Woodland High School football head coach Tony Plott has managed only one win over the past two seasons, but he knew when he took the job it was going to take some time to get the program moving in the right direction and he has plenty to be positive about in 2017. “We knew the rebuilding project at Woodland was going to take three to four years,” Plott said recently in an interview with Kevin Pate at WBHF. “You can try to change the culture and the perception of your football program, but our primary goal when we took over was to reach a point where we were competitive. I believe at times we are very competitive, but we have some catching up to do with teams like Rome in our region. They are on a different level with up to eight college prospects on defense.” Plott believes his 2017 edition of the Wildcats are ready to turn a corner. “We’re geared to have a good year. We’ve made some progress in the weight room and we have matured some physically. In recent years, we’ve been playing on Friday nights with a lot of kids that should have been in JV games on Thursday afternoon. Those kids are now more physically prepared to handle the rigors of varsity football,” the coach remarked. Woodland was 0-10 in 2016 and has won only one game in the past three seasons, but Plott was encouraged by the effort of his players and the development that has occurred. “A positive for our kids last season was the fact they never gave up. They fought and played hard from the opening kickoff to the final whistle. Our kids take pride in that effort. We have great kids. Our season wasn’t what we wanted it to be record-wise last year, but it was a fun season for our coaching staff because of the effort and attitude our kids displayed,” noted Plott. One of the major issues for the Woodland football program in recent years has been a lack of participation. Plott and his staff have worked tirelessley to increase the team’s numbers. “We’re still lacking size,” added the Wildcats’ head coach. “We saw that a lot at camps this summer, but our guys don’t back down from that challenge. We ask our kids to go as hard as they can, one play at a time, and then get them off the field when needed. We are gradually building some depth. We finished spring practice with 92 kids.” As a result, Woodland will strive to get more of those players into games. “We spent the entire spring and summer strictly in a two-platoon system,” Plott said, “but as we get closer to the opening of the season we will likely have two or three difference-makers that will see action on both sides of the ball.” Woodland, along with Bartow-rival Cass, will once again play in one of Georgia’s strongest football regions. Defending state champion Rome heads a powerful group of teams in the ten-school league, along with Carrollton and Kell who reached the state’s final four and final eight, respectively. Plott also pointed to other teams that have state playoff level talent in Class AAAAA. “I think Villa Rica will challenge for a top spot this year,” Plott projected. “They are physical, athletic, and I expect the new coaching staff there to have them playing at a high-level. Cass always plays hard and they have a quality team. Then of course the Paulding County schools — Paulding, Hiram, and East Paulding — also have really good athletes and solid teams. There’s just no room for error in our league,” he continued. Plott was then asked to discuss some of the players he expects to emerge as team leaders in 2017. “Justice Carter (5-7, 170, Jr.) will be our featured back on offense,” Plott stated. “In the T, he will get a lot of the carries. He really came alive in that offense over the last four games. He is a monster for his size in the weight room. He’s just physically rock-solid, really fast, and an all-around great kid. Justice had a great weekend at FCA camp. He ran up and down the field on some really good teams.” Carter will get help in the Wildcats’ backfield from Demarcus Williams (5-11, Soph.), senior Evan Rose, and senior quarterback Brody Williams (6-0, 190). “Demarcus Williams is a tough kid and a hard runner,” said coach Plott. “He will play some defense also and we expect to utilize his skills on a lot of our power plays. Evan Rose is probably our best blocking back and Brody Williams has done really well in our 7-on-7’s this summer. He’s had a great off-season.” Plott knows that his skill-position players and his offense will only go if the group up front has a good year. His offensive line will feature senior Diego Gonzalez, junior Carson Knox, junior Aaron Carlson, senior Austin Costlow, and junior Jalen Hudson. As a group, they are undersized by Class AAAAA standards but a highly improved collection according to Plott. “That’s a group that has grown into themselves,” noted the coach. “They have really improved and we are expecting a lot out of each of them.” As he continued, Plott commented on a few other players. “Seth Johnson had a good summer camp. He has done a great job and both defensive back and wide receiver. Kaeman Echols has performed well at middle linebacker. RJ Beaubrun and Dustin Ivie have played well at corner, and Titus Jones may be one of the best free safeties in the state,” Plott continued. “Kurtis Feanny is another player that has really stepped up his game and become a great leader among the linemen,” he noted. The Wildcats are optimistic following a productive off-season and their head coach’s remarks reflected that attitude. “FCA was a huge success for us,” said Plott. “We had some really good performances by a lot of different groups. I think we are going to take a giant leap forward this year. I believe our fans and followers will see an improved product on the field. The kids are older, they understand what we are doing offensively and defensively, they are physically stronger, and hopefully all that translates into a more competitive team.” WOODLAND WILDCATS ​ Aug. 18 -- RIVER RIDGE Aug. 25 -- open date Sept. 1 -- ROCKMART Sept. 8 -- at Cass Sept. 15 -- VILLA RICA Sept. 22 -- at Carrollton Sept. 29 -- HIRAM Oct. 6 -- PAULDING COUNTY Oct. 13 -- at East Paulding Oct. 20 -- open date Oct. 27 -- KELL Nov. 3 -- at Rome Editors Note: Tune in to Bartow’s Morning News on WBHF (100.3FM / AM1450) each morning for features on all four local football programs until the regular season openers. Woodland will be featured the week of July 24, Cass the week of July 31, Adairsville the week of August 7, and Cartersville the week of August 14.

