Cartersville golfer R.B. Clyburn and partner McLain Leberte of Roswell were medalists Monday and qualified for the 2024 U.S.G.A. Four Ball Championship. The qualifying event was held at Berkeley Hills Country Club in Duluth and included 51, two-man teams seeking one of two spots in the U.S. Four-Ball Championship May 25-29, 2024 at the Philadelphia Cricket Club. Clyburn and Leberte combined Monday for a 6-under-par 66 on the 6,670-yard Berkeley Hills course and finished the 18-hole qualifier tied with three other teams. The four-way tie sent all eight players to a playoff for two spots in the national tournament. Clyburn made the only birdie on the first playoff hole securing one of the spots. The team of West Streib (Brookhaven) and Chris Blackburn (Evans) won the final spot with a birdie on the third playoff hole. The remaining two teams in the playoff — Ryan Morley-Stockton (Woodstock)/Jonathan Klotz (Atlanta) and Matt Mitchell (Burns)/Ben Fisher (Eads) will be alternates in Philadelphia. In their qualifying round, Clyburn and Leberte both made a bogey on No. 1 then reeled off seven birdies over the remaining 17 holes. Clyburn broke the ice making birdies on holes 2, 6, 7, 10, 15, and 18. Leberte, who was an All-American at the University of South Alabama, made a key par on No. 4 and contributed a birdie on No. 9. Earning the qualifying spot continues a strong 2023 season for Clyburn. He currently leads the Georgia PGA Section’s Amateur Player of the Year standings. He was runner-up at the Yamaha Atlanta Open in June and The Championship at Berkeley Hills in July. He then tied for sixth at the Milton Martin Honda Classic in Gainesville in September. His finishes at Berkeley Hills and the Honda Classic earned low amateur honors at those events. In GSGA events, Clyburn teamed with Christina Surcey of Cartersville to win the Mixed Team Championship in March at Sea Island Golf Club. He also won the Georgia Match Play Championship in August at Old Toccoa Farm in Mineral Bluff. Clyburn also teamed with partner Dalton Melnyk of Atlanta for a runner-up finish at the Georgia Four-Ball Championship in April at Kinderlou Forest Golf Club in Valdosta. In addition, he had Top 30 finishes at the Georgia Amateur Championship and Georgia Mid-Amateur Championship.

October 10, 2023 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com Cartersville freshman Zoie Shiflett smacked a three-run home run Tuesday night in the bottom of the tenth inning to lift the Lady Canes to an 11-10, walk-off victory over Calhoun. The win also secured the Region 7-AAAAA championship for Cartersville and the right to host a GHSA Super Regional next week. The Region 7-AAAAA title is the second straight for the Purple Hurricanes. The two teams battled to a 6-6 tie through the regulation seven innings with Cartersville needing a Layne Callan RBI single in the bottom of the seventh to send the game to the extra frames. Both teams scored single runs in the eighth and ninth innings making the score 8-8. Calhoun then scored twice in the top of the tenth to grab a 10-8 lead that set up the Shiflett heroics. Cartersville’s half of the tenth inning started with an assigned base runner at second. After a strikeout and a fielder’s choice groundout. Allana Williams reached on an infield error by the Yellow Jackets. Shiflett then launched a 0-1 pitch over the left field wall for the dramatic win. Shiflett finished the night 3-for-4 at the plate including a double and the three-run blast. She also earned the pitching victory (8.1 IP, 8R, 6ER, 12H, 4BB, 3K). Kennedy Stevens (1.2 IP, 1ER, 1H, 2BB, 2K) also worked in the circle for the Hurricanes. Jordan Bishop led the Canes’ offensive attack with four hits including two doubles, one home run, and four RBIs. Callan also had four hits including one double and three RBIs. Kennedy Crenshaw and Williams (double) finished with two hits each for Cartersville. Addi Burns, Miley Jo Williams, Erin McCrary, and LaKiaya Banks (RBI) added one hit apiece. Cartersville and Calhoun finished the region slate with identical 13-2 league records but Cartersville won the tie-breaker by winning two of three head-to-head games. Both Cartersville wins over Calhoun — by the way — were in extra innings. Cartersville (18-9, 13-2) will now host a four-team, double-elimination Super Regional on Monday and Tuesday (Oct 16-17). The Canes will play Centennial in the opening round with the other two participants still to be determined. The bracket will include the Region 8-5A runner-up and the third-place team from Region 5-5A. Calhoun (17-10-1, 13-2) will play in the Super