The Cartersville Purple Hurricanes scored touchdowns on five of their six first half possessions, added the first of two defensive scores, and held early control in a 56-28 home playoff win Friday night over the Coffee Trojans. Quarterback Paul Gamble tossed a touchdown pass and ran for two more scores in the first half as the Hurricanes built a 42-14 lead by halftime. The Canes' defense also scored twice before the intermission. On Cartersville’s opening drive, a pair of passes from Gamble to Jamauri Brice and Romo Pace moved the Canes to the Coffee 10-yard line. After a few short runs by Malachi Jeffries, Gamble scored on a 2-yard keeper. Ryan Johnson’s first PAT kick gave the Canes a 7-0 lead with 9:22 remaining in the opening quarter. A Case Adams interception set up the next Cartersville touchdown. Adams picked off the throw at the 32-yard line on a third and long and returned it to the Trojans’ 17-yard line. The Hurricanes added to their lead shortly after with a 10-yard touchdown pass from Gamble to Jeffries making the score 14-0 with 7:46 to go in the first period. On the Canes' next possession they traveled 65 yards for another touchdown. A 28-yard reception by Jamauri Brice and a 22-yard run by Gamble were the big plays on the drive. Gamble punched in the score with a 4-yard run from a power formation giving the Canes a 21-0 lead with 3:09 left in the initial quarter. Coffee found paydirt on the ensuing possession. Runs by Dreshawn Taylor, Fred Brown, and Antwain McDuffie set up a 1-yard keeper by quarterback Maurice Hensley. Following Kah’jere Smith’s kick, the Trojans had narrowed the Cartersville advantage to 21-7 with 10:52 left in the second quarter. The two teams traded punts before Cartersville added to the lead. Gamble connected on a 45-yard touchdown pass to Collin Fletcher, giving the hosts a 28-7 lead with 7:13 remaining in the first half. The Cartersville defense stopped Coffee on their next possession and the offense followed up with another score. Jeffries had a 20-yard dash on the drive and Lando punched home the Canes’ touchdown with a 12-yard run with 3:27 to play in the first half giving the Canes a 35-7 lead. Coffee was stalled again on their next possession and decided to go for a fourth-and-two play at their own 28-yard line. The Canes stuffed that attempt and took over at the Trojans’ 27-yard line with 1:44 remaining in the half holding two timeouts. Four Gamble runs later, Cartersville found paydirt again and built a 42-7 lead. The scoring play was a four-yard run by Gamble with 0:51 remaining in the half. Coffee responded in the final seconds of the half, however, and closed out the half with their second touchdown. A long chunk run by McDuffie set up a pass from Hensley to Billy Simpson that moved the Trojans to the Canes’ nine-yard line. Two plays later, McDuffie scored on a six-yard run with 0:15 remaining in the half to make the score 42-14 at the intermission. Although Cartersville scored a defensive touchdown to start the second half, Coffee did not go away quietly. The Trojans drove about 27 yards on seven running plays and one short pass following the second half kickoff, but a bad pitch on a speed option play bounced into the arms of Cartersville’s Collin Fletcher who returned it 46 yards for a Canes’ scoop-and-score touchdown and a 49-14 lead with 8:57 remaining in the third. Coffee’s Patrick McCall returned the ensuing kickoff 83 yards to the Cartersville 15-yard line. Three plays and one penalty on the Canes later, McDuffie scored on a three-yard run out of a direct snap making the score 49-21 with just under eight minutes to go in the period. After forcing a Cartersville punt, Coffee scored again on a 46-yard drive. The key play on the drive was a 37-yard pass from Hansley to Keshad Turner to the three-yard line. Brown scored on the next play with a short plunge making the score 49-28 with 4:10 remaining in the third period. Early in the fourth quarter, Coffee methodically drove down the field on multiple runs by Tyrese Woodgett. From the Canes’ 27-yard line, Brown found a hole and ran inside the five but was stripped of the football. Case Adams fell on the miscue at the four-yard line halting the Coffee threat. Cartersville put an exclamation point on their victory with another touchdown drive in the final minutes. Jeffries broke free for a 41-yard run for the bulk of the yardage. Four plays later, Lando made a nice cut on a 12-yard touchdown run that made the final score 56-28 with 0:53 remaining. Coffee’s season ends with a 10-3 record. Cartersville (12-1) advances to the GHSA Class 5A semifinals and will travel to Warner Robins for a rematch with the team that has eliminated the Canes each of the past two seasons. Warner Robins (8-4) knocked off Creekside Friday night in overtime, 31-28. The Demons defeated Cartersville last season in the second round 24-17 and topped the Canes in the 2020 state championship game, 62-28. Warner Robins lost four of its first five games this season, but has now reeled off seven consecutive wins.

