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October 25, 2025 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com Woodland sophomore running back Solomon James finds an opening in the Cedartown defense. Solomon James erupted for three touchdowns and 217 all-purpose yards as the Woodland Wildcats won their second-straight game with a 28-14 victory over the visiting Cedartown Bulldogs on Friday night at Wildcats Stadium. The first quarter set the tone for a back-and-forth first half.  Cedartown struck first when Jaylen Johnson broke free for a 40-yard touchdown run at the 9:32 mark. The Bulldogs' PAT made it 7-0. Woodland answered immediately. James lofted a halfback pass to Korbyn Jarrett for a 23-yard touchdown. Hunter Limbaugh’s first of four PAT kicks tied it at 7-7 with 5:39 left in the opening period. Less than five minutes later, James took matters into his own hands with a 41-yard touchdown scamper. Limbaugh’s kick gave Woodland a 14-7 lead with 49 seconds remaining in the first. Clayton McArdle (10) looks for yardage after the catch. Cedartown quarterback Wyatt Mosley knotted the score at 14-14 with a 5-yard touchdown run at the 0:26 mark of the second quarter, sending the teams to the intermission with the score tied. The teams traded possessions through a scoreless third quarter, though Woodland was driving as the period ended. The Wildcats finished off their victory with a pair of fourth-quarter scores. James plunged in from 5 yards out with 11:54 remaining to put Woodland ahead 21-14. With just under three minutes remaining, he broke loose again for a 19-yard touchdown run, and Limbaugh’s PAT set the final margin at 28-14. Woodland defenders stop a Cedartown run. James finished with 126 rushing yards on 20 carries, three total touchdowns, a 23-yard touchdown pass to Jarrett, and five receptions for 68 yards. Sammy Ray IV completed 11 of 15 passes for 113 yards with one interception. Clayton McArdle added three catches for 29 yards. Cedartown finished 2-8 overall and winless in region play. Woodland (2-7, 1-4) hosts Dalton on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. in its regular-season finale. ~~ Stuart Morse contributed to this report.

By Scott Barkley / CanesAthletics.com Braylon Hill had 159 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns in the first half of the Canes' 50-7 win at Hiram on October 24. Braylon Hill rushed for 137 yards on only eight carries as Cartersville built a 30-0 first-quarter lead on the way to a 50-7 win over Hiram to secure a Region 7-4A title.  The Canes are idle next week, which is followed by a GHSA-mandated open week. Cartersville returns on Nov. 14 in Weinman Stadium for the first round of the playoffs.  Hill opened the game with a 22-yard reception for 159 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns in one half of play as the Canes took a 44-0 lead into the locker room. Quarterback Nate Russell, 12-of-13 for 208 yards and two scores, also exited the game after the first half alongside other starters.  Brady Marchese caught three passes for 36 yards on the Canes’ first possession, finishing with a 12-yarder from Russell less than two minutes into the game. The Georgia signee barely missed getting another touchdown on the next drive before falling out of bounds at the one. Tripp Chatmon bulled his way in on the next play before a two-point conversion attempt to Madoxx Davis fell incomplete for the 13-0 lead. Ramsey Rowell, who connected on all five point-after attempts, followed up Hill’s first touchdown of the night with a 20-yard field goal for a 23-0 cushion. The Canes’ defense set up the next score as Kylen Pope ran down Hiram quarterback Caleb Carmichael to force a fumble that Chatmon recovered at the Hornet 18. Tyon Coe’s eight-yard run pushed the advantage 30-0.  The Hurricanes' defense bottles up a Hiram ball carrier. Marchese led the Canes with 84 yards and a score through the air on five touches. Davis finished with 59 yards on four catches. Cooper Melvin’s 51 yards on two receptions included a 34-yard score for a 37-0 advantage midway through the second quarter.  Hill has provided many an electric play this season, and his run to close out the first half certainly applies.  Taking a handoff left near midfield, the senior reversed his field and followed a nice downfield block by Marchese to waterbug his way around tacklers for the 48-yard score and 44-0 Canes lead.  After a Hiram score against Cartersville's defensive backups, Harris Turner led the offense on a 97-yard drive, capped by a 39-yard CJ McClendon run to the two. AJ Townsend scored on the next play, but the running clock expired before the extra point kick, leaving the score at 50-7.