The National Federation of High Schools, which governs high school sports and activities across the nation — including the Georgia High School Association — has released its rules changes and points of emphasis for game officials for the Fall 2017 seasons. Football Rules Changes - 2017 By NFHS 1-3-1h (NEW): Added that commercial advertising is not permitted on the ball. Rationale: The ball cannot have commercial advertising added to the surface. The only permissible items on the ball are the ball manufacturer’s name and/or logo; school name, logo and/or mascot; conference name and/or logo; state association name and/or logos; and NFHS name and/or logos. 1-5-1b(3): Further clarifies that the jersey of the home team shall be a dark color clearly contrasting to the white jersey required for the visiting team. Rationale: Home game jersey specifications were further revised to provide schools and manufacturers additional clarification regarding the current trend of utilizing lighter gray shades. The implementation date of 2021 affords schools and manufacturers the opportunity to ensure that newer dark-colored jerseys will clearly contrast with white jerseys. The requirement for contrasting colors to white is not a new rule, and this new clarification will allow changes to be made during normal replacement cycles. 1-5-1a(2) NOTE, 1-5-4: This change now permits any of the game officials to accompany the referee to meet with the head coach for equipment verification. Rationale: Member state associations may determine the game official who is to accompany the referee during the required pre-game meeting with each head coach. 2-3-10 (NEW), 9-4-3n (NEW), 9-4 PENALTY: Added a new definition for a blindside block and specifies a penalty for an illegal blindside block. Rationale: Continuing with the focus on risk minimization, the committee created a definition for a blindside block. This block involves contact by a blocker against an opponent who, because of physical positioning and focus of concentration, is vulnerable to injury. Unless initiated with open hands, it is a foul for excessive and unnecessary contact when the block is forceful and outside of the free-blocking zone. 2-16-2h: Clarified that illegal participation fouls by the receiving team occurring during the kick are now enforced under post-scrimmage kick fouls. Rationale: Illegal participation fouls by the receiving team occurring during the kick are now enforced under post-scrimmage kick fouls. Illegal substitution and illegal participation fouls by the receiving team occurring at the snap continue to be enforced from the previous spot. 2-24-10 (NEW), 6-1-11 (NEW), 6-1 PENALTY: Added a new definition for a pop-up kick and specifies a penalty for a pop-up kick. Rationale: Continuing with the committee’s efforts to minimize risk, a pop-up kickoff has been defined. A pop-up kick is a free kick in which the kicker drives the ball immediately to the ground, the ball strikes the ground once and goes into the air in the manner of a ball kicked directly off the tee. Such kicks will be penalized as a dead-ball free-kick infraction. 2-32-16: Expands the definition of a defenseless player by incorporating specific examples. Rationale: The committee adopted specific examples of a defenseless player. By adding these examples, the committee continues to focus on risk minimization and responded to requests on the annual NFHS football rules questionnaire from participating coaches, game officials and state association representatives. 3-4-7 (NEW): Added a new option to the offended team to start the clock on the snap for an accepted penalty inside the last two minutes of either half. Rationale: The committee added an option for the offended team on an accepted penalty inside the last two minutes of either half. The referee continues to have the authority to start or stop the clock if a team attempts to conserve or consume time illegally. 4-2-2l (NEW): Specifies that the ball is declared dead if a prosthetic limb comes completely off the runner. Rationale: With this change, the ball becomes dead when a prosthetic limb comes completely off the runner. 7-1-6: Now stipulates that it is encroachment to strike the ball or the snapper’s hand/arm prior to the snapper releasing the ball. Rationale: Defensive players are restricted from contacting the ball or the snapper’s hand(s) or arm(s) until the snapper has released the ball. 7-5-10: Removes non-contact face guarding from the pass interference restrictions. Rationale: This change eliminates the previous foul for non-contact face guarding forward-pass interference. 2017 EDITORIAL CHANGES Facilities Statement; 1-3-2; 1-5-1a(1); 1-5-1a(2) NOTE; 1-5-2b; 1-5-3b(6); 1-5-3c(2); 1-5-5; 1-6-1; 1-6-2; 2-5-3; 2-41-3; 2-41-5; 3-4-8; 3-5-7f; 3-5-8b(2); 3-5-10b; 3-5-10c; 4-2-2k; 7-5-6a; 9-3 PENALTY; 9-4-3k; 9-8-1h; 10-5-1c; FOOTBALL FUNDAMENTALS – VI-2; PENALTY SUMMARY; INDEX. 2017 POINTS OF EMPHASIS -- Responsibility on Players to Avoid Illegal Contact -- Illegal Helmet Contact -- Sideline Management and Control, Professional Communication Between Coaches and Game Officials -- Proper Enforcement of Penalties for Violations of the Equipment Rules Softball Rules Changes - 2017 By NFHS 1-5-2c: The taper is the transition area which connects the narrower handle to the wider barrel portion of the bat. The taper shall have a conical shape. Language requiring the taper to be of a solid surface has been removed. Rationale: This change brings the NFHS in line with other rules codes concerning the surface of the taper. 