The 2018 season came to an end for Cartersville softball Monday night at Cedartown with a pair of Region 6-AAA playoff losses to the Lady Bulldogs. Following a tooth-and-nail, down-to-the wire, ten-inning battle and loss in the opener, Cartersville dropped a second game in the best-of-three series, 10-4. Cedartown took advantage of a dozen walks and three Canes errors in the nightcap. The Lady Bulldogs had a trio of three-run innings after taking a 1-0 lead in the first. They needed only three hits to produce their ten runs. Cartersville scored single runs in the second, third, fifth, and sixth innings in the second loss. AnnaKate McElhaney had two hits and two RBI. Presley Edwards had two hits, including a sixth inning, solo home run. Lauren McElhaney had two hits and Cio Seigler added a hit. Colbi Ballard (1 IP, 4ER, 2H, 4BB), who needed 135 pitches in an heroic effort in the first game, was lifted in the second inning of the nightcap for AnnaKate McElhaney (6 IP, 6R, 3ER, 1H, 8BB). GAME ONE — CEDARTOWN 4, CARTERSVILLE 3 (10 innings) Marycille Brumby doubled home Cedartown’s winning run in the opening game in the bottom of the tenth inning for a dramatic walk-off victory. The first game, with Cartersville pitcher Colbi Ballard and Cedartown hurler Madi Reynolds dominating in the circle, went to extra innings tied 1-1. The Lady Canes scored a run in the second inning to grab an early 1-0 advantage. Lauren McElhaney reached on a leadoff single and later scored on a sac fly by Rylie Harris. Cedartown scored its first run in the bottom of the third inning on an RBI double by Madison Wigley. Cartersville struck first in the extra frames, scoring twice in the top of the ninth. A second sacrifice fly of the game by Harris took advantage of a walk, Cedartown error, and a sacrifice bunt by Presley Edwards to go ahead 2-1. Brooklyn PIttman then reached on a second Bulldog error of the inning allowing Lauren McElhaney to score. Cedartown rallied to tie, however, in the bottom of the ninth. With two outs in the inning, a double by Carlie Holland and walks to Emma Tuck and Jameia Diamond set up a two-RBI single by Kaylee Nikolopoulus and sent the game to the fateful tenth. Starting with the tenth inning, the international tie-breaker rule is in effect by GHSA rules adoption. Each team begins the tenth inning and beyond with a baserunner at second base. Cartersville failed to push a run across in the top of the tenth following a sacrifice that moved the runner to third and an inning-ending double play that culminated with a tag play at home plate. Reynolds (10 IP, 3R, 1ER, 7H, 1BB) picked up the complete-game pitching win for Cedartown without recording a strikeout. Ballard (9 IP, 3ER, 9H, 4BB, 7K) suffered the hard-fought loss for the Canes despite an outstanding effort. Nikolopoulus had three hits and two RBI to lead the Bulldogs’ offense. Wigley had two hits and one RBI. Lauren McElhaney had two hits in the opener for Cartersville. Harris had a hit to go with her two RBI. Emery Jenkins, Ballard, AnnaKate McElhaney, and Hope Short added one hit apiece. Cedartown (11-11) advances to a single game later this week to determine the third- or fourth-seed from Region 5-AAAA in the state playoffs. Cartersville’s season comes to a close with a 9-14 mark. NORTH MURRAY 2, ADAIRSVILLE 1 Adairsville softball was edged 2-1 by North Murray in walk-off fashion Monday night at Calhoun in the opening round of the double-elimination Region 6-AAA tournament. The loss drops the Lady Tigers into an elimination game Tuesday at 5 p.m. at the Calhoun Recreaton Center. Playing as the visiting team, 7th-seeded Adairsville led 1-0 heading into the bottom of the sixth inning. North Murray scored a run in the sixth and produced a walk-off run with one out in the bottom of the seventh. A single, a sacrifice bunt, and two errors generated the game-winner. Talli Burgess (7 IP, 1R, 0ER, 4H, 2BB, 11K) was the complete-game pitching winner for the Mountaineers. Adairsville’s Taylor Rhoades (6 IP, 2R, 1ER, 3H, 1BB, 3K) suffered the loss in the circle. She was relieved in the final inning by Victoria O’Neal (0.1 IP). Sadye Johnson had two hits for the Tigers. Sierra Tanner and Havyn Isaac had one hit each. Adairsville (7-20) will play Haralson County Tuesday in an elimination game. The 4th-seeded Rebels fell to Ringgold Monday night, 9-1.

