October 5, 2026 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com Local athletes continued to make their mark at the professional and collegiate levels this past weekend, with former Bartow County standouts competing across the country in football, golf, rifle, cross country, volleyball, and soccer. Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence and PGA TOUR Champions veterans Joe Durant and Boo Weekley highlighted the professional ranks, while athletes from Cartersville, Cass, Woodland, and Adairsville competed in college. NFL TREVOR LAWRENCE — Jacksonville Jaguars (6th-yr. NFL; Clemson; Cartersville HS) . . . completed 18 of 23 passes for 227 yards and one touchdown on Sunday in a 22-17 road win over the Cincinnati Bengals. He connected with Brian Thomas for a 7-yard touchdown in the second quarter, giving the Jags a 13-3 halftime lead. Jacksonville (3-1) plays the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. PGA TOUR CHAMPIONS JOE DURANT — 40-year pro; Cartersville Country Club member; Pensacola Beach resident; Huntingdon College … carded rounds of 70-70-69 (1-under) and tied for 36th this past weekend at the Jefferson Lehigh Valley Classic in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Durant is currently 79th in the season-long Schwab Cup points race. The top 72 players qualify for the PGATour Champions playoffs that begin October 23-25 in St. Louis. Two regular-season events remain, including the Constellation Furyk & Friends in Palm Coast, Florida this weekend. BOO WEEKLEY — 29-year pro; 52; Cartersville Country Club member; Jay, Florida resident; Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College … shot 70-69-66 (5-under) and tied for 17th last weekend at the Jefferson Valley Classic. Weekley enters this week ranked No. 6 in the season-long Schwab Cup points race. FOOTBALL CAM COLLINS — Shorter University (Fr., Woodland HS) … saw playing time but did not have a stat line this past Saturday night in a 23-0 loss at Delta State University (MS). The Hawks (2-3, 1-1 Conference Carolinas) host Ferrum College (VA) on Saturday afternoon. WESTIN CRISP — Centre College (Fr., Adairsville HS) … saw his first collegiate playing time on September 26 in a home 45-0 win over Bridgewater (VA). The Colonels (1-3, 0-1 Southern Athletic Association) visit Millsaps College (MS) on Saturday afternoon. CARLOS DEL RIO-WILSON — Marshall University (R-Sr., Cartersville HS) … completed 21 of 37 pass attempts for 221 yards and one touchdown with one interception last Saturday in a 45-17 home loss to James Madison University. He also gained 15 net yards on seven rushes. The Thundering Herd (3-2, 0-1 Sun Belt Conference) host Coastal Carolina on Saturday night. BRAYLON HILL — Kentucky Wesleyan College (Fr., Cartersville HS) … had two rushing attempts for six yards and two receptions for three yards this past Saturday in a 59-14 loss at Northwood University (MI). The Panthers (0-5, 0-3 Great Midwest Athletic Conference) host Lake Erie College (OH) on Saturday. SHADRE HURST — University of Houston (Fifth Yr., Cartersville HS) … a starter on the Cougars’ offensive line that helped produce 393 total yards in a 27-17 home win over UCF. Houston (4-1, 1-1 Big 12 Conference) visits Kansas State on Saturday afternoon. BRAXTON KITCHENS — Georgia State University (So., Cartersville HS) … the Panthers’ starting long snapper for PATs, field goals, and punts was part of a 42-10 win last Saturday afternoon over visiting Old Dominion University. GSU (4-1, 1-0 Sun Belt Conference) plays at James Madison University on Saturday. TRENTON MAHAFFEY — Anderson University (Fr., Cartersville HS) … a starting offensive lineman in the Trojans’ 23-20 home loss to Emory & Henry University (VA) this past Saturday. The Trojans generated 292 total yards. Anderson (4-2, 3-1 South Atlantic Conference) visits Carson-Newman University (TN) on Saturday afternoon. BRADY MARCHESE — Auburn University (Fr., Cartersville HS) … saw action but was not targeted for a pass in the Tigers’ 24-14 loss on Saturday afternoon at Tennessee. Auburn (3-2, 1-2 Southeastern Conference) has a bye week before playing at Georgia on October 17. ZAY NALLS — Anderson University (So., Adairsville HS) … made one tackle and broke up one pass in last Saturday’s 23-20 home loss to Emory & Henry University (VA). The Trojans (4-2, 3-1 South Atlantic Conference) play at Carson-Newman University (TN) on Saturday. JAKE PARKER — Cumberland University (R-Sr., Cartersville HS) … completed 13 of 20 pass attempts for 162 yards and one touchdown, and rushed 17 times for 52 yards and another touchdown this past Saturday, but the Phoenix lost 21-19 at home to 24th-ranked Georgetown College (KY). Cumberland (3-2, 0-1 Mid-South Conference) visits Andrew College (GA) on Saturday afternoon. CHRIS ROPER — Dartmouth College (Sr., Adairsville HS) … carried three times for 20 yards and caught one pass for 13 yards this past Saturday in the Big Green’s 14-10 home win over Penn. Dartmouth (1-2, 1-0 Ivy League) visits Yale on Saturday afternoon. STEPHEN ROWSER — Morehouse College (Jr., Cartersville HS) … made three tackles this past Saturday in the Maroon Tigers’ 30-28 win over Tuskegee University in Montgomery. Morehouse (2-4) welcomes Savannah State University for Homecoming on Saturday afternoon. BRAXTON RYAN — Kentucky Wesleyan College (So., Adairsville HS) … a starting offensive lineman for the Panthers, who produced 204 total yards in a 59-14 road loss to 14th-ranked Northwood University (MI). Wesleyan entertains Lake Erie College (OH) on Saturday. LUKE SURRETT — University of Richmond (Jr., Cartersville HS) … the Spiders’ starting offensive lineman was part of a unit that helped produce 468 total yards Saturday in a 40-31 Patriot League victory at Lafayette College (PA). Richmond (5-1, 3-0) visits Fordham University on Saturday afternoon. MALACHI TOLIVER — University of Georgia (Jr., Cartersville HS) … saw action on the Bulldogs’ offensive line that helped produce 471 total yards in a 38-14 home victory over