Former Cartersville High quarterback Trevor Lawrence put together one of the most impressive performances of his young NFL career Sunday. The Jacksonville signal caller led the Jaguars to a come-from-behind home win over the Baltimore Ravens to headline this week’s Athletes Beyond Bartow update. At the NCAA Men’s Soccer National Championship Tournament, Cartersville resident Russell Shealy earned his 10th shutout of the year Sunday as Syracuse advanced to the Elite Eight. On the hardwoods, former Cass standout Braxton Benham poured in 21 points Saturday as Berry College stayed undefeated on the year. In women’s hoops, former Adairsville Lady Tiger — Nakiyah Washington — posted back-to-back, double-double performances over the weekend for Piedmont University. NFL TREVOR LAWRENCE — Jacksonville Jaguars (2nd yr. pro; Clemson; Cartersville HS) … put together one of the most impressive performances of his young NFL career Sunday as Jacksonville came from behind to defeat the visiting Baltimore Ravens. The 23-year-old was 29-for-37 (78%) for 321 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions. His 129.5 passer rating was his best ever. His 28-yard touchdown pass to JaMychal Hasty in the second quarter gave the Jags a 7-6 lead. He added a 1-yard scoring pass to Jamal Agnew with 5:55 left in the game that narrowed the Ravens’ lead to 19-17. His final touchdown pass was a 10-yarder to Marvin Jones, Jr. with just 0:14 remaining and his ensuing two-point conversion pass to Zay Jones lifted Jacksonville to a 28-27 win. The game-winning, two-minute drill drive covered 75 yards on 10 plays. The Jaguars (4-7) play at Detroit this Sunday. COLLEGE FOOTBALL JONATHAN CRUZ — University of Mississippi (R-Sr., Cartersville HS) … was 3-for-3 on field goal attempts, including a 49-yarder, and made his only PAT kick attempt but the Rebels lost the annual Egg Bowl game 24-22 to visiting Mississippi State Thanksgiving night. Cruz also booted three of his five kickoffs for touchbacks. Ole Miss (8-4, 4-4 Southeastern Conference) awaits their bowl selection. JORDAN FERGUSON — Middle Tennessee State University (R-Sr., Cartersville HS) … made six total tackles including a pair of sacks and one more tackle for a loss in the Blue Raiders’ 33-28 victory at Florida International last Saturday. He is now one sack shy of the all-time career record. MTSU (7-5, 4-4 Conference USA) awaits its bowl destination. JONAH GAMBILL — University of Memphis (So., Cartersville HS) … was a starter last Saturday afternoon on the Tigers’ offensive line that helped produce 439 total yards (287 passing / 152 rushing) in a 34-31 loss at SMU in Dallas. Memphis (6-6, 3-5) will receive its ninth-consecutive bowl invitation. JaCOREY JOHNS — Wake Forest University (R-Jr., Cartersville HS) … made two tackles, giving him 30 for the season, in the Demon Deacons’ 34-31 loss last Saturday at Duke. Wake Forest (7-5, 3-5 Atlantic Coast Conference) will learn its bowl destination this Sunday. TITUS JONES — Colorado State University (Jr., Woodland HS) … was a participant but recorded no stats in the Rams’ 17-0 home win last Friday over New Mexico. Jones saw action in nine games this season on special teams as the Rams finished the year 3-9. EVAN SLOCUM — Wake Forest University (So., Cartersville HS) … made five total tackles, raising his season total to 43, last Saturday in the Deacons’ 34-31 loss at Duke. Wake Forest (7-5, 3-5 Atlantic Coast Conference) awaits its bowl game assignment. BRANDON WADE — University of West Florida (Grad Student, Cartersville HS) … made one tackle from his defensive line position last Saturday in the Argonauts 38-27 second round NCAA D-II playoff win at Delta State. UWF (11-1) now hosts Wingate University Saturday afternoon in the national quarterfinals. SOCCER RUSSELL SHEALY — Syracuse University (R-Sr., Cartersville resident, Darlington HS) … faced nine total shots, made two saves, and earned his 10th shutout of the season Sunday as the 3rd-ranked Orange blanked 12th-ranked Cornell 1-0 in the third round of the NCAA Championship Tournament. Syracuse (16-2-4) will host Vermont Saturday afternoon in the Elite Eight. BASKETBALL BRAXTON BENHAM — Berry College (So., Cass HS) … scored 21 points with three rebounds, two assists, one steal, and one block in the Vikings’ 93-84 win last Saturday at home over Pfeiffer University (North Carolina). Berry (6-0) plays at Maryville (Tennessee) Tuesday night and will host Oglethorpe University Saturday night. CLAIRE DAVIS — Palm Beach Atlantic University (Fr., Cass HS) … grabbed five rebounds with one assist and scored one point in nine minutes off the bench as the Sailfish beat Purdue Northwest last Friday 59-52. She then led PBAU in scoring and rebounds, with 18 points and 11 boards, in an 83-77 loss to Minnesota-Crookston last Saturday. She also chipped in one assist, one steal, and one blocked shot in the loss. The Sailfish (2-2) begin Sunshine State Conference play Wednesday at home against Rollins and travel to Saint Leo Saturday afternoon. DiANTHONY HEATHCOCK — Columbia International University (Jr., Woodland HS) … totaled 16 points, 16 rebounds, five steals, two blocked shots, and one assist as the Rams split games last Friday and