Regional hosted by the Region 8-5A champion. The No. 2-seeded Yellow Jackets open that regional against Chattahoochee — a 3-seed from Region 6-5A. WOODLAND 12, CASS 3 Woodland scored 11 runs across their final three offensive frames Tuesday night at Cass to defeat the Colonels 12-3 in five innings. Alana Carnes led the Lady Cats’ offense with three hits and two RBIs. Elizabeth Hartsfield followed with two hits including a homer and five RBIs. Jordan Hammonds, L Calhoun, and B Ryan (RBI) added one hit apiece. Peyton Dorn (5 IP, 3ER, 8H, 1BB, 2K) collected the pitching win for Woodland. Harlee Thomason and KK Evans had two hits each for Cass. Darianna Sosa hit a solo home run. Payton Mize (RBI), Cayce Brown (double, RBI), and Erin Clinard added one hit apiece. Emma Gibson (3.1 IP, 8R, 3ER, 4H, 4BB) was the pitcher of record for the Lady Colonels. Lily Powell (1.2 IP, 4R, 3ER, 1H, 5BB) also pitched. Cass falls to 9-17 on the season and finishes region play 3-12 in 7-AAAAA. The Lady Colonels host North Cobb Christian in their final game on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. Woodland (20-9, 10-5) hosts a non-region game with LaFayette on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. as a tune-up for next week’s Class 5A Super Regional. The Lady Cats will be a 3-seed and play Cambridge in the opening round of the four-team, double-elimination regional. The location and two other teams in their bracket will be determined later in the week. COAHULLA CREEK 8, ADAIRSVILLE 0 Adairsville managed only three hits Tuesday night at Coahulla Creek in an 8-0 loss to the Colts. Ashlyn Carlton, Brie Patterson (double), and Chelsea Bates (double) had the Tigers’ hits. Coahulla Creek improved to 17-8 with the win. Adairsville’s season ends with a 6-18 mark.

Adairsville volleyball lost its final regular season match Tuesday night at Coahulla Creek, 25-21 and 25-19. Addie Pearson finished with three service aces, three kills, five assists, and five digs for Adairsville. Jayna Wilson totaled three kills and two digs. Jenna Claire Hendley added two kills, two blocks, and 12 digs. Adairsville (10-23) finished sixth in the region standings and will begin the Region 6-AAA tournament Thursday with a 5:30 p.m. first-round match at No. 3-seeded Ringgold. The double-elimination tournament continues on Saturday at Gordon Lee.

Peyton Dorn, Elizabeth Hartsfield, and Alana Carnes combined for 10 hits and nine RBIs Monday night as the Woodland Lady Cats softball team won at Chattooga 12-7 in a non-region contest. Dorn produced four hits including a double and two RBIs. Hartsfield's three hits included a three-run home run while Carnes’ three hits were all singles. Jordan Hammonds (double), Kamryn Smith, Mackenzie Araya, and Ashlynn Baines finished with two hits each. Bailey Ryan (two RBIs), Lainey Calhoun, and Karmen Zeferino added one safety each. Baines (5.2 IP, 1ER, 6H, 1BB, 2K) collected the pitching win. Smith (0.1 IP, 6R, 4ER, 4H, 1BB) and Dorn (1 IP, 1K) also worked from the circle for the Lady Cats. The loss dropped Chattooga to 12-8 on the season. Woodland (19-9, 9-5), who has clinched a No. 3-seed in the state playoffs, plays at Cass on Tuesday at 5 p.m. and will host LaFayette on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. to conclude regular season play. SONORAVILLE 2, ADAIRSVILLE 0 The Tigers outhit their hosts Monday night five to four but could not push a run across in a 2-0 loss at Sonoraville. Ashlyn Carlton had two hits for Adairsville. Alissa Winters, Chelsea Bates, and Riley Mounger had the other Lady Tigers’ hits. Bates (4 IP, 1ER, 2H, 3BB, 2K) suffered the pitching loss. Carlton (2 IP, 1ER, 2H, 1BB) also worked from the circle for the Tigers. Sonoraville improved to 18-8 on the season with the victory. Adairsville (6-17, 3-10) competes the season Tuesday at Coahulla Creek at 5:30 p.m. SPRAYBERRY 9, CARTERSVILLE 6 Cartersville scored four runs in the late innings Monday night but it wasn’t enough to overcome an earlier 9-2 deficit as Sprayberry won on the Lady Canes’ home field, 9-6. Jordan Bishop (double, RBI), Kennedy Crenshaw (two RBIs), and LaKiaya Banks (RBI) had two hits each to lead the Cartersville offense. Addi Burns (RBI), Reese Dumas, and Layne Callan added one hit apiece for the Hurricanes. Ansleigh Tilley (3.1 IP, 6R, 2ER, 5H, 3BB, 1K) and Kennedy Stevens (3.2 IP, 3ER, 4H, 1BB, 5K) split the pitching duties for Cartersville. Sprayberry improved to 8-18 with the victory. Cartersville (17-9, 12-2) hosts Calhoun on Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. with the Region 7-5A championship on the line.

