Game preview capsules for the 2018 GHSA Class AAAA state semifinals per Georgia High School Football Daily. Marist at Cartersville When, where: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Weinman Stadium, Cartersville Records, rankings: Marist is 11-2, the No. 2 seed from Region 7-AAAA and No. 6; Cartersville is 13-0, the No. 1 seed from 5-AAAA and No. 2. Last meeting: The teams tied 6-6 in 1930. Marist was the state runner-up last year and is in the semifinals for the fourth time in seven seasons. The run-first War Eagles are led by QB Connor Cigelske, who scored the team's only touchdown last week in a 10-7 victory over previously unbeaten Mary Persons, which came in averaging 49.25 points, best in Class AAAA. Cigelske has rushed for 387 yards and six touchdowns in the playoffs, while attempting about eight passes per game. WR/DB/KR Kyle Hamilton (committed to Notre Dame) had 27 yards rushing, 34 yards receiving and 18 yards on a kickoff return last week. Cartersville won state championships in 2015 and 2016 but lost to eventual champion Blessed Trinity in the second round last year. The Purple Hurricanes have bounced back from the early exit, despite the loss of record-setting quarterback Trevor Lawrence, now at Clemson. Tee Webb, who passed for just 151 yards in mop-up duty last year, has thrown for more than 2,500 yards and 33 touchdowns. RB Marcus Gary has rushed for more than 1,300 yards, including 489 in the playoffs. Cartersville also has the top defense in Class AAAA, allowing just 6.69 points per game with four shutouts. Maxwell Ratings' projection: Cartersville by 3 CalPreps projection: Cartersville by 7 Troup at Blessed Trinity When, where: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Blessed Trinity Stadium, Roswell Records, rankings: Troup is 12-1, the No. 2 seed from Region 5-AAAA and No. 9; Blessed Trinity is 13-0, the No. 1 seed from 7-AAAA and No. 1. Last meeting: This is the teams' first meeting. Troup is in the semifinals for the first time since 2001 and second time in program history, which dates to 1956. The Tigers have beaten two region champions in the playoffs, Pickens 53-14 in the second round and Cairo 20-17 last week. QB Kobe Hudson, a converted wide receiver who is committed to Auburn, has passed for 3,152 yards, rushed for 1,206 on 133 carries and had a hand in 45 touchdowns. Trey Williams (173 carries, 888 yards, seven TDs) and Tyree Carlisle (93-610-10) also carry a big part of the rushing workload. Blessed Trinity is the defending state champion and playing in the semifinals for the fourth time in five seasons, and many of the key players return from the championship team. Steele Chambers (committed to Ohio State) is the leading rusher with about 1,300 yards, but Elijah Green's return from injury and the emergence of sophomore Jackson Hamilton have freed him up for his duties at linebacker, where he is the Titans' second-leading tackler. LB J.D. Bertrand (committed to Notre Dame) leads the defense in tackles, tackles for losses and sacks. QB Jake Smith passes for about 120 yards per game. His top target is WR Ryan Davis. Maxwell Ratings' projection: Blessed Trinity by 12 CalPreps projection: Blessed Trinity by 4

The Daily Tribune News released its selections for the 2018 All-County softball team Wednesday with the following players recognized. PLAYER OF THE YEAR Bella Carnes, Woodland (Jr.) HITTER OF THE YEAR Caroline Higdon, Woodland (Sr.) PITCHER OF THE YEAR Sarah Baynard, Woodland (Sr.) ALL COUNTY TEAM Colbi Ballard, Cartersville (Sr.) Skylar Chappell, Woodland (Sr.) Jordan Duck, Woodland (Sr.) Presley Edwards, Cartersville (Sr.) Ansley Evans, Woodland (So.) Kendyl Hardin, Woodland (So.) Sadye Johnson, Adairsville (So.) Eryn Lee, Cass (Fr.) Rachael Lee, Cass (Fr.) Anna Kate McElhaney, Cartersville (So.) Lauren McElhaney, Cartersville (Jr.) Sierra Tanner, Adairsville (Sr.) Kelly Young, Cass (Fr.) HONORABLE MENTION Morgan Bailey, Woodland (Jr.); Madi Bentley, Woodland (So.); Morgan Cooper, Woodland (So.); Hannah Miller, Woodland (So.); Cio Seigler, Cartersville (Jr.); Alexa Varner, Adairsville (Jr.) For complete player summaries and stats, please see The Daily Tribune News at http://www.daily-tribune.com/stories/2018-dtn-all-county-softball-team,20641?