Saturday in Kingsport, Tennessee at the NAIA Show. CIU beat Washington Adventist University 76-73 and lost to Trinity International (Illinois) 75-70. The Rams (4-4, 3-2 Appalachian Athletic Conference) play an exhibition game at USC-Upstate Wednesday night before traveling to conference foe Reinhardt on Saturday. T.J. HORTON — Georgia Highlands CC (So., Cartersville HS) … scored five points off the bench with three rebounds, a steal, and an assist last Saturday in a 94-72 loss at Indian River State CC. The Chargers (2-7) also had losses at Polk State CC and State College of Florida last Thursday and Friday at the Thanksgiving Classic in Bradenton. Stats from those games were not available. GHC has a week off prior to playing New Rock Prep on December 9. HALEY JOHNSON — Central Georgia Tech CC (Fr., Cass HS) … scored three points last Tuesday in an 89-66 home loss to East Georgia State CC. The Titans (1-6, 0-3 Georgia Collegiate Athletic Association) entertain Andrew College Saturday evening in Macon. KEARA McDANIEL — Toccoa Falls College (Fr., Cass HS) … collected four rebounds and sank one three-point shot coming off the bench in the Screaming Eagles’ 57-34 loss last Saturday at Queens University (North Carolina). Toccoa Falls (4-4, 0-1 USCAA) hosts Wesleyan Tuesday before traveling to Florida for three games next weekend against Trinity Baptist, Trinity College (Florida), and Johnson University (Florida). JAYLON PUGH — Lander University (Grad Student, Cartersville HS) … scored six points, grabbed a pair of rebounds, and added one steal and one assist off the Bearcats’ bench in a 65-57 loss at Newberry last Tuesday. He then scored 12 points with three boards, two steals, and one assist last Sunday in a 106-72 home win over King (Tennessee). Lander (5-1) hosts Morris College (South Carolina) Thursday night. ABIGAIL TAYLOR — Centre College (Fr., Woodland HS) … scored five points in the Colonels’ 75-49 home win last Tuesday over Maryville College (Tennessee) and did not score but had one steal last Sunday in 65-47 home loss to Hanover College (Indiana). Centre (3-3) hosts Sewanee-University of the South Saturday afternoon. LONDAISHA SMITH — Alderson Broaddus University (So., Cass HS) … finished with 12 points, six rebounds, and two assists last Tuesday in the Battlers’ 91-66 loss at Wheeling University (West Virginia). ABU (1-4, 0-2 Mountain East Conference) plays at California University of Pennsylvania Monday night, hosts Concord College (West Virginia) Wednesday night, and travels to Glenville State (West Virginia) Saturday afternoon. NAKIYAH WASHINGTON — Piedmont University (Sr., Adairsville HS) … posted back-to-back, double-double performances last Friday and Sunday as the Lions split home games with Greensboro College and Sewanee-University of the South. Washington scored 24 points, collected 14 rebounds, and added three steals and two assists in an 84-78 loss to Greensboro. She followed with 28 points, 12 rebounds, two steals, and one assist in the Lions’ 75-57 win over Sewanee. Piedmont (4-2) hosts Tufts University Sunday afternoon.

The Cass wrestling team went 2-0 Saturday at the PapaWayne Duals at Hiram High School. The Colonels defeated the host Hornets 69-12 and beat Rockmart 51-21. In the win over Hiram, Cass wrestlers won nine bouts by pinfall and four more by forfeit. Angel Castenado (113 lbs.) won by a minor decision to round out the Colonels' scoring. Those winning by pin included: Jordan Taylor (120), Ethan Harrington (126), Jake Crapps (138), Tanner Toups (144), Tyler McKnight (150), Eli Doolittle (157), Kriecg Roe (165), Zach McKnight (175), and Parker Dunn (215). In the Cass win over Rockmart, Rowdy Duck (132), Crapps (138), Tyler McKnight (150), Doolittle (157), Roe (165), and Zach McKnight (175) all won by pin. Lee Camp (106) won by technical fall. Toup (144) had a major decision victory while Taylor (120) won by a minor decision in overtime. The Colonels return to action December 3-4 at the Southern Slam hosted by Eastside High School in South Carolina.

The Cass boys basketball team picked up its first win of the 2022-23 season Saturday afternoon with a 49-46 home victory over Arabia Mountain. The Colonels built a 10-point halftime advantage by outscoring the Rams 13-3 in the second quarter to lead 25-15 at the intermission. Arabia Mountain (2-3) narrowed the lead in the third quarter and went ahead in the fourth quarter before the Colonels recovered for their first win. “Any win is a good win,” said Cass coach Kevin Cunningham. “We played well, but we panicked a little bit when they made their run. The guys did a great job of dialing it back to do the little things to come back and win. I’m proud of these guys and happy to get our first win.” Three Cass players reached double figures in scoring. Jayden Foster led the Colonels with 16 points followed by Devin Henderson with 15. Jakai Baldwin finished with 10 points. Sacovie White contributed five points. Kevin Henderson and Isaiah Ford rounded out the scoring with two and one point, respectively. Brendan Rose led Arabia Mountain with 17 points. Traeveon Williams scored 11 for the Rams. Cass (1-4) hosts Southeast Whitfield Tuesday with the girls' tip scheduled for 6 p.m.

