Trevor Lawrence and the Clemson Tigers hung 31 points on Alabama in the first half of Monday night’s College Football Playoff National Championship game and cruised to a 44-16 rout of defending champion Alabama. Prior to the game, Lawrence was named the Football Writers Association of America Freshman of the Year, and he more than lived up to the award. In the end, he was the Offensive MVP of the National Championship Game. Lawrence, who was razor sharp on several crucial third downs and stung the Bama defense with some long plays, finished the night 20-for-32 passing for 347 yards and three touchdowns. The Cartersville native had a five-yard touchdown pass to Travis Etienne on a shovel pass in the second quarter. He then added a 74-yard touchdown strike to Justyn Ross and another five-yarder to Tee HIggins in the third quarter. Lawrence also had six rushing attempts for 27 yards as the Tigers controlled the ball for ten minutes in the fourth quarter. With their win, Clemson became the first 15-0 team in modern college football history and captured a second national title in the College Football Playoff era. Both of those wins came in championship games against Alabama. It also marks the third national title in Clemson’s history. The first was in 1981. As for Lawrence, he becomes the first true freshman starting quarterback in FBS history to win a national championship since Oklahoma’s Jamelle Holieway did it in 1985.

As former Cartersville High School stars Miller Forristall and Trevor Lawrence prepared this week for their College Football National Championship Game, several other local ‘Athletes Beyond Bartow’ made contributions with their college programs. Forristall is a redshirt sophomore tight end for the Alabama Crimson Tide and Trevor Lawrence is a true freshman quarterback for the Clemson Tigers. The two programs solidified their positions at the top of college football December 29 with national semifinal wins over Oklahoma and Notre Dame, respectively, and will now face one another Monday night in Santa Clara, CA. This week, former Woodland wrestler Jake Huffine competed in the Southern Scuffle that included some of the best college programs in the nation and seven local basketball players contributed with their programs. WRESTLING JAKE HUFFINE — Chattanooga (Jr., 133-lb wt. class, Woodland HS)… went 1-2 at the Southern Scuffle January 1-2 hosted by the Mocs. Chattanooga placed 14th of 23 schools in the event won by Penn State. Oklahoma, Iowa State, Stanford, and Navy rounded out the top five teams. Huffine defeated Sean Cannon of Northern Colorado 6-2 in his opening match before falling to Stanford’s Mason Pengilly 5-3 in the second round. He later lost 3-1 to Cody Trybus of Navy. The Mocs travel to Hampton, Virginia this Friday and Saturday for the Virginia Duals. BASKETBALL RYAN DAVIS — Francis Marion University (Sr., G, Cartersville HS)… had a double-double that included 19 points and 11 rebounds to go with three assists and four steals Saturday, but the Patriots were edged by Young Harris College 120-119 in a Peach Belt Conference game in Florence. FMU (7-2, 3-1) will try to bounce back from their first league loss Wednesday at home against USC-Aiken and will travel to Clayton State Saturday afternoon. KIMORA McCLINIC — Middle Georgia State University (So., G, Cartersville HS)… saw four minutes of playing time had one assist and was 0-for-1 from the floor in the Knights’ 82-66 loss last Thursday at Martin Methodist. For the season, McClinic is averaging just under two points and two rebounds per game in about nine minutes per contest. MGSU (5-7, 1-4 Southern State Athletic Conference) hosts Mobile University Thursday and Stillman College Saturday. JANA MORNING — Berry College (So., G, Cass HS)… scored only two points, but had 13 rebounds and eight assists in a 69-63 loss Friday night at Millsaps College. Sunday, she scored three points and had two assists in a 73-59 loss at Birmingham Southern College. Morning is averaging over five points and five rebounds per game along with three assists and two steals per game. Berry (4-10, 0-3) hosts University of the South Friday night and Centre College Sunday afternoon. JAYLON PUGH — Furman University (Fr., G, Cartersville HS)… entered late in the game Saturday and made his only shot — a three pointer — as the Paladins beat Citadel at home, 101-85. The bucket by Pugh put Furman over the century mark against their Southern Conference rival. Pugh has appeared in nine games, averaging three points and one rebound in just under nine minutes per appearance. Furman (14-2, 3-1 Southern Conference) plays at VMI Thursday night and at UNC-Greensboro Saturday. JOSIE SUMMERVILLE — North Park University (Fr., F, Adairsville HS)… averaging 16 minutes in two games last week, Summerville totaled 15 points, 10 rebounds, one block, and one steal. The Vikings lost both games, falling 76-39 at Carthage College (WI) Wednesday and 77-65 Saturday at home against Augustana College (IL). NPU (6-9, 2-4 Collegiate Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin) hosts Illinois Wesleyan University Wednesday night before traveling to Carroll University (WI) Saturday afternoon. DARIUS THROWER — Truett-McConnell University (Jr., G, Excel Christian Academy)… started Saturday at home against Allen University (SC) and grabbed six rebounds in an 87-81 win. He also played nine minutes and nailed his only three-point attempt in a 68-60 home win last Wednesday over Tennessee Wesleyan. TMU (9-6, 4-5 Appalachian Athletic Conference) plays at Reinhardt University Tuesday night, hosts Bryan College (TN) Thursday night, and travels to Columbia International University Saturday afternoon. CARROD WATSON — University of North Georgia (Jr., F, Woodland HS)… saw three minutes of action as a reserve Saturday afternoon as the Nighthawks lost 86-77 at 25th-ranked UNC-Pembroke. UNG (6-4, 1-3 Peach Belt Conference) entertains Columbus State Wednesday night and USC-Aiken Saturday afternoon in PBC matchups.