The Cass girls and boys basketball teams both defeated visiting Fannin County Tuesday night while the Excel Christian Academy boys routed visiting Morris Innovative. At Adairsville, the Lady Tigers dropped an eight point decision to visiting Ringgold while the Tigers fell in their opener in overtime. CASS GIRLS 62, FANNIN COUNTY 49 The Lady Colonels won their third straight game to open the 2018-19 season Tuesday night with a 62-49 victory over visiting Fannin County. Cass and the Lady Rebels were knotted at 15 each after one quarter, but the Lady Colonels carried a 29-26 lead to the intermission and expanded their advantage to 44-37 after three quarters. Amber Brittian led four Cass players in double figures with 14 points. She also made five of six free throws in the fourth quarter to help secure the win. Sharia Wade and Payton Stoddard followed with 13 points apiece. Stoddard’s evening included a trio of three-pointers. Claire Davis added ten points for Cass. Alexis Ware had five, Londaisha Smith four, and Taryn Callahan finished with three points. Maleah Stepp led Fannin County (1-3) with 15 points. Cass will host Chapel Hill this Friday night at 6 p.m. RINGGOLD 59, ADAIRSVILLE GIRLS 51 The Adairsville girls battled visiting Ringgold deep into the fourth quarter Tuesday night, but dropped a 59-51 decision in both teams’ Region 6-AAA opener. Ringgold led 15-9 after one period and 30-20 at halftime, but Adairsville battled back to tie the game at 40 heading into the fourth quarter. Havyn Isaac had a game-high 20 points to lead Adairsville. She was followed by Nakiyah Washington with 17 points. Alexa Varner scored six. Lori Cimino posted four points. Alexia Crisp and Coriana McDaniel added two points each. The win was Ringgold’s third straight to improve to 3-1 on the season. Adairsville (1-2) hosts North Murray Friday night at 7 p.m. in another region contest and plays non-region opponent Southeast Whitfield Saturday afternoon at 3 p.m. CASS BOYS 63, FANNIN COUNTY 31 The Cass boys basketball team won a home, non-region contest Tuesday night over Fannin County, 63-31. The Colonels — led by C.J. Pipkin’s 15 points that included three, three-pointers — led 16-8 after one quarter, pushed their lead to 34-14 by halftime, and led 55-24 after three quarters. Jacquez Fountain scored 13 points for Cass and Jaylon Johnson added ten. Andrew Glaze chipped in with six points for the Colonels. Braxton Benham scored five points. Ethan Carter, Zay Jackson, and Justice Hayes contributed four point each. Zaylan Chaney added two points. “It was a solid, defensive effort as a team tonight,” said Cass head coach Sean Glaze. “We took four charges. That is progress.” Chase Culpepper, Brady Martin, and Dahla Myers scored five points apiece for the visiting Rebels. The loss dropped Fannin County to a 1-2 record on the year. Cass (2-3) opens Region 7-AAAAA play next Tuesday at home against Kell. EXCEL CHRISTIAN BOYS 99, MORRIS INNOVATIVE 23 The Eagles pounded visiting Morris Innovative Tuesday night 99-23 to improve to 2-0 on the young season. Excel took control early by outscoring the Tigers 29-4 in the opening eight minutes. The Eagles led 49-11 at halftime and 74-17 after three quarters. Rayshawn Womack led ECA with 19 points. He was followed by Kalil Holley with 18 points, Jacob Day with 15, and Trippe Anderson with 12 points. The loss dropped Morris Innovative to 0-3 for the season. Excel (2-0) plays at Bethesda Academy in Savannah Saturday afternoon and will travel to Trion next Tuesday. RINGGOLD 52, ADAIRSVILLE BOYS 51 — OT Visiting Ringgold pulled out a 52-51 overtime victory at Adairsville Tuesday night as both teams opened Region 6-AAA play. Ringgold held leads of 15-11 and 29-26 at the end of the first quarter and halftime before the host Tigers took a 40-37 advantage after three quarters. The two teams were tied at 47 after regulation time. Cade Nayadley led Ringgold (3-1, 1-0) with 19 points. Logan Hallender scored 11. Gaven Crunkelton, Savaun Henderson, and Malachi Gardner each had 10 points for Adairsville. Mason Boswell scored nine. Danarous Johnson and Connor Crunkelton contributed seven and six points, respectively. Adairsville (0-1, 0-1) entertains North Murray Friday night at 7:30 p.m. and Southeast Whitfield Saturday afternoon at 4:30 p.m.