3-2-1: While uniforms of team members shall be of the same color and style, state associations permit players to participate while wearing a different style uniform for various reasons, including inclement weather. Rationale: There may be circumstances in which state associations make accommodations relative to inclement weather, religious exceptions, or other situations. 3-2-7: Exposed undergarments, if worn, are considered part of the official uniform. All exposed undergarments shall be a solid single color: black, white, gray or a school color. a. For individual players, exposed upper-body undergarments do not have to be the same color as exposed lower-body undergarments. b. For all team members, exposed upper-body undergarments shall be the same solid single color, and all exposed lower-body undergarments shall be the same solid single color. c. Garments other than team uniforms such as arm sleeves, leg sleeves, and tights are permissible. Anything worn on the arm or leg is a sleeve, except a brace, and shall meet the color restrictions. Rationale: Multi-color undergarments and sleeves are a distraction and create a possible safety concern. This rule establishes solid color requirements similar to other NFHS sport rules. 3-2-15 NEW: All equipment shall be inspected by the umpire, and is to be placed outside the dugout/bench prior to the start of the game. Rationale: Placing all equipment in one location at one time is a more efficient method to conduct this inspection. 3-6-7 PENALTY: Players and substitutes shall not enter the contest unreported. The umpire shall issue a team warning to the coach of the team involved and the next offender on that team shall be restricted to the dugout/bench for the remainder of the game. The head coach is also restricted to the dugout/bench for the remainder of the game for a second violation. Rationale: Language clarifies when the coach is restricted to the dugout/bench. 2017 Major Editorial Changes 6-2-2; 7-4-8 NOTE; 8-1-2; 8-2-4 EXCEPTION 2017 Points of Emphasis -- Pitching -- Uniforms -- DP/FLEX Simplified Volleyball Rules Changes 2017 By NFHS 5-5-3b(12): Outlines mechanics for the second referee to sound a warning whistle at 45 seconds or any other time when both teams take the court ready to play before the audio signal (horn) is sounded at 60 seconds. Clarifies all time-outs are officially ended with the audio signal (horn). Rationale: The defining end of a time-out shall be the horn and the warning of the impending end of the time-out is the second referee’s whistle at 45 seconds or at any other time when both teams take the court ready to play before the audio horn is sounded at 60 seconds. 5-4-3c(17): On a time-out, the first referee shall whistle the warning if the second referee is still checking the scoresheet. Rationale: A procedure is needed for the sounding of the warning whistle should the second referee still be involved with checking the scoresheet. 5-8-3a: Outlines the new procedures for the timer to give the audio signal (horn) only to officially end a time-out and no longer for the warning at 45 seconds into the time-out. Rationale: Clarifies that the audio signal (horn) shall only be sounded to indicate the official end of a time-out. 9-8-2 New: A replay, is considered, to be a part of a single play action. Therefore, once a replay has been called, by the first referee, no requests, e.g., time-out, service order, lineup, substitution, libero replacement, etc., may be recognized until after the rally is completed. Rationale: A replay is a single action to repeat the start and completion of a rally that was interrupted under Rule 9-8-1. Clarifies when resuming play, all circumstances should be the same and no requests shall be recognized for, e.g. time-out, service order, lineup, substitution, libero replacement etc. Officials Signals: Omit the illegal substitution signal (Signal # 20) as the penalty is Unnecessary Delay if attempting to enter the set and illegal alignment if observed in the set. Rationale: The penalty for illegal substitution is "unnecessary delay--administrative yellow or red card;" there is no longer a need to have two penalty signals, illegal substitution and unnecessary delay. 2017-18 VOLLEYBALL MAJOR EDITORIAL CHANGES 2-1-5: Clarifies the language regarding the attack line shall be solid and one clearly visible color. 5-2-1b: Clarifies when the second referee will indicate both the nature of the fault and the number of the player committing the net fault. 2017-2018 Volleyball Editorial Changes 4-1 Penalty 3, 4-2 Penalty 2, 10-3-3, 11-2 Penalties 1 and 2, Sample Sets 2017-18 Volleyball Points of Emphasis 1. Conduct and Privileges of Assistant Coaches 2. Court Boundary Lines and Attack Lines 3. Second Referee-Handling of Request for Third Time-Out 4. Letters of Authorization 5. Mechanics of Signals and Communication

Christina Brooke Surcey won the Georgia Junior Golf state championship at Eagles Landing Country Club last week. Surcey, 11, shot 45-44 over two days of 9-hole competition to defeat Haven Ward of Atlanta by two strokes in the 13-and-under division of the 9-Hole Championship. She had qualified for the championship by finishing tied for first in the eight tournament standings accumulated this summer. The win qualified her for the Georgia Sub-Regional of the Drive, Chip and Putt competition, the PGA’s premier showcase for younger golfers. The Drive, Chip, and Putt competition will take place on Sunday. Surcey is coached by Bill Hassell at Cartersville Country Club. She will attend Cass Middle School in the fall.