October 25, 2025 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com Peyton Chancey's four touchdown runs powered the Gilmer Bobcats to a dramatic 28-21 comeback victory over the Adairsville Tigers on Friday night in Ellijay, capping a wild fourth quarter that featured two successful onside kicks, a blocked PAT, and a controversial call that swung momentum in a Region 7-AAA showdown. Gilmer leaned on its ground game from the opening whistle, with Chancey capping an 11-play, 65-yard drive at the 5:41 mark of the first quarter with a 7-yard touchdown scamper. Carter Gearhart's PAT made it 7-0.  Adairsville turned it over on downs on its ensuing possession, but Gilmer couldn't add to the lead after Gearhart missed a 31-yard field goal with six seconds left in the quarter following a 6-play, 24-yard march. The Bobcats extended their advantage in the second quarter when Chancey plunged in from 2 yards out to finish an 8-play, 80-yard drive at the 6:13 mark, pushing the score to 14-0 after Gearhart's kick.  Adairsville finally answered late in the half, as Braxton Elrod orchestrated a 9-play, 65-yard series ending with his own 7-yard touchdown keeper at 0:27. Cooper Souders' PAT cut it to 14-7 at halftime. The third quarter belonged to Gilmer's defense and clock management.  Adairsville went three-and-out on the opening possession, and the Bobcats took over at their own 20-yard line with 10:08 remaining. They methodically marched to the Adairsville 20 and held the ball for the remainder of the period, setting up a pivotal final quarter. Gilmer struck first in the fourth on a grueling 14-play, 80-yard drive that consumed nearly five minutes, with Chancey scoring from 1 yard out at 10:58. Colt Sanford blocked Gearhart's PAT attempt, keeping it 20-7.  Adairsville responded immediately, needing just three plays to cover 71 yards, highlighted by Elrod's 30-yard touchdown strike to Sanford at 10:03. The PAT made it 20-14. The Tigers weren't done. They executed a successful onside kick and recovery, then drove 49 yards in seven plays for Elrod's 4-yard touchdown pass to Evan Hardin at 6:16, taking their first lead at 21-20 after the PAT. Adairsville attempted another onside kick, but controversy erupted when the ball appeared to touch a Gilmer player first before being recovered by the Tigers. Officials ruled that Adairsville touched it initially, awarding possession to Gilmer. The Bobcats capitalized, driving 49 yards in eight plays and punching it in with Chancey's 1-yard touchdown run at 1:20. Hunter Brittain's 2-point conversion run extended the lead to 28-21. Adairsville mounted one final push but, out of timeouts, managed only one first down before going four-and-out. Gilmer knelt to run out the clock and seal the win. Chancey finished with 103 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 25 carries, while Elrod accounted for two scores through the air and one on the ground for the Tigers. The Adairsville signal-caller was 12-for-22 passing for 135 yards. He rushed for 69 yards on 15 attempts. Sanford had seven receptions for the Tigers for 99 yards and one touchdown.  Gatlin Fair had 11 total tackles for the Adairsville defense. Matthew Cook finished with ten. Adairsville (4-4 overall, 3-2 region) hosts Heritage-Catoosa next week, while Gilmer (5-4, 2-3) travels to Ridgeland for its regular-season finale. ~~ Larry Gardner contributed to this report.

