TREVOR LAWRENCE — Jacksonville Jaguars (NFL; 3rd-yr. pro; QB; Clemson; Cartersville HS) … was 17-for-29 passing for 185 yards in a 34-3 home loss to the San Francisco 49ers this past Sunday. Lawrence was sacked five times and threw a pair of interceptions. He had two rushing attempts for seven yards. Jacksonville (6-3) hosts the Tennessee Titans on Sunday afternoon. NBA G-LEAGUE ASHTON HAGANS — Rip City Remix (4th yr. pro; Cartersville native; Kentucky; Newton HS) … saw only brief action and had no stat line in one of two games last Friday and Saturday. Rip City won twice at the South Bay Lakers. Now 2-0, the Remix has games this week at the Ontario Clippers and at home (Friday and Saturday) against the Lakers and Clippers. COLLEGE FOOTBALL KOLBE BENHAM — Marist College (R-So., Cartersville HS) … tied his season high of five tackles including four solo tackles in a 35-6 loss this past Saturday at Dayton. Marist (4-6, 4-4 Pioneer Football League) completes the regular season this Saturday at home against Bucknell. HAYDEN CAGLE — Berry College (Jr., Cartersville HS) … the starting center for the Vikings’ offensive unit that produced 351 yards of total offense in a 36-12 win at home this past Saturday over Rhodes College. The Vikings (9-1, 7-1 Southern Athletic Association), ranked No. 23 nationally, were not selected for the NCAA D3 playoffs and their season ends. ISAIAH CHANEY — Wake Forest University (R-Jr., Cartersville HS) … saw action this past Saturday but did not have a stat line in a 26-6 home loss to N.C. State. The Demon Deacons (4-6, 1-6 Atlantic Coast Conference) play at Notre Dame this Saturday. COLLIN FLETCHER — Reinhardt University (Fr., Cartersville HS) … had three receptions for 51 yards in a 70-27 blowout win at home this past Saturday over Bluefield University (Virginia). He also had one rushing attempt for 14 yards. The 21st-ranked Eagles (8-2, 6-0 Appalachian Athletic Conference) open the NAIA National Championship playoffs Saturday at St. Thomas (Florida). TYWUN GORDON — College of Sequoias (So., Adairsville HS) … made two tackles and had one sack in the Giants’ 14-0 win this past Saturday at Contra Costa CC. College of Sequoias (5-5, 2-3 California Community College Athletic Association) became bowl eligible with the win. JARVIS HICKS — University of North Carolina (R-Fr., Woodland HS) … did not see action this past Saturday in the Tar Heels’ 47-45 overtime win over Duke but was a late addition to last week’s (Nov. 4) participation list. Hicks saw his first collegiate action with the UNC offensive line that helped produce 594 total yards in a 59-7 home win over Campbell. SHADRE HURST — Tulane University (R-Fr., Cartersville HS) … a starter on the Green Wave’s offensive line that helped produce 357 yards of total offense in a 24-22 home victory over Tulsa this past Saturday. 20th-ranked Tulane (9-1, 6-0 American Athletic Association) carries an eight-game win streak to play at Florida Atlantic this Saturday. TYLER MARTIN — Berry College (So., Cass HS) … the offensive lineman was part of a unit that totaled 351 yards of total offense in a 36-12 win at home this past Saturday over Rhodes College. The 23rd-ranked Vikings (9-1, 7-1 Southern Athletic Association) finished as conference runner-up and did not receive an at-large bid for the national D3 playoffs. DEVONTE ROSS — Troy University (So., Cartersville HS) … had four catches for 26 yards including a nine-yard touchdown this past Saturday in a 45-14 conference win at Louisiana-Monroe. He also had one kick return of 33 yards. The Trojans (8-2, 5-1 Sun Belt Conference) put their seven-game win streak on the line this Saturday when they host Louisiana. COURTNEY SLOCUM — Mars Hill University (Sr., Adairsville HS) … was credited with one pass breakup in this past Saturday’s 21-14 home win over Newberry. Slocum finished his senior season with 14 tackles, one interception, one forced fumble, a blocked kick, and three pass breakups. The Lions finished the year 8-2 with a 7-2 mark in the South Atlantic Conference. EVAN SLOCUM — Wake Forest University (Jr., Cartersville HS) … made two tackles this past Saturday in the Demon Deacons’ 26-6 loss at home to N.C. State. Wake Forest (4-6, 1-6 ACC) visits Notre Dame this