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 Adairsville High School November Elite Athlete of the Month is Sadie Abernathy. She is a sophomore member of the Tigers’ competition cheer team and track and field team. The daughter of Rondi Abernathy, she is a back spot for the cheer team. “Sadie is the epitome of a team player,” said Adairsville head cheer coach Kaylie Smith. “She gives her best at every practice and she encourages her teammates. Sadie puts the work in both during and outside her season. She is a phenomenal student and a member of our school’s STEM Magnet Program. She has earned the respect of her teammates and coaches alike.” Abernathy is a Beta Club member and carries a 3.8 GPA taking Honors and AP courses. The November Elite Athlete of the Month representing Cass High School is Mikaela Jackson. A senior on the Lady Colonels’ basketball team, she is the daughter of Burt and Lori Jackson. A member of the Student Leadership Team with a 4.0 GPA, Jackson is currently the Lady Colonels’ second leading scorer and rebounder with 11.5 points per game and 5.5 rebounds per game. “Mikaela has a deep passion and love for the game, her teammates, and her team,” said Cass athletic director Dr. Nicky Moore. “She also serves as one of the team captains.” The Cass girls have started the 2022-23 season with a 3-0 mark. Kwadrus Wilson represents Woodland High School as a November Elite Athlete of the Month. A junior member of the Wildcats’ football, wrestling, and baseball teams, he is the son of Derrick Wilson. Wilson is a defensive lineman for the football team; a heavyweight wrestler; and a catcher for the baseball team. He was a First Team All-Region selection for Region 7-5A and has already won the Lassiter Invitational in wrestling. “Kwadrus is an incredibly gifted athlete,” said Woodland wrestling coach Brett Shedd. “His potential seems limitless.” Cartersville High School’s November Elite Athlete of the Month is Malachi Vosburgh. A junior member of the Canes’ cross country and track teams, Vosburgh is the son of Marc Vosburgh and Sierra Simpson. During the 2022 cross country season, Vosburgh accomplished several elite performances noted on MileSplit. He was runner-up at the Wire2Wire Invitational and the Region 7-5A Championship. He also had a sub-16 minute 5K and led the Hurricanes all season. “Malachi is by far the most dedicated runner I’ve had the pleasure to train,” noted Cartersville coach Dillon Byrd. “He works very hard and has incredible cross country goals for himself. In addition to his athleticism, he is a leader on and off the field. He shows up early and encourages his teammates. I look for Malachi to be one of the top runners in the state in his senior season.” Vosburgh, the current Bartow County record holder, plans to run at the collegiate level. He has a 3.85 GPA and is a Beta Club member. 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

It was a tough Tuesday for local basketball teams in action at various events. The Excel Christian, Woodland, Adairsville, and Cass boys all suffered losses. In girls' action, Adairsville and Woodland fell. WESLEYAN 62, EXCEL CHRISTIAN ACADEMY BOYS 57 The Excel boys had a three-point lead late in the game Tuesday night but several costly turnovers and an effective inside game lifted Wesleyan to a 62-57 win at the Ray Tucker Invitational at Gordon Central High School in Calhoun. The Eagles started slowly and trailed by as many as 10 points at the end of the first quarter. Excel outscored Wesleyan 18-8 in the second quarter to get to the intermission tied at 28-all. The Eagles held a 43-40 advantage heading to the final eight minutes but was outscored 22-14 in the fourth quarter. Josh Kevel scored 17 points to lead the Wolves (4-0). Four Eagles reached double figures in scoring. Jakaden Barley scored 15. Comari Nettles finished with 14 points. Kyron McClendon and Jacob Taylor contributed 13 each with Christian Viera adding two points for Excel. Excel Christian (3-2) returns to action Monday at Oakwood Christian Academy. SONORAVILLE 57, WOODLAND BOYS 33 The Woodland boys lost at Sonoraville Tuesday night, 57-33, at the Gordon Central Ray Tucker Invitational. The host Phoenix led 24-15 at halftime and added to their lead in the second half. Donovan McDaniel scored a game-high 20 points to lead Sonoraville (2-0). Zyon Heath led Woodland with 12 points. Evan Womack scored 11. Jay Walker and Brelace Williams finished with four points each while David Byars added two for the Wildcats. Woodland (1-3) hosts Adairsville next Tuesday in a 7:30 p.m. tip. OCONEE COUNTY 65, ADAIRSVILLE BOYS 48 The Adairsville boys fell to Oconee County Tuesday night at the Gordon Central Invitational, 65-48. Oconee led 33-21 at halftime and held a 56-32 advantage through three quarters. Noah Hutchison and Trevor Oechsle led the Warriors (4-0) with 14 points each. Tre Winters led Adairsville with 17 points. Zach Postell followed with 11. Xavious Nalls scored five. Ben Abernathy chipped in with four points. Chase Hillburn, Jay Pullum, and Zach Weaver contributed three points each. Mason Thacker added two for the Tigers. Monday, the Tigers lost to Wesleyan 76-57. Adairsville trailed 24-14 after one quarter but cut the deficit to 32-30 at halftime. Wesleyan then outscored the Tigers 24-9 in the third quarter to pull away. James McGritt and Thomas Chipman led Wesleyan in scoring with 26 and 20 points, respectively. Tre Winters paced Adairsville with 27 points. He scored 18 in the second half. Zach Postell followed with 16. Zach Weaver scored six points. Ben Abernathy contributed four while Tay