Former Cartersville High School quarterback Trevor Lawrence had a career high 393 yards passing Saturday to help lead 2nd-ranked Clemson to a win over South Carolina to complete an undefeated regular season while former Canes' placekicker Jonathan Cruz nailed a career-high 56-yard, game-winning field goal for Charlotte in their win at Florida Atlantic University. Elsewhere, a handful of local seniors concluded their collegiate football playing careers. On the hardwoods, former Hurricanes' standout A.J. Mosby saw action this past week in the NBA G-League while several locals made contributions with their college programs around the country. NFL VIC BEASLEY — Atlanta Falcons (4th yr. pro; DE / OLB, Clemson, Adairsville HS)… had one tackle in the Falcons’ 31-17 loss Thanksgiving Night at New Orleans. Beasley has 11 tackles, a pass defended, and three sacks in 2018. Atlanta slipped to 4-7 with the loss and will host the Baltimore Ravens Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. PRO BASKETBALL A.J. MOSBY — Northern Arizona Suns (1st yr. pro; NBA G-League; Alcorn State; Cartersville HS)… scored five points in nine minutes off the bench Saturday with one rebound and one assist in a 108-96 loss at the Agua Caliente Clippers. He also had seven points, two rebounds, five assists, and two steals last Friday in 20 minutes of action during a 114-93 loss at the Stockton Kings. The Suns (2-8) are currently last in the NBA G-League West and will host the Memphis Hustle Tuesday before traveling to the Sioux Falls Skyforce Friday and the Iowa Wolves on Saturday. ELIJAH ROBINSON — Club Atletico Villa San Martin (1st yr. pro; Argentine League; Emmanuel College; Excel Christian Academy)… came off the bench and played 25 minutes in his team’s only game this past week — a 95-92 home victory over Central Argentino Olimpico Ceres. Robinson, who is averaging 13 points and six rebounds per game, scored eight points and added nine rebounds in the win. Villa San Martin (5-3) hosts Hindu Club de Resistencia Chaco Tuesday, Independiente de Santiago Del Estero Friday, and entertains a rematch with Olimpico Ceres Sunday. COLLEGE FOOTBALL MARCUS CHILDERS — Northern Illinois University (R-So., QB, Adairsville HS)… accounted for over 200 yards of offense and two touchdowns in the Huskies’ 28-21 loss last Tuesday at Western Michigan. The performance included 14-of-21 passing for 156 yards with one touchdown. He also ran for 53 yards and a touchdown on 22 attempts. NIU (7-5) won the Mid-American Conference West and will play Buffalo Friday night in Detroit for the MAC Championship. JONATHAN CRUZ — UNC-Charlotte (Fr., PK, Cartersville HS)… banged a 56-yard field goal with 25 seconds to play Saturday to give the 49ers a 27-24 Conference-USA victory at Florida Atlantic in Boca Raton, FL. The kick was a third, 50+ yard field goal for Cruz this season. In Saturday’s contest he also had a 30-yard field goal in the first quarter, converted all three PAT kicks, and had 4-of-6 kickoffs for touchbacks. For the season, Cruz was 17 of 22 on field goal attempts, 27-for-27 on PATs, and booted 31 of 54 kickoffs for touchbacks. Charlotte finished the 2018 season with a 5-7 overall record and was 4-4 in conference play. KURTIS FEANNY — Lenioir-Rhyne University (Fr., DL, Woodland HS)… was a participant in the 17th-ranked Bears’ come-from-behind 21-17 home playoff win Saturday over Wingate. The true freshman has now seen action in seven games this season. LRU (12-1) travels to 3rd-ranked Valdosta State Saturday in an NCAA D-II national quarterfinal tilt. MILLER FORRISTALL — University of Alabama (R-So., TE, Cartersville HS)… saw action on the kickoff return team in the top-ranked Crimson Tide’s 52-21 win Saturday over visiting Auburn. Alabama (12-0) plays Georgia Saturday in the SEC Championship Game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. RICO FRYE — Bowling Green University (Fr., RB, Cartersville HS)… had three carries for 22 yards Friday night in the Falcons’ 44-14 loss to MAC East champion Buffalo. Frye played in ten games with three starts as a true freshman. He finished the year with 78 rushing attempts for 338 yards and one touchdown. He had a long run of 27 yards. He also caught six passes for nine yards, returned two kickoffs for a 9.5 yard average and even added two tackles. Bowling Green finished the season with a 3-9 record. The Falcons were 2-6 in the Mid-American Conference. GABRIEL GRIDLEY — Angelo State University (Jr., P, Cartersville HS)… the Rams did not play this past week, but received an invitation to a bowl game for the second season in a row and seventh time in school history. ASU (6-5, 4-4 Lone Star Conference) will take on University of Central Oklahoma (7-4, 7-4 Mid-American Intercollegiate Athletic Association) Saturday in the C.H.A.M.P.S. Heart of Texas Bowl. LUCAS JOHNSON — Georgia State University (Sr., OL, Cass HS)… was in the offensive line rotation Saturday during the Panthers’ 35-14 home loss to Georgia Southern. Georgia State finished the year with a 2-10 overall record and was 1-7 in the Sun Belt Conference. EMMANUEL JONES — Colorado State University (So., DE, Woodland HS)… had a pair of tackles Thanksgiving Day in the Rams’ 27-19 loss at Air Force. In 10 games played this