The local high school football region standings and results for the week ending September 29. REGION 6-AAA Last Week's Scores Adairsville 13, LFO 12 Haralson Co. 37, Coahulla Creek 19 North Murray 55, Murray Co. 3 Ringgold 28, Sonoraville 7 Calhoun at Adairsville; North Murray at Coahulla Creek; Ringgold at Murray Co.; Sonoraville at Haralson Co. REGION 5-AAAA Last Week's Scores Cartersville 45, Central 10 Cedartown 9, LaGrange 6 Troup 35, Sandy Creek 21 LaGrange at Cartersville; Central-Carroll at Cedartown; Sandy Creek at Chapel Hill REGION 7-AAAAA Last Week's Scores Rome 48, Woodland 7 Carrollton 41, Cass 7 East Paulding 27, Hiram 26 Kell 54, Paulding Co. 20 Cass at Hiram; Carrollton at Woodland; Villa Rica at Kell; East Paulding at Rome

Trevor Lawrence suffered a second quarter injury Saturday in his first-ever collegiate start, but 3rd-ranked Clemson was able to come-from-behind to edge visiting Syracuse. Meanwhile, more than two dozen other local college football athletes contributed in games across the country. In addition, Sam Howard made another appearance for Colorado this past week as the Rockies wrapped up the regular season and head into the post-season with a divisional championship game on Monday and either the NL Wild Card Game Tuesday or the NLDS later in the week. MLB SAM HOWARD — Colorado Rockies (5th yr. pro; LHP, Georgia Southern; Cartersville HS)… allowed his first MLB earned run Saturday working the final inning of a 12-2 loss to the Washington Nationals. It was Howard’s fourth, one-inning appearance for the Rockies this season. He allowed the run on two hits and two walks. Colorado (91-71) will have a one-game playoff with the Los Angeles Dodgers Monday to decide the National League West Division title. The division winner will play the Atlanta Braves in a NLDS and hold home field advantage for a best-of-five series that begins Thursday. The loser of the single-game division championship playoff will be a wild card team in the National League playoffs. NFL VIC BEASLEY — Atlanta Falcons (4th yr. pro; DE, Clemson University, Adairsville HS)… had a solo tackle and one pass defended in the Falcons’ 37-36 home loss Sunday to the Cincinnati Bengals. Atlanta (1-3) plays at Pittsburgh next Sunday. COLLEGE FOOTBALL QUADRE ALLEN — Tusculum University (Sr., DB, Woodland HS)… saw playing time in a 35-10 South Atlantic Conference loss at Lenoir-Rhyne. The Pioneers (2-2, 1-1) play at Mars Hill Saturday afternoon. DeANDRE APPLIN — Georgia State University (Sr., DB, Adairsville HS)… had one tackle and forced a fumble in the second quarter as the Panthers cruised to a 46-14 home Sun Belt Conference victory over Louisiana-Monroe. Georgia State (2-3, 1-0) plays Thursday night at Troy. TERRY BERDIN — Reinhardt University (Fr., RB, Cartersville HS)… had an early fourth quarter carry for a two-yard gain Saturday in the NAIA 7th-ranked Eagles’ 27-10 Mid-South Conference victory at 13th-ranked University of the Cumberlands. Reinhardt (4-1, 1-0) hosts Point for Homecoming this Saturday night. CHRIS BLACKSTON — University of West Georgia (Jr., DB, Adairsville HS)… had five tackles (two solo) Saturday as the Wolves won at Shorter, 58-27. Blackston is second on the team with 24 total tackles through five games. He also has a tackle for loss, a QB hurry, and a fumble recovery. 6th-ranked UWG (5-0, 2-0 Gulf South Conference) hosts North Greenville this Saturday afternoon. BRYCE BURGESS — Reinhardt University (Fr., DB, Adairsville HS)… saw playing time in the Eagles’ win at Cumberlands. Reinhardt (4-1, 1-0) entertains Point University Saturday night for its annual Homecoming game. TREVOR CARLTON — Reinhardt University (Sr., LB, Cartersville HS)… had a pair of tackle assists Saturday in Reinhardt’s win at University of the Cumberlands. Carlton has nine tackles for the season. The 7th-ranked Eagles (4-1, 1-0 MSC) host Point this Saturday. MARCUS CHILDERS — Northern Illinois University (R-Soph., QB, Adairsville HS)… completed 20 of 35 passes for 121 yards and a touchdown in the Huskies’ 26-23 Mid-America Conference win at Eastern Michigan. He also rushed for 77 yards on 17 attempts. He had a long pass play of 22 yards and a long run of 16 yards. Childers did thrown one interception. NIU (2-3, 2-0 MAC) plays at Ball State this Saturday afternoon. XAVIOR COAXUM — LaGrange College (Soph., DB, Cartersville HS)… had four tackles (three solo) in the Panthers’ 35-14 loss Saturday at North Carolina Wesleyan. Coaxum has 16 tackles and one interception through four games this season. LaGrange (1-3, 0-1 Conference USA-South) hosts Averett University this Saturday afternoon. JONATHAN CRUZ — UNC-Charlotte (Fr., PK, Cartersville HS)… made his only PAT attempt and had one kickoff of 55 yards in the 49ers’ 28-7 Conference USA loss Saturday at Alabama-Birmingham. For the season, Cruz is 8-for-9 on field goal attempts with a long of 54 yards. His kickoffs are averaging 61.4 yards with 13 of 23 touchbacks. UNCC (2-3, 1-1) has a week off before hosting C-USA foe Western Kentucky October 13. DALEN CURTIS — Brevard College (Soph., FB, Cartersville HS)… had a kickoff return for five yards in the Tornados’ 29-3 loss at Maryville (TN). Brevard (0-3, 0-1 C-USA-South) hosts