Saturday. VOLLEYBALL MADELYN ORTON — LaGrange College (So., Rydal resident, Cornerstone Prep) … had one service ace and five digs in a Collegiate Conference of the South tournament loss to Huntingdon in Birmingham last Tuesday. The Panthers’ season ends with a 4-21 record. MEREDITH ORTON — LaGrange College (So., Rydal resident, Cornerstone Prep) … had five kills, one service ace, and ten digs in a Collegiate Conference of the South tournament loss to Huntingdon in Birmingham last Tuesday. The Panthers’ season ends with a 4-21 record. MARIA PILIPOSYANS — Reinhardt University (So., Cass HS) … in two matches at the Appalachian Athletic Conference tournament this past Friday and Saturday, Piliposyans had five kills and one block as the Eagles beat Truett-McConnell but lost to Columbia International. The outside hitter finished her sophomore season with 86 kills, 42 blocks, and 11 digs. Reinhardt finished the season with a 22-8 mark. GOLF DALTON HENSON — Reinhardt University (Sr., Cartersville HS) … shot 78-78-75 as the Eagles finished fifth of nine teams November 6-7 at Barnsley Gardens Resort in Adairsville. Henson’s total was good for a T10 individual finish. Point University won the tournament. Reinhardt will return for the spring season in January. CHANC WILLIS — Reinhardt University (Sr., Cartersville HS) … led his team and finished eighth place overall carding rounds of 74-80-76 as the Eagles finished fifth of nine teams playing at Barnsley Gardens Resort November 6-7. Reinhardt will return to action in late January. SWIMMING HARPER POWELL — Florida Tech (Jr., Adairsville HS) … in a tri-meet with Indian River State College and Keiser University last Wednesday, Powell was on the third place 200-yard freestyle relay team (1:40.10); placed fourth in the 50-yard freestyle (25.09); and was sixth in the 50-yard backstroke (28.79). The Panthers lost to IRSC 198-63 and to Keiser 174-87. Up next for FIT is the Panther Invite this Friday through Sunday in Melbourne. BASKETBALL BRAXTON BENHAM — Berry College (Jr., Cass HS) … scored 18 points with seven assists, four steals, and three rebounds in the Vikings’ 94-87 loss this past Saturday at Belhaven (Mississippi). Berry plays at Belmont University on Tuesday then plays at Southern Virginia on Friday night and either Roanoke College or Brooklyn College in Salem on Saturday. ZAYLAN CHANEY — Tallahassee CC (So., Cartersville resident, Legacy Academy) … averaged nine points, eight rebounds, three assists, two steals, and one block in the Eagles’ first three games — wins over Central Georgia Tech and Gordon State at home with a loss at South Georgia Tech. Tallahassee CC (2-1) plays at St. Petersburg College Friday night and hosts South Georgia Tech Monday night. CLAIRE DAVIS — Palm Beach Atlantic University (So., Cass HS) … averaged nine points, seven rebounds, one block, and one steal as the Sailfish won 64-58 at West Florida and lost 72-64 at home to Valdosta State last Friday and Saturday. PBAU (1-1) hosts West Alabama this Saturday. JA’KA’YAH DRAUGHN — Chattanooga State CC (Fr., Cartersville HS) … averaged four points, one rebound, and two assists as the Tigers opened the season with wins over Brenau JV and Milligan JV on November 1 and 9. CSCC (2-0) hosts Cleveland State CC on Wednesday and visits Jackson State CC on Saturday. JUSTICE HAYES — Point University (Jr., Cass HS) … totaled nine points, 13 rebounds, two steals, and one assist as Point beat Southern University at New Orleans and Southeastern University this past Thursday and Saturday at home. The Skyhawks (5-1) play at Life University on Wednesday, at Dalton State on Saturday, and at West Georgia next Monday. DiANTHONY HEATHCOCK — Columbia International University (Sr., Woodland HS) … in three starts last week, the Rams’ forward averaged nine points, nine rebounds, and one assist in a win over Bryan College (Tennessee), a win at St. Andrews University, and an exhibition loss at Presbyterian College. CIU (3-1, 2-0 Appalachian Athletic Conference) plays at UNC-Wilmington (exhibition) on Tuesday, at home against Truett McConnell University on Thursday, and at Tennessee Wesleyan University on Saturday. HALEY JOHNSON — Central Georgia Tech CC (So., Cass HS) … averaged eight points, six rebounds, one