The Cartersville boys jumped out to an 18-6 lead after one quarter and were up 39-22 by halftime on their way to a 69-57 Region 5-AAAA win over visiting Central-Carroll Saturday at The Storm Center. Taywuan Johnson and Perignon Dyer shared scoring honors for the Hurricanes with 19 points apiece. Kolbe Benham followed with nine. Isaac Gridley (photo) returned to the Canes' lineup to contribute six points as did Amarai Orr. Robert Novak had four points. Marquail Coaxum and Micah Tart tossed in two points each while Austin Cauffman and Tyriek Hammock added one each for Cartersville. Dallas Clayton led the Lions with 24 points. Omen Glenn and Abrin Daniel added 10 each for Central-Carroll (5-10, 0-2). Cartersville (7-7, 1-1) hosts LaGrange Tuesday night at 7:30 p.m. before traveling to Sandy Creek Friday and Chapel Hill Saturday. CENTRAL-CARROLL 43, CARTERSVILLE GIRLS 36 (OT) The Lady Canes battled back from a seven-point halftime deficit Saturday to send their game with Central-Carroll to overtime, but the visiting Lady Lions prevailed in the extra period, 43-36. Cartersville limited Central to only three points in the third quarter to pull within one point and tied the game at 34-all at the end of regulation. Central (12-1, 2-0) outscored Cartersville 9-2 in overtime. Cartersville (7-6, 0-2) entertains LaGrange Tuesday night at 6 p.m. before heading to Sandy Creek Friday night and Chapel Hill Saturday evening. VILLA RICA 66, WOODLAND GIRLS 15 Class AAAAA’s top-ranked girls team, Villa Rica, got 21 points from DeAsia Merrill and 13 from Tee Windom in a one-sided win at Woodland Saturday. Villa Rica (15-0, 6-0) led 21-2 after one quarter and were never threatened in the Region 7-AAAAA matchup. Madgie Robinson led Woodland with six points. Woodland (1-13, 1-6) plays at East Paulding Tuesday at 6 p.m. and hosts Rome Friday with a 6 p.m. tip. VILLA RICA 40, WOODLAND BOYS 36 Visiting Villa Rica edged Woodland Saturday 40-36 in a game that was close throughout. Woodland led 12-9 at the end of the first quarter before Villa Rica took a 21-20 advantage at halftime. The visiting, purple-clad Wildcats pushed their lead to 31-26 after three quarters and held off Woodland in the final eight minutes for a four-point Region 7-AAAAA win. Micah Hodges, Phillip Zachery, and Demarcus Blount each scored nine points to lead Villa Rica in the scoring column. Hunter Johnson had 12 points for Woodland. Dawson Wilkins and Justice Carter followed with seven each. D.J. Robinson and Jaylen Ballard both scored five points. Villa Rica evened its season mark at 7-7 and is now 2-4 in region play. Woodland (4-11, 1-6) plays at East Paulding Tuesday and hosts Rome Friday night.