October 21, 2025 Cartersville volleyball defeated visiting Blessed Trinity 25-23, 25-16, and 25-11 Tuesday night in the quarterfinals of the Class 4A state tournament. Jada Zimmerman had 10 kills and three blocks for the Lady Canes. Amara Ejieke contributed seven kills and four blocks. Blakely Morris produced five blocks and four kills. Holly Dufrene had five blocks and three kills, and Riley Huff finished with six blocks. Emma Wall had seven assists, six digs, and three assists. Aubree Barrett had 13 assists and three aces. Sydney Seigler contributed four aces, and McKenzie Wilkie totaled 15 digs. With their straight-set victory, the Lady Canes (44-6) advance to the state semifinals on Saturday at Seckinger High School in Buford to face the Pace Academy/Starr’s Mill quarterfinal survivor. The loss ended the season for Blessed Trinity with a 35-11 record.

October 18, 2025 Scott Barkley / CanesAthletics.com Cole Crawford runs to daylight in the Canes' win over Cedartown. RANDY PARKER / DTN Brady Marchese and Madoxx Davis combined for six touchdowns and 238 all-purpose yards, all in the first half, as CHS rolled to a 52-0 win over visiting Cedartown Friday night, Oct. 17.  Tyon Coe’s 17-yard run to paydirt and Ramsey Rowell’s 25-yard kick rounded out the scoring as the No. 3 Canes moved to 8-0 on the season and 4-0 in Region 7. Cedartown dropped to 2-6 and 0-4.    Quarterback Nate Russell was perfect through the air, connecting on all eight throws for 227 yards and five scores. The only time the ball left his hand and hit the ground came during a penalty against the Canes when he threw the ball to an unoccupied spot on the field intentionally.  “That was my fault,” he said afterward. “We were trying to go hurry up and our two receivers on the left weren’t set. They called a penalty, and I knew it was on us, so I just threw it where no one could get it.” The penalty wiped out the play and set up a first-and-15. After a Cooper Melvin nine-yard reception, Coe darted to the end zone for a 35-0 lead after Rowell’s kick with 10:04 remaining in the first half.  Tripp Chatmon (4) runs away from a Cedartown defender. RANDY PARKER / DTN “We focus on each week and try to play to our standard,” Russell said. “We don’t worry too much about who we’re playing, but focus on doing our thing. I think it really says a lot about our coaches on how good a job we did to prepare for tonight. I was really happy with how we did.” Davis tacked on 80 yards in punt returns alongside his 88 in receiving for 168 all-purpose yards, which more than made up for one bobbled punt catch the sophomore recovered up on the ground. Penalties wiped out touchdown catches by Cole Crawford and Braylon Hill.  “We talk about dominating the details, separating good from great,” said head coach Conor Foster. “We always want to find ways to improve, and generally it’s not big things. It’s a bunch of little things that we can clean up. Every game, every practice is a great opportunity to create a better version of ourselves, and it starts with handling the details." “I thought we played hard and fast," Foster continued. "Both sides came out and played physical. I’m pleased not just with our starters, but also with our guys who have gotten a lot of reps the last few weeks and shown growth. I thought we played better with our twos and backups to finish the game, so I’m proud of those guys as well.” Rowell’s field goal accompanied five touchbacks on the night.  Cartersville quarterback Nate Russell fires a pass vs. Cedartown. RANDY PARKER / DTN “Ramsey’s been great this year,” Foster said. “We really appreciate Coach [Jonathan] Cruz and the mental approach he takes, which has made a big difference in Ramsey’s confidence.” The Canes jumped to a 15-0 lead after 18- and 26-yard Marchese touchdown catches. Davis tacked on a two-point conversion after the second score for the 15-0 lead before extending the advantage with a 53-yard punt return to the end zone after Cedartown’s next possession.  After another Bulldog punt, Hill started with a 28-yard run before Marchese caught his third touchdown pass in as many receptions, another one covering 26 yards. A low snap on the extra point kept the score to 28-0 with 1:22 left in the opening quarter.  After Coe’s score, Davis followed up with touchdown catches of 46 and 42 yards for the 49-0 lead. CHS piled up 348 yards in the first half on the way to 448 for the game.  Backups played throughout the second half, as a running clock gave each team two possessions.  Zion Ayeni’s nine-yard reception from Harris Turner and 33 yards on the ground by PJ Richards set up Rowell’s field goal on the Canes’ opening drive. CJ McClendon’s 44-yard run on their next possession put Cartersville inside the ten. That drive ended, though, with Jaden Navarrez’s 27-yard kick that sailed left. Chatmon rushed for 50 yards on two carries. McClendon carried four times for 47 yards, and Hill totaled 44 yards on five attempts. Davis had two catches for 88 yards and two touchdowns. Marchese caught three touchdown passes totaling 70 yards. Third-ranked Cartersville (9-0, 5-0) closes out the regular season on Friday at Hiram.