season, Jones had 34 tackles (15 solo) including six tackles for loss, two sacks, five quarterback hurries, and one interception. Colorado State finished the season with a 3-9 mark and was 2-6 in the Mountain West Conference. TREVOR LAWRENCE — Clemson University (Fr., QB, Cartersville HS)… amassed a career-high 393 passing yards on 27 completions in 36 attempts, including eight straight completions for 106 yards to open the game Saturday night as the 2nd-ranked Tigers completed an undefeated regular season with a 56-35 win over rival South Carolina. The true freshman had one touchdown pass, a 22-yarder late in the first quarter to Tee Higgins that gave the Tigers a 14-7 lead. Clemson (12-0, 8-0 ACC) plays Pitt Saturday night in the ACC Championship Game in Charlotte. MARK QUATTLEBAUM — UNC-Charlotte (Sr., SL, Cartersville HS)… caught two passes for 23 yards including a 12-yard, first quarter touchdown pass as the 49ers finished their 2018 season with a 27-24 Conference-USA win at Florida Atlantic Univeristy. Quattlebaum caught 17 passes this season for 198 yards and three touchdowns. He also had 12 punt returns for 57 yards. He appeared in 38 games in his career for the 49ers with 52 catches for 577 yards and four touchdowns. Charlotte was 5-7 overall and 4-4 in C-USA. GARRETT SHELTON — Alabama State University (Fr., LS, Cartersville HS)… the Hornets’ long snapper saw action in a 31-24 overtime win Thanksgiving Day over Mississippi Valley State. ASU finished 4-7 overall and 3-4 in the Southwestern Athletic Conference. AVERY SHOWELL — Georgia Tech (R-Fr., Cartersville HS)… saw action in Tech’s 45-21 loss Saturday at 5th-ranked Georgia. Despite the loss, the Yellow Jackets closed the regular season with wins in six of their last eight games and has earned a bowl berth for the 23rd time in 24 seasons. Tech will learn its postseason destination Sunday. COLLEGE BASKETBALL MARK CHESTER — Georgia Northwestern Tech CC (Fr., G, Cass HS)… had two points and five boards in a home 74-50 loss last Tuesday to Tennessee Wesleyan University’s JV. The Bobcats (1-2) host Covenant College December 6 and Southeastern Bible College December 8. RYAN DAVIS — Francis Marion University (Sr., G/F, Cartersville HS)… played 38 minutes, scored eight points, collected five rebounds and dished three assists in the Patriots’ 80-72 win last Tuesday at Shaw University. FMU (3-1) begins Peach Belt Conference action this Saturday at home in Florence against University of North Georgia. WHITNEY HARRIS — Toccoa Falls College (Fr., G, Woodland HS)… played 37 minutes scoring 10 points in the Screaming Eagles’ 75-32 loss at Berry College last Tuesday. Harris added four rebounds and a pair of steals in the loss. TFC (1-7) travels to Brevard College Wednesday and will host Warren Wilson College Friday. JANA MORNING — Berry College (So., G, Cass HS)… scored eight points and had six rebounds, three assists, and four steals in the Vikings’ 75-32 win over visiting Toccoa Falls College last Tuesday. Morning did not score, but had one rebound, one assist, and one steal in 12 minutes during a 51-42 road loss at LaGrange College Saturday. Sunday afternoon, she scored 11 points with a rebound, two assists, and a pair of steals in a 61-49 loss at Piedmont College. Berry (2-3) entertains Emory University this Friday night. JONATHAN PRITCHETT — Vermont Tech CC (So., G, Woodland HS)… the Knights’ starting guard did not score, but had two rebounds and five assists in an 82-78 home win over Fisher College last Tuesday. Vermont Tech (7-1, 4-0 Yankee Small College Conference) hosts NHTI Wednesday night, Unity CC Saturday afternoon, and Bryant & Stratton CC Sunday. JAYLON PUGH — Furman University (Fr., G, Cartersville HS)… had two points and one rebound in 11 minutes as a reserve Sunday afternoon as Furman won its seventh straight to start the season — a 65-51 win at UNC-Asheville. Pugh also had four rebounds, an assist and a steal in 13 minutes off the bench as the Paladins beat visiting Southern Wesleyan last Wednesday 74-57. Furman (7-0) begins Southern Conference play at home Saturday against Western Carolina. JOSIE SUMMERVILLE — North Park University (Fr., F, Adairsville HS)… had eight points and six rebounds Sunday with one steal during a 79-51 home loss to Albion College. Summerville also scored seven points and grabbed three rebounds Saturday in a 67-60 loss to Berea College (KY). She contributed five points with nine boards and a steal last Tuesday in a 75-52 victory over Concordia University (IL). NPU (2-3) hosts Aurora University Wednesday night and Wheaton College Saturday evening. DARIUS THROWER — Truett-McConnell University (Jr., G, Excel Christian Academy)… made a single three-pointer and added a rebound and one assist in 13 minutes off the bench last Tuesday in the Bears’ 84-80 AAC win over visiting Bluefield College (VA). TMU (4-2, 2-2 Appalachian Athletic Conference) travels to Milligan College (TN) Wednesday night and hosts Morris College (SC) Saturday afternoon. CARROD WATSON — University of North Georgia (R-Jr., F/C, Woodland HS)… saw two minutes of action last Tuesday in the Nighthawks’ 104-80 home win over University of West Georgia. UNG (4-1) opens Peach Belt Conference play Saturday afternoon at Francis Marion University.