On a busy Friday night for local high school basketball teams, the Woodland boys upset one of the leaders in Region 7-AAAAA, while both Cass teams defeated visiting Hiram. Meanwhile, the Cartersville teams were swept in Cedartown. The Adairsville girls lost at region-leader Ringgold and the Excel boys dropped a region contest at Christian Heritage in Dalton. WOODLAND BOYS 76, CARROLLTON 63 The Wildcats picked up their first Region 7-AAAAA win of the season Friday night by surprising visiting Carrollton — one of the top teams in the league — 76-63. Woodland took a 19-14 lead after one quarter and led 34-25 at the half before the Trojans tied the score at 43-all after three periods. The Wildcats then outscored Carrollton 33-20 over the final eight minutes to secure a 13-point win. Woodland converted 13 of 17 free throws in the final period to close out the Trojans. Dawson Wilkins (photo) and Hunter Johnson led Woodland with 25 and 21 points, respectively. Jaylen Ballard scored nine for the Wildcats. D.J. Robinson posted seven. Justice Carter had six points. Kyjuan McLendon scored four and Peyton Roberts added two points in the win. Jeff Hodges led Carrollton with 15 points. Ricky Rodriguez finished with 13 points for the Trojans (8-7, 5-2). Woodland (4-10, 1-5) entertains Villa Rica in another Region 7-AAAAA game Saturday at 4:30 p.m. CASS GIRLS 64, HIRAM 54 The Lady Colonels won their sixth straight game while defeating visiting Hiram Friday night 64-54 in a Region 7-AAAAA tilt. Cass held leads of 16-9 after one quarter and 32-27 at the intermission before Hiram tied the game at 41 heading into the final eight minutes. The Lady Colonels outscored the visiting Lady Hornets 23-13 in the final period to take a 10-point region win. Lauryn Towns led Hiram with 22 points, including a dozen in the second quarter. Cass was led by Sharia Wade (photo) with 17 points. Claire Davis tossed in 13 and Payton Stoddard totaled 12 points. Amber Brittian scored eight. Ariana Hames contributed five. Londaisha Smith added four points. Alexis Ware also had four points and snagged 10 rebounds. Taryn Callahan chipped in with one point. The loss drops Hiram to 8-8 overall and 4-3 in Region 7-AAAAA. Cass (13-2, 5-2) travels to Kell Tuesday night for a 6 p.m. tip. CASS BOYS 84, HIRAM 49 The Cass boys enjoyed a balanced scoring attack and had four players reach double figures in an 84-49 Region 7-AAAAA win over Hiram at home Friday night. Ethan Carter led the Colonels with 12 points. Jaylon Johnson followed with 11 while Jacquez Fountain and C.J. Pipken added 10 points apiece. The visiting Hornets led 13-11 after one quarter before Cass gained a 26-21 lead at halftime. The Colonels then took control in the second half outscoring Hiram 58-28 over the final sixteen minutes for a 35-point win. Jauyen Brown led the Hornets with 13 points. Cameron Gilliard added 10. Rounding out the Cass scoring: Jordan Ford had eight; Justice Hayes, Jaquan Heard, and Andrew Glaze each contributed seven points; Braxton Benham and Zaylan Chaney scored five each; and Zay Jackson (photo) added two. Hiram falls to 6-10 overall and 1-6 in Region 7-AAAAA. Cass (8-8, 3-4) has now won five of six and travels to Class 5A, 6th-ranked Kell for another region contest Tuesday night at 7:30 p.m. CARROLLTON 66, WOODLAND GIRLS 16 The Class 5A 8th-ranked Carrollton girls built a 31-9 lead by halftime and cruised to an easy win Friday night at Woodland. De’Mauri Flournoy led the Lady Trojans with 21 points. Kehinde Obasuyi and Dyimond Watkins followed with 11 and 10 points, respectively. Morgan Cooper finished with eight points for Woodland. Jordan Thompson had three. Ansley Evans and Lauren Norris scored two points. Abigail Taylor added one point for the Lady Cats. Carrollton improved to 11-5 overall and 6-1 in region action. Woodland (1-12, 1-5) hosts No. 1-ranked Villa Rica Saturday at 3 p.m. CEDARTOWN 49, CARTERSVILLE GIRLS 36 The Lady Canes battled with host Cedartown in a tight Region 5-AAAA matchup Friday night before falling 49-36 to the Lady Bulldogs. “It was a close game throughout,” said Cartersville head coach Cindy Moore. “We had to start fouling late in the fourth quarter and they were able to pull away a bit.” Cedartown led 11-6 after one quarter and held a 24-18 advantage at halftime. The Bulldogs maintained a 33-27 lead after three quarters before separating for a 13-point win in the final period. Keke Turner led Cedartown with a game-high 14 points that included a dozen in the final period. Quiana Watson scored 10 of her 12 points in the first half and Maryalle Brumby added 11 for the Lady Bulldogs (7-3, 1-0). London Shaw led Cartersville with eight points. A’mya Davis had seven. Naijah Evans scored six. Kierra Milline posted five points. Ariana Cochran and Haley Johnson added four points each. Cartersville (7-5, 0-1) hosts Central-Carroll Saturday at 2:30 p.m. at The Storm Center. CEDARTOWN 62, CARTERSVILLE BOYS 54 Zahquan Frazier led three Cedartown players in double figures as the host Bulldogs defeated Cartersville Friday night, 62-54. Jeremiah Johnson and Elijah Pace both added 11 points for Cedartown who improved to 7-5 overall and 1-0 in region play. The Hurricanes led 13-12 after one quarter, but Cedartown held leads of 27-24 at halftime and 46-35 after three quarters on their way to an eight point Region 5-AAAA win. Perignon Dyer led Cartersville with 13 points. Kolbe Benham scored 10. Taywuan Johnson and Marquail Coaxum contributed nine points each. Micah Tart and Austin Cauffman scored five while Amarai Orr added three points. Cartersville (6-7, 0-1) had a four-game win streak snapped. The Canes host Central-Carroll Saturday at at 4 p.m. at The Storm Center. CHRISTIAN HERITAGE 74, EXCEL CHRISTIAN BOYS 47 A.J. Kent scored 20 points and Hardin Chambless added 16 as host Christian Heritage beat Excel Christian Friday night 74-47. The win kept Christian Heritage undefeated on the season with a 12-0 mark. The Lions are 5-0 in Region 6-A. Rayshawn Womack led Excel with 18 points. Kalil Holley and Josiah Mosley added nine each. Evan Lee score six. Jake Murray posted four points and Robby Poston had one. Excel trailed by only four points after one quarter, but the Eagles were down by 17 at the intermission. Excel (3-10, 0-5) will look to bounce back Tuesday night at 7:30 p.m. at Gordon Lee. RINGGOLD 51, ADAIRSVILLE GIRLS 24 The Ringgold girls kept their hold atop the Region 6-AAA standings Friday night by topping Adairsville 51-24 in Ringgold. Sydney Pittman and Shelby Cole led Ringgold with 12 and 11 points, respectively. Coriana McDaniel led Adairsville with seven points. Ji’Leyah Mitchell scored four points. Alexa Varner contributed three. K. McDaniel, Nakiyah Washington, and Havyn Isaac had two points each. Aaliyah Applin added one point for Adairsville. Ringgold improved to 12-3 overall and 7-0 in Region 6-AAA. Adairsville (4-13, 1-8) travels to North Murray Tuesday for a 6 p.m. start.