Vanderbilt. Georgia (5-0, 3-0 Southeastern Conference) visits Alabama on Saturday night. SACOVIE WHITE-HELTON — University of Georgia (Jr., Cass HS) … saw action at wide receiver and was targeted once without a reception in the Bulldogs’ 38-14 home win over Vanderbilt on Saturday. Georgia (5-0, 3-0 Southeastern Conference) travels to Tuscaloosa to face Alabama on Saturday night. IAN WILLIAMS — University of Arkansas (So., Cass HS) … saw action at defensive back, but did not have a stat line in the Razorbacks’ 34-7 loss at Texas A&M. Arkansas (2-3, 0-2 Southeastern Conference) welcomes 15th-ranked Tennessee on Saturday afternoon. GOLF BRODY TIDWELL — Appalachian State University (Sr., Cartersville HS) … shot 1-under par with rounds of 72-70-73 and tied for 16th individually to lead the Mountaineers in a 17th-place finish at the University of Wisconsin Invitational. Southern Miss won the 19-team tournament, followed by South Dakota State and Western Kentucky. Appalachian State plays in the West Bay Resort Collegiate Invitational on Monday and Tuesday (Oct. 5-6) in Estero, Florida. GRIFFIN WOODALL — Toccoa Falls College (Fr., Cartersville HS) … shot 74-76, finished third individually, and was team medalist for the Screaming Eagles on September 28-29 as Toccoa Falls won the National Christian College Athletic Association’s South Region at Cateechee Golf Club in Hartwell. Up next for TFC is the Alice Lloyd College Invitational in Pippa Passes, Kentucky, on October 26-27. RIFLE LUCY EVANS — Morehead State University (Fr., Cartersville HS) … placed 10th individually with 1147 points, including 54 centers on Saturday as the Eagles defeated Mount Aloysius College (PA) 4669 to 4591. It was Evans’ first official college competition. She was fifth in air rifle and 11th in smallbore. On Sunday, Morehead State defeated Mount Aloysius 4689-4592 with Evans ninth overall and fourth in the individual air rifle standings. The Eagles (2-0) shoot at Jacksonville State University on Saturday morning. CROSS COUNTRY ADDISON BROWN — Truett McConnell University (Fr., Woodland HS) … finished 172nd (28:12) at the Louisville Cross Country Classic Blue Division 6K this past Saturday at Tom Sawyer Park. The Bears did not complete a team score in the 25-team division, which Detroit Mercy University won. TMU runs in Atlanta on Saturday at the Clark Atlanta Challenge. WILL PARKER — Truett McConnell University (So., Woodland HS) … finished 217th (31:25) at the Louisville Cross Country Classic Silver Division 8K this past Saturday at Tom Sawyer Park. The Bears had five scoring runs in the top 112 and placed 10th as a team in the 31-team race, won by Mercyhurst College (PA). The Bears run in the Clark Atlanta Challenge on Saturday. VOLLEYBALL AILEE ENGLAND — Berry College (Jr., Cartersville HS) … saw court time in 11 sets this past Friday and Saturday as the Vikings beat visiting Sewanee-University of the South (TN) and Maryville College (TN) but lost a five-setter to 14th-ranked Centre College (KY). England totaled seven kills, six digs, three aces, and one assist in the three conference matches. Berry (12-3, 5-1 Southern Athletic Association) is ranked 8th in the NCAA Division III poll and will play Rhode College (TN), Millsaps College (MS), and host Oglethorpe University in Atlanta on Friday and Saturday. RILEY HUFF — Jacksonville State University (Fr., Cartersville HS) … saw action in one set of the Gamecocks’ three-set home loss (11-25, 18-25, 14-25) to Liberty University on Saturday. Jax State (3-13, 0-4 Conference USA) hosts Western Kentucky on Friday night and Saturday afternoon. SOCCER BRIONNA CARVER — Johnson University (Fr., Woodland HS) … logged 30 minutes at outside back on Saturday in a 4-0 home loss to Carolina University (NC). The Royals (2-8, 0-5 Appalachian Athletic Conference) visit Milligan University (TN) on Wednesday and play at Columbia International University (SC). ELIZABETH MORGAN — Thomas University (So., Woodland HS) … took one shot in 54 minutes of playing time during the Nighthawks’ 1-0 home win Saturday over Blue Mountain Christian University. She also logged 39 minutes last Thursday in a 1-0 loss to visiting Tennessee Southern. Thomas (4-4-2, 3-3-1 Southern States Athletic Conference) plays at Middle Georgia State University on Wednesday and hosts Brewton-Parker Christian University on Saturday.

October 4, 2026 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com The Cartersville High School competition cheer team maintained its impressive streak on Saturday, winning first place for the third consecutive time at the Allatoona Invitational. Cartersville previously won the Class 5A division at Buford on September 26 and at Roswell on September 19. The Lady Canes posted their second-highest point total of the season on Saturday, 103. The team has averaged 102.8 through its first three competitions and cleared the runner-up in their classification at each meet by an average of 16.2 points. Cartersville also posted the best score in every classification at all three meets. (Russell Andrews / Sports Furnace Photography) The Adairsville competition team has Class 4A wins on September 19 at North Forsyth and September 26 at Calhoun. The Tigers have a season-high score of 79. Woodland was runner-up at Central-Carroll on September 26 with an 83.5. The Wildcats have averaged 80.3 and also competed at Pepperell earlier in the season. Cass has averaged 62 points through invitationals at Pepperell, Calhoun, and Allatoona. Cartersville has two more meets: Whitewater on October 24 and home on October 31, before the Region and Class 5A Sectional Championships at Allatoona on November 7. Woodland and Cass will also compete at the Allatoona Sectional. Adairsville is scheduled to compete at Creekview on Saturday and host on October 17. Woodland and Cass will compete at Adairsville on October 17, and Woodland and Adairsville will also perform at Cartersville on October 31. The Class 4A Region and State Sectional for Adairsville will be at West Laurens on November 7.