It went down to the wire Thursday night in the first-ever High School Kickoff Challenge at LakePoint Station, but Woodland High School came away with the 2017 title in a narrow decision. Woodland finished a mere three points ahead of Cartersville and only five points ahead of Adairsville in winning the inaugural event. Cass finished fourth. The Woodland adult duo of head football coach Tony Plott and administrator Lori Scifers won the final event of the night — Mogli-Yogli Frozen Yogurt Tasting — and captured 10 points to collect the come-from-behind overall victory. Cartersville led 28-23 heading into the final event, but tied for third with Cass in the frozen yogurt tasting and earned only 2 points. Woodland also had event wins in pizza building at St. Angelo’s Pizza at LakePoint Station and the Clip ’N Climb relay. Cartersville won the Laser Target Shooting competition. Adairsville took the Mini-Golf Alternate Shot. The winning school for each event received 10 points. Second place was good for 7 points and Third place received 4 points. There were bonus points in the Laser Shooting contest for most accuracy and highest individual score. Scoring by event: Pizza Building (best school logo or mascot) — Woodland 10 — Cass 7 — Cartersville 4 Clip N Climb (rock climbing relay) — Woodland 10 — Cartersville 7 — Adairsville 4 Mini-Golf Team Alternate Shot — Adairsville 10 — Cartersville 7 — Cass 4 Laser Target Shooting — Cartersville 10 — Cass 7 — Adairsville 4 (3 bonus for high individual) — Woodland (3 bonus for highest accuracy rate) Frozen Yogurt Tasting — Woodland 10 — Adairsville 7 — Cartersville 2 (tie) — Cass 2 (tie) TEAM TOTALS — Woodland 33 — Cartersville 30 — Adairsville 28 — Cass 20 Highlights from the evening and interviews with coaches and administrators were conducted live on WBHF Radio (100.3fm / am1450) as a large crowd looked on at each event. The High School Kickoff Challenge championship plaque will be awarded to Woodland High School at a future assembly, pep rally, or football game chosen by the school.