Methodist University this Saturday afternoon. KURTIS FEANNY — Lenoir-Rhyne University (Fr., DL, Woodland HS)… saw playing time in the Bears’ 35-10 home victory over Tusculum. LRU (4-1, 3-0 South Atlantic Conference) travels to Newberry College (NC) this Saturday afternoon. MILLER FORRISTALL — University of Alabama (R-Soph., TE, Cartersville HS)… had a short kickoff return of four yards Saturday on the opening kickoff in the top-ranked Crimson Tides’ 56-14 blowout win of Louisiana. Alabama (5-0, 2-0 SEC) plays at Arkansas this Saturday afternoon. RICO FRYE — Bowling Green University (Fr., RB, Cartersville HS)… had three carries for 18 yards, including a 14-yard run in the Falcons’ 63-17 non-conference loss Saturday at Georgia Tech. Bowling Green (1-4, 0-1 MAC) returns to Mid-America Conference play this Saturday afternoon at Toledo. CAMERON GONYEA — Saint Anselm College (Fr., DB, Cass HS)… was credited with a kickoff return of no yards Saturday to the 33 yard line at the end of the first half during a 43-7 loss at Southern Connecticut State. The Hawks (1-3, 1-3 Northeastern 10 Conference) have a bye week before traveling to LIU Post October 13. GABE GRIDLEY — Angelo State University (Soph., P, Cartersville HS)… punted seven times Saturday night for a 35 yard average in the Rams’ 54-33 home loss to 25th-ranked Tarleton State. Gridley had a long punt of 44 yards and had three kicks inside the 20 yard line. Angelo State (2-3, 1-2 Lone Star Conference) plays at Western New Mexico this Saturday afternoon. HUNTER HARDIN — Point University (Soph., OL, Woodland HS)… was a participant on the Skyhawks’ PAT unit in a 38-31 home, conference loss to University of Pikeville. Point (1-5, 0-1 Mid-South Conference) travels to NAIA 7th-ranked Reinhardt this Saturday. SEAN HOLTON — Davidson College (Soph., DB, Cartersville HS)… had one tackle in the Wildcats’ 40-35 Pioneer League win at Valparaiso. Davidson (4-1, 1-1) hosts Jacksonville University this Saturday afternoon in another conference game. BRADY JERNIGAN — Maryville College (Jr., DL, Woodland HS)… had a fourth quarter sack for a one-yard loss on a third-and-six play as the Scots defeated Brevard College Saturday 29-3 for their first win of the year. Jernigan was part of a defensive rotation that limited Brevard to only 106 total yards. Maryville (1-2, 1-0 C-USA-South) hosts Huntingdon in conference action this Saturday afternoon. LUCAS JOHNSON — Georgia State University (Sr., OL, Cass HS)… returned to his starting spot at right tackle and was part of an offensive unit that rolled up 487 yards of total offense including 308 on the ground as the Panthers beat Louisiana-Monroe 46-14 in Sun Belt Conference play. Georgia State (2-3, 1-0) plays at Troy this Thursday night. BRADLEY KIRK — Shorter University (Fr., DB, Cartersville HS)… had four tackles Saturday to give him 15 for the season as the Hawks lost at home to 6th-ranked West Georgia 58-27. Shorter (0-5, 0-3 Gulf South Conference) hosts 23rd-ranked West Alabama this Saturday in another GSC game at Barron Stadium. TREVOR LAWRENCE — Clemson University (Fr., QB, Cartersville HS)… in his first collegiate start, Lawrence was 10-for-15 through the air for 93 yards and had four rushing attempts for a net total of minus 9 yards, but had to leave the game late in the second quarter Saturday with an injury and his team trailing 16-7. Clemson rallied in the fourth quarter to edge visiting Syracuse, 27-23. Lawrence was running along the sideline when Syracuse defensive back Evan Foster hit him. Lawrence stayed down for several minutes before leaving the field under his own power. He was eventually taken to the Tigers’ locker room and placed in concussion protocol by medical personel. With Kelly Bryant leaving the team earlier in the week, that left redshirt freshman Chase Brice to take over the quarterback position. Brice led Clemson on a 94-yard, game-winning drive with running back Travis Etienne rushing for a career-high 203 yards and scoring the go-ahead touchdown with 41 seconds remaining. Coach Dabo Swinney told Matt Connolly of The State after the game that Lawrence does not have any damage to his shoulder or neck and is “really doing great.” He said the freshman had concussion-type symptoms, but wanted to come back and play. Swinney continued by saying doctors shut him down. Swinney said head athletic trainer Danny Poole and the Tigers medical staff will be in charge of deciding when Lawrence is cleared to return to practice. 