October 4, 2026 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com The Woodland girls cross country team placed third, and the Woodland boys team placed 12th in the Black Division at the Alexander Invitational on Saturday at Foxhall Sporting Club in Douglasville. The Lady Cats, with three individuals placing in the top 14, finished behind Jones County and Houston County in a 14-team race that included 128 individual runners. The Wildcats competed in a 29-team race with 215 participants. Allison Snead (7th, 21:46) led the Woodland girls. Rylee Maxwell (10th, 21:54), Tatum Currier (14th, 22:19), Isabel McCafferty (47th, 26:07), Ariel Salter-Bigger (77th, 29:01) rounded out the Lady Cats’ top five. Julian Medina (19th, 18:08) led the Wildcats, followed by Logan Marr (35th, 18:54), Zane Beavers (82nd, 19:52), Anderson Bridges (96th, 20:15), and Logan Smith (20:44). Woodland's next race is The Showdown at Sundown at Sam Smith Park in Cartersville.

October 3, 2026 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com Adairsville’s offense missed some red zone opportunities Friday night at Bruins Stadium and committed late, costly turnovers in a 28-14 loss to Northwest Whitfield. The loss dropped Adairsville to 4-2 overall and 0-1 in Region play, while Northwest Whitfield improved to 5-1 overall and 1-0 in the region. After both teams traded long drives that ended in punts to open the game, Northwest capitalized on an Adairsville turnover on the Tigers’ second offensive possession. Max Harrison intercepted Braxton Elrod’s pass and returned it 29 yards to the Adairsville 21-yard line. One play later, Zavien Villafuerte scored on a 21-yard touchdown run, and Gibram Rodriguez added the extra point to give the Bruins a 7-0 lead with 1:26 remaining in the first quarter. Adairsville answered with a 13-play, 59-yard drive that carried into the second quarter. Elrod finished the drive with a 1-yard touchdown run, and Alex Ochoa’s extra point tied the game at 7-7 with 6:19 remaining in the half. Northwest responded with a five-play, 56-yard drive, with Villafuerte scoring on a 5-yard run. Rodriguez’s PAT put the Bruins back in front 14-7 with 3:20 left in the half. The Tigers then drove 56 yards on nine plays, but the possession stalled in goal-to-go territory. Ochoa’s 30-yard field-goal attempt with 25 seconds remaining in the half was blocked, leaving Northwest with a 14-7 halftime lead. Northwest opened the second half with a three-and-out, and Adairsville quickly capitalized. The Tigers drove 43 yards in three plays, with two big unsportsmanlike-conduct penalties assisting the drive. Elrod scored on a 2-yard touchdown run, and the extra point tied the game at 14-14 with 7:49 remaining in the third quarter. Northwest again went three-and-out, giving Adairsville another opportunity. The Tigers put together a 12-play drive that consumed 6:12, but once again could not finish the possession in the red zone. Adairsville turned the ball over on downs at the Northwest 20-yard line. The Bruins finally broke the tie early in the fourth quarter. Northwest marched 80 yards on six plays, with Smith Browning connecting with Kyle Cummings on an 11-yard touchdown pass. The extra point, which was re-tried following a botched snap and an Adairsville penalty, made it 21-14 with 10:15 remaining. Adairsville drove 42 yards on eight plays on its ensuing possession, but a fake punt featuring a double-reverse pass attempt by KJ Smith ended with an interception by Jayce Santiago. Santiago returned the pick to the Adairsville 29-yard line. Northwest needed only three plays to capitalize, with Browning again finding Cummings for a touchdown on a 15-yard pass. Rodriguez’s PAT extended the Bruins’ lead to 28-14 with 6:03 remaining. Adairsville then had back-to-back offensive turnovers, including a bad snap that went over Elrod’s head and an interception. Northwest ran out the clock to secure the 28-14 victory. Adairsville will travel to Heritage-Catoosa next week, while Northwest Whitfield will play at Southeast Whitfield. ~~ Larry Gardner contributed to this report.

October 2, 2026 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com Cartersville receiver Madoxx Davis (1) hauls in a touchdown reception Oct. 2 at Cass. PHOTO: Russell Andrews / Furnace Sports Photography The Cartersville Purple Hurricanes' defense set the tone from the opening kickoff Friday night, and the No. 1-ranked team in Class 5A rolled to a 50-0 victory over No. 7 Cass at Doug Cochran Stadium on the campus of Cass High School. Cartersville improved to 6-0 overall and 2-0 in Region 7-5A, while Cass fell to 6-1 and 2-1. The Purple Hurricanes held Cass to just two first downs in the first half, both coming on the Colonels' opening possession. Cass punted seven times in its 10 first-half possessions, with one possession ending in an interception, one ending on downs, and another ending when the half expired. Cartersville wasted little time taking control. Harris Turner connected with Madoxx Davis for a 72-yard touchdown on Cartersville's second play from scrimmage, giving the Purple Hurricanes a 6-0 lead with 8:08 remaining in the first quarter. A two-point conversion attempt failed. Tyon Coe then broke loose for a 59-yard touchdown run with 4:22 left in the opening quarter. Jaden Nevarez added the extra point to make it 13-0. Cartersville's defense added to the lead when a Cass punt attempt resulted in a safety with 2:16 remaining in the first quarter, pushing the advantage to 15-0. The Purple Hurricanes continued to pull away in the second quarter. Brayden Doss scored on a 2-yard touchdown run with 9:49 remaining in the half, capping a four-play, 46-yard drive. C.J. McClendon opened the drive with a 13-yard run before Doss carried three consecutive times, including the touchdown. Nevarez's kick made it 22-0. Coe scored his second touchdown of the night on a 1-yard run with 3:42 remaining in the half. The touchdown capped a six-play, 40-yard drive, and Nevarez's extra point made it 29-0. Cartersville's Chance Brown then intercepted a pass from Cass, setting up another score. Four plays later, Turner found Davis for a 12-yard touchdown with 1:41 left in the half. Nevarez's kick extended the lead to 36-0. Coe added his third touchdown of the half on a 4-yard run with 17 seconds remaining. Nevarez again converted the extra point, giving Cartersville a 43-0 halftime advantage. The second half was played with a continuous clock. Cartersville added its final touchdown with 2:00 remaining in the third quarter when Doss broke free for a 36-yard touchdown run. Nevarez's kick capped a five-play, 43-yard drive and made it 50-0. Each team had only one possession in a rapid fourth quarter. Cartersville will travel to Cedartown on Friday, Oct. 9. Cass will have a bye week before hosting Cedartown on Friday, Oct. 16. Photos: Russell Andrews / Sports Furnace Photography (Click photos to expand) Top row (L-R): Athens Davenport (13) tackles Kalil Charles (0); Brayden Doss (6) stiff-arms en route to a touchdown; Tyon Coe (4) runs through a hole; Kylen Pope (5) leads five Canes defenders to the ball. Second row (L-R): C.J. McClendon (12) finds running room; Coach Conor Foster looks on from the Canes' sideline; Noah Rogers (2) fires a pass; King Lloyd (5) reaches for a pass that was knocked away by Lance Tippett (11). Third row (L-R): Kalil Charles (0) escapes Athens Davenport (13); Jah Abdullah-Kortey (6) is brought down after a short reception; Tyson Beauford (3) defends a Cartersville pass; Cass coach Steve Gates looks in from the Colonels' sideline. Bottom: Holden Hoopingarner (17) defends a pass intended for Cole Crawford (24).