Bobby Howard, who was recently hired as the head baseball coach at Cartersville High School, has resigned the position. The information was distributed in a press release from the Cartersville School System. “Cartersville City School System Baseball Coach Bobby Howard tendered his resignation on Wednesday, July 27," the press release said. "Howard cited misinformation he received on his Georgia retirement and its implications as his reason for resigning." Assistant coach Kyle Tucker was named the interim head coach. Cartersville High School Athletic Director Darrell Demastus said, “We were very excited about the experience and ability Coach Howard would bring to our team, but we understand it was necessary for him and his family to make this very difficult decision.” Kyle Tucker, a graduate of Cartersville City Schools and Clemson University, will serve as the interim coach for the 2017-18 school year. For the past 10 years, Tucker has worked as an assistant baseball and football coach at Cartersville High School. He helped lead the baseball team to its three GHSA AAA state championships, eight region championships and six state semifinal appearances. Cartersville High School Principal Marc Feuerbach said, “It has been a pleasure working with Coach Howard over this past month and we wish him the best. It is regrettable that he is unable to remain with Cartersville City Schools. However, I believe wholeheartedly in Mr. Tucker’s ability to lead our team, not only to success on the field, but also to instill in them the character and qualities necessary to grow into exemplary young men.” The announcement of Howard’s hiring came in a press conference June 22. He was selected after former head coach Stuart Chester left at the end of the 2017 season to take the head coaching position at Buford High School Howard won 12 state titles in 30 years at Columbus High School and arrived at Cartersville High School after a stint as head coach at Phenix City Central High School in Alabama. PHOTO RIGHT: Kyle Tucker

A nice playoff run by the Bartow County Junior Little League all-star team came to an end Wednesday night in the team’s fourth game at the Georgia Junior Little League State Tournament at Clarke-Central High School in Athens as Bartow lost to Elbert County, 15-1. Bartow, who qualified for the state tournament as the District 1 champion, had state tournament wins over Elbert County (4-3) and Athens (7-5), but also had a 7-5 loss to Hart County in the double-elimination tournament. Bartow won the District 1 title by sweeping a best-of-three series over Cartersville, 5-4 and 7-5. Bartow County Junior Little League roster: Isaac Linley, Bryce Richards, Alex Freeman, Jayden Smith, Jordan Gani, Patrick Shelley, Colin Eaton, T.J. Grimes, Jimbo Gaines, Trevor Collum, Nick Bailey, and Jordan Jonathan. PHOTOS: Nick Bailey, Trevor Collum Bartow County Little League, Cartersville Little League, Bartow County Recreation Department, and Cartersville Recreation Department softball and baseball updates are provided by the respective leagues and recreation departments. The updates are presented on Bartow Sports Zone by Play It Again Sports - Cartersville — 410 Cherokee Place.

Former Cass High School wrestling standout and Cumberland University All-American, Sammy Rosario, has been named assistant wrestling coach at Life University. Head Men's Wrestling Coach Omi Acosta rounded out his 2017-18 coaching staff with announcement of Rosario. A three-time state qualifier at Cass, Rosario has a long list of accomplishments as a wrestler. He was a three-time national qualifier at Cumberland University, where he was a 2017 All-American and finished sixth at the NAIA National Championships. In high school, Rosario had two top-4 finishes and one top-3 finish. Rosario holds a bachelor's degree from Cumberland University. Life University is located in Marietta, GA and is a member of the NAIA’s Mid-South Conference.

The Cartersville Little League Baseball (12U) all-stars trailed Athens Little League 5-0 early Tuesday night at the Georgia Little League State Tournament in Peachtree City, but rallied for six runs in the bottom of the second and added two more in the fifth on their way to an 8-6 victory. Cartersville managed its eight runs on only three hits, taking advantage of eight walks and a pair of Athens miscues. Chris Roper hit a three-run homer for Cartersville in the second inning to give the locals a 6-5 lead. Tyler Shelton and Drake Carver had RBI singles in the inning. A pair of hit batsmen and three walks also contributed to Cartersville’s big inning. After Athens tied the game 6-6 in the third inning, Cartersville pitcher Jakiyon Porter (3.2 IP, 0R, 0H, 2BB, 6K) kept them off the scoreboard the remainder of the night. He allowed only a pair of walks over the final three and two-thirds innings and fanned six. Cartersville took its final lead with two runs in the bottom of the fifth inning. Three walks, an error, and two passed balls accounted for the Cartersville runs. Harrison Childers (1.2 IP, 5R, 2ER, 0BB, 1K) started on the mound for Cartersville and Trip Bradley (0.2 IP, 1ER, 0H, 3BB, 1K) recorded the final out of the second inning and the first out of the third. Cartersville, now 2-0 in the double-elimination tournament, plays Tuesday’s Northern (Columbus)/Peachtree City winner on Thursday at 8pm at Peachtree City Little League. Bartow County Little League, Cartersville Little League, Bartow County Recreation Department, and Cartersville Recreation Department softball and baseball updates are provided by the respective leagues and recreation departments. The updates are presented on Bartow Sports Zone by Play It Again Sports - Cartersville — 410 Cherokee Place.