October 20, 2024 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com Coach Glen Woodard talks offensive strategy with Addi Burns and Miley Jo Williams. The Cartersville Lady Canes softball team won both games of their Class 4A Sweet Sixteen playoff series Monday night over the Madison County Raiders, winning 10-0 and 3-0 behind the strong pitching of Presley Crabbe and Zoie Shiflett. The doubleheader sweep in the best-of-three series earned the Lady Canes a trip to the Final Eight State Championship tournament in Columbus which begins October 29 at the Olympic Softball Complex. Shiflett tossed all seven innings of Game 1, scattering three hits and two walks. She struck out six. Crabbe worked all five innings of Game 2 in the circle. She scattered four hits with no walks and three strikeouts to shut out Madison County. The opener remained scoreless through the first 5-½ innings before the Lady Canes posted all three of their runs in the bottom of the sixth. Shiflett, who started the Canes’ sixth with a double, later retired the Raiders in order in the seventh to earn the win. In Game 2, Cartersville posted five runs in the top of the second to gain control. The Lady Canes added two runs in the fourth and three more in the fifth to close out the series. LaKiaya Banks (sac fly, two RBI), Sam Porter (double), and Taryn Bradley led the Cartersville offense with three hits each in the series. Shiflett (double, two RBI), Kennedy Crenshaw (double, two RBI), Sophia Harper (double, RBI), and Addi Burns (two RBI) produced two hits. Carder Brock (RBI) and Miley Jo Williams (RBI) contributed one hit, while Kinsey Woodard added one RBI in the doubleheader. Cartersville (29-4) will open the double-elimination Class 4A Elite Eight Tournament October 29 against Kell (26-3) on Field 2 in Columbus at 1:15 p.m.

October 20, 2025 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com This week’s update on locals contributing with their teams at the collegiate and professional level includes more than two dozen athletes from five different sports. NFL TREVOR LAWRENCE — Jacksonville Jaguars (NFL, 5th-year pro; Clemson; Cartersville HS) … completed 23 of 48 passes for 296 yards and one touchdown, but the Jaguars lost 35-7 to the Los Angeles Rams last Sunday in London’s Wembley Stadium. Lawrence added two runs for 18 yards. Jacksonville has a bye week before playing at the Las Vegas Raiders on November 2. FOOTBALL JOHNATHAN CLINE — East Tennessee State University (R-So., Cartersville HS) … was part of an offensive line rotation that helped produce 517 total yards, but lost at Chattanooga this past Saturday 42-38. The Buccaneers (3-5, 1-3 Southern Conference) host Wofford on Saturday. CARLOS DEL RIO-WILSON — Marshall University (R-Jr., Cartersville HS) … completed 22 of 32 passes for 277 yards and one touchdown with one interception in a 40-37 home win over Texas State this past Saturday. He also rushed for 88 yards on 17 attempts. The Thundering Herd (4-3, 2-1 Sun Belt Conference) has a bye week before traveling to Coastal Carolina on October 30. KAIL ELLIS — Auburn University (Fr., Cass HS) … the 17-year-old center saw action in his third game this season during a 20-17 overtime loss to15th-ranked Missouri. Auburn produced 357 total yards in the loss. The Tigers (3-4, 0-4 Southeast Conference) play at Arkansas on Saturday. TOKYO GORDON — Sam Houston State Univesity (Jr., Adairsville HS) … credited with one tackle October 15 in the Bearkats 35-17 home loss to UTEP. Sam Houston State (0-7, 0-4 Conference USA) hosts Louisiana Tech on Friday. DEVIN HENDERSON — Liberty University (R-Fr., Cass HS) … made