October 2, 2026 Tucker Cole / Times-Georgian Special to Bartow Sports Zone Hayden Collins looks for running room vs. Villa Rica on Oct. 2 / Photo: Tucker Cole, Times-Georgian Villa Rica senior running back Emmanuel Ajayi scored five touchdowns Friday in Woodland's 42-3 region loss. Woodland got off to a fast start, as Clayton McArdle ran back the opening kickoff to Villa Rica's 10-yard line. Chad Waller converted a 25-yard field goal to give the visiting Wildcats an early 3-0 lead. However, the hosting Villa Rica Wildcats scored 42 unanswered after that, leaning on Ajayi on the ground and through the air. After a 12-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Blaine Brown to receiver Josiah Walker was called back for holding, Ajayi took a direct snap a couple of plays later and ran in a 2-yard touchdown to take the lead, 7-3. Villa Rica's defense then forced a Woodland punt, and Ajayi sprinted for a 46-yard score a few snaps later. Woodland's Peyton Young (28) tackles Villa Rica RB Emmanuel Ajayi. Photo: Tucker Cole / Times-Georgian. A 42-yard touchdown pass from Brown to Jason Hart added to Villa Rica's 21-3 lead just a minute into the second quarter. Woodland gained some momentum after a fourth-down conversion in its own territory, but quarterback Sam Ray IV's floated pass was tipped and intercepted by Tamaj Beasley. Defensive back Jonathan Hart gave Woodland back the ball with an interception in the end zone, but the Villa Rica defense forced another punt. Villa Rica's offense stole the show again to end the first half, adding an 8-yard touchdown run by Ajayi to make it 28-3. Ajayi did the same to start the second half, breaking away from multiple Woodland defenders to score a 30-yard rushing touchdown. Alex Melendez's extra point made it 35-3 for Villa Rica. Woodland's Jonathan Hart intercepts a Villa Rica pass near the end zone on Oct. 2. Photo: Tucker Cole / Times-Georgian Another Woodland punt set up an 86-yard wheel route touchdown from Brown to Ajayi, stretching the lead to 42-3 with seven minutes left in the third quarter. Woodland moved into Villa Rica territory behind running back Hayden Collins, but Ray threw his second interception of the night to Villa Rica's Brysen Davis on a jump ball in the end zone. A tackle for a loss by Zimere Franks gave Woodland the ball back, but Villa Rica maintained its 42-3 lead heading into a running clock fourth quarter, and that's where the score stayed. Villa Rica improves to 5-2 on the season and 1-2 in region play and will be at Allatoona next week. Woodland drops to 2-4 for the season and 0-2 in region play and will have a bye next week before taking on Dalton on the road on Friday, Oct. 16.

October 1, 2026 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com The Cass Lady Colonels built an 8-0 lead by the middle of the fourth inning Thursday evening and went on to win at Woodland 12-4. Cass scored in four of its five offensive frames and pounded out 16 hits in the victory. Pitcher Kylie Gentry earned the win. She went five innings and allowed four runs (three earned) on seven hits and two walks. Gentry struck out six. Shyia Woods led the Cass offense with four hits and two RBI. Kharmyn Collum had two hits, including a home run and four RBI. Natalie Hughes (RBI), Maci Walker, and Gentry also had two hits. Addy Bauder (two RBI), MJ McFarlane (two RBI), Rilyn Caspari, and Lindsey Chubb each added one hit for the Lady Colonels. Evelyne Tucker (4 IP, 9R, 3ER, 11H, 2K) and Rilynn DeBoard (1 IP, 3ER, 3H) pitched for Woodland. Sis Pirkle (two RBI), Charlotte Petersen (RBI), Bella Kuykendall, Bailey Ryan, Lillian Hollis, Kylee Poston, and Daliyah Callahan each had one hit for the Lady Cats. Woodland (8-18, 4-12) hosts Whitefield Academy on Monday at 5:55 p.m. and visits Cartersville on Tuesday at 5:55 p.m. Cass (14-10, 9-7) hosts Dalton on Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. and welcomes Cartersville on Thursday at 5:55 p.m. HERITAGE-CATOOSA 8, ADAIRSVILLE 5 The Lady Tigers collected more hits on Tuesday, but an eight-run third inning lifted the visiting Generals to an 8-5 Region 7-4A win. Adairsville chipped away at the Heritage lead over the last four innings but fell three runs short. Paislee Rooks (2.2 IP, 8R, 1ER, 6H, 1BB, 1K) suffered the pitching loss for the Tigers. Heidi Rickett (4.1 IP, 0R, 3H, 2BB) also pitched for Adairsville. Sydney Satterfield led the Tigers' offense with four hits, including a double and one RBI. Rickett (home run, three RBI) and Rooks (RBI) each had two hits. Ashlynn Durden, Madison Brookshire (double), and McKenzly Atkins each added one hit. Heritage-Catoosa (18-4, 13-2) won the region title. Adairsville (19-10, 9-6) finished third in the region standings behind the Generals and Ridgeland. The Lady Tigers visit South Paulding for a non-region game on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m.