The Bartow County Junior Little League all-stars outlasted Athens Junior Little League Tuesday night 7-5 at the Georgia Junior Little League State Tournament at Clarke Central High School in Athens. The win keeps Bartow alive in the double-elimination tournament that is now down to its final four teams. Athens took a 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning, but Bartow responded with two runs in the bottom of the opening frame. Athens tied the game with another tally in the top of the second inning, but Bartow took the lead for good with another run in the bottom of the second. Bartow added two runs in the bottom of the fourth to push their advantage to 5-2, but Athens matched those two runs in the top of the fifth to make the score 5-4. Two more runs by Bartow in the bottom of the sixth gave the locals a 7-4 lead and Athens managed a single run in the top of the seventh for the 7-5 final score. Trevor Collum (5 IP, 4H, 4R, 3ER) started on the mound and picked up the pitching victory for Bartow. T.J. Grimes (1.1 IP, 3H, 1ER) worked into the seventh inning and Jordan Jonathan (0.2 IP) closed out the final inning for a save. He retired the final two outs with a ground ball and a fly out. Collum led Bartow at the plate with a pair of RBI singles. Jordan Gani also had a pair of hits. Grimes, Jayden Smith (RBI), and Jonathan (double) had the other Bartow hits. Patrick Shelley reached base three times by base on balls. Isaac Linley coaxed a pair of walks and Collin Eaton also reached base by walk. Bartow now faces Elbert County Wednesday night at 6pm in another elimination game. Elbert County (1-1) defeated West Point Monday night 13-4 after falling to Bartow in both teams tournament opener Saturday, 4-3. The Bartow/Elbert winner advances to play Northern (Columbus) Thursday night. Northern fell to unbeaten Hart County Tuesday evening. ​​Bartow County Little League, Cartersville Little League, Bartow County Recreation Department, and Cartersville Recreation Department softball and baseball updates are provided by the respective leagues and recreation departments. The updates are presented on Bartow Sports Zone by Play It Again Sports - Cartersville — 410 Cherokee Place.

The Adairsville Tigers football team navigated some 'rough water' last season and failed to make the state playoffs for the first time in five years. The experience gained in the process, however, has head coach Eric Bishop encouraged moving into the 2017 season. “We went through some growing pains last season,” reflected Bishop. “The 2015 seniors included a group of players that had been three or four year starters, so last year we only returned three starters on each side of the ball. Experience is paramount in high school football, so our inexperience showed in those early ball games.” In fact, Adairsville lost its first three games to Ridgeland, Cass, and Model before picking up cross-over region wins over Ringgold and Murray County. They later added a win over Haralson County to finish the year 3-7. “A three-win season is not the standard or the expectation at Adairsville, but it was something we had to go through,” said Bishop. “We still had a shot at the state playoffs in our tenth game, however, and if it were not for an inadvertent whistle on a potential “scoop and score” play with just over a minute remaining, we would have qualified for the playoffs for a sixth consecutive season.” The controversial play not only culminated a tough season for the Tigers, it was a difficult way for the final game to play out. With 2016 behind them, Bishop is ready to see how his troops respond after a successful off-season. “We’re excited for the experience gained last year and looking forward to this season,” said Bishop. “We return seven starters on each side of the ball, so that should help us in those early games. Missing the playoffs last year has definitely been a motivator in our program this off-season.” Bishop discussed several key ingredients on the Tigers’ 2017 roster including Bryce Burgess, Mason Boswell, and Ethan Belcher. Burgess (SB/DB, 5-10, 190, Sr.) has been an off-season leader for the Tigers according to Bishop. “He played five different postions for us in the spring and our team responds to his leadership,” he noted. “Boswell (RB/DB, 6-0, 190, Jr.) is very athletic and dynamic on both sides of the ball,” Bishop continued. “He has shown signs of being a big-play guy on offense and a big hitter on defense.” Bishop then referred to Belcher as vastly improved. “Ethan (Belcher) (WR, 6-1, 160, Sr.) had a break-out season last year as a wideout. He’s a basketball player that did not play football until last year. He has worked really hard and continually improved this off-season. He has become our most polished receiver.” Adairsville will compete in Region 6AAA and the league will again be sub-divided. The Tigers will be in