The Cartersville boys evened their season mark Wednesday evening with a road victory over host White County at the Warriors’ Classic in Cleveland. The Canes suffered through a rough third quarter, but rallied in the final eight minutes for a 49-46 win to build momentum heading into their region slate. Cartersville held a 13-10 lead after one quarter and was tied at 22 at halftime. White County then outscored the Hurricanes 15-6 in the third quarter to take a 37-28 lead. In the fourth, the Canes turned the tables by outscoring White County 21-9 to close out a three-point victory. Perignon Dyer had a game-high 23 points for Cartersville. Austin Cauffman scored seven points. Amarai Orr contributed five. Devonte Ross and Micah Tart posted four points each. Marquail Coaxum and Kolbe Benham rounded out the Canes’ scoring with three points apiece. Austin Harris led White County with 20 points. Chandler Harris added nine. White County lost its eighth game of the Warriors’ last nine starts to slip to 3-11 on the year. Cartersville (6-6) has now won four straight and opens the Region 5-AAAA schedule at Cedartown Friday night at 7:30 p.m. and will host Central-Carroll Saturday at 4 p.m. at The Storm Center.

It was an eventful week for local Athletes Beyond Bartow. Former Cartersville High quarterback Trevor Lawrence helped lead Clemson into the College Football National Championship Game with a spectacular performance during the Tigers' 30-3 Cotton Bowl rout of Notre Dame. Later Saturday night at the Orange Bowl, former Canes' standout Miller Forristall and the Alabama Crimson Tide earned yet another spot in the National Championship Game. Former Adairsville Tigers' star Vic Beasley wrapped up his fourth NFL season Sunday with a key play on a two-point conversion attempt that helped the Falcons win at Tampa Bay. Meanwhile, Woodland graduate Jake Huffine picked up two Southern Conference athletic awards and former Bartow basketball standouts Josie Summerville (Adairsville) and Darius Thrower (Excel) had key performances for their college teams. NFL VIC BEASLEY — Atlanta Falcons (4th yr. pro, DE/OLB, Clemson, Adairsville HS)… did not record a tackle in a 34-32 season-ending win at Tampa Bay Sunday but did bat down a two-point conversion attempt with 5:10 remaining in the fourth quarter right after the Buccaneers had taken a 32-31 lead. The 26-year-old Beasley finished the 2018 season with 16 tackles and five sacks. The Falcons wrapped up the year winning their last three games for a 7-9 mark and second place in the NFC South. COLLEGE FOOTBALL MARCUS CHILDERS — Northern Illinois University (R-So., QB, Adairsville HS)… was 22-for-29 passing for 179 yards and rushed for 35 yards but the Huskies lost the 2018 Boca Raton Bowl to Alabama-Birmingham 37-13 on December 18. Childers finished the season 212-for-368 for 1,996 yards and 15 touchdowns. He added 496 yards rushing and six touchdowns. NIU finished the season 8-6 and won the Mid-American Conference championship. MILLER FORRISTALL — University of Alabama (R-So., TE, Cartersville HS)… saw action with the kickoff return and kickoff return hands team Saturday night in Alabama’s 45-34 Orange Bowl and national semifinal win over Oklahoma. Alabama (14-0) raced to a 28-0 lead in the first half and never looked back to reach the January 7 National Championship Game in Santa Clara, CA. Forristall has played in all 14 games for the Crimson Tide this season and is credited with a pair of kickoff returns for five yards. TREVOR LAWRENCE — Clemson University (Fr., QB, Cartersville HS)… completed 27 of 39 pass attempts for 327 yards and three touchdowns, including 19 of 26 for 264 yards and a pair of touchdown passes to Justyn Ross in the first half as the 2nd-ranked Tigers dominated Notre Dame 30-3 in the Cotton Bowl to advance to Clemson’s third College Football National Championship Game in four years. For the season, Lawrence is 212-for-326 passing for 2,606 yards and 24 touchdowns. He also has 144 rushing yards and one touchdown. Clemson (13-0) will face top-ranked Alabama on Monday, January 7 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, CA. COLLEGE BASKETBALL RYAN DAVIS — Francis Marion University (Sr., G, Cartersville HS)… scored a team-high 22 points, collected six rebounds, and added one steal in the Patriots’ 90-85 Peach Belt Conference win December 19 at Columbus State. Davis is averaging just over 30 minutes per game with 14.3 ppg and 6.8 rpg. FMU (7-1, 3-0) returns to PBC action Saturday January 5 at home against Young Harris College. JANA MORNING — Berry College (So., G, Cass HS)… scored seven points