3rd-ranked Clemson (5-0, 2-0 ACC) plays at Wake Forest this Saturday afternoon. NYVIN NELSON — UT-Chattanooga (Fr., LB, Cartersville HS)… saw playing time in the 18th-ranked Mocs’ 17-14 loss Saturday night at East Tennessee State. Nelson has appeared in three of five games this season. Chattanooga (4-1, 2-1 SoCon) hosts Wofford this Saturday afternoon. DARIAN POELLNITZ — Miles College (Fr., DL, Cartersville HS)… had a tackle for a 10-yard loss on a 3rd-and-13 play Saturday in the first quarter of the Bears 30-24 loss at Albany State. Miles (0-5, 0-1 SIAC) hosts Central State University (OH) this Saturday afternoon. MARK QUATTLEBAUM — UNC-Charlotte (R-Sr., SL, Cartersville HS)… was targeted as a receiver four times and had three catches for 49 yards including a 22-yarder in the 49ers’ 28-7 loss at UAB. He also had one punt return for five yards. He chose to fair catch three other punts. Quattlebaum is averaging 11.88 yards per reception and has eight catches this season with one touchdown. UNCC (2-3, 1-1) has a bye week before hosting Western Kentucky October 13. MACLAND SHAY — New Mexico Highlands University (Fr., DB, Cass HS)… saw action in the Cowboys’ 33-30 loss at Texas A&M-Kingsville Saturday. NMHU (2-3, 2-2 Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference) plays at Colorado State-Pueblo this Saturday night. AVERY SHOWELL — Georgia Tech (R-Fr., DB, Cartersville HS)… returned a third quarter kickoff 14 yards to the 49 yard line in the Yellow Jackets’ 63-17 home victory over Bowling Green Saturday. Georgia Tech (2-3, 0-2 ACC) travels to Louisville for an Atlantic Coast Conference game Friday night. HIRAM VELEZ — University of West Florida (R-Sr. WR, Adairsville HS)… saw action and was targeted as a receiver one time in the first quarter Saturday during the 11th-ranked Argonauts’ 30-21 Gulf South Conference win at Delta State. UWF (4-1, 3-0 GSC) plays at North Alabama this Saturday night. TENNIS PEYTON GOLLHOFER -- Ball State University (Sr., Cartersville, GA, Laurel Springs Academy)... defeated her opponent in straight sets Friday as the Cardinals participated in the Purdue Invitational. Gollhofer did not advance, however, to Sunday's finals. Next is the ITA Ohio Valley Regional in Chattanooga, October 11-15. SOCCER KATELYNN HARBEKE — Life University (Sr., MF, Cass HS)… started and played 59 minutes, scored a goal, and had one assist on seven shots (two shots on goal) as the Running Eagles overpowered visiting Talladega College Saturday night, 11-1. Life (4-4) opens Mid-South Conference action Monday afternoon at NAIA 9th-ranked Cumberland University (TN) before hosting 15th-ranked Georgia Gwinnett in a non-conference match Wednesday night. The Eagles will also host MSC foe Georgetown College (KY) Sunday afternoon. KATIE LAWHORN — Life University (Soph., MF, Adairsville HS)… came off the bench to play 28 minutes Saturday night, scored a goal with two shots, and added an assist in an 11-1 rout of visiting Talladega College. Life (4-4) begins conference play this week playing at Cumberland University Monday and hosting Georgetown College (KY) on Sunday. The Running Eagles also host a non-conference game with Georgia Gwinnett on Wednesday. KURT MOORE — Birmingham Southern College (Jr., GK, Euharlee, GA, Darlington HS)… started in goal and made one save last Tuesday as the Panthers blanked MUW 2-0. Moore, making his third start, played all 90 minutes of the non-conference game for his second shutout of the year. BSC (8-2-1, 2-0 Southern Athletic Association) also defeated Rhodes College Saturday, 1-0. The Panthers host Berry College Friday night and Oglethorpe University Sunday. ANTHONY ROBLEDO — Reinhardt University (Fr., MF, Cass HS)… played 13 minutes Sunday and took one shot in the Eagles’ 10-0 home victory over St. Andrews (NC). Reinhardt (8-0-1, 5-0 Appalachian Athletic Conference) travels to Columbia International University (SC) Tuesday night and will host Truett-McConnell University Friday night.

Games reported for Saturday, September 29 by the Cartersville Parks and Recreation Department and the Bartow County Parks and Recreation Department. September 29 12U at Cunningham Stadium, Grassdale Road, Old Cass HS CARTERSVILLE WHITE CANES 26, BARTOW BUCS 20 WHITE: Brodie McWhorter accounted for four touchdowns with scoring runs of 6- and 3-yards plus touchdown passes of 40-yards to Talan Nix and 43-yards to Logan Shrewsbury. Jor-el Hamilton made four tackles on defense. BUCS: Jamious Kinnemore rushed for 238 yards and had scoring runs of 95-, 72-, and 58-yards. He also made 11 tackles on defense. Cadyn Wade was credited with five tackles. CARTERSVILLE GOLD CANES 20, BARTOW TIGERS 0 GOLD: Baylon Long scored on a 74-yard touchdown run. Xavier Parker had a four-yard scoring run, and James Echols scored on a 40-yard run. Nicholas Hruby led the defense with six tackles. TIGERS: Adrian Harris, Jr. finished with 59 rushing yards. Harris and Thomas Ayotte had two tackles each. North Georgia Youth Football League DALTON 12, BARTOW 9U 6 BARTOW: Jovani Bautista-Jackson rushed for 68 yards and had an eight-yard touchdown run. Jakez Baldwin and Lance Tippett, Jr. made three tackles each. Baldwin and Jeremy Dent, Jr. both recovered fumbles. Dalton improved to 4-0 in the NGYFL. Bartow was the first team to score on Dalton this season and suffered its first loss slipping to 4-1. Bartow has a bye week before traveling to Ringgold on Saturday, October 13 at 1 p.m. SUMMERVILLE 12, BARTOW 12U 7 BARTOW: Jamarian Pullum had four tackles and scored a touchdown on a 95-yard fumble return. Kamaron Profit had seven tackles. Summerville improved to a 4-1 season mark. Bartow (3-2) plays next on Saturday, October 13 at Ridgeland at 1 p.m. Local youth football updates are sponsored on Bartow Sports Zone by McWhorter Capital Partners with all information provided by the Bartow County Parks and Recreation Department and the Cartersville Parks and Recreation Department.