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. Kendall Condon is the 2023 September Elite Athlete of the Month representing Woodland High School. A senior, setter on the Lady Cats volleyball team, she is the daughter of David Condon and Erika Underwood. Condon, who was named to the 7-5A All-Region team as a junior serves as the team captain. “She has improved every year as a player by working hard and playing club volleyball,” noted her father and head coach David Condon. Condon has also excelled academically. She is an AP Scholar, Georgia Certificate of Merit winner, and Beta Club President. She plans to attend Georgia Tech and major in Global Economics and International Affairs. The September Elite Athlete of the Month for Cass High School is Critton Gearhart. Gearhart is a senior, a four-season varsity member, and the top-performing runner this season for the Colonels’ cross country team. He has consistently run sub-18 minute 5Ks and earned four medals in meets this season including one first place. He also holds a top-ten time in the county this season. He is the son of Michael and Tiffany Gearhart and in the spring competes with the track and field team in distance events. “Critton leads the team in training discipline and work ethic,” said Cass cross country coach Chris Page. “He is a leader for warmups and cooldowns. His teammates listen to him. His influence is evident.” Academically, Gearhart has taken eight Advanced Placement courses and boasts a 3.9 GPA. He plans to attend college with his destination and future major undetermined. Cartersville High School’s September Elite Athlete of the Month is Zoie Shiflett. A freshman pitcher on the Lady Canes’ softball team, Shiflett has a 15-3 record so far this season with Cartersville already securing a state playoff berth. “Zoie has made her mark on this team as a freshman,” said softball head coach Glen Woodard. “She has taken the ball in the circle and pitched with confidence. That’s a trait many freshmen just don’t have. Not only a pitcher, she is off to a great start hitting the ball. In a recent game, she was 3-for-3 with two home runs, a double, and seven RBIs. Great things are still ahead for Zoie.” She is the daughter of Joey and April Shiflett. The September Elite Athlete of the Month representing Adairsville High School is Aaron Souders. A freshman runner for the Tigers’ cross country team. Souders will also compete in track and field in the Spring. The son of Todd and Josie Souders, Aaron has maintained a 4.0 GPA in the Adairsville High School Magnet Program. “He has been our second fastest runner as a freshman,” said Tigers’ cross country coach John Ford. “He competes at a high level in every race. He works hard in every practice and views challenging workouts as an opportunity to improve. He takes on challenges without complaint.” Souders plans to become a mechanical engineer after high school. Editors Note: Photos and bios are supplied to Bartow Sports Zone and WBHF by the respective schools and their 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

October 9, 2023 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com It was a busy week for local athletes at the professional and collegiate levels with more than two dozen performances in pro football and pro golf plus collegiate football, cross country, volleyball, soccer, tennis, golf, and swimming. Here’s a review of performances for the week ending Sunday, October 8. NFL TREVOR LAWRENCE — Jacksonville Jaguars (NFL; 3rd-yr. pro; QB; Clemson; Cartersville HS) … in the Jags’ second straight game in London, the third-year QB was 25-for-37 for 315 yards and one touchdown on Sunday. Jacksonville defeated Buffalo 25-20 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium giving the Jaguars back-to-bak wins in their England trip. Lawrence, who celebrated his 24th birthday while in London, also rushed for 31 yards on seven attempts. He did not throw an interception but did lose two fumbles. His TD pass was a 6-yard throw to Zay Jones in the first quarter. Jacksonville (3-2) will host the 3-2 Indianapolis Colts this week on Sunday afternoon. PGA CHAMPIONS TOUR GOLF JASON BOHN — PGA Tour Champions (Acworth resident; Cartersville Country Club member) … carded rounds of 71-73-78 (6-over-par) and tied for 60th this past weekend at the Constellation Furyk & Friends in Jacksonville, Florida. The tournament was won by Brett Quigley with an 11-under-par total. He edged Steven