Jackson and Xavious Nalls added two points each. Adairsville (0-2) plays at Woodland next Tuesday night at 7:30 p.m. SONORAVILLE 45, ADAIRSVILLE GIRLS 41 The Lady Tigers had a 19-18 lead at halftime and led 37-32 heading to the fourth quarter but the Phoenix limited Adairsville to just four points in the final eight minutes as Sonoraville topped Adairsville 45-41 at the Armuchee Tournament. Kayleigh Kelley scored 14 points to lead the Phoenix. Analee Morris paced the Lady Tigers with 14 points. Naxyria Roberts scored seven. Zariyah Hicks and Alissa Winters added five each for Adairsville. “Turnovers and lack of composure hurt us tonight,” said Lady Tigers’ head coach Melissa Winters. “We were effective from the free throw line, however, for tonight’s bright spot.” Sonoraville improved to 3-0. Adairsville (2-1) plays at Woodland next Tuesday in a 6 p.m. tip-off. McINTOSH 62, CASS BOYS 45 The Cass boys lost their fourth straight game to start the 2022-23 season and dropped their third game at the Roswell High School Rotary Air Invitational Tuesday with a 62-45 loss to McIntosh. The Chiefs built a 31-21 lead by halftime and outscored the Colonels 31-24 in the second half. Brandon Cheri scored a game-high 23 points to pace McIntosh (1-3). Cass was led by Devin Henderson with 11 points. Sacovie White finished with 10. K.J. Rogers scored eight. Jayden Foster posted seven. Isaiah Ford contributed five points. Tom Brannon had three points and Kevin Henderson added one point for the Colonels. Cass (0-4) hosts Arabia Mountain Saturday at 2:30 p.m. PEPPERELL 63, WOODLAND GIRLS 36 The Pepperell girls built a 41-21 lead by halftime and eased to a 63-36 win Tuesday night over Woodland in Rome. Kaitlyn House led the Dragons with 18 points. Gabi Smith and Morgan Willingham added 17 points each for Pepperell. The Lady Cats were led by Megan Schultz with 11 points. Reagan Weightman scored eight. Libby Morgan finished with five points. Indya Coaxum finished with four. Bailee Motes and Morgan Echols had three points and Kasidee Wall added two for Woodland. The Lady Cats (1-3) host Adairsville next Tuesday night in a 6 p.m. start.

The Cass High School swim teams finished second last Thursday (Nov. 17) in a five-team meet at Darlington in Rome. Host Darlington won the combined team scores with 181 points, followed by Cass (100), Model (61), Armuchee (23), and Pepperell (19). First and second place performances for Cass included: 1st place Boys 100 yard butterfly — Brandon Santana 2nd place Girls 200 yard medley relay (Nicole Davis, Adyson Doolittle, Britney Perez, and Stacia Zappoli) Girls 200 yard freestyle relay (Adyson Doolittle, Monica Martinez, Stacia Zappoli, Jimena Perez) Boys 500 yard freestyle — Jake Wright Girls 500 yard freestyle — Nicole Davis

In girls' basketball action Monday night, three local teams all picked up victories. Cass came from behind in the second half to outlast visiting Paulding County. Woodland earned a road victory at Dalton's Christian Heritage and Adairsville secured a win at theh Armuchee Tournament over North Murray. CASS GIRLS 51, PAULDING COUNTY 47 The Cass Lady Colonels defeated visiting Paulding County Monday afternoon 51-47 to improve to 3-0 on the season. Kiana McDaniel scored 21 points, had 10 rebounds, and made seven steals to lead the way for Cass. Navaeh Woods followed with 11 points. Cass led 9-6 after the opening eight minutes but trailed 25-20 at halftime and 41-33 heading into the fourth quarter. From there, the Lady Colonels outscored the Patriots 18-6 down the stretch to escape with a four-point win. KK Evans posted six points for Cass. Olivia Woods had four. Darianna Sosa and Mikaela Jackson contributed three points each with Jackson adding seven rebounds. Kaitlyn Godwin and Reese Howard rounded out the Cass scoring with two points and one point, respectively. Ariyonna Smart led the Lady Patriots (1-1) with 15 points. The Cass girls return to action Tuesday, Nov. 29 at home at 6 p.m. against Southeast Whitfield. WOODLAND GIRLS 45, CHRISTIAN HERITAGE 44 The Woodland Lady Cats held on late Monday night to edge host Christian Heritage, 45-44. Woodland led 14-12 after one quarter; 24-19 at halftime; and 37-29 through three quarters before the Lions made a furious fourth quarter charge. Christian Heritage’s Carly Bramlett scored 13 of her game-high 18 points in the final period. Megan Schultz and Morgan Echols paced Woodland with 15 and 14 points, respectively. Indya Coaxum and Bailee Motes contributed four points each. Kasidee Wall and Reagan Weightman added two points apiece. The loss evened the Lions’ record at 1-1. Woodland (1-2) plays at Pepperell Tuesday night. ADAIRSVILLE GIRLS 53, NORTH MURRAY 36 The Adairsville Lady Tigers took a 15-2 lead over North Murray after one quarter and cruised to 53-36 win Monday night at Armuchee. Adairsville led 22-10 at halftime and was up 32-17 after three quarters. “The girls rebounded the ball well tonight and the defensive intensity was strong,” said Lady Tigers coach Melissa Winters. “We were able to run five different defenses effectively.” Analee Morris led Adairsville with 13 points. Aliya McBryde and Naxyria Roberts followed with 10 points each. Zariyah Hicks and Alissa Winters scored nine each while Darby Adams added two points for the Lady Tigers. “Our scoring was spread across multiple players again tonight,” coach Winters continued. “Our girls shared the ball and got everyone involved in the offense.” The Adairsville girls (2-0) will square off with former region-foe Sonoraville Tuesday at 5 p.m. in the Lady Tigers’ final game at the Armuchee Tournament.