September 30, 2026 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com Cartersville volleyball defeated North Cobb in three straight sets Tuesday (25-12, 25-11, 25-10) and collected a Region 7-5A win over Villa Rica by forfeit. Amara Ejieke totaled 17 kills, eight digs, one block, and one ace in the victory over the Warriors. Adelynn England finished with nine kills, eight digs, three blocks, and two aces. McKenzie Wilkie had 16 digs, five aces, and one kill. Blakely Morris contributed nine blocks, four kills, and one dig, and Brooke Belarmino compiled 17 assists, six digs, and two aces. The Lady Canes (32-3, 6-0) are ranked third in the GHSA Post Season Rankings behind Marist and Blessed Trinity as of Wednesday night’s report. North Oconee and Central-Carroll round out the top five in Class 5A. Cartersville plays at Alpharetta on Thursday evening and will also face Marist. The Hurricanes visit Westminster on Tuesday and will also play Midtown. ADAIRSVILLE, WOODLAND, AND CASS DROP MATCHES ON TUESDAY Adairsville volleyball lost at Heritage-Catoosa (21-25, 15-25) on Tuesday night and also fell to Southeast Whitfield (12-25, 21-25). In the loss to the Generals, Sadie Brownlow had three kills and four digs. Alexis Scott finished with three kills, and Teaghan Myers contributed six assists, six digs, two blocks, and two aces. Against the Raiders, Blaire Fuller produced two kills. Nadelyn Dodson compiled 10 digs. Myers totaled seven digs and five assists. Scott had two kills and two aces, and Brownlow added three aces. The Lady Tigers (10-22, 1-8 Region 7-4A) play at Woodland on Thursday and will also face Gordon Central. Adairsville hosts Ridgeland on Tuesday. Woodland lost at Allatoona (7-25, 13-25, 7-25) and also fell to Pebblebrook (15-25, 20-25) on Tuesday. Karissa Williamson and Reese Martinak each had two kills in the loss to Allatoona. Ava Lawler contributed four assists, two aces, and two blocks, and Dayanna Jaimes finished with nine digs. Against Pebblebrook, Lawler had four assists, three aces, and one block. Jaimes had four digs, and Martinak added two kills. Woodland (7-23, 2-4 Region 7-5A) hosts Gordon Central and Adairsville on Thursday. Cass volleyball lost a two-set home match Tuesday to Cherokee (set scores not available) and finished the season winless.

Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com In conjunction with WBHF and Bartow Sports Zone, Elite Stone Supply presents and celebrates the ELITE ATHLETES OF THE MONTH. Each month, local high schools select an Elite Athlete of the Month from their varsity programs and share information about their honoree through Bartow Sports Zone and on 100.3 FM and AM 1450, WBHF in Cartersville. Addie Harris is the September 2026 Elite Athlete of the Month representing Cartersville High School. A sophomore on the Hurricanes’ varsity competition cheer, Game-Day cheer, and rifle teams, she is the daughter of Andy Harris and Krista Gaines. Harris has distinguished herself as an exceptional student-athlete through her dedication, leadership, and commitment to her team. As a member of our 2025 GHSA 4A State Championship team, she consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic, positive attitude, and unwavering determination. "Addie is one of the most dedicated athletes we have had the opportunity to coach. She works hard every day, embraces challenges, and always puts her team's needs first. Her contributions helped our program earn the 2025 GHSA 4A State Championship, but what truly sets her apart is her character. Addie carries herself with integrity, represents our school with pride, and earns the respect of teammates and coaches alike. We are grateful for the impact she has had on our team and are confident she will continue to achieve great things." - Cissi Adams & Breanna Johnson Harris maintains a 3.8 GPA, takes Honors and AP classes, and is a member of Beta Club and Youth Leadership Bartow. After graduation, she plans to attend the Naval Academy. Julian Medina is the 2026 September Elite Athlete of the Month representing Woodland High School. Marisol Medina's son is a sophomore member of the Wildcats’ cross-country and track and field teams. Medina has produced a personal record in every cross-country race this season and has taken over a minute off his 5K time in the process. “Julian is always working hard to improve his times both at the races and during practices,” said coach Amber Parker. “He has made tremendous progress.” Medina plans to attend college after graduation from high school. The September 2026 Elite Athlete of the Month representing Adairsville High School is Alexis Scott. A senior outside hitter on the Lady Tigers’ volleyball team, she is the daughter of Tarvis and Ciara Scott. “Alexis