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January 5, 2025 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com NFL Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) runs the ball past Tennessee Titans outside linebackers Truman Jones (56) and Jaylen Harrell, far right, during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux) TREVOR LAWRENCE — Jacksonville Jaguars (NFL, 5th-year pro; Clemson; Cartersville HS)  … completed 22 out of 30 pass attempts for 255 yards and three touchdowns last Sunday as the Jaguars dominated the visiting Tennessee Titans 41-7. Lawrence also had two rush attempts for 11 yards. His five-yard touchdown pass to Quintin Morris marked his 38th of the season, setting a new single-season record for the Jaguars' franchise. He also threw touchdown passes to Parker Washington (23 yards) and Brenton Strange (7 yards). Lawrence has completed 61 percent of his passes for 4,007 yards and 29 touchdowns, with 12 interceptions. He rushed for 359 yards on 82 attempts during the regular season, scoring nine touchdowns. Jacksonville won the AFC South and is the No. 3 seed in the playoffs. The Jaguars (13-8) enter the NFL playoffs on an eight-game winning streak and will host the Buffalo Bills (12-5) on Sunday at 1 p.m. in the opening round. FOOTBALL KADEN ELLIS — Appalachian State University (Fr., Cass HS) … saw action in the defensive line rotation but did not record an individual stat in the Mountaineers’ 29-10 loss to Georgia Southern at the Birmingham Bowl on December 29. Appalachian State finished the season with a 5-8 record. SAM PHILLIPS — University of Iowa (R-Jr., Cartersville HS) … saw action but did not have an individual stat line in the Hawkeyes’ 34-27 ReliaQuest Bowl win over Vanderbilt in Tampa on December 31. Phillips, a transfer from UT-Chattanooga, played in all 13 games this season and totaled 16 receptions for 261 yards. Iowa closed out the 2025 season with three straight wins to finish 9-4. MALACHI TOLIVER — University of Georgia (R-Fr., Cartersville HS) … started at center and was part of an offensive unit that produced 343 total yards, but lost to Ole Miss 39-34 in the Sugar Bowl and quarterfinals of the College Football Playoffs. Toliver saw action in the Bulldogs’ final six games. Georgia finished the season with a 12-2 mark. SACOVIE WHITE-HELTON — University of Georgia (R-Fr., Cass HS) … had one catch for 20 yards in the Bulldogs’ 39-34 loss to Ole Miss in the Sugar Bowl and quarterfinals of the College Football Playoffs. He appeared in all 13 games this season and had eight catches for 70 yards. He also returned five punts for 57 yards during the year. Georgia was 12-2 this season. FISHING COOPER MOON — University of Montevallo (Fr., Cartersville HS) … won a gold medal and represented the United States with the 13-member USAngling Youth Bass Fishing team at the Tri-Nations Cup in mid-December at Loskop Dam in Mpumalanga, South Africa.  The U.S. team finished more than 100 pounds ahead of the host country in the victory. Moon was the first Georgian to earn a spot on the U.S. youth team, according to Georgia Outdoor News. The tournament included teams from South Africa and Zimbabwe. BASKETBALL SE’NAI CAMPER — Montreat College (Fr., Cartersville HS) … saw ten minutes of court time, but did not record a stat line this past Saturday in the Cavaliers’ 69-54 home loss to Union Commonwealth University. Montreat (5-9, 3-5 Appalachian Athletic Conference) visits Brenau University on Wednesday and hosts Spartanburg Methodist College on Saturday. ANSLEY GRIFFIN — North Carolina Wesleyan University (So., Cartersville HS) … entered off the Battlin’ Bishops’ bench, but did not have a stat line last Saturday in a 67-61 win at William Peace University (NC). NCWU hosts Greensboro College (NC) on Tuesday and Southern Virginia University on Saturday. ZION HAYES — Vincennes University (So., Cass HS) … scored 13 points with six rebounds, five assists, and one steal in the Trailblazers’ 78-60 home win last Friday over Jackson College (MI). Vincennes (9-6) hosts Shawnee CC (IL) on Wednesday and travels to Rend Lake College  (IL) on Saturday. ZYON HEATH — LaGrange College (So., Woodland HS) … totaled nine points, four rebounds, and one assist last Friday and Saturday as the Panthers beat Covenant College 128-93 and lost to Maryville College (TN) 85-64 in home games. LaGrange (8-5, 1-1 Collegiate Conference of the South) travels to Belhaven University (MS) on Tuesday. T.J. PRINTUP — Tusculum University (Jr., Adairsville HS) … scored 11 points with nine rebounds, five assists, two steals, and two blocked shots this past Saturday in a 78-71 home win over Bluefield University (VA).  The Pioneers (7-5, 3-3 South Atlantic Conference) visit Lincoln Memorial University (TN) on Wednesday and Anderson University (SC) on Saturday. ALISSA WINTERS — Truett McConnell University (So., Adairsville HS) … did not score, but had three rebounds, three steals, and one assist in a start and 67-58 home win last Saturday over the University of Pikeville (KY). The Bears (4-11, 3-5 Appalachian Athletic Conference) host Bryan College (TN) on Wednesday before visiting Bluefield University (VA) on Saturday.

Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com In conjunction with WBHF and Bartow Sports Zone, Elite Stone Supply presents the ELITE ATHLETES OF THE MONTH. Each month, local high schools select an Elite Athlete of the Month from their varsity programs and share the information about their honoree through Bartow Sports Zone and on 100.3 FM and AM 1450, WBHF in Cartersville. David Coon is the December 2025 Elite Athlete of the Month representing Adairsville High School. A senior on the Tigers’ wrestling team competing in the 175-pound weight class, Coon plans to continue his athletic career and study Business Economics in college. “David has had a fantastic season so far,” noted Adairsville wrestling coach Spencer Jones. He shows up every day with a good attitude and a great work ethic. He is a true leader and a good example of what a Tiger athlete should be.” Ethan Harrington is the Cass High School Elite Athlete of the Month for December 2025. A senior and four-year wrestler for the Colonels, he is the son of Brooke and Lee Harrington. “Ethan was an important part of both the traditional and dual state championship teams the past two seasons,” said Cass wrestling coach D.L. Koontz. “He has been a team leader on and off the mat this season. He is extremely hard-working and disciplined, and will continue to do great things after he leaves high school.” Harrington is a multiple-time state tournament qualifier and placed fifth at last year’s traditional state meet. This season, he won the Gauntlet in Gray tournament at Jones County, finished third at the Creekview Invitational, fourth at the Lassiter Invitational, and was undefeated in his bouts at the Region 7-AAAA duals. He has a 4.0 GPA and is ranked eleventh academically in his senior class. He is the founding member of the Cass High robotics team and has been accepted to both the University of Georgia and Georgia Tech, where he will major in Engineering. Destiny Jackson is the December 2025 Elite Athlete of the Month for Woodland High School. The daughter of Jessica Miles and Nathaniel Jackson, Destiny is a freshman point guard on the Lady Cats’ basketball team and will also run track. “Destiny is our primary ball handler,” stated Woodland girls’ basketball coach Whitney Wissing. “She has been our leading scorer and rebounder, recording six double-doubles already this season. She works hard in practice, has a positive attitude, and is extremely coachable. Destiny exemplifies what it means to be a Lady Cat.” Wyatt Thomason is the Cartersville High School Elite Athlete of the Month for December 2025. A senior guard on the Canes’ basketball team, Thomason leads the team in rebounding and assists. He is scoring in double figures and was voted team co-captain for his leadership characteristics. “Wyatt is an extremely hard worker on and off the floor,” said Cartersville boys’ basketball coach Mike Tobin. “He is a positive role model for all of our younger players in the program. He has a bright future.” Thomason is dual-enrolled with Georgia Highlands College and has offers to play basketball collegiately. He is the son of Wesley Thomason and Erica Clayton. Editor's Note: The respective schools and athletic departments supply Bartow Sports Zone and WBHF with photos and bios. Elite Stone Supply Co., LLC is the monthly sponsor. Athletes receive a plaque and recognition during a WBHF radio feature. #EliteAthletesoftheMonth #Cass #Cartersville #Woodland #Adairsville #highschool

January 4, 2025 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com Woodland's Dylan Couey in action on Saturday at the Region 7-AAAA Duals Championships at Cartersville High School. PHOTO: RANDY PARKER / DTN Woodland wrestling won a third-consecutive region duals title on Saturday, edging rival Cass in the Region 7-AAAA championship match 38-35. The Wildcats had five wrestlers go 3-0 on the day, leading their charge. Cayden Bagley (106 pounds), Nick Weathersbee (113), Adrian Zapata (125), Joshua Palmore (132), and Noah Cates (138) recorded perfect days for Woodland. The Wildcats topped Hiram 63-15 in the quarterfinals and Southeast Whitfield 62-18 in the semifinals to reach the title match. Cass, the two-time defending state champions, beat Cedartown 62-15 in the opening round, Dalton 51-25 in the semifinals, and Allatoona 50-21 for true second place and a spot in the state tournament. Woodland head coach Brett Shedd looks on as the Wildcats won their third-consecutive region duals title on Saturday at Cartersville High School. PHOTO: Randy Parker / The Daily Tribune News David Jewell (150/157) and Codey Dean (215) were 4-0 in their bouts for the Colonels. Luka Jensen (144), Rowdy Duck (150), and Ethan Harrington (165/175) finished 3-0 on the day. Mason Tompkins (190) won both of his bouts, while Collin Armona (157) and Logan Hicks (165) each won their only bouts for Cass. Cartersville went 1-2 in the tournament and placed sixth. The Canes defeated Hiram but lost to Southeast Whitfield and Dalton. Jair Flores (113) and Peter Cepeda (165) each won all three of their bouts. Fite Casey (106) won his only bout for Cartersville. Cartersville's Cade McFarland (right) grapples during the Region 7-AAAA Duals Championship held at Cartersville High School on January 3. PHOTO: Randy Parker / The Daily Tribune News Woodland and Cass have advanced to the Class AAAA State Duals Championships at Ola High School in McDonough on January 16 and 17.  Cartersville will host Rome on Wednesday and honor the Canes’ 2026 seniors. Photos below (L-R): Cass' Ethan Edwards, Cartersville head coach Sammy Rosario, and Cass head coach D.L. Koontz. PHOTOS: RANDY PARKER / DTN