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 and present the information on their honoree through Bartow Sports Zone and on 100.3FM and AM1450, WBHF in Cartersville. Recipients for September 2018: Caroline Higdon, Woodland HS Nic Jackson, Adairsville HS Alex Machado, Cartersville HS Rodney Richards, Cass HS The Elite Athlete of the Month for September representing Woodland High School is Caroline Higdon. The Lady Cats’ right fielder for the state playoff bound softball team is currently hitting .400 for the year with two home runs and 30 RBI. The daughter of Brent and Tina Higdon, the Woodland senior has hit .514 in the month of September (18-for-35) with two home runs, four doubles, 13 runs scored, and 18 RBI. Higdon is a member of the Beta Club, National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, and has been named a Scholar Athlete. She plans to attend Kennesaw State University next year and ultimately transfer to the University of Georgia. The Adairsville High School Elite Athlete of the Month for September is Corey Nicholas “Nic” Jackson. A senior inside linebacker, Jackson has also contributed this season as a running back, punter, and place kicker as needed. He also competes in the 170-pound weight class for the Tigers’ wrestling team and is a goalkeeper for the soccer team. “Nic’s tremendous work ethic and leadership by example, along with the fact he is a multi-sport athlete in this day and time of specialization, is what makes him so special,” said Adairsville head football coach Eric Bishop. “Many would describe him as a "throwback" or "old school" type of student-athlete. Not only does he excel on the football and soccer fields, but he is a state placer in wrestling.” His wrestling coach, Ryan Torrence agrees. “Nic is as fine a student-athlete as any coach might have the privilege of working with,” said Torrence. “His work ethic and integrity have yielded him the opportunity to earn all of his accolades.” Jackson, known on campus for his academic success, has maintained a 4.0 grade point average while taking AP and Honors classes. “Nic is a leader in the AP classroom every day,” noted AP Calculus teacher Katy Carder. “His self-discipline and excellent work ethic are illustrated by the intensity of his nutrition and unwavering positive attitude for learning.” Jackson plans to attend Georgia Tech or compete in wrestling at Davidson. He plans to earn a degree in mechanical engineering or aerospace engineering. Adairsville athletic director Meredith Barnhill has no doubt Jackson will continue his wide success. “Nic is the most disciplined student-athlete in every aspect of his life (academics, nutrition, integrity, and athletics) I have ever been around,” added Barnhill. He is the son of Shane Jackson. Alex Machado is the Elite Athlete of the Month for September representing Cartersville High School. A sophomore on the Lady Canes’ cross country and track teams, Machado is closing in on becoming one of the top ten female distance runners in Cartersville High School history. “Alex has a personal best of 22:16 and is bearing down on becoming one of our best ever,” noted Canes’ cross country coach David Matherne. “Alex has ascended to the top because of her rock-solid work ethic. Never one to miss practice, either voluntary summer or regular season workouts, she is consistently our No. 1 runner. But her best attribute, the one that I will remember about her for the rest of my days, is how dedicated she is to the team and to the sport. Her joy of running is pure, her concern for her teammates is evident, and these are the things that make her special. I've coached a long time, and Alex is like a rare coin...highly unusual and highly valuable! She is a coach's delight,” The daughter of Susana and Vicente Machado, Alex competes in the 1,600 meter and 3,200 meter runs for the track team. Matherne also identified Machado’s legacy connection to the program. “Alex is the neice of Rosa and Maria Meza,” added Matherne. “They were both standouts for Cartersville teams I coached back in the early 90’s.” Machado is an A/B Honor Roll student at Cartersville and has collegiate aspirations. “I would like to keep running cross country in college and study architecture,” said Machado. Rodney Richards is the Cass High School Elite Athlete of the Month for September. The son of Cartina and Michael McCarver, Richards is a senior starting middle linebacker for the Colonels’ football team. Through five games, Richards has accumulated 54 total tackles (42 solo), 7.5 tackles for loss, and three quarterback hurries and has been a clear standout for the Cass defensive unit. “Rodney is a leader with his peers both on and off the field,” said Cass High athletic director Dr. Nicky Moore. “He has gained the praise of opposing coaches throughout the season with his relentless sideline to sideline play. Several colleges are actively recruiting Rodney at this time.” 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.

Madi Bentley tossed a four-inning, no-hitter Friday night as Woodland blanked Rome 13-0 to close out the 2018 regular season. Bentley needed only forty pitches and threw 72 percent for strikes. She did not walk a batter and fanned six. She did hit one batter. Woodland scored in each frame, including five runs in the first inning, four in the second, and two in the third and fourth innings. Ansley Evans (triple), Jordan Duck, and Hannah Miller (photo) all had two hits and one RBI apiece for the Lady Cats. Skylar Chappell finished with a hit and three RBI. Morgan Bailey had two RBI and one hit. Allyssa Motes added a base hit. Rome finished the regular season 5-19 overall and 2-14 in Region 7-AAAAA. Woodland (20-6, 14-2) advances to the Region 7-AAAAA championship series Tuesday at Carrollton. The Lady Cats and Lady Trojans will play a best-of-three series beginning with a doubleheader on Tuesday. Woodland and Carrollton split a pair of regular season games and both will host first round state playoff series.