with two rebounds, five assists, and six steals as the Vikings beat Agnes Scott at home December 18. She then totaled 11 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists in losses to Concordia (TX) and UT-Dallas Friday and Saturday at the Texas-Dallas Classic. Berry (4-8) plays at Millsaps College Saturday night. JAYLON PUGH — Furman University (Fr., G, Cartersville HS)… made a pair of free throws and had one rebound in only two minutes of action Saturday during the Paladins’ 79-56 loss at East Tennessee State. Pugh has appeared in eight games this season averaging 3.5 ppg and 1.6 rpg in just under 10 minutes per appearance. Furman (12-2, 1-1 Southern Conference) hosts Mercer Thursday night and The Citadel Saturday afternoon. JOSIE SUMMERVILLE — North Park University (Fr., F, Adairsville HS)… averaged 16 rebounds and seven points in a pair of games this past Friday and Saturday in Atlanta against Agnes Scott and Oglethorpe Universitiy. She had a career high 19 rebounds Friday in a 62-45 win at Agnes Scott and matched her career best eight points Saturday in a 50-47 loss at Oglethorpe. Summerville also snagged three rebounds and had one assist in a 57-53 loss at St. Mary’s College (IN) December 19. NPU (6-7, 2-2 CCIW) plays at Carthage College (WI) Wednesday night and hosts Augustana College (IL) Saturday night. DARIUS THROWER — Truett McConnell University (Jr., G, Excel Christian Acad.)… scored a season-high 15 points with four assists, a block, and a steal as the Bears upset NAIA 7th-ranked Faulkner University Saturday 72-70 in Montgomery. TMU (7-6, 2-5 Appalachian Athletic Conference) hosts Tennessee Wesleyan University Wednesday night and Allen University (SC) Saturday. PRO BASKETBALL A.J. MOSBY — Northern Arizona Suns (1st yr. pro, NBA G-League, G, Alcorn State, Cartersville HS)… played five minutes and took only one shot December 16 in a 119-76 home loss to the Memphis Hustle. Mosby has appeared in five games and is averaging three points, one rebound, and one assist in just over 11 minutes per game. Northern Arizona (3-19) is in last place in the NBA G-League’s Western Conference. The Suns play at the Agua Caliete Clippers Wednesday and host the Sioux Falls Skyforce Sunday. WRESTLING JAKE HUFFINE — Chattanooga (Jr., 133-wt. class, Woodland HS)… received the Southern Conference Wrestler of the Week and SoCon Student-Athlete of the Week for December 19-25. Huffine is 13-4 this season and 3-0 in duals. He leads the Mocs with six pins. Chattanooga returns to action Tuesday and Wednesday when they host the Southern Scuffle with representatives from 25 teams including top-ranked Penn State, 3rd-ranked Oklahoma State, and 7th-ranked NC State.

The Cass girls captured the Adairsville Ace Hardware Christmas Clash Championship Saturday night by defeating Alabama’s Class 5A 7th-ranked team, Southside, 42-40. The Lady Colonels swept through their three games in the tournament defeating Washington of Atlanta in the first round Thursday and Class 7A Peachtree Ridge Friday in the semifinals. Saturday, Cass led at each quarter stop but the game was close throughout. The Lady Colonels never trailed in the game, but were only up by one point with just under two minutes to play. “We really struggled with our shooting tonight,” said Lady Colonels’ head coach Burt Jackson. “Fortunately I thought our defense was excellent and we were able to cause numerous turnovers. Southside was very big and did a great job with their match up zone.” The Lady Colonels led 9-8 after one quarter, 24-16 at the half, and 36-28 after three quarters before holding on for their two-point win. Payton Stoddard led Cass with 14 points. Claire Davis followed with 11. Amber Brittian (photo) contributed six points. Sharia Wade tossed in five. Londaisha Smith finished with four and Alexis Ware added two points. Smith, Stoddard, Ware, and Brittian were all named to the All-Tournament team. Brittian was selected as the tournament MVP. Macie Williams led Southside with 10 points. Cass (13-2) will take a brief break before climbing back into Region 7AAAAA action Friday at home against Hiram. PEACHTREE RIDGE 59, ADAIRSVILLE GIRLS 34 The Lady Lions of Peachtree Ridge topped Adairsville Saturday in the third place game of the Ace Hardware Christmas Clash, 59-34. Peachtree Ridge took an 18-8 lead after one quarter and led 40-19 at halftime on their way to a 25-point win. Yewande Bello led Peachtree Ridge with 29 points. Nakiya Washington led Adairsville with nine points. Havyn Isaac and Coriana McDaniel of Adairsville were selected to the All-Tournament team. Adairsville (4-11) will travel