is the type of student-athlete every coach wishes they had on their team. She leads on and off the court. Alexis is not only a good volleyball player, but she is an even better person. She represents the team, our school, and our community positively. We are very glad that she is part of our program,” said Adairsville coach Clint Decker. Scott wants to pursue a career as an athletic trainer. Lawson Weeks is the September 2026 Elite Athlete of the Month representing Cass High School. Lawson, the son of Malena and Mathew Weeks, is a senior offensive lineman on the Colonels’ football team. “Lawson means a lot to what we do up front,” said Cass assistant athletic director Bobby Hughes. “He’s a guy we can count on every snap to play hard, do his job, and put the team first. Offensive line play is built on trust, toughness, and playing for the guy beside you, and he represents all of those things. Our offensive line and our team are better because of what he brings every day.” Editor's Note: The respective schools and athletic departments supply Bartow Sports Zone and WBHF with photos and bios. Elite Stone Supply Co., LLC is the monthly sponsor. Athletes receive a plaque and recognition during a WBHF radio feature. #EliteAthletesoftheMonth #Cass #Cartersville #Woodland #Adairsville #highschool

September 29, 2026 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com Adairsville, Cartersville, and Woodland picked up important region victories Tuesday, while Cass suffered a shutout loss. The Lady Tigers used a 14-hit attack to defeat Northwest Whitfield 11-5, the Lady Canes collected 12 hits in a 9-5 win over Allatoona, and Woodland rallied past Dalton 8-6, while Cedartown blanked Cass 6-0. ADAIRSVILLE 11, NORTHWEST WHITFIELD 5 Every player in the Adairsville lineup had at least one hit, and the Lady Tigers recorded 14 hits on Tuesday in an 11-5 Region 7-4A victory at Northwest Whitfield. The Bruins had 13 hits of their own but couldn’t match Adairsville’s run production. Paislee Rooks (5.2 IP, 5R, 3ER, 12H, 1BB, 2K) earned the win for Adairsville. Chloe Hill (1.1 IP, 0R, 1H) also pitched. Rooks (double, four RBI), Ashlynn Durden (home run, two RBI), Ansley Powell (two RBI), Madison Brookshire (RBI), and Lillianne Gunter each produced two hits for Adairsville. Hill (two RBI), Heidi Rickett (double), Lily Brookshire, and Hynleigh Statham each added one hit. The loss dropped Northwest Whitfield to 9-16 overall and 3-10 in region play. Adairsville (18-9, 8-5) hosts Northgate on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. and Heritage-Catoosa on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. CARTERSVILLE 9, ALLATOONA 5 Taryn Bradley had three hits, including a home run, a double, and five RBIs on Tuesday evening as the Lady Canes peppered Allatoona with a dozen hits and beat the Lady Buccaneers 9-5 at Dellinger Park. Zoie Shiflett (4 IP, 5R, 2ER, 4H, 0BB, 4K) and Presley Crabbe (3 IP, 0R, 1H, 0BB, 4K) shared the pitching duties for the Lady Canes. Sophia Harper (double, RBI) and LaKiaya Banks each had two hits for Cartersville. Shiflett (RBI), Allana Williams (RBI), Kennedy Crenshaw, Sam Porter, and Izzy Tummins (double) each added one hit in the Lady Canes’ win. The loss dropped Allatoona to 11-11 overall and 8-9 in Region 7-5A. Cartersville (23-2, 16-0) hosts Woodland on Tuesday. WOODLAND 8, DALTON 6 Woodland softball scored four runs in the second and four in the sixth on Tuesday night to win at Dalton, 8-6, in a Region 7-5A contest. Evelyne Tucker collected the pitching win for Woodland, working 6-2/3 innings. She allowed five runs (two earned) on nine hits and two walks with three strikeouts. Bailey Ryan retired one batter and was charged with one earned run on one walk with one strikeout. Gracie Korb had two hits for the Lady Cats. Bella Kuykendall drove in four runs with a double and a sacrifice fly. Charlotte Petersen, Kylee Poston, and Lillian Hollis each had one hit for Woodland. Ryan drove in three runs and played all nine positions in the win. The loss dropped Dalton to 3-18 overall and 0-14 in region play. Woodland (8-17, 4-11) hosts Cass on Thursday at 5:55 p.m. CEDARTOWN 6, CASS 0 Cedartown pitcher Shailey Pittman struck out seven and limited the Lady Colonels to only four hits on Tuesday in a 6-0 shutout at Cass. The Bulldogs totaled six hits and scored in five of their seven offensive frames. Abagail Nails (3.1 IP, 4R, 3ER, 2H, 2BB, 4K) and Kylie Gentry (3.2 IP, 2R, 1ER, 4H, 0BB, 2K) split the Lady Colonels’ pitching duties. Natalie Hughes, Shyia Woods, Maci Walker, and Nails each had one hit for Cass in the loss. Cedartown evened its season record at 13-13 and improved to 9-7 in Region 7-5A. Cass (13-10, 8-7) visits Woodland on Thursday at 5:55 p.m.