assist, and one steal in three games last week. The Titans won at home over Brenau University JV but lost at Hillsborough CC and at St. Petersburg College. CGTCC (1-5) travels to Southern Union State CC on Wednesday night. KEARA McDANIEL — Toccoa Falls College (So., Cass HS) … scored two points with one rebound and four assists Monday, November 6 in an 89-68 loss at Johnson University (Tennessee). She also scored two points with one rebound and three assists last Wednesday in an 84-48 home win over Warren Wilson College last Wednesday. Toccoa Falls (4-1) hosts Paine College on Tuesday, Trinity (Florida) on Friday, and Mississippi University for Women on Saturday. T.J. PRINTUP — Tusculum University (R-Fr., Adairsville HS) … scored five points and collected seven rebounds last Friday in an 83-77 home win over Lander University. The Pioneers (1-0) visit USC-Aiken Wednesday and host 8th-ranked UNC-Pembroke on Saturday afternoon. ABIGAIL TAYLOR — Centre College (So., Woodland HS) … did not score but had one blocked shot in the Colonels’ 69-27 win this past Saturday at Agnes Scott College. Centre (2-0) hosts the Colonel Classic Friday and Saturday and will play Averett and Warren Wilson. LONDAISHA SMITH — Salem University (Jr., Cass HS) … totaled three points in losses Friday and Saturday to the University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown and Winston-Salem University in games played in Frostburg, Maryland. The Tigers (0-2) play at Indiana University-Pennsylvania on Monday before hosting Seton Hill (Pennsylvania) on Wednesday and West Liberty University on Saturday. WRESTLING COLTON BISHOP — Reinhardt University (Jr., Woodland HS) … placed second in the 125-pound class at the Georgia Open hosted by Emmanuel College this past weekend. The Eagles have Montreat (North Carolina) and Southeastern (Florida) on the schedule this Friday and the Life University Open on Saturday. CALEB HENSON — Virginia Tech (So., Woodland HS) … pinned his opponent from American University this past Saturday as the 5th-ranked Hokies won 39-4. He also defeated his Ohio State opponent, 10-5, last Friday but the 7th-ranked Buckeyes won the match 24-12. Virginia Tech visits Rutgers on Friday night and will participate in the Keystone Classic in Philadelphia on Sunday. CADEN McCRARY — University of North Carolina (R-So., Woodland HS) … had a first-period pin against his 133-pound Buffalo opponent this past Saturday in a 32-7 team victory. He then lost to his Arizona State opponent in the same weight class but the Tar Heels edged the 16th-ranked Sun Devils, 22-16. McCrary also had earlier wins this season against individual opponents from Queens and Oregon State. UNC (4-1), ranked No. 25, faces Central Michigan and Illinois on Sunday afternoon in Champaign. BRYCE KRESHO — Franklin & Marshall College (So., Cass HS) … had a win over his opponent from Hofstra this past Sunday at the Journeyman Collegiate Classic in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. The Diplomats will be in action this weekend at the Shorty Hitchcock Memorial on Saturday in Millersville, Pennsylvania, and Sunday at the Keystone Classic in Philadelphia. TYLER McKNIGHT — Davidson College (Fr., Cass HS) … lost his match at 149-pounds as the Wildcats were blanked by 10th-ranked Iowa State, 50-0. At the Southeast Open on November 4, McKnight placed second in the Freshman/Sophomore division and outscored his opponents 37-5 through the first four rounds to reach the finals. Next for Davidson is the Navy Classic in Annapolis, Maryland on Saturday. JAXON SMITH — University of Maryland (So., Woodland HS) … went 1-1 and placed second in the 197-pound division of the Tiger Style Invitational this past Saturday in Kansas City. In a 30-7 win on November 2 over American University, Smith won his bout by technical fall. Maryland faces 15th-ranked Pittsburgh at home on Monday, November 20. JABRIL WILLIAMS — Midway University (Jr., Cartersville HS) … had three wins in the 165-pound division at the Bob Del Rosa Ohio Open this past weekend in Cleveland to place sixth. On November 4 he was 2-2 at the Pepsi Patriot Open in Williamsburg, Kentucky. Midway wrestles Wednesday at the University of Montevallo and Saturday at Life University.