Cartersville remained undefeated Friday night with a 45-10 homecoming win over Central-Carroll, while Adairsville grabbed a crucial, region road win at Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe, 13-12. Cass and Woodland were not as fortunate in Region 7-AAAAA action. Cass lost to 5th-ranked Carrollton 41-7 at home and Woodland fell to top-ranked Rome 48-7. CARTERSVILLE 45, CENTRAL-CARROLL 10 The Cartersville Purple Hurricanes rolled to a 45-10 homecoming victory over Central-Carroll Friday night at Weinman Stadium. Harrison Allen (photo) and Quante Jennings scored first quarter rushing touchdowns for the Canes as they took a 14-0 lead through 12 minutes. Cartersville then built a 38-0 halftime lead on a pair of touchdown passes by Tee Webb and a 37-yard field goal by Oscar Hernandez. Webb connected with Dadrian Dennis to put Cartersville up 21-0 and after Sunni Moorehead almost returned an interception for a score. Webb found Trendon Horton for a 12-yard scoring strike. Jennings had a three-yard touchdown run in the third quarter that gave Cartersville a 45-0 lead, but Central avoided the shutout with a pair of scores during a running clock second half. Central quarterback Landon Shulenberg connected with Omari Glenn for a touchdown pass to make the score 45-7 and the Lions kicked a field goal as time expired for a 45-10 final score. Webb finished 16-for-20 passing for 233 yards and two touchdowns. Dennis led the receivers with five catches for 123 yards and a score. Central-Carroll falls to 2-4 overall and 1-1 in Region 5-AAAA. Cartersville (6-0, 2-0) hosts LaGrange next Friday at Weinman Stadium. ADAIRSVILLE 13, LFO 12 The Adairsville Tigers bounced back from a loss to North Murray on the final play of last week’s game to win 13-12 Friday night at Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe. After falling behind 3-0, Adairsville took a 7-3 halftime lead on a four-yard touchdown run by Derrick Simmons (photo). Mason Boswell put the Tigers up 13-3 with 2:12 remaining in the third quarter with a three-yard touchdown run, but the PAT failed. LFO’s Nathan Williams narrowed the Adairsville lead to 13-10 early in the fourth quarter and the Warrors threatened again late in the game, but a Williams fumble recovered by Josh Brown twarted the drive. With time expiring, Adairsville elected to take a safety rather than risk a turnover deep in their own territory and the Tigers held on for a 13-12 victory. The loss dropped LFO to 4-2 overall and 3-1 in Region 6-AAA. Adairsville (3-2, 2-2) hosts region leader and top-ranked Calhoun next Friday night. ROME 48, WOODLAND 7 Woodland matched first possession touchdowns with Rome Friday night, but the Wolves then reeled off 41 unanswered points to defeat the Wildcats, 48-7. Rome, the two-time defending Class 5A state champions and top-ranked team in the classification, scored in four plays after the opening kickoff. N.C. State commit, Jamious Griffin scored on a 13-yard run as the Wolves took a 7-0 lead, but Woodland marched right back down the field on the Wildcats’ initial possession. Justice Carter (photo) scored on a 19-yard run to complete an 80 yard drive that took eight plays. Ronny Ramirez converted the PAT kick and the score was knotted 7-7 midway through the first quarter. Unfortunately for Woodland, the remainder of the first half was dominated by the Wolves. Griffin had two more short touchdown runs to complete scoring drives and Rome quarterback Knox Kadum connected with Xavier Roberts-Donaldson for three touchdown passes as the Wolves took a 42-7 lead to the locker room at the intermission. Kadum’s scoring tosses were from 45-, 17-, and 19-yards. The third coming with only 0:10 left in the half. With both the third and fourth quarters played with a running clock, the only additional score was set up by an interception return by Rome to the Woodland five yard line. Tra Lawrence scored the Wolves’ final touchdown on a five-yard run. The PAT kick failed and a scoreless fourth quarter left the final score, 48-7. Rome improved to 6-0 overall and 4-0 in Region 7-AAAAA. Woodland (4-2, 2-2) hosts 5th-ranked Carrollton next Friday night. CARROLLTON 41, CASS 7 The 5th-ranked Carrollton Trojans raced to a 35-0 halftime lead at Cass Friday night and finished the night with a 41-7 win over the Colonels at Doug Cochran Stadium. Carrollton scored three first quarter touchdowns and added two more in the second quarter. Brandon Marenco ran for two of the scores. Keshawn Ridley and Nick Tuggle rushed for one touchdown apiece and Terrell Carmichael connected with Virgil Brewer for the other Trojans’ first half score. Both teams added a third quarter score. The Colonels points came on an 11-play, 80-yard scoring drive with Thomas Gilliam accounting for 60 yards and quarterback Rett Moore the remainder — including a 1-yard touchdown keeper. Kicker Kaleb Speights kicked the PAT. Gilliam finished the night with 84 yards rushing for the Colonels. Moore added 43 yards on the ground. Javen Bridges caught two of the three Cass completed passes for 25 yards. Carrollton improved to 5-1 overall and 3-1 in Region 7-AAAAA. Cass (1-5, 0-4) travels to Hiram next Friday.