The Cass girls basketball team improved to 2-0 Saturday afternoon with a 69-35 win over visiting Clarkston. The Lady Colonels led 21-2 after one quarter and never looked back. Cass held a 43-7 advantage at the intermission and 63-19 after three quarters. A dozen different Cass players made their mark in the scoring column led by freshman Claire Davis (photo) with 14 and Londaisha Smith with 13 points. Ariana Hames scored nine. Sharia Wade and Brianna Stephenson had seven points each. Sylvia Wade and Payton Stoddard posted four points apiece. Taryn Callahan contributed three points, while Amber Brittian, Alexis Ware, Abby Stoddard, and Brooklyn Whittington added two points each. Zia’Diamond Myles and Jayda Walker ledthe Angorras with 11 and 10 points, respectively. Cass hosts Fannin County Tuesday in another non-region game with a 6 p.m. start.

Cartersville fell behind early, but scored 42 unanswered points — including 35 in the second half — to take a Class AAAA quarterfinal win Friday night over Baldwin on a rain-soaked Braves’ Field in Milledgeville. Marcus Gary (photo) had a huge night running the football on the muddy track, the Canes committed no turnovers, and the defense came up big again after some early adjustments. Gary rushed for 196 yards and three touchdowns on 29 carries and the defense forced four turnovers. With the victory, the Hurricanes improved to 13-0 on the season and will host Marist next Friday night at Weinman Stadium in the state semifinals. The win also gives the Cartersville senior class a 54-1 mark in their careers. Cartersville has now made the state semifinals 12 times in the last 30 years and five times in the last seven seasons. Baldwin led 13-0 early on a Derrick Lewis 21-yard screen pass for a touchdown to Noah Hill and a 22-yard run by Zaahir Salahuddin. The first Baldwin touchdown was set up with a short field after Cartersville turned the ball over on downs with a fake punt. The second Braves' drive was 93 yards and was keyed by two big Salahuddin runs. Baldwin returned the short-field favor midway through the second quarter with a mishandled punt snap. The turnover on downs launched a 30-yard scoring drive that was capped by a 3-yard plunge by Gary. The touchdown narrowed the lead to 13-7 after the first of six Oscar Hernandez PATs and was the beginning of the 42-point barrage. Trailing by six at the intermission, Cartersville outscored Baldwin 35-0 in the second half. Quarterback Tee Webb (photo) connected with Trendon Horton on a 62-yard scoring strike on the Canes’ first possession of the second half to take a 14-13 lead. Webb finished the night 4-for-8 through the air and later added a rushing touchdown. Isaiah Chaney recovered a fumble to set up Cartersville’s next 44-yard scoring drive. Gary scored on a six-yard run for a 21-13 lead at the 5:50 mark of the third quarter and then broke loose on a 52-yard jaunt to give the Canes a 28-13 lead with 1:01 left in the period. A Baldwin penalty on the ensuing kickoff return forced the Braves to start from their own 7-yard line and Marquail Coaxum, who also had a fumble recovery in the game, picked off a pass and returned it 10 yards for a touchdown to give Cartersville a 35-13 lead with 11:50 left in the game. Evan Slocum’s interception set up the Hurricanes’ final score of the night. His return to the Baldwin 35-yard line set up a short drive capped by Webb on a 3-yard keeper. The Braves' season ends with a 7-6 record. Cartersville (13-0) will host Marist (11-2) next Friday night at Weinman Stadium in the Class AAAA state semifinals. Marist edged Mary Persons 10-7 on a last second field goal. The Canes and War Eagles will matchup for the first time in 88 years. Marist leads the all-time series 1-0-1. The two teams tied 6-6 in 1930 when Andy Weinman was the head coach for the Hurricanes. Marist won a 1925 game, 46-0. Troup (12-1) defeated Cairo 20-17 and will travel to Roswell to face Blessed Trinity (13-0) in the other state semifinal. Blessed Trinity overpowered Eastside Friday night, 42-15. The two semifinal winners will advance to the Class AAAA title game the following week at Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