October 10 by Kevin Pate / WBHF Sports The Cartersville Purple Hurricanes won their opening-round matchup in the 2023 Class 5A state playoffs blanking the Centennial Knights at Weinman Stadium, 40-0. Cartersville did most of its damage in the first half. On its second drive, Khristian Lando scored and converted a 2-point conversion to give Cartersville an early 8-0. On the Canes' next scoring drive, Jamauri Brice scored on a 48-yard touchdown reception throw by Nate Russell. Cartersville then recovered a fumble on the kickoff and scored three plays later on a 1-yard score by Russell. Centennial struggled in the contest to put together drives against the stingy Cartersville defense. On a second-quarter drive, the ball got past the Knights’ quarterback, who kicked it out of the end zone for a safety. Ryan Johnson capped the first quarter scoring with a field goal, as Cartersville took a 27-0 lead into the half. The third quarter was played at a quick pace but Cartersville got on the scoreboard again with Brady Marchese scoring on another 48-yard touchdown pass from Russell. Ja’caiden Leonard added a late touchdown run in the fourth quarter to put the finishing touch on the game. Cartersville (11-0) will host the second round next week and will play Eastside, a 38-14 winner Friday night over Chapel Hill.

Adairsville and Gilmer traded heavyweight blows throughout the evening Friday night but it was the visiting Bobcats who escaped the Class 3A first-round battle with a 35-28 playoff win. Jamarian Pullum scored all four touchdowns for Adairsville with runs of 4-, 5-, 8-, and 18-yards. He also added a two-point conversion run. Gilmer received the opening kickoff but failed to score, eventually punting the ball to Adairsville. Pullum scored a 4-yard rushing touchdown, though Adairsville missed the PAT but held a 6-0 advantage. On the subsequent kickoff, Gilmer executed a fantastic return, positioning themselves inside the 10-yard line. They scored an 8-yard rushing touchdown by Wyatt Stokes, seizing a 7-6 lead late in the first quarter. Despite a strong initial possession, Adairsville struggled on their second attempt, resulting in a stalled drive. Meanwhile, Gilmer capitalized, scoring on an 8-yard run by Hunter Britain early in the second quarter. The Bobcats followed that score with a 69-yard rushing touchdown by Isaac Rellinger to build a 21-6 lead late in the second quarter, extending their lead to 21-6 with 9:15 remaining in the half. Adairsville, in need of a touchdown, managed to score just before halftime. Pullum’s 5-yard rushing touchdown and a successful two-point conversion narrowed the score to 21-14 with less than a minute remaining before intermission. After receiving the second-half kickoff, Adairsville aimed to regain momentum, achieving an 8-yard rushing touchdown by Pullum. The Tigers’ seven-play, 48-yard touchdown drive tied the score at 21-21. Gilmer swiftly responded, scoring on a 60-yard rushing touchdown by Peyton Chancey with 6:21 left in the third quarter. The scoring sprint reclaimed a 28-21 lead for the Bobcats. The Tigers answered with another Pullum touchdown run. His 18-yard rushing touchdown pulled Adairsville even at 28-all with 3:35 left in the third. Early in the fourth quarter, Gilmer embarked on a time-consuming, 91-yard drive. The eight-minute march culminated with a 1-yard run by Douglas Callihan. The 14-play drive gave Gilmer a 35-28 advantage with just 2:35 remaining in the game. Adairsville had one final opportunity to score and potentially win the game. Unfortunately, the Tigers made a crucial mistake, throwing an interception as Gilmer regained possession and ran out the clock to secure the victory. Despite the playoff exit, Adairsville concluded a phenomenal season with an 8-3 record and a region championship. GAME SCORING SUMMARY: 1st Qtr: AHS - (6:11) - 9 plays, 50 yds...4 yd TD run by Jamarian Pullum, Souders PAT blocked (6-0) GHS - (2:21) -- 7 plays, 58 yards...8 yd TD run by Wyatt Stokes (Noah Turner PAT good)...GHS 7-6 2nd Qtr: GHS (9:15) -- 9 plays, 57 yards...8-yd TD run by Hunter Britain [PAT good] 14-6 (57.6) -- 6 plays, 83 yards... 69-yard TD run by Isaac Rellinger [PAT good] 21-6 AHS: (25.9) -- 6 plays, 52 yards....5-yard TD run by Jamarian Pullum [Pullum 2pt Conv good] 21-14 GHS leads 3rd Qtr: AHS (6:39) -- 7 plays, 48 yards...8-yard TD run by Jamarian Pullum [PAT good] 21-21 GHS (6:21) -- 1 play, 60 yards....60-yard TD run by Peyton Chancey [PAT good] 28-21 AHS (3:35) -- 8 plays, 40 yards...18-yard TD run by Jamarian Pullum [PAT Good] 28-28 4th Qtr: Adairsville marched to the Bobcat 9-yard line before turning the ball over on downs after a missed pass from Braxton Elrod to Tre Winters. GHS (2:35) -- 14 plays, 91 yards...1 yd TD run by Douglas Callihan [PAT Good] 35-28 ~~ Kevin Pate / WBHF Sports and Larry Gardner contributed to this report.