Alker by a shot, Glen Day by two shots, and Ernie Els and Jerry Kelly by three. Bohn remains 72nd in the Schwab Cup standings. Next on the PGA Champions Tour schedule is the SAS Championship in Cary, North Carolina this Friday through Sunday. COLLEGE FOOTBALL KOLBE BENHAM — Marist College (R-So., Cartersville HS) … a safety for the Red Foxes, Benham saw action this past Saturday in a 16-0 loss at Columbia but did not have a stat line in the contest. Marist (2-3, 2-1 Pioneer Football League) hosts conference foe San Diego on Saturday. HAYDEN CAGLE — Berry College (Jr., Cartersville HS) … a starter on the Vikings’ offensive line that helped produce 272 total yards (263 rushing) in a 52-10 blowout win at Southwestern University (Texas). Berry (4-1, 2-1 Southern Athletic Association) is ranked No. 25 in NCAA D-III and hosts Millsaps College on Saturday night. CARLOS DEL RIO-WILSON — Syracuse University (R-So., Cartersville HS) … completed 1-of-2 passes for five yards this past Saturday but also threw an interception in a reserve role as the Orange lost 40-7 to 14th-ranked North Carolina in Chapel Hill. Syracuse (4-2, 0-2 ACC) travels to 5th-ranked Florida State on Saturday. COLLIN FLETCHER — Reinhardt University (Fr., Cartersville HS) … caught two passes for a 36-yard total including a 21-yard game-winning touchdown in the second overtime period of the Eagles’ 41-35 home win this past Saturday over Pikeville University (Kentucky). Reinhardt (3-2, 1-0 Appalachian Athletic Conference) visits St. Andrews University (North Carolina) on Saturday. QUANTE JENNINGS — Presbyterian College (So., Cartersville HS) … had one carry this past Saturday for three yards in a 28-24 home loss to Stetson University. The Blue Hose (2-3, 0-2 Pioneer Football League) travel to Dayton on Saturday afternoon. JAKE PARKER — Hutchinson Community College (So., Cartersville HS) … made the start and completed 11-of-25 passes for 156 yards and one touchdown as the NJCAA No. 1-ranked Blue Dragons beat visiting Dodge City CC, 46-10. Parker threw one interception but also had 23 rushing yards on five attempts including a long run of 18 yards. Hutchinson (6-0, 3-0 Kansas Jayhawks Community College Conference) has a bye week before entertaining Garden City CC on October 21. SAM PHILLIPS — UT-Chattanooga (R-So., Cartersville HS) … made six catches this past Saturday for a 59 yard total but the Mocs lost at home to 17th-ranked Western Carolina, 52-50. Phillips also had one punt return for 14 yards. Chattanooga (4-2, 3-1 Southern Conference) plays at Mercer on Saturday afternoon. DEVONTE ROSS — Troy University (So., Cartersville HS) … had one reception for 24 yards this past Saturday in a 37-3 Homecoming victory over Arkansas State. Troy (4-2, 2-1 Sun Belt Conference) heads to West Point, New York to play at Army on Saturday. COURTNEY SLOCUM — Mars Hill University (Sr., Adairsville HS) … made one tackle and picked off a pass this past Saturday as the Lions routed Erskine College, 38-3, in their Homecoming game. MHU (4-1, 3-1 South Atlantic Conference) visits Emory & Henry on Saturday afternoon. EVAN SLOCUM — Wake Forest University (Jr., Cartersville HS) … made four tackles this past Saturday at Clemson running his season total to 14. The Demon Deacons lost the conference matchup to the Tigers, 17-12. Wake Forest (3-2, 0-2 ACC) plays at Virginia Tech on Saturday afternoon. CROSS COUNTRY BILL ARCHER — University of Montevallo (Jr., Cartersville HS) … finished 140th (26:07) of 439 runners Saturday at the 8K University of Alabama-Huntsville Charger Invitational. The Falcons finished 20th of 44 teams with the race won by the University of Charleston (West Virginia). Next for Montevallo is the Calhoun Warhawk Invitational on Friday in Oakville, Alabama. TYLER JONES — Carson-Newman University (Fr., Woodland HS) … placed 58th of 216 runners this past Saturday at the Queens University (North Carolina) 8K Challenge. Jones completed the McAlpine Pancake Course in 29:02. The Eagles did not field a full team of runners. CNU’s next scheduled meet is the South Atlantic Conference Championships at Southside Park in Newton, North Carolina. EMMA SEGARS — Georgia College & State University (Fr., Woodland HS) … placed 25th (20:30) and the Bobcats were second of 24 teams at the Queens University (North Carolina) 5K Challenge. The race was won by Converse College who scored a perfect 15 points by taking the first five spots. The next run for the Bobcats is the Peach