the South sub-region with Bremen, Calhoun, Haralson County, and Sonoraville. Region 6AAA North will be comprised of Coahulla Creek, Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe, Murray County, North Murray, and Ringgold. “There’s probably more parity in our region than ever before,” declared Bishop. “Calhoun is the defending region champion and has been for some time now. They are obviously the favorite to repeat again. After Calhoun, however, there are a lot of quality teams. We have to be ready every week.” The 2017 Tigers will play two of their first three games at home and will not leave Bartow County until mid-September. “We will again play some larger schools in our pre-region schedule, Bishop said. “We hope those challenges will help prepare us for the cross-over region games and the sub-region games at the end of the schedule.” Adairsville hosts Ridgeland to open the regular season August 18 and travels down the road to play at Cass on August 25. The Tigers then host Model on September 1 and follow that with an open week. Region 6AAA cross-over games at Ringgold September 15 and at home with Murray County September 22 send the Tigers into their four sub-region games down the stretch. Adairsville hosts Calhoun October 6 and Bremen October 20. They play at Sonoraville October 13 and at Haralson County October 27. The regular season concludes with either a region cross-over play-in game or a final consolation game. In discussing the Tigers' schedule, Bishop did not hesitate to point to games that receive the most early attention. “Our fans earmark the Calhoun game and have for many years. It’s big in our community, but so is the cross-county game with Cass and the opener with Ridgeland. That first game will be an important ‘tape-measure- type’ game for our team. They have a really solid program going.” Bishop pointed to his offensive line as a genuine strength for this year’s team. Maddox Teems (6-1, 260, Sr.), Jonah Cline (5-8, 210, Sr.), Brayden Crunkleton (6-0, 200, Sr.), Brock Holland (6-0, 290, Sr.), Cameron O’Neal (5-11, 195, Sr.), and Josh Brown (6-2, 240, Jr.) are among those giving the head coach confidence. “Our offense starts with our offensive line,” declared Bishop. “I feel very good about our guys up front. For the past few seasons our defensive line has been our best unit, but I think it’s fair to say the offensive line gets that nod at this point and returns the most experience.” Bishop went on the talk about his offense. “With our zone option offense, we know we have to be able to run the football,” he continued. “We aren’t changing much on offense schematically, but our emphasis will be more on the option game.” Other key personnel ingredients for Bishop’s Tigers in 2017 will include Travon Branch (RB/CB, 5-4, 150, Sr.), Dakota Hughes (LB/TE, 6-3, 225, Jr.), Joseph Adcock (DL, 6-0, 220, Sr.), Reed Hughes (DB, 6-0, 180, Sr.), Daylon Bailey (DB, 5-5, 130, Sr.), Chance Jones (WR, 6-1, 175, Sr.), and Kyle Martin (LB, Jr.). “We’ve had a ton of kids doing really good things this spring and summer,” Bishop continued. “All those kids and more have had a great off-season.” ADAIRSVILLE TIGERS 2017 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE ​ Aug. 18 -- RIDGELAND Aug. 25 -- at Cass Sept. 1 -- MODEL Sept. 8 -- open date Sept. 15 -- at Ringgold Sept. 22 -- MURRAY COUNTY Sept. 29 -- open date Oct. 6 -- CALHOUN Oct. 13 -- at Sonoraville Oct. 20 -- BREMEN Oct. 27 -- at Haralson County Nov. 3 -- at Region 6AAA Play-In Game Editors Note: Tune in to Bartow’s Morning News on WBHF (100.3FM / AM1450) each morning for features on all four local football programs until the regular season openers. Woodland will be featured the week of July 24, Cass the week of July 31, Adairsville the week of August 7, and Cartersville the week of August 14. The Bartow Sports Zone radio show on WBHF returns Friday, August 11 (7am to 9am each Friday) and will feature two of the four local head football coaches as guests each week.

Chad Branton fired rounds of 64 and 71 Saturday and Sunday on the way to his fourth consecutive Cartersville Country Club MGA Club Championship this past weekend. The final two rounds overcame an opening round 80 on Friday to finish the 54-hole event 1-under-par and edge runner-up Bill Faith by two shots. Branton made birdies on three of his final four holes in Sunday's final round to secure the title. Meanwhile in the Cartersville Country Club LGA Championship, Jeanie Jones captured the women’s club championship title and also secured medalist round and handicap champion. Kathy Sutton won the ladies senior title and Carol Burns won the women’s second flight championship. PHOTO: Chad Branton with CCC Head Golf Professional Bill Hassell. PHOTOS: Clockwise from top left: Bill Hassell with Jeanie Jones, Kathy Sutton, and Carol Burns; Erik Russell; Mike Woodard; Preston Partain and Tom Strickland; Reid Dunn, Sr.; and Ricky Stepp. In the other men’s divisions, Erik Russell won the Blue Tee Championship with Mike Woodard taking the Blue Tee net title. Ricky Stepp won the Senior Club Championship with Reid Dunn, Sr. capturing the Senior Net Division. Preston Partain captured the Super Senior Division championship and Tom Strickland was the Super Senior Net Division winner. The Cartersville Country Club Men’s Golf Association top results by division: CHAMPIONSHIP FLIGHT Chad Branton . . . . . . . . . . 