October 10 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com The Cass Colonels opened the Class 5A state playoffs with a second straight win over a region champion by knocking off the 6th-ranked Kell Longhorns Friday night in Marietta, 28-14. Cass won at 4th-ranked Jefferson last year in the opening round and repeated the feat by forcing multiple turnovers, a safety, and limiting the Longhorns to only one touchdown until just over one minute was remaining in the game. Kell was the highest-scoring team in Class 5A going into the playoffs. Senior running back Devin Henderson rushed for a first-quarter touchdown and sophomore quarterback, Brodie McWhorter, added three more rushing touchdowns as Cass built a 28-7 lead by the end of the third quarter. Kell’s Josh Langefels had a short touchdown run that put the Longhorns ahead 7-6 with 5:04 left in the first quarter but Cass responded with 15 points in the second quarter to lead 21-7 at halftime. Quinterrius Gipson scored the Longhorns' final points with a 25-yard run with only 1:18 remaining in the game. Cass received the opening kickoff and following a nice return to the 40-yard line, the Colonels drove 60 yards in just five plays to take a 6-0 lead with 9:36 to go in the opening quarter. A long pass from McWhorter to Sacovie White put Cass in scoring position and Devin Henderson finished off the drive with a short, 2-yard run. The Colonels’ PAT kick was blocked. Kell then scored on its opening possession. The Longhorns marched 75 yards in 11 plays and culminated the drive with Langefels’ run. The extra point kick by Colin Mitchell had Kell on top, 7-6, with 5:04 to go in the first quarter. Consecutive scoring drives by the Colonels put them back up for good. McWhorter finished off a 70-yard touchdown drive that took 10 plays and 4 minutes off the clock. Key runs by Devin Henderson were included in the drive and the touchdown run by McWhorter was a 13-yarder. A two-point conversion attempt failed but Cass held a 12-7 lead with 7:17 left in the second quarter. On the next Cass possession, the Colonels covered 61 yards in just three plays and scored on McWhorter’s 23-yard scamper. A pass interference penalty and a personal foul penalty on the Longhorns aided the quick Cass score. Austin McArthur booted the PAT giving the Colonels a 19-7 lead with 4:13 remaining in the first half. Kell was pinned deep on the ensuing kickoff and committed another penalty to start from their own 13-yard line. Longhorn quarterback Bryce Clavon was not ready for an errant snap that bounced into the Kell end zone. Gipson recovered for Kell in the end zone resulting in a Cass safety and a 21-7 Colonels lead with 2:23 left in the second quarter. The two teams traded possessions for most of the second half but the Colonels put together one of their best drives of the season in the back half of the third quarter. Kell’s second-half offense was also hampered by an injury to their star quarterback, Bryce Clavon, in the third quarter. He was tackled on a scramble play midway through the period and did not return. Starting at their own 9-yard line with 5:24 left in the third period, Cass marched the length of the field and scored on a 6-yard keeper by McWhorter on the final play of the quarter. McArthur’s PAT kick gave the Colonels a 28-7 lead heading into the final 12 minutes. The Cass defense kept the Longhorns in check for most of the fourth quarter and the offense methodically chewed away at the game clock to melt away the win. JaKai Baldwin had a fumble recovery and an interception for the Colonels’ defense. Devin Henderson picked off a pass in the third quarter. Josh Love also had an interception. Kell, who was the Region 6-5A champion, has its season end with a 9-2 record. Cass (6-5) will be on the road again next Friday in a rematch of last year’s second-round tilt at Mays. The Raiders beat Loganville in the first round, 65-7. BartowSportsZone.com will have the playoff broadcast. Watch for announcements coming during the week.