The Cass boys dropped a 48-45 overtime decision to host Roswell Monday afternoon participating in the Rotary Honor Air Invitational. The Colonels trailed 9-7 after the opening eight minutes and went to the halftime locker room trailing 22-20. The score was tied at 35-all at the end of the third period and was knotted at 43-all at the end of regulation. The host Hornets outscored the Colonels 5-2 in the extra session. “We were down most of the game and had our chances,” said Cass head coach Kevin Cunningham. “Now that we have all the football guys, we can get some practice reps and start clicking. Once our timing and execution get better on offense, we will be fine.” Michael Duncan led Roswell with 17 points. Parker Hake added 10 for the Hornets (1-2) Jayden Foster scored 18 points for Cass followed by 11 by K.J. Rogers. Devin Henderson finished with eight points. Sacovie White and Jakai Baldwin scored three each. Tayvian McKibbins added two points for the Colonels. Cass (0-3) plays McIntosh Tuesday morning back at Roswell High School.

The Excel Christian Academy boys basketball team lost a 108-96 double-overtime decision Monday night in Calhoun at the Gordon Central Invitational. Excel held leads of 23-19 after one quarter; 37-33 at halftime; and 53-52 through three quarters. The two teams were tied at 72 at the end of regulation and 79-79 after one overtime period. The Warriors pulled away in the second overtime period to win by twelve and eclipse the century mark. Trevor Oechsle scored a game-high 42 points to lead Oconee County. Noah Hutchinson finished with 25 for the Warriors. Jakaden Barkley finished with 34 points to lead Excel. Kyron McClendon followed with 31 points and Jacob Taylor scored 20. Comari Nettles added nine points and Kamarion Profit scored two to round out the ECA scoring. The Eagles (3-1) are scheduled to play Wesleyan Tuesday night at 8:30 at Gordon Central.

This week’s Athletes Beyond Bartow report includes updates on 31 Bartow County athletes contributing to their respective programs in six different sports. COLLEGE FOOTBALL KOLBE BENHAM — Marist College (R-Fr., Cartersville HS) … saw action but recorded no stat line in the Red Foxes' 24-13 loss last Saturday at Bucknell. Benham played in 10 games this season and made 11 tackles. He also picked off one pass. Marist finished the season 4-7 overall and 4-4 in the Pioneer Football League. BRYCE BURGESS — Reinhardt University (Sr., Adairsville HS) … started at running back but had no stats in the Eagles’ 23-22 NAIA playoff loss last Saturday at Lindsey Wilson (Kentucky). Burgess finished the year with 222 rushing yards and three touchdowns. He also had three pass receptions for 31 yards. Reinhardt finished the year 8-2. JONATHAN CRUZ — University of Mississippi (R-Sr., Cartersville HS) … made two of three field goal attempts last Saturday including a 45-yard field goal in the first quarter of the Rebels’ 42-27 loss at Arkansas. He made a 32-yarder and missed a 39-yard attempt in the second period. He made his only PAT attempt and booted two of his four kickoffs for touchbacks. He did have one kickoff to go out of bounds. Ole Miss (8-3, 4-3 Southeastern Conference) hosts the annual Egg Bowl game on Thanksgiving evening against rival Mississippi State. JORDAN FERGUSON — Middle Tennessee State University (R-Sr., Cartersville HS) … made two tackles and was credited with a one-half sack, a quarterback hurry, and one fumble recovery in the Blue Raiders’ 49-21 win last Saturday over visiting Florida Atlantic University. He added a 49-yard rushing attempt when inserted on offense for a fourth-and-two play in the third quarter. MTSU (6-5, 3-4 Conference USA) is now bowl eligible for the 12th time in 17 seasons and will finish the regular season Saturday at Florida International. JONAH GAMBILL — University of Memphis (So., Cartersville HS) … started on the Tigers’ offensive line in a 59-0 blanking of North Alabama. Memphis rushed for 246 yards and passed for another 247. The win makes the Tigers (6-5, 4-3 American Athletic Conference) bowl eligible for the ninth straight season. Memphis plays this Saturday afternoon at SMU. SHADRE HURST — Tulane University (Fr., Cartersville HS) … an offensive lineman, Hurst saw action in the Green Wave’s 59-24 win last Thursday night over SMU. Tulane (9-2, 6-1 American Athletic Conference) plays at Cincinnati Friday in a 12 noon start with the winner earning the right to host the conference championship game on December 3. JaCOREY JOHNS — Wake Forest University (R-Jr., Cartersville HS) … made one solo tackle in the Demon Deacons’ 45-35 win at home last Saturday night over Syracuse. Wake (7-4, 3-4 Atlantic Coast Conference) finishes the regular season schedule Saturday afternoon at Duke. TITUS JONES — Colorado State University (R-Jr., Woodland HS) … saw action but had no stats in the Rams’ 24-14 loss at Air Force last Saturday. CSU (2-9, 2-5 Mountain West Conference) wraps up the regular season at home Friday afternoon against New Mexico. SAM PHILLIPS — UT-Chattanooga (R-Fr., Cartersville HS) … hauled in nine receptions last Saturday at Western Carolina for 106 yards. He had a long reception of 23 yards in the Mocs’ 32-29 loss. Phillips’ performance set the freshman record for season receptions. His back-to-back 100-yards efforts are the first by a Mocs receiver since Bryce Nunnelly opened the 2018 campaign with four in a row. Chattanooga finished the season 7-4 overall and 5-3 in the Southern Conference and was not selected for the FCS playoffs. EVAN SLOCUM — Wake Forest University (So., Cartersville HS) … made eight tackles as Wake Forest beat visiting Syracuse last Saturday 45-35 in Winston-Salem. Slocum now has 38 tackles in 11 games. The Demon Deacons (7-4, 3-4 Atlantic Coast Conference) travel to Duke Saturday afternoon. BRANDON WADE — University of West Florida (Grad Student, Cartersville HS) … made four tackles and was credited with a one-half sack last Saturday as the Argonauts routed visiting Limestone 45-19 in the opening round of the NCAA D-II playoffs. UWF (10-1) plays at Gulf South Conference-foe Delta State Saturday in a second round matchup. The Argos will be seeking to avenge their only loss of the season. CROSS COUNTRY BILL ARCHER — University of Montevallo (So., Cartersville HS) … finished 64th individually and third for his team in 33:37 as the Falcons placed eighth of 18 teams at the 10K NCAA D-II South Region Championship in Lakeland, Florida. The team did not advance to the national championship on December 3 but did have an individual runner to qualify. SOCCER RUSSELL SHEALY — Syracuse University (R-Sr., Cartersville resident; Darlington HS) … made three saves facing 11 shots Sunday in a 2-1 overtime NCAA Tournament home win over Penn. The Orange (15-2-4, ranked #3) play 12th-ranked Cornell Sunday in the third round. SWIMMING GRAYSON BREEDLOVE — Lenoir-Rhyne University (Jr., Cartersville HS) … was on the Bears’ 200-yard medley relay team that placed 12th last weekend at the Queens Fall Frenzy in Charlotte, North Carolina. LRU finished eighth of eight teams. The Bears head to the University of Tampa Spartan Invitational December 16-19. HARPER POWELL — Florida Tech (So., Adairsville HS) … swam the opening leg of the Panthers’ second place 200-yard medley relay team. She was ninth in the 100-yard backstroke finals and placed fifth in the 100-yard freestyle at the Florida Tech Invitational last Friday through Sunday. In preliminaries, she won a 50-yard freestyle in 24.26 and was fourth in her 100-yard backstroke prelim in 59.96. Florida Tech returns to action on December 18 at the CSCAA Open Water Nationals. WRESTLING CARSON BAILEY — Emmanuel College (Fr., Woodland HS) …lost two bouts at the King Tornado Open Sunday in Bristol, Tennessee. The Lions host Emory & Henry Wednesday, November 30. KYLE GOLLHOFER — Northern Iowa (R-So., Woodland HS) … finished 2-2 and placed fifth in the 125-pound division of the Warren Williamson/Daktronics Open last Sunday in Brookings, South Dakota. The Panthers return to the mats Saturday at the Harold Nichols Cyclone Open in Ames, Iowa. CALEB HENSON — Virginia Tech (Fr., Woodland HS) … finished 4-1 and placed third in the 149-pound division of the 26th annual Keystone Classic in Philadelphia last Sunday. The Hokies also won the team title by nine points over Penn. The tournament included eleven Division I teams. Next for Virginia Tech is the Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational Dec. 2-3. COLE HUNT — University of North Carolina (Fr., Cass HS) … finished 3-2 and placed sixth in the Open 125-pound division of the Life University Open last weekend in Powder Springs. The Tar Heels were fourth of 29 teams represented. UNC returns to action December 15 to host Appalachian State. BRYCE KRESHO — Franklin & Marshall (Fr., Cass HS) … went 0-2 at the Keystone Classic in Philadelphia last Sunday as F&M placed tenth of 11 Division I teams. Kresho lost a 6-2 decision to his opponent from Drexel and fell 5-3 to his opponent from Penn. Next for the Diplomats is a tri-match