to Ringgold Friday as they return to Region 6-AAA action. BOAZ (AL) 44, ADAIRSVILLE BOYS 37 The Adairsville boys lost the third place game of the Ace Hardware Christmas Clash, falling to Boaz (AL) by seven, 44-37. Da’Narous Johnson and Malachi Gardner of the Tigers were selected to the All-Tournament Team. The Tigers (6-10) will return to action with a Region 6-AAA game at Ringgold. WASHINGTON-ATL 68, EXCEL CHRISTIAN BOYS 46 In the seventh place game of the Adairsville Ace Hardware Christmas Clash, the Excel Christian Academy boys lost to Washington-Atlanta, 68-46. The Eagles led 14-12 after one quarter, but were outscored 27-9 in the second quarter to trail 39-23 at halftime. Washington led 51-38 after three periods and the Bulldogs held on for a 22-point win. Monye Jones led five Bulldogs (3-14) in double figures with 18 points. Todderick Rapley followed with 17. Leonard Rapley scored 12. Demariontay Hall posted 11 and Sean Redmond finished with 10 points for Washington. Evan Lee led Excel with 15 points. Rayshawn Womack tossed in 14. Josiah Mosley scored nine. Robby Posted had five points. Kalil Holley and Jake Murray added two points and one point, respectively. Excel (3-10) travels to Christian Heritage January 4 for a 6 p.m. start.

Trevor Lawrence was outstanding and Clemson advanced to the College Football Playoffs Championship Game for the third time in four years as the Tigers walloped Notre Dame Saturday, 30-3. In the first-ever national semifinal featuring two undefeated teams, Clemson dominated with a stifling defense even without star defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence who was suspended for the game by the NCAA. Lawrence was 27-for-39 passing for 327 yards and three touchdowns and was lifted at the end of the third quarter as the Tigers went to back-ups in the fourth quarter. Lawrence connected with fellow freshman Justyn Ross for a 52-yard score as he beat man-to-man coverage deep down the sideline. The second connection by the freshmen duo was about 10 minutes later on a 42 yard touchdown. Ross split the middle of the Notre Dame defense on third-and-14 that gave Clemson a 16-3 advantage with 1:44 left in the half. Lawrence also found Tee Higgins in the final seconds of the first half to put the Tigers up 23-3 at halftime. Clemson running back Travis Etienne rushed for 109 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries for the Tigers. Notre Dame (12-1) was limited to 248 total yards. Clemson (14-0) will face Alabama or Oklahoma for the National Championship on Monday, January 7 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, CA.

Senior Perignon Dyer (photo) exploded for 34 points, including six threes, to help lead Cartersville to a 73-63 home win Saturday afternoon over Class AA 10th-ranked Chattooga at The Storm Center. The Hurricanes and Indians were tied after one quarter at 18. Cartersville led 38-37 at the intermission, and the game was knotted again at 53 heading into the final period. Cartersville outscored Chattooga 20-10 in the final eight minutes. Kolbe Benham followed Dyer scoring 14 for the Canes. Marquail Coaxum had six points. Amarai Orr tossed in five. Devonte Ross, Manny Hayes, and Austin Cauffman added two each. Chattooga (6-6) countered with a balanced scoring attack, placing five players in double figures. Jundraius Adams led the Indians with 13 points. Devin Prize scored 11. Malachi Mack, Tre Flowers, and Clayton Johnson each finished with 10 points. Cartersville (5-6) is scheduled to play host White County January 2 at 5 p.m. at the White County Classic in Cleveland, GA. CARTERSVILLE GIRLS 52, CHATTOOGA 32 London Shaw scored 12 of her game-high 16 points in the first half Saturday afternoon to help lead the Lady Canes to a dominating 52-32 non-region win over visiting Chattooga. Shaw (photo) also collected 11 rebounds in her performance. Cartersville led 18-7 after one quarter and held a 31-17 advantage at the break. The Lady Canes pushed their lead to 47-22 after three quarters on their way to the 20-point win. Naija Evans scored 10 points for the Lady Canes. Jamiya Moore and Haley Johnson both scored six. Lehla Thomas finished with seven steals and five points. A’mya Davis dished six assists and scored four points. Ariana Cochran and Kiera Milline contributed two points apiece while Alexia Henderson added one point. No Chattooga player finished in double figures as the Lady Indians saw their season record slip to 6-5. Cartersville (7-4) returns to action Friday at 6 p.m. at Cedartown in a Region 5-AAAA tilt. The Canes wil host Central-Carroll Saturday at 2:30 p.m.