November 9, 2023 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com Following a series of appeals heard today by the Georgia High School Association's Reclassification Committee, the preliminary release of new regions for Class AAA has been released. Schools will have an opportunity to appeal to their geographic placement and request a lateral movement to another region. Adairsville has been placed in a new Region 7-AAA that will include Calhoun, Heritage-Catoosa, LaFayette, Northwest Whitfield, and Ridgeland.

November 9, 2023 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com Following appeals heard by the Georgia High School Association's reclassification committee on Thursday, the organization has released its preliminary placement of schools into new regions in Class 4A for the 2024-26 cycle. Schools will have an opportunity to appeal for lateral movement before these become final. Dalton and Allatoona were originally assigned to Class AAAAA but won appeals on Thursday to be moved down to Class AAAA. Those schools were then assigned to a new Region 7-AAAA that will also include Cartersville, Cass, Cedartown, Hiram, Southeast Whitfield, and Woodland.

The 2023 Region 7-AAAAA coaches have released their All-Region selections with the three local teams in that region well represented. Cartersville head coach Conor Foster was selected Coach of the Year and Cass had three players -- Devin Henderson, Kaden Ellis, and Sacovie White -- to receive Player of the Year honors. 2023 Region 7-AAAAA Football All-Region Selections Co-player of the year: RB Adriel Hernandez, Dalton Co-player of the year: DB Devin Henderson, Cass Defensive player of the year: DL Kaden Ellis, Cass Offensive player of the year: TE Emaree Winston, Calhoun Special teams player of the year: PK Oliver Castaneda, Hiram All-purpose player of the year: WR/DB Sacovie White, Cass Coach of the year: Conor Foster, Cartersville First-team offense QB - Trey Townsend, Calhoun, Sr. QB - Brodie McWhorter, Cass, So. RB - Caden Williams, Calhoun, Sr. RB - Kristian Lando, Cartersville, Sr. RB - Kaden Hamilton, Hiram, Jr. WR - Jamari Brice, Cartersville, Jr. WR - Bubba Tanner, Dalton, Sr. WR - Chase Tyler, Hiram, Sr. TE - Jeffson Locke, Dalton, Sr. TE - Walter Matthews, Hiram, Sr. OL - Malachai Toliver, Cartersville, Sr. OL - Langston Hogg, Cartersville, So. OL - Bear McWhorter, Cass, So. OL - Stryker Woods, Dalton, Sr. OL - Clinton Richard, Hiram, Sr. OL - Jameson Riggs, Hiram, Sr. OL - Samuel Carlsen, Woodland (Cartersville), Sr. K - Ryan Johnson, Cartersville, Sr. First-team defense DL - Kristyane Gregory, Calhoun, Sr. DL - Taye Cochran, Cartersville, Sr. DL - Deontae Pettway, Hiram, Sr. DL - Keylan McCarty, Cartersville, Sr. DL - Kwadrus Wilson, Woodland (Cartersville), Sr. ILB - Connor Brasfield, Cartersville, Sr. ILB - Christian Smith, Calhoun, Sr. ILB - Jason Gyebi, Hiram, Jr. OLB/SS - Isaac Green, Calhoun, Sr. OLB/SS - Kevin Henderson, Cass, Sr. OLB/SS - Richard Houston, Cartersville, Sr. OLB/SS - Isiah Swan, Hiram, Sr. DB - Cohen Chadwick, Calhoun, Sr. DB - Turner Abernathy, Cartersville, Sr. DB - Andy Atagana, Dalton, Sr. DB - Zach Wiggins, Woodland (Cartersville), Sr. P - Nick Miranda, Woodland (Cartersville), Jr. Second-team offense QB - Ethan Long, Dalton, Jr. QB - Ryan Strickland, Hiram, Sr. RB - Jay Walker, Woodland (Cartersville), Sr. RB - Justin Beasley, Calhoun, So. WR - Kendrix London, Dalton, Jr. WR - RJ Storey, Dalton, Sr. TE - Chase Tatum, Cass, So. TE - Bannon Phelan, Dalton, Sr. OL - Christian Bell, Calhoun, Sr. OL - Luke Surrett, Cartersville, Sr. OL - Peyton Starling, Dalton, Sr. OL - Andrew Medina, Cartersville, Sr. OL - Kail Ellis, Cass, So. OL - Jayden Malone, Cass, Sr. OL - Riley Souther, Dalton, Sr. K - Adrien Gongora, Dalton, Sr. Second-team defense DL - Tay McKibbins, Cass, Jr. DL - Steven Dumas, Woodland (Cartersville), Sr. DL - Sager Quin, Calhoun, So. DL - Kaleb Dupree, Woodland (Cartersville), Jr. ILB - Alec Upshaw, Calhoun, So. ILB - Luke McBride, Cartersville, Sr. ILB - Jeremiah Deroche, Cass, Jr. OLB/SS - Mason Tompkins, Cass, Sr. OLB/SS - Cole Crawford, Cartersville, Fr. OLB/SS - Dylan Carver, Woodland (Cartersville), Sr. DB - Makadan Griffin, Calhoun, Jr. DB - Willie Brown, Hiram, Sr. DB - Jakai Baldwin, Cass, Jr. DB - Keve Porter, Woodland (Cartersville), Jr. Source: Georgia High School Football Daily