January 4, 2025 Six local high school basketball teams returned to regular-season action Saturday night, with the Adairsville girls’ and boys’ teams defeating visiting Cass. The Cartersville girls topped Woodstock for their tenth win of the season, but the Canes fell to Rome after rallying from a double-digit deficit in the second half. ADAIRSVILLE GIRLS 53, CASS 34 The Lady Tigers limited visiting Cass to only four points in the first and third quarters Saturday night and beat Cass 53-34. Adairsville led 14-4 after one quarter, but the Lady Colonels narrowed the margin to 22-18 by halftime. The Lady Tigers then outscored Cass 18-4 in the third quarter to take control en route to a 19-point win. Savannah Viktora led three Lady Tigers in double figures with 16 points. Rihanna Crittenden produced 12. Lily Roberts tossed in 10, and Alivia Joslin added six points for Adairsville. Nakayla Evans led the Lady Colonels with 16 points. Yvonne Ellison added five. Adairsville (5-10, 0-3) returns to Region 7-AAA play on Tuesday at Ridgeland before hosting Calhoun on Friday. Cass (3-8, 2-1) has Region 7-AAAA games at Cedartown on Tuesday and Dalton on Friday. ADAIRSVILLE BOYS 56, CASS 47 The Tigers won for the first time this season Saturday, defeating visiting Cass 56-47. The win snapped a 14-game skid to open the slate for Adairsville. Adairsville led 18-10 after one quarter and extended the lead to 32-19 by halftime. Cass fought back in the third period, narrowing the gap to 41-37, but the Tigers held on in the fourth quarter for an eight-point win. “We came out flat in the first half,” said Cass coach Kevin Cunningham. “We fought all the way back and had a two-point lead late, but couldn’t finish. We will get ready and work on some things for Tuesday. It’s hard to win when you shoot 11 for 22 from the free-throw line in a close game.” Eli Pearson scored 19 points to lead the Tigers. Dredyn Bautista finished with 10, and Brooks Rutledge added nine for Adairsville. Isaiah Moreno scored a game-high 23 points for the Colonels. Cam’ron Beauford and Ontario Crenshow each chipped in five. Adairsville (1-14, 0-3) has Region 7-AAA games Tuesday at Ridgeland and Friday at home against Calhoun. Cass (3-8, 2-1) returns to Region 7-AAAA action Tuesday at Cedartown and Friday at Dalton. CARTERSVILLE GIRLS 50, WOODSTOCK 39 The Lady Canes improved to 10-1 on the season Saturday night with a 50-39 win over host Woodstock at the Wood Elite Showcase. Bayley Stanley scored 14 points and added four rebounds and three assists in the Lady Canes' win Saturday at Woodstock. Bayley Stanley paced Cartersville with 14 points. Kaytlin Arnold followed with 11, and Zoe McCurry added eight points for the Lady Canes. Stanley added four rebounds and three assists. Arnold had three boards and three assists, and McCurry collected five rebounds and four assists. Cartersville led 16-4 after the first eight minutes and held a 27-20 lead at the break. The Lady Canes carried a 39-31 advantage into the fourth quarter. Emily Jacobs led the Lady Wolverines (5-9) with 10 points. Cartersville travels to Hiram on Tuesday, hosts Holy Innocents on Thursday, and visits Southeast Whitfield on Friday. . ROME 59, CARTERSVILLE BOYS 58 The Canes rallied from an eleven-point deficit in the second half Saturday night, but fell one point short in a 59-58 loss to Rome at the Wood Elite Showcase held at Woodstock High School. The two teams traded baskets in a tight first half and went to the intermission knotted at 26. The Wolves led 43-37 at the end of the third quarter and held on down the stretch for a one-point win. It was Rome’s third win in their last four outings. Cartersville has now dropped three of four. Elijah Heath led the Wolves (6-3) with 19 points. Malakhi Glover and Braxton Anderson each added 15 points. Kyron McClendon scored 16 points and added four assists for the Hurricanes. Nas Bennett finished with 14 points and five boards. Xavier Lowe notched 13 points with four rebounds. Wyatt Thomason produced 11 points with 11 rebounds, and Shakai Taylor grabbed six boards. The Canes (9-3, 3-0) visit Hiram on Tuesday in a return to region play and travel to Southeast Whitfield on Friday.