five solo tackles October 14 in the Flames 30-27 home victory over New Mexico State. Liberty (3-4, 2-1 Conference USA) host Delaware on Saturday. KEVIN HENDERSON — University of Findlay (So., Cass HS) … made four tackles, including two tackles for loss in the 14th-ranked Oilers’ 28-0 home win over Kentucky Wesleyan University last Saturday. The starting linebacker was also credited with one pass breakup. Findlay (7-0, 5-0 Great Midwest Athletic Conference) hosts Ohio Dominican on Saturday. SHADRE HURST — Tulane University (R-Jr., Cartersville HS) … a starter on the Green Wave’s offensive line that helped produce 402 yards of total offense in a 24-17 home win last Saturday over Army. Tulane (6-1, 3-0 American Athletic Confernce) plays next at UTSA on October 30. KHRISTIAN LANDO — Jacksonville State University (R-Fr., Cartersville HS) … had four carries for 24 yards, including a 17-yard run in the Gamecocks’ 38-25 home win over Delaware on October 15. Jax State (4-3, 3-0 Conference USA) visits Middle Tennessee on Wednesday. TYLER MARTIN — Berry College (Sr., Cass HS) … a starter on the Vikings’ offensive line that helped produce 430 total yards in a 44-7 win at Sewanee last Saturday. Berry (5-1, 3-0 Southern Athletic Association) hosts Millsaps College (MS) on Saturday. JAKE PARKER — Cumberland University (R-Jr., Cartersville HS) … completed 26 of 45 passes for 240 yards last Saturday in a 34-13 loss at 18th-ranked Georgetown College (KY). He also had 66 rushing yards on 13 attempts. The Phoenix (4-3) host 9th-ranked Campbellsville University (KY) on Saturday. SAM PHILLIPS — University of Iowa (R-Jr., Cartersville HS) … a starter at wide receiver, but did not have a reception in the Hawkeyes’ 25-24 home win over Penn State last Saturday. Iowa  (5-2, 3-1 Big Ten) hosts Minnesota on Saturday afternoon. CHRIS ROPER — Dartmouth College (Jr., Adairsville HS) … was a participant, but did not have a stat ljne in the Big Green’s 30-13 win last Saturday at Fordham. Dartmouth (4-1, 1-1 Ivy League) hosts Columbia University on Friday night. DEVONTE ROSS — Penn State University (Sr., Cartersville HS) … had two catches for 15 yards in the Nittany Lions’ 25-24 loss last Saturday at Iowa. Penn State (3-4, 0-4 Big Ten) has a bye week before visiting Ohio State on November 1. STEPHEN ROWSER — Morehouse College (So., Cartersville HS) … made six tackles last Saturday in a 31-7 home victory over Lane College (TN). The Maroon Tigers (3-4, 3-2 Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference) visit Savannah State University for a conference game on Saturday afternoon. BRAXTON RYAN — Kentucky Wesleyan College (Fr., Adairsville HS) … was a starter on the Panthers’ offensive line last Saturday in a 28-0 loss at 16th-ranked University of Findlay. KWC (0-7, 0-5 Great Midwest Athletic Conference) had 151 yards of total offense in the loss. They host Northwood University (MI) on Saturday. SACOVIE WHITE-HELTON — University of Georgia (R-Fr., Cass HS) … the Bulldogs’ slot receiver saw action, but was not targeted in their 43-35 home win last Saturday over then 5th-ranked Ole Miss. Newly 5th-ranked Georgia (6-1, 4-1 Southeastern Conference) enjoys a bye week before facing off with Florida in Jacksonville on November 1. IAN WILLIAMS — University of Memphis (Fr., Cass HS) … saw action but did not have a stat line in the Tigers’ upset loss at UAB, 31-24. Memphis (6-1, 2-1 American Athletic Conference) hosts the University of South Florida on Saturday. GOLF BRODY TIDWELL — Georgia State University (Jr., Cartersville HS) … tied for 71st with rounds of 78-72-76 this past weekend and GSU was seventh of 15 teams