November 8, 2023 Following Tuesday's GHSA Reclassification meeting by the Georgia High School Association in Thomaston, Adairsville was moved from the smallest school in Class 4A to one of the larger schools in Class AAA for the 2024-26 cycle. Adairsville had been placed in Class 4A in the original listing. Still, after a number of schools across the state decided to play up in classification, Adairsville was moved back down into Class AAA. Cass, Cartersville, and Woodland will all remain in Class 4A and will likely be assigned to the same region once the geographic placements are completed. Other schools likely to be considered for the local 4A region include Kell, Hiram, Southeast Whitfield, Cedartown, and Central-Carroll. A region placement for Adairsville could possibly include any combination of Calhoun, Ridgeland, LaFayette, Heritage-Catoosa, Pickens, Sandy Creek, Gilmer, and Northwest Whitfield. LINK TO THE FINAL CLASSIFICATION DOCUMENT: https://www.ghsa.net/sites/default/files/documents/executive-committee/AAReclassification_2024-26_11-7-23cx.pdf

November 6, 2023 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com This week’s edition of ‘Athletes Beyond Bartow’ includes updates on 18 local collegiate athletes from college football, cross country, volleyball, and soccer across the country. COLLEGE FOOTBALL KOLBE BENHAM — Marist College (R-So., Cartersville HS) … saw action in the Red Foxes’ secondary but did not record a stat line as his team dropped a 10-3 conference game to visiting Drake this past Saturday. Marist (4-5, 4-3 Pioneer Football League) plays at Dayton this Saturday afternoon. HAYDEN CAGLE — Berry College (Jr., Cartersville HS) … an offensive lineman and a starter, Cagle was part of a Vikings’ offense that piled up 531 total yards in a 53-6 conference win this past Saturday at Birmingham-Southern College. Berry (8-1, 6-1 Southern Athletic Association) hosts Rhodes College this Saturday afternoon. ISAIAH CHANEY — Wake Forest University (R-Jr., Cartersville HS) … saw action but did not record a stat line in the Deacons’ 24-21 loss last Thursday night at Duke. Wake Forest (4-5, 1-5 Atlantic Coast Conference) seeks to snap a two-game skid Saturday at N.C. State. CARLOS DEL RIO-WILSON — Syracuse University (R-So., Cartersville HS) … in a start at quarterback last Friday night, he rushed 12 times for 67 yards and one touchdown and was 7-for-17 passing for 37 yards but with four interceptions in a 17-10 home loss to Boston College. The Orange (4-5, 0-5 ACC) will try to snap a five-game losing streak this Saturday afternoon at Yankee Stadium when they play Pittsburgh. COLLIN FLETCHER — Reinhardt University (Fr., Cartersville HS) … had three receptions this past Saturday for 112 yards and one touchdown as the Eagles won 56-0 at Kentucky Christian University. NAIA 21st-ranked Reinhardt (7-2, 5-0 Appalachian Athletic Conference) hosts Bluefield University (Virginia) this Saturday afternoon. SHADRE HURST — Tulane University (R-Fr., Cartersville HS) … a starter on the 20th-ranked Green Wave’s offensive line, Hurst was part of a unit that produced 368 total yards in a 13-10 victory this past Saturday at East Carolina. Tulane (8-1, 5-0 American Athletic Conference) has now won seven straight heading into Saturday’s home game against