The Cass girls had five players reach double figures in scoring Friday afternoon at the Adairsville Ace Hardware Christmas Clash on their way to a 77-62 semifinal win over Class 7A Peachtree Ridge. Payton Stoddard led the Lady Colonels with 17 points. She was followed by Alexis Ware with 15. Claire Davis (photo) and Amber Brittian totaled 13 each and Londaisha Smith scored 12. Sharia Wade and Brianna Stephenson rounded out the scoring with six and one points, respectively. Yewande Bello led Peachtree Ridge (2-8) with 20 points. Nayda McCowan added 12 for the Lions. Cass took a 24-12 lead after one period and held a 41-22 advantage at halftime. The Lady Colonels held a 58-45 lead at the end of the third quarter. Cass (12-2) will play in the tournament championship game Saturday night at 7 p.m. against Southside (AL) who beat Adairsville in the other Friday semifinal, 61-51. SOUTHSIDE (AL) 61, ADAIRSVILLE GIRLS 51 Southside (Gadsden, AL) topped Adairsville Friday night 61-51 in the semifinals of the Adairsville Ace Hardware Christmas Clash. The Lady Panthers (8-2) got 18 points from Alexis Thompson, 14 from Sydney Yancey, and 10 more from Macie Williams to reach Saturday night’s championship game against Cass. Southside led 12-11 after one quarter, 27-18 at the intermission, and 44-33 through three periods on their way to a 10-point win. Havyn Isaac (photo) and Nakiyah Washington led the Lady Tigers with 13 and 11 points, respectively. Coriana McDaniel finished with eight points. Alexa Varner scored seven. Breeana Wilson totaled six points. Aaliyah Applin tossed in five and Lori Cimino added one point. Adairsville (3-11) will play Peachtree Ridge for third place Saturday at 5:30 p.m. BREMEN 83, EXCEL CHRISTIAN ACADEMY BOYS 43 Bremen routed Excel Christian 83-43 Friday afternoon in a consolation matchup at the Adairsville Ace Hardware Christmas Clash. The win moves Bremen (4-7) into Saturday’s consolation finals at 2:30 p.m. against Cornerstone Prep Academy (13-5). CPA beat Washington-Atlanta Friday afternoon, 61-53. Rayshawn Womack led the Eagles in scoring with 12 points. Excel (3-9) plays Washington-Atlanta Saturday at 11:30 a.m. in a consolation game. NORTH COBB CHRISTIAN 65, ADAIRSVILLE BOYS 43 North Cobb Christian improved to 8-4 on the season and made it to the finals of the Adairsville Ace Hardware Christmas Clash by taking down the host Tigers, 65-43. Connor Crunkelton led Adairsville in scoring with 12 points. Danarous Johnson added eight for the Tigers. The Eagles will face Lafayette in the tournament championship game Saturday night at 8:30 p.m. Adairsville (6-10) will play Boaz (AL) for third place at 4 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 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. Recipients for December 2018: Marcus Gary -- Cartersville HS Robby Poston -- Excel Christian Academy Madgie Robinson -- Woodland HS James Standridge -- Adairsville HS Eli Wilhoit -- Cass HS The December 2018 Elite Athlete of the Month representing Cartersville High School is Marcus Gary. The Class of 2019 senior is the starting running back for the Hurricanes 2018 Region 5-AAAA champion and state runner-up football team. The son of Marcus Gary Sr. rushed for 18 touchdowns and 1,600 yards in an outstanding senior season. “Marcus has been a great Hurricane for all four years of his high school career,” said Cartersville head football coach Joey King. “He worked really hard this past off-season and as a result had a tremendous senior year.” Robby Poston is the Excel Christian Academy Elite Athlete of the Month for December 2018. A junior forward on the Eagles’ basketball team, Poston had accumulated three double-doubles in his team’s first five games. “Robby continues to grow into a valuable leadership role for our young team,” said ECA head coach Shannon Boatfield. “His development on the court has been big for us and he will be an important contributor for us as we get deeper into region play this season.” Poston has a 3.71 GPA and plans to attend Lee University to study theology on his way to becoming a pastor. He is the son of Pete and Melanie Poston. The Woodland High School December 2018 Elite Athlete of the Month is Madgie Robinson. A senior guard on the Lady Cats’ basketball team, she is the daughter of Ralph and Carla Robinson. “Madgie is a four-year starter,” said Woodland head basketball coach Kyle Morgan. “It has been my pleasure to watch first-hand as she has matured into the fine young lady she has become both on and off the court.” Robinson also serves the Woodland girls team as team captain. “Madgie is a true student-athlete who gives her best effort both in the classroom and on the basketball court,” continued Morgan. “She possesses many qualities that are guaranteed to ensure success after she graduates high school: intelligence, great work ethic, selflessness, respect for others, and a competitive spirit.” Robinson, who plans to attend Georgia State University to major in journalism, is a member of the Beta Club, National Honor Society, and Spanish Honor Society. She is also a Woodland Scholar Athlete Award winner. “Madgie has given a ton to the Lady Cat basketball program. She will be greatly missed after