Games reported for Monday, September 24 and Tuesday, September 25, and Thursday, September 27 by the Cartersville Parks and Recreation Department and the Bartow County Parks and Recreation Department. September 24 8U at Hamilton Crossing Park BARTOW FALCONS 35, BARTOW STEELERS 18 FALCONS: Gary Douglas III scored on a pair of 45 yard touchdown runs and added a pair of two-point conversions. William Nachtsheim had a 65-yard touchdown run. Noah Janssen had a 4-yard touchdown run and Brenlee Smith scored on a 5-yard touchdown run. Cole Davis had four tackles. Douglas and Smith had three tackles each. STEELERS: Nathaneil Jones had touchdown runs of 30- and 17-yards. Isaiah Pittman had a 70-yard touchdown run. Malachi Milligan and Pittman had two tackles each. CARTERSVILLE CANES GOLD 24, BARTOW COWBOYS 0 GOLD: Rhett Baxter scored four touchdowns on runs of 33-, 35-, 65-, and 10-yards. COWBOYS: Anthony Moreno had 40 yards rushing. Thomas Duncan had a pair of tackles. 8U at Dellinger Park CARTERSVILLE WHITE CANES 19, BARTOW COLTS 0 WHITE: Prince Jacobs scored two touchdowns. Jack Mrockzo and Jacobs were noted as top defensive performers. BARTOW TIGERS 7, CARTERSVILLE PURPLE CANES 0 TIGERS: Jackson Jarrett scored the Tigers’ touchdown. Isaiah Craig and Kameron Hosey were also top rushers for the Tigers. PURPLE: Braylen Clever was the top rushing performer for the Purple Canes. Cayden Fotsch was identified as a top defender. September 25 10U at Hamilton Crossing Park BARTOW RAIDERS 32, BARTOW FALCONS 14 RAIDERS: Izaiah Burgs had touchdown runs of 40- and 11-yards. Joshua Love scored on an 18-yard run. Dalton Robertson had a 3-yard touchdown run. Eri Palma converted four, two-point PAT kicks. Love had five tackles. Chandler Arnold added two tackles. FALCONS: Lawson Weeks scored on a 50-yard touchdown run. Connor Corbin scored on a 3-yard touchdown run. Malakai Keita and Micah Pittman had three tackles each. BARTOW TIGERS 18, BARTOW STEELERS 14 TIGERS: Richard Barton had touchdown runs of 60- and 2-yards. Brad Barton scored on a 10-yard run. Brad Barton had three tackles. Markaveous Diamond recovered a fumble. STEELERS: Kyron McClendon scored on a 25-yard touchdown run. Julius Jones had a 20-yard touchdown run. McClendon finished with six tackles. Isaiah Fritz had three tackles. BARTOW BUCS 20, BARTOW COWBOYS 14 BUCS: Paul Lanier connected with Ezekiel Helton on a pair of TD passes of 55- and 5-yards. Lanier also added a 7-yard touchdown run. Dawson Holbrook had seven tackles. Landon Lamb had an interception. COWBOYS: Joseph Thorne had touchdown runs of 2- and 4-yards. Adam Rushing added a two-point PAT kick. Thorne and Kadyn Johnson had four tackles each. 12U at Dellinger Park CARTERSVILLE WHITE CANES 41, BARTOW FALCONS 0 WHITE: Logan Shrewsbury scored on touchdown runs of 53- and 40-yards. Jakeveon Porter had a 40-yard touchdown run. Brodie McWhorter had a 47-yard touchdown run. Rhys Neal, Landen Heath, Talan Nix, and McWhorter were all identified for their defensive performances. FALCONS: Jesse Wiseman had 30 rushing yards. September 27 10U at Hamilton Crossing Park BARTOW BUCS 26, CARTERSVILLE BLACK CANES 0 BUCS: Paul Lanier tossed a 45-yard touchdown pass to Hixon Hullander, added a one-yard touchdown run, and three, two-point PAT kicks. Dawson Holbrook added a two-yard touchdown run. Holbrook had three tackles, including one for a safety. Luke Gibson had three tackles. Drake Bunce had two tackles and a fumble recovery. BLACK: Lyle Woody had 47 yards passing. Carter Rice had 25 yards receiving. Jackson Montgomery had 12 yards receiving. Jayden Newman had four tackles. Rice recovered a fumble and added two tackles. BARTOW STEELERS 32, BARTOW COWBOYS 0 STEELERS: Julius Jones had touchdown runs of 13- and 10-yards. Kyron McClendon tossed a 57-yard touchdown pass to Caiden Moore. Malachi Harris contributed four, two-point PAT kicks. Noah Candelaria recovered a fumble and had two tackles. Ethan Baker had three tackles. COWBOYS: James Lee had 65 yards rushing. Joseph Thorne had 35 yards rushing and finished with four tackles. Ezequiel Medina had three tackles. 10U at Dellinger Park CARTERSVILLE WHITE CANES 22, BARTOW FALCONS 0 WHITE: Reed Ezell scored on touchdown runs of 10- and 12-yards. He also tossed a 30-yard TD pass to Trenton Harris. Asa Mitcham converted the PAT kicks. Collier Jordan and Mitcham were the defensive players of note. CARTERSVILLE PURPLE CANES 26, BARTOW TIGERS 6 PURPLE: Giovanni Banks scored a pair of touchdowns. Zach Stiles had a touchdown run and Pyerston Brigham added a 20-yard rushing touchdown. Clint Hosea had a PAT run. Ben Cagle, Noah Cagle, and Brigham were noted for their defensive play. TIGERS: Richard Barton scored the Tigers’ touchdown. Local youth football updates are sponsored on Bartow Sports Zone by McWhorter Capital Partners with all information provided by the Bartow County Parks and Recreation Department and the Cartersville Parks and Recreation Department.