Tulsa. JAKE PARKER — Hutchinson Community College (So., Cartersville HS) … was 2-for-5 passing for 32 yards including one touchdown and one interception this past Saturday as the top-ranked Blue Dragons won 42-8 at Independence CC. Hutchinson (9-0, 6-0 Kansas Jayhawks Community College Conference) hosts 2nd-ranked Iowa Western CC this Saturday afternoon. SAM PHILLIPS — UT-Chattanooga (R-So., Cartersville HS) … had three receptions this past Saturday for 42 yards in a 17-14 home loss to FCS 2nd-ranked Furman. Phillips now has 50 receptions on the season for 520 yards and four touchdowns. The Mocs (7-3, 6-2 Southern Conference) has a bye week before playing at 8th-ranked Alabama. DEVONTE ROSS — Troy University (So., Cartersville HS) … caught three passes for 37 yards and had one rushing attempt for two yards last Thursday as the Trojans beat visiting South Alabama 28-10 for their sixth-straight win. Troy (7-2, 4-1 Sun Belt Conference) plays at Louisiana-Monroe this Saturday afternoon. COURTNEY SLOCUM — Mars Hill University (Sr., Adairsville HS) … made three tackles and was credited with a forced fumble but the Lions lost this past Saturday at Tusculum University, 29-27. Mars Hill (7-2, 6-2 South Atlantic Conference) hosts Newberry for Slocum’s Senior Recognition Day this Saturday. EVAN SLOCUM — Wake Forest University (Jr., Cartersville HS) … made three tackles from his defensive back position in the Demon Deacons’ 24-21 loss last Thursday at Duke. Slocum has 21 tackles and one interception through the first eight games. Wake Forest (4-5, 1-5 ACC) visits N.C. State this Saturday afternoon. JASHAUN BROWN-WHATLEY — Berry College (Fr., Cass HS) … the wide receiver saw action this past Saturday but did not have a state line in the Vikings’ 53-6 rout at Birmingham-Southern College. 21st-ranked Berry (7-1, 5-1 Southern Athletic Association) completes its regular season slate this Saturday at home against Rhodes College. CROSS COUNTRY DREW THAYER — University of Montevallo (Fr., Woodland HS) … ran 88th (34:32) of 119 competitors as the Falcons ran 12th of 16 teams this past Saturday and hosted the NCAA D2 South Regional 10K. EMMA SEGARS — Georgia College (Fr., Woodland HS) … ran 94th (25:04) of 164 competitors as the Bobcats finished 13th of 25 teams at the 6K NCAA D2 Southeast Regional hosted by the University of North Georgia. VOLLEYBALL MADELYN ORTON — LaGrange College (So., Rydal resident; Cornerstone Prep) … totaled five digs last Tuesday (Oct. 28) as the Panthers lost to Maryville College (Tennessee) and beat Agnes Scott College. LaGrange (4-20, 3-13) opens the Collegiate Conference of the South tournament Tuesday against Huntingdon College in Montgomery. MEREDITH ORTON — LaGrange College (So., Rydal resident; Cornerstone Prep) … totaled 10 kills, eight digs, and two blocks as the Panthers split matches with Maryville College (Tennessee) and Agnes Scott College last Tuesday (Oct. 28). LaGrange (4-20, 3-13) opens the Collegiate Conference of the South tournament Tuesday against Huntingdon College in Montgomery. MARIA PILIPOSYANS — Reinhardt University (So., Cass HS) … started two of the Eagles’ three matches last week and totaled five kills, three digs, and four blocks as RU beat University of Pikeville but lost to Milligan and Montreat in four sets. Reinhardt (21-7, 14-6 Appalachian Athletic Conference) is the No. 4 seed and plays Truett McConnell University Friday in the first round of the AAC Championship Tournament. SOCCER BRADY CRAIG — Reinhardt University (So., Cartersville HS) … played all 110 minutes and had a shot on goal but the Eagles had their season come to an end this past Friday with a 1-0 overtime loss at Milligan in the opening round of the Appalachian Athletic Conference Tournament. Craig, a defender, started all 19 games as Reinhardt finished the year 9-5-5.