January 1, 2026 Bishop Moore Catholic of Orlando used a balanced scoring attack to overcome the Excel Christian Academy boys 75-61 in the championship game of the Green Bracket at the KSA Holiday Tournament on Wednesday. The Hornets (7-5) built a 10-point lead in the first quarter and maintained that advantage at the intermission, 35-25. Bishop Moore led the Eagles 54-43 at the end of the third quarter. Senior Jisiah White led Bishop Moore with a game-high 18 points, while Ryder DeVoe added 12, Tre Mathis contributed 11, and Cam Sykes rounded out the double-figure scorers with 10 points. Excel Christian kept pace through three quarters behind 17 points from Jamari Gatson and 13 from Damir McBride. Jaydon Jinks chipped in nine points for the Eagles who couldn’t overcome the early deficit. ECA (13-4) will return to action on Friday, Jan. 9, when they travel to face The Stonehaven School in Marietta.

January 1, 2026 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution recently released its selections for Georgia All-State Teams in all classifications. Six offensive players -- three from Cartersville and three from Cass -- received All-State recognition. Class 4A Offensive player of the year: Cayden Benson, Creekside Defensive player of the year: Brayden Rouse, Kell Coach of the year: Maurice Dixon, Creekside Offense QB - Cayden Benson, Creekside, 5-11, 172, Sr. RB - Quinterrius “Moonie” Gipson, Kell, 5-10, 200, Jr. RB - Jonaz Walton, Central-Carrollton, 5-10, 205, Sr. WR - Jordan Christie, Southwest DeKalb, 5-11, 190, Jr. WR - Craig Dandridge, Cambridge, 6-1, 180, Sr. WR - Brady Marchese, Cartersville, 6-1, 183, Sr. OL - Jaylon Moore, Creekside, 6-4, 290, Jr. OL - Chase Lewandowski, Kell, 6-2, 305, Sr. OL - Jared Smith, Stockbridge, 6-5, 335, Sr. OL - Bear McWhorter, Cass, 6-4, 300, Sr. OL - Langston Hogg, Cartersville, 6-2, 275, Sr. ATH - Chris “Bubba” Frazier, Benedictine, 5-11, 180, Sr. PK - Leo Attard, Cambridge, 6-0, 180, Sr. Defense DL - Bryce Robinson, Locust Grove, 6-3, 270, Sr. DL - Kameron Cody, Benedictine, 6-2, 285, Sr. DL - LaDamion Guyton, Benedictine, 6-3, 225, Sr. DL - Xavier Joseph, Eastside, 6-2, 240, Sr. LB - Decari Farley, Creekside, 6-0, 185, Sr. LB - Tavarre Terrell, Creekside, 5-11, 240, Jr. LB - Owen Hare, Marist, 5-10, 170, Jr. LB - David “DJ” Jacobs, Blessed Trinity, 6-5, 235, Jr. DB - Jontavius Wyman, Jonesboro, 6-0, 180, Sr. DB - Cortez Redding, Jonesboro, 6-0, 180, Sr. DB - Kamarui Dorsey, Hampton, 6-3, 200, Jr. DB - Micah Williams, Benedictine, 6-0, 200, Sr. P - Jackson Andrews, Walnut Grove, 6-0, 180, Sr. 2W - Brayden Rouse, Kell, 6-3, 215, Sr. AJC Varsity Next 25 ATH - Xavier “Deuce” Butler, Lithonia, 5-10, 185, Sr. DL - Malik Glass, Mays, 6-1, 290, Sr. DL - Cassius Burch, Creekside, 6-0, 255, Jr. DL - Dawson Jacobs, Blessed Trinity, 6-3, 260, So. LB - Major Levell, Creekside, 5-10, 195, Jr. LB - Braylon Jackson, Lithonia, 6-0, 215, Sr. LB - Khamari Brooks, North Oconee, 6-4, 240, Sr. LB - Luke Burnett, North Oconee, 5-11, 205, Sr. LB - David Parson, Union Grove, 6-2, 225, Jr. OL/DL - Brady Barry, Marist, 6-4, 256, Sr. PK - Aditya Kaul, Westminster, 5-11, 185, Sr. PK - Tyler Baradel, Marist, 6-0, 167, Jr. QB - Braylon Carter, Southwest DeKalb, 6-3, 200, Sr. QB - Brodie McWhorter, Cass, 6-3, 205, Sr. QB - Caine Woods, Dalton, 6-2, 180, So. QB - Harrison Faulkner, North Oconee, 6-1, 190, Sr. QB - Nate Russell, Cartersville, 6-3, 200, Sr. QB - Stephen Cannon, Benedictine, 6-2, 195, Sr. QB - JR Harris, Central-Carrollton, 5-10, 175, Jr. QB - Joshua Scott, Stockbridge, 6-0, 175, Jr. RB - Gary Walker, Creekside, 6-0, 200, Jr. RB - Kalil Charles, Cass, 5-11, 185, So. WR - X’Zavier Cannon, Warner Robins, 5-10, 165, So. WR - Jamario Rice, Ware County, 6-0, 185, Sr. WR/DB - Dawson Batemon, Marist, 6-2, 193, Sr.