with Duke at Virginia Military Institute. QUESTAPHA LEWIS — Midway University (So., Woodland HS) … finished 1-2 competing in the 133-pound division of the Freshman/Sophomore bracket at the Life University Open last Saturday. The Eagles will host a four-way match on December 3 involving the University of Pikeville, Cumberland University, and West Virginia University Tech. JAXON SMITH — University of Maryland (Fr., Woodland HS) … wrestling in the 197-pound division, Smith won an 8-2 decision over Nino Bonaccorsi of Pittsburgh as the Terrapins won 18-16 last Friday night. Next for the Terps is a bout at Navy on December 11. JABRIL WILLIAMS —Midway University (So., Cartersville HS) … lost both of his bouts over the weekend at the Life University Open in Marietta. The Eagles host University of Pikeville, Cumberland University, and West Virginia University Tech on December 3. BASKETBALL BRAXTON BENHAM — Berry College (So., Cass HS) … in home games last week against Bellhaven University and Warren Wilson College, Benham totaled 36 points, nine rebounds, nine assists, six steals, and two blocks. The Vikings beat Belhaven 62-57 and blew out Warren Wilson 105-63. Berry (5-0) hosts Pfeiffer University Saturday afternoon. CLAIRE DAVIS — Palm Beach Atlantic University (Fr., Cass HS) … scored 14 points and had three rebounds, two steals, two blocks, and two assists in an 82-56 win last Wednesday over Florida National. She then totaled seven points, six rebounds, three steals, and two assists in back-to-back losses Saturday and Monday at Florida Southern and Florida Atlantic. The Sailfish (1-2, 0-1 Sunshine State Conference) host Purdue Northwest Friday and Minnesota Crookston Saturday. DiANTHONY HEATHCOCK — Columbia International University (Jr., Woodland HS) … scored 15 points, grabbed eight rebounds, and blocked four shots last Tuesday in a 76-57 home win over St. Andrews University (North Carolina). The Rams (2-3, 2-2 Appalachian Athletic Conference) host Bluefield College (Virginia) Tuesday night and will play in the NAIA “The Show” Friday and Saturday in Kingsport, Tennessee. CIU plays Washington Adventist University and Trinity International (Illinois). HALEY JOHNSON — Central Georgia Tech CC (Fr., Cass HS) … scored two points, had three rebounds, two assists, and one steal last Wednesday in the Titans 72-65 loss at Albany Tech CC. Central Georgia Tech (2-4, 0-2 Georgia Collegiate Athletic Association) hosts East Georgia State CC Tuesday night and Andrew College Saturday. KEARA McDANIEL — Toccoa Falls College (Fr., Cass HS) … did not score in 15 minutes off the Screaming Eagles’ bench but had one rebound and one assist in an 85-49 win last Saturday at Wesleyan College. Toccoa Falls (4-4) also had a home loss to Welch College last Friday, 83-61, but no stats were publicly available. They play at Queens (North Carolina) Saturday afternoon. JAYLON PUGH — Lander University (Grad Student, Cartersville HS) … scored 12 ponts, collected four rebounds, and added three assists in a 96-52 home win over Erskine College last Wednesday. He also finished with six points, one rebound, and two assists in an 87-76 win over visiting Wingate University. Lander (4-0) plays at Newberry College Tuesday night and will host King University Sunday afternoon. LONDAISHA SMITH — Alderson Broaddus University (So., Cass HS) … collected five rebounds, scored three points, and had one assist last Wednesday in a home 94-67 loss to Salem (West Virginia). Last Saturday, Smith scored six points, had six rebounds, and added one steal in the Battlers’ 82-73 home loss to West Liberty University. ABU (1-3, 0-1 Mountain East Conference) plays at Wheeling University Tuesday night. NAKIYAH WASHINGTON — Piedmont University (Sr., Adairsville HS) … scored a team-high 17 points, gathered six rebounds, and made one steal in the Lions’ 82-53 loss last Sunday at Emory-Atlanta. Piedmont (3-1) also had an 81-73 win last Saturday in Atlanta over the University of Lynchburg. The Lions play this Friday night at home against Greensboro College.

The Christian Heritage boys raced to a 35-11 first half lead and extended their advantage in the second half to defeat visiting Woodland Monday night in Dalton, 68-29. Jax Abernathy and Isaac Plavich led the host Lions (1-0) in scoring with 18 and 17 points, respectively. Brelace Williams led Woodland with 10 points. Isaiah Livsey scored eight. Zyon Heath had seven points with Carmelo Morris and Parker Collins adding two points each. Woodland (1-2) plays at Sonoraville Tuesday night at 6 p.m.