at the Furman Intercollegiate at Furman University Golf Club in Greenville, South Carolina. Tidwell was also seventh individually with rounds of 73-76-71 on October 12-13 at The Scrappy hosted at Cobblestone Golf Club in Acworth. The Panthers were tournament runner-up behind host Kennesaw State in the nine-team tournament. Georgia State will return to action on February 2-3 in the Battle at Briar’s Creek in Charleston, South Carolina. SOCCER ABBEY CRAIG — Reinhardt University (Sr., Cartersville HS) … was a starter in both of the Lady Eagles’ losses last week to Truett McConnell (1-0) and the University of Pikeville (3-2). Reinhardt (7-5-2, 7-3-2 Appalachian Athletic Conference) visits Brenau University on Wednesday night. LIBBY MORGAN — Shorter University (Fr., Woodland HS) … made one start and totaled 89 minutes of pitch time in a pair of Hawks’ losses last week to Young Harris College at home and at Converse University. Shorter (1-8-2, 0-7-2 Conference Carolinas) visits Emmanuel University on Tuesday and hosts Ferrum College on Saturday. MACI NICKLAS — Truett McConnell University (So., Cartersville HS) … entered as a reserve and logged 59 minutes in a 2-0 win this past Saturday at Bluefield University (VA). The Bears (14-0-1, 11-0 Appalachian Athletic Conference) also won 2-0 at Milligan University on Sunday. TMU plays at Johnson University (TN) on Wednesday and hosts Spartanburg Methodist College on Saturday. VOLLEYBALL AILEE ENGLAND — Berry College (So., Cartersville HS) … saw action in seven sets and recorded two digs as the Vikings beat Southwestern University (TX), but lost to Trinity University (TX) this past weekend. Berry (18-4, 9-2 Southern Athletic Association) visits Oglethorpe University on Tuesday and has road matches at Centre College (KY) on Saturday and Sewanee-University of the South on Sunday. VANESSA JOHNSON — Georgia Highlands College (So., Cartersville HS) … recorded two blocks, one kill, and one service return this past Saturday in a three-set home loss (7-25, 6-25, 20-25) to Toccoa Falls College. The Chargers completed their first varsity campaign with a 1-16 record. MADELYN ORTON — LaGrange College (Sr., Cartersville resident, Cornerstone Prep Academy) … played in one set and had two digs this past Saturday in a 25-8, 25-11, 25-18 win at Agnes Scott College. The Panthers also had losses last Thursday and Saturday to Bellhaven University and Maryville College (TN). LaGrange (9-16, 7-4 Collegiate Conference of the South) travel to Huntingdon College on Wednesday and will play Piedmont University and Covenant College on Saturday in Lookout Mountain. MEREDITH ORTON — LaGrange College (Sr., Cartersville resident, Cornerstone Prep Academy) … saw action in three sets across a pair of wins over Belhaven University last Thursday and Agnes Scott College on Saturday. Orton had three kills against Agnes Scott. LaGrange (9-16, 7-4 Collegiate Conference of the South) travel to Huntingdon College on Wednesday and will play Piedmont University and Covenant College on Saturday in Lookout Mountain. CROSS COUNTRY McKINLEY CHAPPELL — Berry College (Sr., Woodland HS) … ran 59th (26:57.5) as the Vikings earned an eighth-place finish at the South Region Showdown in Salem, Virginia, this past Saturday. Berry travels to Texas for the SAA Championships on November 1. TYLER JONES — University of West Georgia (Jr., Woodland HS) … placed 129th (27:33.3) and UWG was seventh of 22 teams at the USC XC Invitational this past Saturday in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Next for the Wolves is the Atlantic Sun Conference Championships on October 31 in Jacksonville, Florida.