Belt Conference Championship on October 21 in Oakwood, Georgia. DANIELLE THAYER — Augusta University (Fr., Woodland HS) … finished 202nd of 355 runners in 20:40 as the Lady Jaguars placed 17th of 41 teams at the Alabama-Huntsville Chargers Invitational this past Saturday. Augusta runs next at the Peach Belt Conference Championships on October 21. DREW THAYER — University of Montevallo (Fr., Woodland HS) … finished 245th (27:17) of 439 runners Saturday at the 8K University of Alabama-Huntsville Charger Invitational. The Falcons finished 20th of 44 teams with the race won by the University of Charleston (West Virginia). Next for Montevallo is the Calhoun Warhawk Invitational on Friday in Oakville, Alabama. VOLLEYBALL MADELYN ORTON — LaGrange College (So., Rydal resident, Cornerstone Prep Academy) … saw action in all three sets and contributed three digs as the Panthers lost at Huntingdon College last Tuesday 25-19, 25-18, 25-10. Saturday in three-set losses to Maryville College (Tennessee) and Agnes Scott College in Atlanta, Orton totaled 15 digs. LaGrange (2-13, 1-6 Collegiate Conference of the South) hosts Belhaven (Mississippi) on Thursday night and heads to Kentucky for matches with Wesleyan College and Berea College on Saturday. MERIDITH ORTON — LaGrange College (So., Rydal resident, Cornerstone Prep Academy) … had three kills and seven digs with one block in the Panthers loss last Tuesday at Huntingdon College. Saturday in three-set losses to Maryville College (Tennessee) and Agnes Scott College in Atlanta, Orton totaled ten kills, one block, and 15 digs. LaGrange (2-13, 1-6 Collegiate Conference of the South) hosts Belhaven (Mississippi) on Thursday night and heads to Kentucky for matches with Wesleyan College and Berea College on Saturday. MARIA PILIPOSYANS — Reinhardt University (So., Cass HS) … after missing four consecutive matches, the Eagles’ middle hitter returned for road matches this past Friday and Saturday at Columbia College and Columbia International University in South Carolina. She totaled three blocks and one dig in limited action as Reinhardt beat Columbia but lost to CIU. The Eagles (16-4, 9-3 Appalachian Athletic Conference) play at Union College (Kentucky) on Friday and at Johnson University (Tennessee) on Saturday. SOCCER ABBEY CRAIG — Reinhardt University (So., Cartersville HS) … entered off the bench for 20 minutes of pitch time as the Eagles blanked visiting Milligan College Saturday, 2-0. Reinhardt (7-4-1, 7-0-1 Appalachian Athletic Conference) visits Gainesville to play at Brenau University on Wednesday night before hosting Johnson University (Tennessee) on Saturday afternoon. BRADY CRAIG — Reinhardt University (So., Cartersville HS) … a starting defender, Craig was on the pitch for all 90 minutes of the Eagles’ 0-0 tie with visiting Milligan College this past Saturday. Reinhardt (6-2-4, 4-2-1 AAC) hosts Johnson University (Tennessee) on Saturday afternoon. TENNIS EMILY SURCEY — Samford University (Jr., Cass HS) … went 1-1 in singles at the ITA DI Southern Regional Championships Friday and Saturday at LSU. Surcey, a transfer from Mississippi State, won a 2-6, 6-2, 7-6 battle last Friday with Tereza Dejnozkova of South Alabama before falling in three sets to Rachel Krzyzak of Ole Miss on Saturday, 6-3, 3-6, 3-6. Next on the slate is the Samford Round Robin #2 in Birmingham Friday through Sunday GOLF BUCK BRUMLOW — University of Georgia (Jr., Cartersville HS) … tied for 14th place individually out of 75 players with rounds of 72-69-67 (2-under-par) as the Bulldogs finished seventh of fifteen teams at the Ben Hogan Invitational last Monday and Tuesday at Shady Oaks Country Club in Fort Worth (par-70, 6,885-yards). The top-20 finish for Brumlow was the third of his career. Vanderbilt won the tournament by one shot over North Carolina and three shots better than Arizona State. Oregon, Oklahoma, and Florida State also finished ahead of UGA. The Bulldogs will play their fourth Fall event October 26-28 at the Ka’anapali Collegiate Classic hosted by Hawaii. DALTON HENSON — Reinhardt University (Sr., Cartersville HS) … fired rounds of 75-76-76 and finished 23rd of 78 players October 2-3 at the NAIA National Preview held at Dalton Country Club. The Eagles placed 13th of 15 teams. The event was won by Keiser University by six shots over Cumberland University (Tennessee). Dalton State was one more shot back to finish third. Next for the Eagles is a trip to Columbia, South Carolina