September 28, 2026 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com MLB / MiLB MASON BARNETT — MLB Athletics (5th-year pro; Auburn; Cartersville HS) … made his final start of 2026 last Thursday against the visiting Houston Astros and pitched six innings. He allowed four earned runs on four hits and two walks and struck out eight, with no decision, in an eventual 7-5 loss. The 25-year-old was 1-4 with two saves in 20 MLB appearances covering 50 innings. He had 50 strikeouts and a 7.02 ERA with the Athletics. With the Triple-A Las Vegas Aviators, Barnett was 4-3 in 14 starts, covering just over 66 innings. He had 50 strikeouts and a 5.16 ERA. The Athletics finished fourth in the American League West. NFL TREVOR LAWRENCE — Jacksonville Jaguars (6th-yr. NFL; Clemson; Cartersville HS) . . . completed 19 of 29 passes for 182 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception Sunday in a 35-6 home win over the New England Patriots. He added 25 yards rushing on four attempts. Lawrence threw two touchdown passes in the second quarter to Josh Cameron (12 yards) and Jakobi Myers (10 yards). He connected with Parker Washington on a 17-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter. The Jags (2-1) play at the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. FOOTBALL CARLOS DEL RIO-WILSON — Marshall University (R-Sr., Cartersville HS) … completed 27 of 39 pass attempts for 413 yards and three touchdowns in this past Saturday’s 36-35 home win over Gardner-Webb University. He also rushed for 48 yards on 14 attempts. The Thundering Herd (3-1) visit James Madison University on Saturday afternoon. JD DeROCHE — University of Cumberlands (So., Cass HS) … made seven tackles from his inside linebacker position this past Saturday in a 58-21 loss at top-ranked Keiser University (FL). The Patriots (4-1) have a bye week before hosting 10th-ranked Campbellsville University (KY) on October 10. TOKYO GORDON — Sam Houston State University (Sr., Adairsville HS) … made one tackle and recovered a fumble this past Saturday in the Bearkats’ 49-14 loss at 11th-ranked Texas Tech. Sam Houston (1-3) has a bye week before traveling to Lynchburg, Virginia, to face Liberty University in their Conference USA opener. DEVIN HENDERSON — Appalachian State University (Jr., Cass HS) … a starter at safety, Henderson made seven tackles (four solo) in the Mountaineers’ 41-31 loss this past Saturday at N.C. State. App State (3-1) has a bye week before hosting Old Dominion on October 10 in their Sun Belt Conference opener. BRAYLON HILL — Kentucky Wesleyan College (Fr., Cartersville HS) … had one kick return for 35 yards and a touchdown following a blocked punt, two rushing attempts for minus-1, and one reception for nine yards this past Saturday in a 48-13 home loss to Tiffin University (OH). Wesleyan (0-4, 0-2 Great Midwest Athletic Conference) heads to Midland, Michigan, on Saturday to play at Northwood University. SHADRE HURST — University of Houston (5th year, Cartersville HS) … was part of an offensive line rotation that helped produce 441 yards of total offense in a 42-28 win this past Saturday at Georgia Southern. The 20th-ranked Cougars (3-1, 0-1 Big 12 Conference) host UCF in a conference tilt on Saturday. BRAXTON KITCHENS — Georgia State University (So., Cartersville HS) … long snapper for the Panthers in their 35-14 home win this past Saturday over Northern Illinois. GSU (3-1) welcomes Old Dominion University on Saturday afternoon for the Panthers’ homecoming game and Sun Belt Conference opener. KHRISTIAN LANDO — Jacksonville State University (Jr., Cartersville HS) … had 16 yards rushing on four carries this past Saturday in a 23-13 home win over Middle Tennessee. The Gamecocks (3-2, 1-0 Conference USA) have a bye week before playing at Kennesaw State University on Wednesday, Oct. 7. TRENTON MAHAFFEY — Anderson University (Fr., Cartersville HS) … started on an offensive line that helped produce 520 yards of total offense in a 42-22 home win this past Saturday over Lenoir-Rhyne University. The Trojans (4-1, 3-0 South Atlantic Conference) host Emory & Henry University (VA) on Saturday afternoon. BRADY MARCHESE — Auburn University (Fr., Cartersville HS) … saw action but did not have a stat line in the Tigers’ 21-15 win over visiting Vanderbilt. Auburn (3-1, 1-1 Southeastern Conference) travels to Knoxville to play at Tennessee on Saturday afternoon. ZAY NALLS — Anderson University (So., Adairsville HS) … made three tackles, broke up two passes, and recovered a fumble this past Saturday as the Trojans beat visiting Lenoir-Rhyne 42-22. Anderson (4-1, 3-0 South Atlantic Conference) welcomes Emory & Henry University (VA) on Saturday afternoon. JAKE PARKER — Cumberland University (R-Sr., Cartersville HS) … completed 9 of 12 passes for 132 yards and one touchdown and rushed for 125 yards and one touchdown on 13 attempts this past Saturday as the Phoenix beat visiting Florida Memorial 41-14. Cumberland (3-1) hosts 25th-ranked Georgetown College (KY) on Saturday afternoon. CHRIS ROPER — Dartmouth College (Sr., Adairsville HS) … made two tackles on special teams and had six rushing attempts for 13 yards this past Saturday in a 31-28 home loss to Monmouth University. The Big Green (0-2) hosts the University of Pennsylvania on Saturday afternoon. STEPHEN ROWSER — Morehouse College (Jr., Cartersville HS) … made one tackle in the Maroon Tigers’ 46-38 home loss to Edward Waters University this past Saturday. Morehouse (1-4) plays Tuskegee University on Saturday night at the Crampton Bowl in Montgomery. BRAXTON RYAN — Kentucky Wesleyan College (So., Adairsville HS) … started on the Panthers’ offensive line that helped generate 104 yards of total offense in a 48-13 home loss to Tiffin University (OH). Kentucky Wesleyan (0-4, 0-2 Great Midwest Athletic Conference) plays at Northwood University (MI) on Saturday. LUKE SURRETT — University of Richmond (Jr., Cartersville HS) … started on the Spiders’ offensive line that helped produce 355 total yards in a 13-9 home win over Furman. Richmond (4-1, 2-0 Patriot League) visits Lafayette University (PA) on Saturday afternoon. CHASE TATUM — Kennesaw State University (Fr., Cass HS) … the tight end participated but did not record a stat line in the Owls’ 17-14 loss last Saturday at Arkansas State. KSU (1-3) has a bye week before hosting Jacksonville State University on Wednesday, October 7. MALACHI TOLIVER — University of Georgia (Jr., Cartersville HS) … was part of an offensive line rotation that helped generate 306 total yards this past Saturday in a 41-13 home win over Oklahoma. Second-ranked Georgia (4-0) hosts