Woodland softball defeated Paulding County Thursday night 4-1 to lock up one of the two spots in the Region 7-AAAAA championship series next week. Woodland will play Carrollton for the region title and the No. 1 seed in the state playoffs. The Lady Cats broke open a close game with a three-run fourth inning. An error put one runner on in the fourth, and after two outs, Morgan Bailey delivered a clutch single to drive home a run. Then, a double by Morgan Cooper was followed by a two-run single from Caroline Higdon to make the score 4-0. Woodland scored its first run in the first inning, as Ansley Evans singled to lead off the game and Higdon drove her home two at bats later. Higdon went 2-for-4 with three RBIs in the game. Bailey went 3-for-4 with a run scored. Higdon is now hitting .400 on the season with a county-leading 30 RBIs. Sarah Baynard picked up the pitching win in the circle, allowing only one, unearned run. Woodland has won 16 of 18 games and is now 19-6 on the season, 13-2 in region action. The Lady Wildcats will play their last regular season game Friday at Rome.

Woodland volleyball won twice Tuesday night in Calhoun with match victories over Rockmart and host Gordon Central. In a 25-13, 25-13 win over Rockmart, Woodland's Macey Vaughn had 14 assists and two aces. Caroline Gore had seven kills and an ace. Sydney Molinaro had five kills and four aces. Against Gordon Central, Woodland won 25-20 and 25-8. Macey Vaughn had ten assists and three aces. Noelle Dickey had four kills and four digs. Sydney Molinaro had four kills and two aces. The Lady Cats play Tuesday at Cherokee at 5 p.m. Cass volleyball split a pair of non-Area matches Thursday evening in Rome. The Lady Colonels won a three-set contest with Cedartown 25-20, 23-25, and 15-11, but lost to the host Lady Dragons 25-14 and 25-23. Cass coach Alan Potter credited seniors Blaire Waters (photo) and Harmony Carr with big nights serving and on offense. Cass plays at Paulding County next Tuesday at 5:30 p.m.

Woodland softball defeated visiting Hiram Tuesday night 9-1 in six innings. Sarah Baynard (6 IP, 1ER, 5H, 1BB, 4K) tossed a complete-game, five-hitter to pick up the win. Hiram scored a single run in the top of the first, but Woodland took a 2-1 lead in the bottom of the inning. The Lady Cats added five more runs in the fourth inning and ended the game in walk-off fashion with a pair of runs in the bottom of the sixth with only one out. Ansley Evans (RBI), Caroline Higdon (2 RBI), Morgan Cooper, and Kendyl Hardin (RBI) had two hits each for Woodland. Bella Carnes, Morgan Bailey (RBI), and Hannah Miller (RBI) added one hit apiece. The loss drops Hiram to 11-10-1 overall and 6-9 in Region 7-AAAAA. Woodland (18-6, 12-2) closes out the regular season on the road Wednesday at Rome (5:30 p.m.) and plays at Paulding County Thursday (5:55 p.m.). The Lady Cats can clinch no worse than a No. 2 seed for the region playoffs with a pair of wins. EAST PAULDING 7, CASS 2 Visiting East Paulding scored seven runs in the top of the sixth inning Tuesday night to defeat Cass in a Region 7-AAAAA game, 7-2. Cass scored two runs in the top of the first inning on four walks and a wild pitch to take an early 2-0 lead and maintained that advantage until the big inning by the Raiders. The Lady Colonels loaded the bases in the bottom of the seventh, but failed to push across a run. The final inning was reflective of an entire evening of offensive woes for Cass. The Lady Colonels managed only one hit. It was a fourth inning single by Kaila Carson. East Paulding pitcher Maggie O’Kelley walked eight, but fanned 12 in a complete-game win. Rachael Lee (6 IP, 7R, 6ER, 14H, 1BB, 2K) went five shutout innings for the Lady Colonels until the fateful sixth. Macenzie Dougharty (1 IP, 0R, 0H, 0BB) worked a scoreless seventh inning. Adalyn Heal and Lexi Matthews both had three hits for East Paulding. The Raiders wrapped up the regular season schedule with their win. East Paulding moves into the region playoffs with a 19-7 record overall and 13-3 in Region 7-AAAAA. Cass (4-21, 4-11) wraps up the 2018 season Thursday at home against Carrollton at 5:55 p.m.

Woodland volleyball hosted and earned a split in a pair of Area 7-AAAAA matches Tuesday night. The Lady Cats defeated Cass in three sets winning the first and third sets by identical 25-18 scores. The Lady Colonels won the middle set, 25-19. In their second match of the night, Woodland lost 25-12 and 25-13 to Rome. Against Cass, Macey Vaughn of Woodland had 17 assists, four digs, and two aces. Noelle Dickey had three kills, four digs, and three aces. Sydney Molinaro had five kills, three blocks, and two aces. Caroline Gore had nine kills, four digs, and three aces. In the loss to Rome, Vaughn had seven assists and three digs. Molinaro had three kills and an ace. Cass also dropped a three-set match to Hiram. The Lady Colonels again won the middle set 25-20, but lost the first set to the Hornets 25-21 and the third set 25-19. Cass plays at Pepperell Thursday at 5:30 p.m. Woodland and Rockmart play in a tri-match at Gordon Central Thursday starting at 6 p.m.