this season,” Morgan concluded. The Elite Athlete of the Month for Adairsville High School is James “Squeaky” Standridge. A junior wrestler competiting in the 132-pound weight class, Standridge is the son of Karen Davenport and Eric Irish. “James has not only been one of our leading point scorers for the Tigers with a 31-8 record, he takes a personal interest in encouraging and supporting his teammates to accomplish their very best as well,” said Adairsville wrestling coach Ryan Torrence. Standridge — a leader with his team and in the school building — plans to serve our nation by joining the U.S. Coast Guard after his high school graduation. “James helps out with other teammates at practice and always stays after to assist coaches and make sure daily tasks are completed. He is respected not only for his accomplishments, but also for his commitment to his teammates and the program. He is on a mission to improve his skill and character level every day,” concluded Torrence. Elijah “Eli” Wilhoit is the Cass High School Elite Athlete of the Month for December 2018. The son of Jamie and Brandon Smith, Eli is a senior member of the Colonels’ swim team. The 2018-19 team captain competes in multiple events including the 50 Freestyle, 100 Freestyle, 100 Butterfly, 200 Medley Relay, 200 Free Relay, and 400 Free Relay. Wilhoit has worked his way to be the Cass boys top performer in at least three events. He won the 50 Free, 100 Free, and 100 Fly events this season at Rome, Calhoun, Darlington, and Cass meets. He is the Bartow County champion is the 100 Free and 200 Free Relay. He is also the Northwest Georgia Region and Atlanta Metro champion in the 100 Freestyle. “Eli has shown continual improvement over the past three seasons,” said Cass swim coach Danny Fairbanks. “His commitment, work habits, and leadership for our team is immeasurable. He works with our less talented swimmers, helps them improve and is extremely valuable in that respect. He also practices throughout the year with the Cobias Swim Club.” Wilhoit, who has a 3.4 GPA taking Honors and A.P. courses, plans to attend college but has not yet made a college decision. He plans to major in business and/or agriculture and plans to join a collegiate swim team. Editors Note: Photos and bios are supplied to Bartow Sports Zone and WBHF by the respective schools and their athletic departments. Elite Stone Supply, LLC is the monthly sponsor. Athletes receive a plaque along with recognition during a radio feature on WBHF.

The Adairsville basketball teams both captured first round wins Thursday night while hosting the Adairsville Ace Hardware Christmas Clash. The Lady Tigers rolled to a 63-42 win over North Cobb Christian while the Tigers garnered a 59-48 win over Excel Christian. As a result, the Lady Tigers and Tigers will play in semifinal games Friday night. ADAIRSVILLE GIRLS 63, NORTH COBB CHRISTIAN 42 The Lady Tigers raced to a 19-6 first quarter lead and never trailed in a first round win at the Adairsville Ace Hardware Christmas Clash Thursday night. Adairsville also held leads of 30-19 at halftime and 51-31 after three quarters on their way to a 19-point victory. Nakiyah Washington (photo) scored 15 of her game-high 19 points in the second half to lead the Lady Tigers. Aaliyah Applin followed with 16 points while Havyn Issac added 13 — including 11 in the opening quarter. Alexa Varner and Coriana McDaniel added four points each for Adairsville. Alexia Crisp scored three. Lori Cimino and Breeana Wilson tossed in two points apiece. North Cobb Christian was led by Jessica Hidden and Landry McCollum with 10 points each. Mary Claire Norman added seven points for the Lady Eagles. The loss drops North Cobb Christian to 1-7 on the season. The Lady Eagles will play Lafayette in a consolation game Friday afternoon at 1 p.m. Adairsville (4-10) advances to the tournament semifinals to face Southside (AL) Friday night at 7 p.m. Southside defeated Lafayette Thursday afternoon 41-29. ADAIRSVILLE BOYS 59, EXCEL CHRISTIAN ACADEMY 48 In a first round battle of two local teams at the Adairsville Ace Hardware Christmas Clash Thursday night, the host Tigers held off Excel Christian 59-48. Adairsville led 18-12 after eight minutes and held a 29-21 lead at the intermission. The Tigers extended their advantage to 44-31 after three quarters, then held on for an 11-point victory. Gaven Crunkelton had a game-high 21 points to pace Adairsville. Danarous Johnson followed with 16 points for the Tigers. Malachi Gardner posted eight points. Connor Crunkelton scored six. Savaun Henderson and Diego Perez contributed three points each. Derrick Simmons and Courtney Slocum added one point each in the win. Rayshawn Womack (photo) led Excel Christian with 17 points. Josiah Mosley followed with 11. Evan Lee contributed six points. Doyal Rashard had five. Kalil Holley scored four and Jake Murray added three points for the Eagles. With the opening round loss, Excel slips to 3-8 on the year and will play Bremen Friday at 2:30 p.m. in a consolation game. Adairsville (6-8) will face North Cobb Christian Friday night at 8:30 p.m. in the tournament semifinals. North Cobb Christian was a 76-50 winner over Bremen in Thursday’s opening round.