Georgia High School Association Class AAAA State Quarterfinals game capsule courtesy: Georgia High School Football Daily. Through 12 games, the 2018 Cartersville defense has allowed more than one score in only four games, did not allow a touchdown in five games, and has limited opponents to 6.1 points per game. Photo: Randy Parker, The Daily Tribune News Meanwhile, Baldwin -- the Region 3-AAAA champions -- have limited opponents to only 8 points per game during the Braves' current seven game winning streak. Cartersville at Baldwin When, where: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Braves Stadium, Milledgeville Records, rankings: Cartersville is 12-0, the No. 1 seed from Region 5-AAAA and No. 2; Baldwin is 7-5, the No. 1 seed from 3-AAAA and unranked. Last meeting: Cartersville won 41-10 in the second round of the 2014 Class AAAA playoffs. Cartersville was denied a shot at a third consecutive state title when it was knocked out in the second round last year by eventual champion Blessed Trinity, but the Purple Hurricanes are back in the quarterfinals after coasting to a 41-7 victory over Ridgeland last week. The Canes' two biggest offensive threats - QB Tee Webb (2,466 yards passing) and RB Marcus Gary (1,179 yards rushing) - had another good night. Webb passed for 203 yards and four touchdowns, and Gary ran 156 yards and a score. Baldwin has won seven consecutive games after an 0-5 start. The Braves' 21-0 victory over Columbus put them in the quarterfinals for the first time since 2008, during head coach Jesse Hicks' first stint at the school. Baldwin scored all of the game's points in the second quarter, on touchdown runs by Noah Hill and Zaahir Salahuddin and a pass from Derrick Lewis to Jaylin Battle. The Braves are giving up 20.58 points per game this season but just 8.0 during their winning streak. Maxwell Ratings' projection: Cartersville by 22 / CalPreps projection: Cartersville by 25 Winner plays: Marist/Mary Persons winner

Both the Cass and Cartersville boys basketball teams dropped Thanksgiving Tournament games Wednesday evening. Dalton edged Cass in a low-scoring consolation round contest at the Dalton High School Thanksgiving Tournament and Cartersville lost to host North Murray at the Mountaineers' Turkey Jam. DALTON 36, CASS BOYS 30 Cass led 16-6 after one period, but Dalton chipped away in a low-scoring battle for a come-from-behind win over the Colonels Wednesday night in the consolation finals of the Dalton Thanksgiving Tournament, 36-30. The host Catamounts got back in the game in the second period by limiting the Colonels to only two points in the quarter. Cass still led 18-15 at halftime, but Dalton grabbed a 24-22 lead heading into the final quarter. “That was a disappointing loss,” said Cass coach Sean Glaze after the game. “We have work to do on both ends. We missed way too many open shots, but it was a lack of discipline on offense that hurt us tonight.” Dalton (2-1) was led by Jalen Westfield with eight points. Franklin Almonte and Jamal Mason followed with seven each. Braxton Benham led Cass with 12 points. C.J. Pipkin scored ten. Zaylan Chaney and Justice Hayes rounded out the scoring with five and three points, respectively. Next for the Colonels (1-3) is a home game Tuesday against Fannin County. NORTH MURRAY 71, CARTERSVILLE BOYS 61 The host Mountaineers improved to 3-0 on the season and won the North Murray Turkey Jam with a 10-point victory over Cartersville. North Murray edged Boaz (AL) Tuesday night in the semifinals to reach the championship game. Cartersville opened the tournament with a win over Northwest Whitfield. Micah Tart had five assists for the Canes. Isaac Gridley snagged ten rebounds and had five blocked shots. The Canes (1-1) return to the hardwoods Saturday, December 1 at Woodland with a 4:30 p.m. tip.

The Bartow County Parks and Recreation Department’s U10 Girls Soccer all-stars won the Georgia Parks and Recreation Association District 5 Championship this past Saturday in Dalton defeating Calhoun 6-1 in the title match. Bartow U10 will advance to the GRPA State Tournament November 30 and December 1 at the Nix Complex Causby Field in Dalton. The Bartow County U12 boys team placed second in the District 5 Tournament with wins over Murray County and Dalton Two, before falling to Dalton One in the title game. Layla Allgood, AnnaGrace Weathers, Gracie Cash, Carly Edwards, Ella Edwards, Emma Edwards, Malorie Rogers, Layla Morgan, Ryland Piatt, Zoe Bailey, Kiley McMichael, Bailey DeBoard. Coach: Jimmy Edwards.