for the AAC Fall Preview on October 16-17. ANDERSON McCARY — Birmingham Southern College (Fr., Cartersville HS) … shot rounds of 100 and 91 October 2-3 and the Panthers were last of 18 teams at the West Pines Collegiate in Douglasville. The tournament was won by Oglethorpe University by 23 shots over Babson College (Massachusetts). Next for the Panthers is the Chick-fil-A Collegiate Invitational on October 23-24 at Stonebridge Golf Club in Rome. CHANC WILLIS — Reinhardt University (Sr., Cartersville HS) … carded rounds of 76-76-82 and tied for 52nd place October 2-3 at the NAIA National Preview held at Dalton Country Club. The Eagles placed 13th of 15 teams. The event was won by Keiser University by six shots over Cumberland University (Tennessee). Dalton State was one more shot back to finish third. Next for the Eagles is a trip to Columbia, South Carolina for the AAC Fall Preview on October 16-17. SWIMMING GRAYSON BREEDLOVE — Lenoir Rhyne University (Sr., Cartersville HS) … placed 16th in the 200-yard backstroke (2:30.24); 22nd in the 500-yard freestyle (6:18.47); and 31st in the 50 yard freestyle (30.08) as the Bears finished fourth on September 30-October 1 at the Kingsport Invitational in Kingsport, Tennessee. LRU swims again Thursday night in Salisbury, North Carolina at Catawba College. SAMANTHA PASLEY — Point University (Fr., Adairsville HS) … was a member of the Skyhawks’ fifth-place 200-yard freestyle relay team (1:52.93). She was also 7th in the 100-yard freestyle (1:15.59) and 10th in the 50-yard freestyle (32.82) this past Saturday at the Emmanuel College Fall Invitational. Point visits Thomas University in Thomasville on Saturday for a tri-meet. HARPER POWELL — Florida Tech (Jr., Adairsville HS) … was a member of the first place 400-yard freestyle relay team (3:43.93) and was fifth in the 50-yard freestyle (25.95) this past weekend in a 178-84 loss at Florida Southern College. On September 30, she finished third with her 200-yard medley relay team (1:52.37) and was sixth in the 50-yard freestyle (26.16) in a 90-79 home pool victory over Rollins College. The Panthers will be back in action this weekend at the Nova Southeastern University Invitational.

The 2023 GHSA football season has now completed seven weeks of competition and region play has started across the state. Below are the standings for the two regions that include the four local teams.

The Woodland boys cross country team finished sixth of 20 teams Saturday and the Lady Cats were 13th of 16 teams competing in the Purple Division of the Atlanta Classic held at Clinton Farms in Douglas County. Top runners for the Wildcats included Landon McSwain (6th, 17:01), Andy Forsyth (22nd, 17:41), Juan Mendoza (24th, 17:41), Knox Koontz (62nd, 18:48), and Connor Smith (100th, 19:34). Miranda Pelow (43rd, 21:52) led the Woodland girls followed by Olivia Berry (59th, 22:48), Abby George (69th, 23:07), Addison Brown (71st, 23:10), and Lily Hiott (115th, 25:39). On October 3 at the Grove Level Stampede #4 in Dalton, the Cartersville boys finished first with all seven runners placing in the top 34 individuals. The Canes were followed by Dalton, Baylor (Tennessee), Southeast Whitfield, and Heritage-Catoosa. Malachi Vosburgh won the individual race (16:36). Teammate Barrett Stepp was fifth in 17:14. They were followed by Kaleb Lanier (11th, 17:39), Carson Robinson (17th, 18:00), Hayden Mitchell (25th, 18:12), Tripp Chitwood (32nd, 18:22), and Micah Sanders (34th, 18:32). The Cartersville girls finished sixth of ten teams with Baylor (Tennessee) winning the meet. Top finishes for the Lady Canes included Kylie Ham (33rd, 23:39), Vivi Vest (42nd, 24:15), Ella Sabaka (45th, 24:35), Kim Guerra (50th, 24:44), and Hadley Finnemore (59th, 25:15). Adairsville’s Michael Spinks was 63rd running as an individual (19:39). The Cass boys placed fourth of 12 teams running September 30 at the Rangers Invitational in Cumming. Critton Gearhart (3rd, 17:52) led the Colonels. He was followed by teammates Leonardo Galeana (20th, 19:29), Adam Brush (25th, 19:42), Sawyer Foy (36th, 20:14), and Jordan Russell (46th, 20:59). Jimena Perez (58th, 29:30) and Adyson Doolittle (60th, 29:45) ran as individuals for the Cass girls. Next for Cass is the Pickens & Grinnin’ Invitational in Jasper on October 13. Cartersville and Woodland will run in the Coach Wood Invitational in Whitesburg on October 14. Adairsville’s next meet is the Ringgold Fast Break Challenge on October 17.