December 30, 2025 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com Two local boys' basketball teams picked up wins on the road Tuesday. The Excel Christian Academy Eagles won their semifinal game at a tournament in the Orlando, Florida area, and the Woodland Wildcats evened their season mark with a victory at Pepperell. WOODLAND BOYS 72, PEPPERELL 42 The Wildcats utilized a balanced scoring attack, with four players scoring in double digits, Tuesday night for a 72-42 win at Pepperell. Woodland led 16-13 at the end of the first period, and pulled away in the second quarter to lead 41-20 at halftime. “We got off to a slow start,” noted Woodland head coach Kip Dyer following the game, “but we found a rhythm in the second quarter by pushing the basketball.” Canden Davis and Amir Heath led the Wildcats with 13 points. Jonathan Hart contributed 12, and Landon Dougherty added 11 in the non-region win. Eegan Lockwood paced the Dragons (2-12) with 13 points. Brantley Cordle added 10. Woodland (7-7) returns to Region 7-4A action on Tuesday at home against Dalton at 7:30 p.m. EXCEL CHRISTIAN BOYS 84, ST. JOHNS COUNTRY DAY (FL) 44 The Excel Christian Academy boys cruised into the championship game of the KSA Events Tournament at Gaylord Resorts and Convention Center in Kissimmee, Florida, with an 84-44 blowout win on Tuesday over St. Johns Country Day from Orange Park, Florida. Excel led 19-10 after one quarter, 47-28 at the intermission, and 70-39 through three quarters on their way to a 40-point victory. The Eagles had four players to score in double-figures, led by Damir McBride with 20 points. Mier Bell posted 17 points. Clay Poe and Kaeden Wingard each scored 13 for ECA. Gabriel Blaubuks led the Spartans (3-7) with 13 points. Excel Christian (13-3) will play Bishop Moore of Orlando in the Green Bracket title game on Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. ALLATOONA 67, ADAIRSVILLE BOYS 38 The Adairsville Tigers led 12-6 after one quarter, but fell behind by halftime and did not recover in a 67-38 loss to Allatoona on the final day of the Adairsville Christmas Clash on Tuesday. Andre Dupree led the visiting Buccaneers with 19 points. Carter Turnbow finished with 16 points, and Jordan Little added 12 for Allatoona (8-5). Lucas Poarch scored nine points to lead the Tigers. Brooks Rutledge added seven. Adairsville (0-14) hosts Cass on Saturday in a non-region game at 7:30 p.m. RINGGOLD 48, ADAIRSVILLE GIRLS 41 In a battle of Lady Tigers teams, Ringgold held off Adairsville 48-41 Tuesday afternoon to win the fifth-place game of the Adairsville Christmas Clash. Ringgold led by five points after one quarter and never trailed at any quarter break. The visitors led 27-17 at halftime and 33-28 through three periods. Ava Mariakis led Ringgold (6-5) with 13 points. Jersey Rae Loy followed with 12. Alivia Joslin scored a game-high 15 points to pace Adairsville. Lily Roberts and Savannah Viktora contributed eight, and Jaida Harris scored seven points. The Adairsville girls (3-10) host Cass on Saturday at 6 p.m. EAST PAULDING 71, CARTERSVILLE BOYS 64 Kyron McClendon scored 19 points with seven rebounds and three steals on Tuesday in a 71-64 loss to East Paulding at the Adairsville Christmas Clash. The Canes dropped their second game of the season Tuesday, falling to the East Paulding Raiders 71-64 in the fifth-place game of the Adairsville Christmas Clash at Adairsville High School. Cartersville trailed 25-8 early in the second quarter, but overcame a 17-point deficit to take as much as a three-point lead in the fourth quarter. Unfortunately for the Hurricanes, they went scoreless in the final 3:49 and suffered a seven-point loss. East Paulding led 39-27 at halftime, but the Canes rallied to take a 53-51 edge into the final eight minutes. Dane Diomonde made six three-pointers and led the Raiders (7-3) with 27 points. Jonah Hess tossed in 11 points, and Evan Doherty added 10 for East Paulding. Kyron McClendon led the Canes with 19 