The Cartersville girls edged Adairsville, while the boys teams from Cartersville, Cass, and Woodland all picked up Thanksgiving Tournament wins Tuesday night. CARTERSVILLE GIRLS 40, ADAIRSVILLE 39 The Cartersville girls edged Adairsville 40-39 in a back-and-forth battle Tuesday night at the Armuchee Thanksgiving Tournament to improve to 2-0 on the season. Cartersville’s Amya Davis made two free throws with less than 20 seconds remaining and Adairsville missed a potential game-winning shot at the end. “We couldn’t keep them off the boards,” noted Adairsville coach Michael Roberson. “Their offensive rebounding was the difference in the game.” Lehla Thomas scored all 13 of her points in the first half — 12 in the second quarter — and grabbed 10 rebounds to lead the Lady Canes. London Shaw and Amya Davis scored eight points each. Alexia Henderson scored five points. Naijah Evans contributed four points and had four blocked shots. Kierra Milline added two points and Jamiya Moore had four assists. Nakiyah Washington led Adairsville (1-1) in the scoring column with 15 points. Coriana McDaniel scored 10 points. Havyn Isaac posted six points. Aaliyah Applin added four points. Breeana Wilson and Ji’Leyah Mitchell contributed three and one point, respectively. The Lady Tigers host Ringgold November 27. The Lady Canes play at Woodland December 1. CARTERSVILLE BOYS 75, NORTHWEST WHITFIELD 69 The Canes won their season opener at the North Murray High School Turkey Jam, defeating Northwest Whitfield 75-69. Perignon Dyer and Isaac Gridley paced Cartersville with 25 and 24 points, respectively. Micah Tart added 13 with Raylin Royal and Taywuan Johnson scoring five each. Cartersville (1-0) plays at host North Murray Wednesday night at 7:30 p.m. CASS BOYS 61, SIGNAL MOUNTAIN (TN) 47 The Colonels picked up their first win of the year with a 61-47 victory over Signal Mountain (Tenn.) at the Dalton High School Thanksgiving Tournament. Cass led 18-10 after one quarter and extended their lead to 40-22 at the intermission. The Colonels held a 46-37 lead after three quarters. Cass had three players with double figures in scoring. Jacquez Fountain scored 14 points. Jaylon Johnson and Braxton Benham contributed 12 points apiece. C.J. Pipkin scored eight, Justice Hayes six, Zaylan Chaney five, and Ethan Carter two points. The Eagles (2-2) were led by Terrance Russell with 11 points. Owen Honroth and Malone Hawley added nine and seven points, respectively. Cass (1-2) plays in the consolation finals Wednesday against the host Catamounts at 5:30 back at Dalton High School. WOODLAND BOYS 51, CENTRAL-CARROLL 35 After dropping their first two games at the Paulding County High School Thanksgiving Tournament, Woodland raced to an early lead and held off Central-Carroll 51-35 to even their season record at 2-2. Hunter Johnson and Jaylen Ballard shared scoring honors for Woodland with 21 points each. Johnson’s night included five, three-pointers. Ballard scored 10 of his points in the first quarter. Woodland led 25-8 after one quarter and led 38-18 at halftime. Justice Carter and Nathan Gomez contributed four points each for Woodland. Peyton Roberts scored three. Abrin Daniel led Central with 12 points as the Lions slipped to 0-3 on the year. Woodland (2-2) travels to Hiram Friday, November 30 and will host Cartersville on Saturday, December 1. ARMUCHEE 43, WOODLAND GIRLS 26 The host Indians defeated the Lady Cats 43-26 in second day action at the Armuchee High School Thanksgiving Tournament. Armuchee evened its season mark at 2-2. The Lady Cats fall to 0-3 on the year and play at Hiram Friday, November 30 at 6 p.m. before hosting Cartersville on Saturday, December 1.

The Cartersville girls basketball team opened the 2018-19 season Monday night with a come-from-behind victory over host Armuchee and will be in action again Tuesday at the Armuchee Thanksgiving Tournament. Meanwhile, the Cartersville boys crank up their 2018-19 campaign Tuesday and Wednesday at the North Murray High School Turkey Jam in Chatsworth. The Canes will play Northwest Whitfield Tuesday and host North Murray Wednesday night. The Cartersville teams will once again compete in the always challenging Region 5-AAAA that includes Cedartown, Central-Carroll, LaGrange, Sandy Creek, and Chapel Hill. The girls will play non-region contests against Armuchee, Adairsville, Calhoun, Woodland, North Paulding, and Chattooga. The Hurricanes will have Calhoun, Woodland, Chattooga, White County, and Furtah Prep on their non-region slate. The Lady Canes will look to take a step forward from their 8-16 record last season. The Cartersville girls were 2-10 in region play. The Cartersville boys will look to extend their current streak of seven straight state playoff appearances. The Hurricanes were co-region regular season champions with Sandy Creek last season, won the Rome Holiday Tournament, and went undefeated at home. CARTERSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL LADY CANES Head Coach: Cindy Moore Assistants: Emerson Bridges, Bonnie Britton, D’Yazmine Richards Returning starters: Amya Davis (Sr.), Ariana Cochran (Jr.), and London Shaw (Sr.) Expected contributors: (comment by Coach Moore) Naijiah Evans (Jr.) - “high expectations, she will be a contributing factor for this team.” Emily Perry (Sr.) and Jada Cunningham (Jr.) - “the other upperclassmen expected to contribute.” “We will have a host of freshmen and