Ireland’s Joe Lyons carded rounds of 65-73-73 (211, 5-under-par) this past Thursday through Saturday at Cartersville Country Club to win the 2023 Golfweek International Senior Invitational by one shot over Michael Hughett of Owasso, Oklahoma. Hughett (68-73-71, 212, 4-under-par) was followed by Wes McNulty of White Hall, Arkansas, and Shane McMillan of Bountiful, Utah who finished at 3-under-par. Lyons had a roller-coaster final round, making six birdies and seven bogeys. He started the round birdie-bogey-birdie-bogey-bogey before making his first par on hole No. 6. Lyons bogeyed No. 17 to fall into a tie at 4-under with Hughett, but a Lyons birdie and a Hughett par on the par-5 No.18 secured the win in regulation for Lyons. Overall, Lyons recorded 15 birdies and 10 bogeys in the event. Hughett made a great effort down the stretch, birding Holes No. 12, 13, and 15 to tie Lyons after being four shots back on hole No. 11. The 54-hole event played at 6,800-yards, par-72, also included a team competition that was won by Team Arkansas (Stan Payne, Gordy McKeown, and McNulty). The winning team finished at 5-under-par defeating a pair of Georgia teams at 1-under-par. Each team, comprised of three players, counted their two low rounds for each day. Billy MItchell (Atlanta), Mike Combs (Roswell), and Coleman Tidwell (Macon) comprised one of the runner-up squads. Bob Royak (Alpharetta), Doug Hanzel (Savannah), and Michael Standard (Jackson) were co-runners-up. Team Ireland (Lyons, Karl Bornemann, and John Reynolds) led going into the final round but finished fourth at 1-over-par. Chad Branton (Cartersville) led the local individual competitors with a tie for 27th individually (72-74-77, 7-over-par). CCC member Scott Davenport (Marietta) tied for 37th (77, 75, 74, 10-over-par). Branton’s Georgia team, including Rusty Strawn (McDonough) and Cres Dodd (Calhoun) tied for eighth with a 6-over-par, three-day total.

Cartersville and Woodland volleyball advanced to the GHSA Class 5A state tournament with wins on Saturday at the Region 7-5A tournament. Cartersville stretched top-seeded Dalton in the finals but finished as region runner-up. Woodland went 1-1 on Saturday with a win over Hiram and a loss to Calhoun but will advance to the state playoffs as the region’s No. 4 seed. Cartersville defeated Calhoun 25-23, 25-17 to reach the finals. The Canes then defeated Dalton 25-19, 26-24 to set up a finals rematch with the Catamounts. Dalton won the title match 25-10, 25-22. State tournament pairings will be released by GHSA on Monday.

October 6, 2023 Cartersville softball broke open a scoreless game and scored all thirteen of their runs across the final three innings Thursday night in a 13-1 Region 7-5A win at Cass. Meanwhile, Canes’ pitcher Zoie Shiflett, limited the Lady Colonels to only two hits and two walks while striking out four in her six innings of work. Jordan Bishop had two hits including a home run and three RBIs to pace the Cartersville offense. Shiflett and Ansleigh Tilley followed with two hits and two RBIs. Kennedy Crenshaw (double, two RBIs), Erin McCrary (RBI), LaKiaya Banks, and Allana Williams (two RBIs) added one hit apiece. Braelyn Franklin, Darianna Sosa (double), and Reese Howard had one hit each for the Colonels. Emma Gibson (4 IP, 2ER, 2K, 2BB) and Lily Powell (2 IP, 11R, 5ER, 9H, 1BB, 1K) both pitched for Cass in their loss. Cartersville (17-8, 12-2) wraps up no worse than the No. 2 seed in Region 7-5A and hosts Calhoun Tuesday to determine the region title. Cass (9-16, 3-11) will play home games next week against Woodland and North Cobb Christian to close out the season. GORDON LEE 14, ADAIRSVILLE 3 Adairsville softball dropped a 14-3 decision Thursday night at home to Class AAA top-ranked Gordon Lee. The Trojans outhit the Tigers, twelve to four. After Gordon Lee scored four runs in the top of the first inning, Adairsville’s Chelsea Bates hit a three-run home run to narrow the margin to 4-3. The Tigers got no closer, however, with Gordon Lee adding multiple runs in the fourth through sixth innings to close out the game. Alissa Winters, Taylor Evans, and Brie Patterson had the other Adairsville base hits. Gordon Lee improved to 23-3-1 with their win. The Lady Trojans are 12-1 in Region 6-AAA. Adairsville (6-16, 3-10) closes out the season on Monday and Tuesday on the road at Sonoraville and Coahulla Creek.