points, seven rebounds, and three steals. Xavier Lowe finished with 16, and Wyatt Thomason contributed 15 points and five rebounds. Cartersville (9-2) faces Rome on Saturday at 8:30 p.m. at Woodstock High School in the Wood Elite Showcase. ADAIRSVILLE CHRISTMAS CLASH TITLE GAMES The McEachern girls (7-3) won the Adairsville Christmas Clash championship over Paulding County (8-5). The Calhoun boys defeated Ringgold in the boys' finals, 60-53, and improved to 7-1 on the season. Ringgold slipped to 7-4. PEPPERELL 64, WOODLAND GIRLS 31 The host Lady Dragons improved to 13-2 on the season with a 64-31 win over the Woodland Lady Cats on Tuesday night in Lindale. Kaitlyn House poured in 26 points in the first half for the Lady Dragons as they built a 48-12 lead. Sanaa Evans added 14 for Pepperell. Bailey Gerstner led the Lady Cats with eight points. Reign West scored seven, and Nevaeh Smith-Ferman chipped in six. Woodland (3-11) returns to action on Tuesday at home against Dalton in a 6 p.m. tip.

December 30, 2025 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com This week’s Athletes Beyond Bartow report on local athletes and their contributions at the professional and collegiate levels is abbreviated due to the holiday break. Most collegiate programs across the country have limited schedules. The week did include another win for former Canes quarterback Trevor Lawrence and the Jacksonville Jaguars. He showcased his dual-threat ability with a pair of rushing touchdowns and another 100+ passer rating game in eliminating the Indianapolis Colts from playoff contention. Cartersville native Ashton Hagans made three starts with his team in China, while Myles Forristall and Devonte Ross appeared in bowl games for Georgia Tech and Penn State. NFL TREVOR LAWRENCE — Jacksonville Jaguars (NFL, 5th-year pro; Clemson; Cartersville HS)  … completed 23 of 37 pass attempts for 263 yards and rushed for 26 yards and two touchdowns as the Jaguars won at the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, 23-17. Lawrence did throw his first interception in five weeks, but still had a passer rating over 100. With a win this week, Jacksonville (12-4) has now won seven straight games and can clinch the AFC South title for the first time since 2022 when the Jags host the Tennessee Titans on Sunday. CHINESE BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION ASHTON HAGANS — Shanxi Zhongyu Brave Dragons (5th-yr. pro; Chinese Basketball Association; Cartersville native; University of Kentucky; Newton HS) … made three starts last week as his team went 1-2. He totaled three rebounds with three assists, and one steal in a win over Naniing Tongxi and losses to Qingdao and Guangdong Dongguan. The Brave Dragons (4-3) have games this week against Shandong and Guangzhou. FOOTBALL MYLES FORRISTALL — Georgia Tech (R-So., Cartersville HS) … saw action with the Yellow Jackets’ special teams but did not record a stat line in a 25-21 loss to Brigham Young last Saturday against Brigham Young University at the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando. Forristall appeared in nine games in 2025 and made two tackles. Georgia Tech finished the season with a 9-4 record. DEVONTE ROSS — Penn State University (Sr., Cartersville HS) … caught eight passes for 84 yards and added 11 yards on two rushing attempts last Saturday in the Nittany Lions’ 22-10 victory over Clemson in the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York. Penn State completed the year with four straight wins to finish with a 7-6 mark. Ross appeared in all 13 games this season and scored five touchdowns. He finished with 36 receptions for 501 yards, along with his two rushing plays in the bowl game. In three seasons at Troy University and one at Penn State, Ross had 2,119 receiving yards and over 2800 all-purpose yards, including kick and punt returns, with 20 total touchdowns.