sophomores that are ready to make an impact.” Season goals / expectations from Coach Moore: “Our goal is to play consistent basketball and improve each week.” CARTERSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL PURPLE HURRICANES Head Coach: Mike Tobin (495-195, 26 seasons at Cartersville, Woodland, Eden Prarie (MN) Last Season: 21-7 overall / 10-2 Region 5-AAAA Players with commentary from Coach Tobin: Issac Gridley: 6’7” Sr – Honorable Mention All Region last season. Set school record for blocked shots last season. Got much stronger in the weight room the past off-season. Excellent shooter and ball handler. Started 2016 & 2018 Region Championship game. Can score inside and outside. School record 85 blocked shots last season. Perignon Dyer: 5’8” Sr Guard. Explosive guard. Has improved tremendously. Excellent perimeter shooter and penetrator. Taywuan Johnson : 6’1” Sr. G: Has improved tremendously over the past two seasons. Best floater on the team. Marqual Coaxum: 5’11 Jr. G: Excellent speed and great defender. Penetrates well. Competitor. 2 sport athlete Micah Tart: 5’11” Jr: 2 yr varsity award winner. Great first step. Has improved tremendously from last season. Marco Dudley: 5’11” Jr: Brought up to varsity last season. 2 sport athlete. Possibly the best defender on the squad. Austin Cauffman: 6’2” Sr.: Played Varsity last year. Brings energy and high enthusiasm to team. Works extremely hard. Top Newcomers: Raylin Royal: 5’8” Sr. Guard: Ultra quick. Outstanding at putting defense pressure on the ball. Robert Novak: 6’2” Soph. High basketball IQ. Amarai Orr: 6’2” Soph. 2 sport athlete. Had a great summer. Intense offensive rebounder. Competes at a very high level. Kolbe Benham: 6’2” Soph. 2 sport athlete Evan Slocum: 6’2 Soph. 2 sport athlete Quante Jennings: 6’0” Soph. 2 sport athlete Devonte Ross: 5’10” Soph. 2 sport athlete Tyriek Hammock: 6’6” Soph. Coach Tobin’s comments about 2018-19 team, including season outlook: We put in a good summer of work competing against some of the best teams in the State. We feel like we have improved greatly from the end of May to the present day. Players are getting stronger in weight training and preseason conditioning. Many players were very dedicated and committed in an attempt to improve individual and team skills. We will have good team speed, and some very good perimeter shooting to hopefully stretch out opposing defenses. There is a high probability that we will play our first several games without our players that play football. We are looking forward to get many players off the football team hopefully after they win the State Championship. We are looking forward to playing in two regular season tournaments, and a very challenging Region schedule. Comments on Region 5AAAA: The Region is shaping up to be very competitive. Sandy Creek is loaded with 6’8” TJ Bickerstaff leading their team. Troup has an abundance of talent.

The Cartersville Parks and Recreation Department youth football teams concluded Georgia District 5 play this past Saturday at Dellinger Park with games against Carrollton. The Cartersville 8U, 10U, and 12U all-star teams will advance to the Georgia Recreation and Parks Association state playoffs on Saturday, December 1 at Walton County as the GRPA District 5, Class A representatives. CARTERSVILLE 12U 28, CARROLLTON 12 Cartersville scored on touchdown runs of 34- and 6-yards by Khristian Lando. Jakeveon Porter had a 10-yard rushing touchdown. Trevor Harris finished with 50 yards rushing. Brelace Williams converted two-point PATs. ​​Lando, Harris, and Logan Shrewsbury had one interception each for the Cartersville defense. The return by Shrewbury as time expired in the second quarter was just shy of a pick-six. Brayden Pope had a fumble recovery in the second quarter and Isaiah Livsey finished with eight total tackles. Carrollton got a 34-yard touchdown run by Khristian Crowder and a one-yard touchdown on a keeper by quarterback Carson Kimball. Both PAT kicks were unsuccessful. R.J. Sizemore and Jeremiah Stevens were the defensive leaders. CARROLLTON 10U 19, CARTERSVILLE 12 Carrollton broke open a close game in the fourth quarter with a pair of touchdowns to win 19-12. Bodie Brumlow connected with Reed Ezell on a 54-yard pass to set up Cartersville’s first touchdown. Brumlow scored on a one-yard sneak. Ezell scored the second touchdown on a 12-yard run to narrow the Carrollton lead to 13-12, but Cartersville would get no closer. Jacob Ellis finished with 80 yards rushing. Ellis recorded ten tackles to pace the Cartersville defense. Bear McWhorter had six tackles — two for loss. Collier Jordan was effective as a pass rusher. CARROLLTON 8U 7, CARTERSVILLE 0 Carrollton 8U’s Omarvi Smith had the game’s only touchdown with a 20-yard run in the second quarter as Carrollton edged Cartersville. Tobias Thomaston and Rayden Avery were identified as defensive leaders for Carrollton. Cooper Melvin led the Cartersville offense with 40 total yards and was 1-for-3 passing. Braxton Mealer was credited with three touchdown saving tackles for the Cartersville defense. Melvin contributed six total tackles and Braylen Clever was noted for making a pair of touchdown saving stops. Youth football recreation reports are sponsored by McWhorter Capital Partners and are provided to Bartow Sports Zone by the Cartersville Parks and Recreation Department and the Bartow County Parks and Recreation Department.