Vanderbilt on Saturday. DAVIS WADDELL — Western Carolina University (Fr., Cartersville HS) … was a participant for the Catamounts, but did not record a stat line this past Saturday in a 58-31 loss at East Tennessee State. Western Carolina (2-3, 0-1 Southern Conference) welcomes Tennessee Tech on Saturday night. SACOVIE WHITE-HELTON — University of Georgia (Jr., Cass HS) … caught two passes for four yards and had three punt returns for 20 yards this past Saturday in the 2nd-ranked Bulldogs’ 41-13 win over Oklahoma in Athens. Vanderbilt visits Georgia on Saturday. IAN WILLIAMS — University of Arkansas (So., Cass HS) … participated but did not record a stat line this past Saturday in the Razorbacks’ 34-6 home win over Tulsa. Arkansas (2-2, 0-1 Southeastern Conference) travels to College Station on Saturday night to take on Texas A&M. SOCCER BRIONNA CARVER — Johnson University (Fr., Woodland HS) … the Royals’ outside back logged 56 minutes in a 6-1 loss at Union Commonwealth University on September 23 and played 53 minutes this past Saturday in a 5-1 loss at Brenau University (GA). Johnson (2-6, 0-4 Appalachian Athletic Conference) hosts Spartanburg Methodist on Wednesday and Bluefield University (VA) on Saturday. HUNTER LIMBAUGH — LaGrange College (Fr., Woodland HS) … a defender, Limbaugh started and played all 90 minutes Sunday in a 3-2 home victory over Warren Wilson College (NC). He als had one shot on goal and logged 77 minutes on September 23 in a 4-2 loss at Sewanee-University of the South (TN). He added seven minutes of pitch time this past Saturday in a 2-0 loss at Belhaven University (MS). The Panthers (5-4, 0-1 Collegiate Conference of the South) host Asbury University (KY) on Saturday. ELIZABETH MORGAN — Thomas University (So., Woodland HS) … made two starts at forward and logged 92 total minutes in road wins last Thursday and Saturday at Mobile University (2-0) and Faulkner University (AL) (2-1). The NightHawks (3-3-2, 2-2-1 Southern States Athletic Conference) host Tennessee-Southern on Thursday and Blue Mountain Christian University (MS) on Saturday. MALLORY NICKLAS — Northeastern State University (Fr., Cartersville HS) … played eight minutes as a midfielder in last Friday’s 1-0 home loss to Pittsburg State (KS). The Riverhawks (5-3-2, 1-2-1 Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletic Association) host Rogers State University (OK) on Friday. MIGUEL PINEDA — University of North Georgia (Fr., Woodland HS) … the Nighthawks’ goalkeeper made five saves and allowed one goal in a 1-1 draw at home on September 23 against Georgia Southwestern University. He is now 2-0-2 in net this season. UNG (6-0-5, 2-0-4 Peach Belt Conference) hosts USC Aiken on Saturday afternoon. HALEY SKLBA — Point University (So., Cass HS) … logged 22 minutes as a defender and took one shot last Thursday and Saturday in road wins at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (5-0) and Wesleyan College (3-0). The Skyhawks (7-3, 4-1 Southern States Athletic Conference) host Life University (GA) on Thursday and Dalton State College (GA) on Saturday. VOLLEYBALL AILEE ENGLAND — Berry College (Jr., Cartersville HS) … totaled six aces and 10 digs and played in all eight sets this past Friday and Saturday as the Vikings won 3-1 at 5th-ranked Trinity University (TX) and beat Southwestern University (TX) 3-1. Berry (9-2, 3-0 Southern Athletic Association) visits Covenant College on Tuesday night and will host Centre College (KY), Sewanee-University of the South (TN), and Maryville College (TN) on Friday and Saturday. CROSS COUNTRY TYLER JONES — University of West Georgia (Sr., Woodland HS) … finished 48th individually (27:33.7) and ran sixth for his team as the Wolves finished third behind Furman and Western Carolina at the 14-team Tryon Western North Carolina 8K XC Collegiate Showcase. Next for UWG is the USC Upstate Invitational on October 17. GOLF ANDREW LUTJENS — Georgia College & State University (So., Cartersville HS) … shot 76-73-73 (6-over) and tied for 52nd individually as the Bobcats finished 14th of 16 teams at the Lake Lanier Collegiate Invitational held September 21-22 at Achasta Golf Club. The University of North Georgia won the tournament with a 34-under par team total, finishing 10 shots ahead of Lincoln Memorial University (TN) and 27 shots ahead of Anderson University (SC). Next for Georgia College is the Georgia Southwestern Hurricane Invitational at Doublegate Country Club on October 5-6. CARSEN STANFIELD — USC Upstate (Fr., Cartersville HS) … shot 78-76-72 (16-over) to finish 66th individually as the Spartans placed 12th of 13 teams September 20-23 at the GMAC Invitational at Inverness Country Club in Birmingham. USC-Upstate played in The Carolina Cup at Spartanburg’s Caroline Country Club on Sunday and Monday. Stanfield shot 80-80 on Sunday playing as an individual. Their next tournament is Oct. 23-25 at the Fripp Island Intercollegiate. CHRISTINA SURCEY — Lipscomb University (Jr., Cartersville resident, North Cobb Christian School) … shot 76-70-71 (1-over) and tied for 19th individually as the Bisons finished fifth of 13 teams at the Bettie Lou Evans Invitational at the University Club of Kentucky. The host Wildcats won the tournament at 25-under par, followed by Penn State, California, and Indiana. Next for Lipscomb is The Alley Invitational at Mississippi State. GRIFFIN WOODALL — Toccoa Falls College (Fr., Cartersville HS) … shot 85-80 and tied for 36th individually as the Screaming Eagles finished sixth of nine teams at the Bob Jones University Bruins Invitational September 21-22 at Cobbs Glenn Country Club in Anderson, South Carolina. The host Bruins won the tournament, followed by Brewton-Parker College and Columbia College (SC). Toccoa Falls hosts the NCCAA South Region tournament at Cateechee Golf Club on September 28-29.

September 28, 2026 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com The Lady Colonels totaled 11 hits and scored 6 runs in the third and fifth innings Monday night, winning 12-2 in five innings at Calhoun. Kylie Gentry picked up the Cass pitching win. She went all five innings in the circle, allowing two earned runs on three hits and two walks while striking out seven. Natalie Hughes (RBI), Lindsey Chubb (double), and Rilyn Caspari each had two hits for Cass. Shyia Woods homered and drove in three runs. Abagail Nails (double, two RBI), Maci Walker (RBI), Kharmyn Collum (RBI), and Gentry each added one hit. Calhoun dropped to 8-13. Cass (13-9, 8-6 Region 7-5A) hosts Cedartown on Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. and plays at Woodland on Thursday at 5:55 p.m.