December 29, 2025 In Monday’s high school basketball tournament action, the Excel Christian Academy boys won their first-round game in Florida. The Adairsville girls topped East Paulding, and the Cartersville boys won a head-to-head matchup with the Adairsville Tigers. EXCEL CHRISTIAN BOYS 89, LAKE BUENA VISTA (FL) 50 The Eagles took control in the first half and overpowered the Lake Buena Vista Vipers 89-50 on Monday at the KSA Events Holiday Tournament at Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center in Kissimmee, Florida. Excel led 29-15 by halftime and padded their lead to 59-32 by the end of the third quarter en route to a 39-point win in the first round. Damir McBride paced the Eagles with 20 points. Aston Chappell scored 19, and Mier Bell finished with 13 points in the victory. Wheslander Mendez led Lake Buena Vista (2-9) with 16 points. Excel Christian (12-3) will play St. Johns Country Day of Orange Park, Florida, at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday in the Green Bracket semifinals. ADAIRSVILLE GIRLS 46, EAST PAULDING 35 Savannah Viktora takes a shot in the Lady Tigers' win over East Paulding on Monday. Lily Roberts scored 19 points, while Alivia Joslin and Savannah Viktora added eight and six, respectively, as the Lady Tigers defeated East Paulding 46-35 in a consolation game on Monday at the Adairsville Christmas Clash. The Lady Tigers led 22-20 at the intermission and held a 33-29 advantage through three quarters. Janaya White led East Paulding (3-7) with 18 points. Adairsville (4-9) will play Ringgold in the fifth-place game on Tuesday at 1 p.m.  CARTERSVILLE BOYS 74, ADAIRSVILLE 41 Xavier Lowe and Kyron McClendon each contributed 15 points, with Nas Bennett and Wyatt Thomason adding nine points apiece, to guide the Purple Hurricanes to a 74-41 victory over host Adairsville in a consolation game on Monday at the Tigers’ Christmas Clash. Eli Pearson scored 12 points for Adairsville. Brooks Rutledge and Lucas Poarch contributed nine points each for the Tigers. Adairsville (0-13) will face Allatoona on Tuesday in another consolation game at 11:30 a.m. Cartersville (9-1) will play East Paulding in the tournament’s fifth-place game on Tuesday at 2:30 p.m. TUESDAY’S SCHEDULE AT ADAIRSVILLE 10 a.m. — East Paulding girls vs. Calhoun 11:30 a.m. — Adairsville boys vs. Allatoona 1 p.m. — Adairsville girls vs. Ringgold 2:30 p.m. — Cartersville boys vs. East Paulding Third Place Games 4 p.m. — Blessed Trinity girls vs. Sonoraville 5:30 p.m. — Paulding County boys vs. Sonoraville Championship Games 7 p.m. — Paulding County girls vs. McEachern 8:30 p.m. — Ringgold boys vs. Calhoun

December 28, 2025 Results from the opening round of the 2025 Adairsville Christmas Clash. CALHOUN 77, CARTERSVILLE BOYS 76 The Purple Hurricanes' season-opening eight-game winning streak came to an end on Saturday with a 77-76 loss to Calhoun in the first round of the Adairsville Christmas Clash at Adairsville High School. The Canes were ahead 24-23 after a quick-paced first quarter, but by halftime, they fell behind 41-35. Calhoun led 61-52 at the end of the third quarter and built an 11-point lead at one point in the final period. Cartersville surged to take a one-point lead with 20 seconds remaining, but ultimately fell short by one point after missing a last-second shot at the buzzer. Trace Hawkins led the Yellow Jackets with 28 points. Jaden Perkins knocked down five from behind the arc and finished with 16 points. Blake Hammett scored 13 points, while Parks Layson grabbed 10 rebounds and chipped in six points. Nas Bennett scored a game-high 33 points to lead the Hurricanes. He added three rebounds and one steal. Wyatt Thomason scored 20 points with eight boards, and Kyron McClendon contributed 11 points, six rebounds, four assists, and two steals. Calhoun (5-1) advanced to the semifinals on Monday at 8:30 p.m. against Sonoraville. Cartersville (8-1) will play in the consolation semifinals Monday at 2:30 p.m. against Adairsville. SONORAVILLE 57, ADAIRSVILLE BOYS 44 The Adairsville boys had an early lead on Saturday, hosting Sonoraville in the first round of the Adairsville Christmas Clash, but the Phoenix chipped away and eventually overcame the Tigers in the fourth quarter