80-64-71 — 215 (1-under-par) Bill Faith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72-74-71 — 217 Justin Johnson . . . . . . . . . 75-71-74 — 220 Chase Jones . . . . . . . . . . . 76-71-74 — 221 Robert Howard . . . . . . . . . 74-76-72 — 222 Dave Coleman . . . . . . . . .. 74-72-77 — 223 Brendan Hughes . . . . . . . . 75-74-75 — 224 Reid Dunn, Jr. . . . . . . . . . . 75-76-74 — 225 Scott Davenport . . . . . . . . . 75-74-76 — 225 Greg Johnson . . . . . . . . . . . 71-81-73 — 225 Patrick Jones . . . . . . . . . . .. 80-72-77 — 229 Buster Bruton . . . . . . . . . . . 76-78-75 — 229 Taylor Dorner . . . . . . . . . . . 77-77-76 — 230 BLUE TEE DIVISION Erik Russell . . . . . . . . . . . . 71-79 — 150 (6-over-par) Mike Woodard . . . . . . . . . . 79-71 — 150 Glenn Harris . . . . . . . . . . . 75-78 — 153 David Baker . . . . . . . . . . . . 77-78 — 155 Charlie Culverhouse . . . . .. 83-78 — 161 Wes Durham . . . . . . . . . . . 83-82 — 165 Mike Scott . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84-83 — 167 Mark Ezell . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79-89 — 168 Taylor Perry . . . . . . . . . . . . 83-85 — 168 Luke Sheffield . . . . . . . . . . 82-88 — 170 Chad Roberson . . . . . . . . . 89-81 — 170 David Cagle . . . . . . . . . . . . 83-88 — 171 SENIOR DIVISION Ricky Stepp . . . . . . . . . . . 69-75 — 144 (Even par) Charles Wilson . . . . . . . . . 72-77 — 149 Reid Dunn, Sr. . . . . . . . . . 80-75 — 155 Gene Carney . . . . . . . . . . 77-84 — 161 Steve Sheffield . . . . . . . . . 77-87 — 164 Casey deWit . . . . . . . . . . . 84-81 — 165 Ronnie Gravley . . . . . . . . . 84-82 — 166 Tommy Carnes . . . . . . . . . 87-80 — 167 Derek Strange . . . . . . . . . 85-83 — 168 SUPER SENIOR DIVISION Preston Partain . . . . . . . . . 75-72 — 147 (3-over-par) Tom Strickland . . . . . . . . . . 73-80 — 153 Greg Owens . . . . . . . . . . . 79-76 — 155 Larry Blackburn . . . . . . . . . 80-78 — 158 Ralph Martin . . . . . . . . . . . 76-86 — 162 Alan Peterson . . . . . . . . . . 86-80 — 166 Bill Blair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83-83 — 166

Rainouts Monday have forced rescheduling for the Georgia Little League Baseball (12U) State Tournament being hosted by Peachtree City Little League. The tournament began this past Saturday and could now extend into Sunday of this week. Cartersville Little League, 1-0 in the double-elimination state tournament won its opening game Saturday 7-2 over Dudley Little League and is now scheduled to play next on Tuesday night. Updated Georgia Little League Baseball State Tournament schedule: (double-elimination format) GAME 1 ~ Northern (District 8) 14, Midway (District 3) 0 GAME 2 ~ Athens (District 10) 6, Elbert County (District 6) 1 GAME 3 ~ Cartersville (District 1) 7, Dudley (District 5) 2 GAME 4 ~ Peachtree City National (District 4) 13, Toccoa (District 7) 3 GAME 5 ~ Northern (District 8) 7, Smyrna (District 2) 3 GAME 6 ~ Elbert County (District 6) 8, Midway (District 3) 6 (Midway eliminated) GAME 7 ~ Tue 7/25/17 6:00 pm — Elimination Bracket Field 3 ~ Toccoa (District 7) vs Smyrna (District 2) GAME 8 ~ Tue 7/25/17 6:00 pm — Elimination Bracket Field 4 ~ Dudley (District 5) vs Elbert Cty (District 6) GAME 9 ~ Tue 7/25/17 8:00 pm Field 4 ~ Athens (District 10) vs Cartersville (District 1) GAME 10 ~ Tue 7/25/17 8:00 PM Field 3 ~ Northern (District 8) vs Peachtree City (District 4) GAME 11 ~ Wed 7/26/17 6:00 pm — Elimination Bracket Field 3 ~ WInner Game 7 vs Loser Game 9 GAME 12 ~ Wed 7/26/17 8:00 pm — Elimination Bracket Field 3 ~ Winner Game 8 vs Loser Game 10 GAME 13 ~ Thur 7/27/17 8:00 pm Field 3 ~ Winner Game 9 vs WInner Game 10 GAME 14 ~ Thur 7/27/17 6:00 pm — Elimination Bracket Field 3 ~ Winner Game 11 vs Winner Game 12 GAME 15 ~ Fri 7/28/17 7:00 pm — Elimination Bracket Field 3 ~ Loser Game 13 vs Winner Game 14 GAME 16 ~ Sat 7/29/17 7:00 pm — Championship Game Field 3 ~ WInner Game 13 vs Winner Game 15 GAME 17 ~ Sun 7/30/17 1:00 pm (If Necessary) Field 3 ~ WInner Game 16 vs Loser Game 16 Bartow County Little League, Cartersville Little League, Bartow County Recreation Department, and Cartersville Recreation Department softball and baseball updates are provided by the respective leagues and recreation departments. The updates are presented on Bartow Sports Zone by Play It Again Sports - Cartersville — 410 Cherokee Place.