October 19, 2025 Cartersville volleyball breezed into the Class 4A state quarterfinals with a 25-3, 25-14, and 25-8 victory Saturday over Wayne County at the Storm Center. The straight set win by the 4th-ranked Lady Canes in the best-of-five second round sets up a showdown on Tuesday evening with visiting Blessed Trinity. The Lady Titans (35-10) beat St. Pius X in the second round, 25-9, 25-19, and 25-18 to advance.  The Cartersville/Blessed Trinity survivor will advance to the state semifinals on Saturday at Seckinger High School in Buford. The GHSA finals for each classification are October 29-30 at LakePoint in Emerson.

October 18, 2025 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com The Cass Colonels showcased a relentless second-half performance, scoring on five straight possessions to overpower the Dalton Catamounts 48-16 on Friday night at Harmon Field in Bill Chappel Stadium. The Colonels jumped out to a 13-0 lead in the first quarter, capitalizing on efficient offensive drives. With 6:13 remaining, quarterback Brodie McWhorter capped a 7-play, 68-yard drive with a 1-yard touchdown run, followed by Anthony Quijada’s PAT for a 7-0 lead.  Late in the quarter, Cass struck again, marching 80 yards in seven plays. McWhorter connected with Elijah Slocum for an 8-yard touchdown pass, though a blocked PAT left the score at 13-0. Key plays included a 28-yard pass to Slocum and a 30-yard run by Kalil Charles. Dalton’s first promising drive reached the Cass red zone but ended with a missed 37-yard field goal. Another Dalton possession ended on downs at the Cass 36. The Catamounts finally found life when quarterback Caine Woods hit Kamdyn London for an 80-yard touchdown pass at 8:22 in the second period, with Ed Chaviarra’s PAT narrowing the gap to 13-7.  Both teams traded punts until Dalton mounted a late drive, starting from their own 28. Three consecutive completions by Woods and a roughing-the-passer penalty on Cass set up a 30-yard field goal by Brax Bennett as time expired in the half, making it 13-10 at intermission. Cass took control in the third quarter, opening with an 8-play, 85-yard drive, highlighted by Charles’ 38 yards on four runs and a 28-yard swing pass from McWhorter. The Colonels’ QB scored on a 1-yard run, pushing the lead to 20-10.  After Cam Beauford intercepted a Woods pass, Cass capitalized with a quick 3-play, 50-yard drive, ending in a 45-yard touchdown pass from McWhorter to Slocum, making it 27-10.  Dalton answered with a 3-play, 59-yard drive, as Woods connected with London Cox for a 40-yard touchdown pass, but a missed PAT kept the score at 27-16. The fourth quarter belonged to Cass. Charles broke free for a 19-yard touchdown run to cap an 11-play, 80-yard drive, extending the lead to 34-16. Then with 6:58 left, Charles added an 86-yard touchdown run, pushing the score to 41-16.  After linebacker Naz Fleurine intercepted Woods, Cass sealed the rout. Jeremy Barrett caught a short pass that resulted in a 42-yard play to the Dalton 12. McWhorter then connected with Chase Tatum to finalize the score at 48-16. McWhorter was 14-for-20 passing for 290 yards and two touchdowns, plus 63 rushing yards and two scores. Charles was a workhorse, rushing for 244 yards and two touchdowns on 20 carries while catching three passes for 65 yards. Slocum hauled in six receptions for 148 yards and two scores, and Tatum added two catches for 19 yards and a touchdown.  For Dalton, Woods threw for 257 yards and two touchdowns on 16-for-29 passing but was hindered by two interceptions and rushed for 43 yards. Cass, now 7-2 overall and 4-1 in Region 7-AAAA, has clinched a state playoff berth and can secure a first-round home game with a win against Allatoona on Friday or a Cartersville win at Hiram.  Dalton, falling to 2-7 overall and 2-3 in the region, will take a bye week before closing the regular season at Woodland on October 31.