for a 57-44 victory. Adairsville led 17-8 after the opening eight minutes and held a 24-20 advantage at the intermission. Sonoraville grabbed a 41-39 lead by the end of the third period and advanced with a 13-point win. Beaty Terrett led the Phoenix with 20 points. Clay Worley and Owen Shipley contributed 12 and eight points, respectively. Elijah Pearson paced the Tigers with 18 points. Brooks Rutledge scored 10 and Barrett Fuller added seven points. Sonoraville (4-7) will play Calhoun in the semifinals on Monday at 8:30 p.m. Adairsville (0-12) will face Cartersville in the consolation semifinals at 2:30 p.m. McEACHERN 60, ADAIRSVILLE GIRLS 37 The McEachern Lady Indians led 32-16 by halftime and defeated host Adairsville 60-37 on Saturday night in the first round of the Adairsville Christmas Clash. Paris Wilson poured in 20 points, and Ava Couzens added 10 in the McEachern victory. Lily Roberts scored eight points for the Lady Tigers. Samantha Gough and Rihanna Crittenden each added seven. McEachern (6-3) will play Sonoraville (8-3) in the tournament semifinals on Monday at 7 p.m. Adairsville (3-9) will square off with East Paulding (3-6) in a consolation semifinal on Monday at 1 p.m. OTHER CHRISTMAS CLASH RESULTS Sonoraville girls 50, East Paulding 37 Callhoun girls 70, Paulding County 27 Blessed Trinity girls 62, Ringgold 45 Paulding County boys 60, East Paulding 59 Ringgold boys 53, Allatoona 49 MONDAY’S TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE GIRLS 10 a.m. — Ringgold v. Paulding County 1 p.m. — Adairsville v. East Paulding 4 p.m. — Blessed Trinity v. Calhoun 7 p.m. — Sonoraville v. McEachern BOYS 11:30 a.m. — Allatoona v. East Paulding 2:30 p.m. — Adairsville v. Cartersville 5:30 p.m. — Ringgold v. Paulding County 8:30 p.m. — Calhoun v. Sonoraville

Catch up with all your local high school sports teams heading into the Christmas break. Listen to the Bartow Sports Zone Podcast https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/bartowsportszone/episodes/2025-12-23T11_59_14-08_00 This episode includes: -- a final wrap on the 2025 high school football season -- updates on wrestling, swimming, and basketball -- PLUS the BSZ Benchwarmers reflect on the College Football Playoffs First Round with commentary on the games and look forward to the quarterfinals.

December 22, 2025 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com Woodland placed third, and Adairsville was fourth of eight teams in combined scores this past Saturday at the Whoville Invitational Swim Meet at Adairsville High School. Starr’s Mill won the meet with a score of 796. Jackson County followed at 720 with Woodland (542), Adairsville (504), and Newnan (414) rounding out the top five combined scores. Rome (360), Union Grove (302), and Northwest Whitfield (168) also competed at the annual meet. The Woodland girls earned 322 points to place third among girls’ teams. Adairsville was fifth at 186. Meanwhile, the Adairsville boys’ team was third, and the Woodland boys were fourth. The local highlight of the meet came from the Adairsville boys’ 200-yard freestyle relay team. That group qualified for the GHSA state meet with a time of 1:39.90. Top three finishers for Adairsville and Woodland by event included: Second Place Joel McSwain, Woodland, 500-yard freestyle — 5:59.73 Isaiah Muriel, Woodland, 100-yard breaststroke — 1:14.04 Adairsville boys 200-yard medley relay — Dylan Barrett, Brian Grist, Andrew Harris, Eli Burke — 1:53.27 Woodland girls 200-yard freestyle relay — Kailyn Black, Peighton Young, Madysen Grano, Emily Guin — 1:58.01 Third Place Joel McSwain, Woodland, 200-yard individual medley — 2:34.85 Calvin Konen, Adairsville, 500-yard freestyle — 6:23.14 Eli Burke, Adairsville, 100-yard backstroke — 1:03.32 Woodland girls 200-yard medley relay — Emily Guin, Peighton Young, Kailyn Black, Madysen Grano — 2:14.44 Adairsville boys 200-yard freestyle relay — Andrew Harris, Brian Grist, Eli Burke, Dylan Barrett — 1:39.90 (GHSA state meet qualifying time) Adairsville boys 400-yard freestyle relay — Nathaniel Fortier, Stevie Flores, Wyatt Mauldin, Calvin Konen — 4:24.22 Both teams, along with Cass and Cartersville, will participate in the Bartow County Championships on January 10 at Adairsville.