The Cartersville Purple Hurricanes defeated the Cass Colonels Friday night 21-14 in overtime. It was the 50th edition of the local rivalry game. Cass received the opening kickoff but was forced to punt. The Canes, who have struggled at times to get out of the gate on offense, were also unable to threaten on their opening drive. On the second Cass possession, Sacovie White caught big throws from Brodie McWhorter, before the Colonels’ drive was capped with a 3-yard touchdown run by Devin Henderson. Austin McArthur converted the first of his two PAT kicks. On its third drive, Cass got into the Cartersville red zone, but penalties kept pushing back against the Cass attack. Unable to convert a third down in the red zone, Cass elected to attempt a 29-yard field goal. The kick sailed wide left leaving the score 7-0 with 9:05 remaining in the first half. Later in the period, a McWhorter to White touchdown pass was nullified by penalty and the Colonels would give the ball back to the Canes at about the four-minute mark. Khristian Lando broke loose on a long run and set up Cartersville deep in Cass territory. Just a few plays later, Richard Houston scored on a 2-yard run to tie the game at 7-7 following Ryan Johnson’s PAT kick. Cartersville scored in the third quarter when Nate Russell connected with A’darrian Taylor-Wilson for a 72-yard touchdown. The scoring strike gave the Canes their first lead of the game. Cass responded with a series of McWhorter to White pass plays that set up Henderson’s second rushing touchdown of the game. His 4-yard plunge tied the score at 14-14 with 9:04 remaining. After stopping Cartersville, the Colonels went on a march down the field that took nearly seven minutes off the clock. Cass drove inside the Cartersville 10-yard line but missed a field goal attempt as time expired sending the contest into overtime. Cartersville had the first possession of overtime and scored on a third down pass. Russell connected with Taylor-Wilson from the 13-yard line giving the Canes a 21-14 lead. On the Colonels’ overtime possession, McWhorter was intercepted by Reed Ezell ending the contest. Cass (4-3, 1-1) travels to Dalton for a region matchup on Friday at 7:30 p.m. Cartersville (7-0, 2-0) hosts Hiram in a region contest — also at 7:30 p.m. — Kevin Pate, WBHF, contributed to this report ADAIRSVILLE 55, RIDGELAND 7 Adairsville running back Ethan Blome rushed for three first half touchdowns Friday night and quarterback Jonathan Gough threw for three more scores as the Adairsville Tigers cruised past visiting Ridgeland, 55-7. Blome had touchdown runs of 1-, 4-, and 12 yards to cap off Adairsville's scoring drives in the opening half. Gough tossed touchdown passes to three different receivers. Tre Winters caught a 49-yard scoring strike in the second quarter that gave the Tigers a 21-7 lead. Noah Matthews was on the receiving end of a 72-yard touchdown pass midway through the third quarter and Jamarian Pullum hauled in a 44-yard touchdown pass later in the third period. Reserve quarterback Ethan Hendley scored on a 10-yard run early in the fourth quarter and Xavious Nalls returned an interception 43 yards for a pick-six in the final period adding to the Tigers’ cushion. Cooper Souders successfully booted six of seven PAT attempts. Ridgeland’s touchdown in the first quarter briefly tied the game at 7-7. It was a 55-yard run by Te’sean Choice. Adairsville led 27-7 at halftime. The loss dropped the Panthers to 0-7 on the season and 0-4 in Region 6-AAA. Ridgeland has now lost 17 straight games. The Tigers (5-2, 4-0) play at Gordon Lee on Friday at 7:30 p.m. — Larry Gardner contributed to this report. DALTON 42, WOODLAND 7 The Woodland Wildcats fell to the visiting Dalton Catamounts on Friday night 42-7. The Wildcats allowed a long touchdown early in the game when quarterback Ethan Long hit Bubba Tanner. After Woodland fumbled the ensuing kickoff, Dalton set up at the Woodland 19-yard line. Adriel Hernandez scored a 14-yard rushing touchdown just two plays later. The Catamounts missed the PAT but carried a 13-0 lead into the second quarter. Long and Turner connected for another touchdown in the second quarter followed by a two-point conversion that built a 21-0 Catamounts lead. Woodland quarterback Brelace Williams tossed a touchdown pass on the Wildcats’ ensuing drive to put points on the board for Woodland. On their next possession, the Wildcats again reached the Catamount red zone but were unable to convert a fourth down. Long followed with a 75-yard touchdown pass to Jefferson Locke that gave Dalton a 28-7 lead at the intermission. Hernandez scored his second rushing touchdown of the game in the third quarter before Adrian Gongora added a late, fourth quarter score to put away the Wildcats for good. Dalton improved to 5-2 on the season and evened their region mark at 1-1. Woodland (2-5, 0-2) will travel to Calhoun next week for another region contest. Kickoff is set for 7:30 Friday night. — Kevin Pate, WBHF, contributed to this report