October 18, 2025 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com Woodland's Solomon James heads for the end zone in the Wildcats' home win over Southeast Whitfield on Oct. 17. RANDY PARKER / DTN The Woodland Wildcats delivered a dominant performance on Friday night, overwhelming the Southeast Whitfield Raiders 42-3 at Wildcat Stadium. Led by an electrifying five-touchdown effort from sophomore running back Solomon James, Woodland secured their first victory of the 2025 season, improving to 1-7. The Wildcats wasted no time asserting dominance. With 10:17 left in the first quarter, James broke free for a 72-yard touchdown run, setting the tone for the night. The extra point gave Woodland an early 7-0 lead. Just over two minutes later, James struck again, powering in from seven yards out to extend the lead to 14-0. James continued his onslaught in the second quarter, scoring on 10-yard and 2-yard runs to push Woodland’s advantage to 28-0.  Southeast Whitfield managed a response late in the half when their kicker, Gabriel Fraire, drilled a 34-yard field goal with seven seconds remaining, cutting the deficit to 28-3. However, James delivered a final blow before halftime, returning the ensuing kickoff 99 yards for his fifth touchdown of the night, sending the Wildcats into the break with a commanding 35-3 lead. Woodland's Clayton McArdle hauls in a pass in the Wildcats' home game against Southeast Whitfield on Oct. 17. RANDY PARKER / DTN The Wildcats maintained control in the second half. In the third quarter, quarterback Sammy Ray connected with Korbyn Jarrett for a 12-yard touchdown pass, stretching the lead to 42-3.  With the score lopsided, the fourth quarter was played with a running clock, and neither team added to the scoreboard. James finished with 157 yards rushing on 12 attempts and scored five touchdowns, including his kickoff return. Ray was 8-for-11 passing for 108 yards and one touchdown. Ray also rushed for 47 yards. Clayton McArdle had three receptions for 52 yards. "I'm just so happy for the players and coaches," said Woodland head coach Andy Scott on Saturday morning. "This has been a tough season from a win-loss perspective. I'm proud of them for continuing to work hard and see the fruits of their labors. It feels good to put a win on the board." The loss dropped the Raiders to 2-7 on the season, with their final game looming next Friday at home against Towns County. For Woodland, the win was a long-awaited breakthrough in a challenging season. The Wildcats return to Region 7-4A play on Friday when they host the Cedartown Bulldogs. ~~ Stuart Morse contributed to this report. PHOTOS BY RANDY PARKER / DTN -- Woodland quarterback Sammy Ray IV looks downfield for an open receiver in the Wildcats' home victory over Southeast Whitfield, and Woodland head football coach Andy Scott high-fives a player on the Wildcats' sideline.

October 18, 2025 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com Adairsville quarterback Braxton Elrod picks up yardage against the Northwest Whitfield Bruins. The Adairsville Tigers secured a thrilling 33-17 victory over the Northwest Whitfield Bruins this past Friday night at Tigers Stadium, bolstering their standing in the region with a strong second-half performance. The game started with Northwest Whitfield winning the toss and electing to receive before striking quickly.  Bruins quarterback Gavin Nuckolls connected with Zirous Davison for a 46-yard touchdown pass just 1:18 into the first quarter. Nery Martinez’s PAT kick gave Northwest an early 7-0 lead.  After the Tigers’ opening possession stalled and turned the ball over on downs, Nuckolls and the Bruins struck again. Kade Mitchel hauled in a 61-yard touchdown pass at the 5:19 mark, pushing the Bruins’ lead to 14-0. Adairsville responded late in the first quarter with its first points. Braxton Elrod capped a 7-play, 44-yard drive with a 1-yard touchdown run. Cooper Souders’ PAT made it 14-7 with 1:01 remaining in the quarter. The Tigers then executed a successful onside kick but were hampered by penalties, stalling their momentum. The second quarter saw both teams exchange three-and-outs until Nuckolls threw the first of his two interceptions. Westin Crisp picked off a pass in the end zone with 3:18 left in the half. Crisp was injured on the play and did not return.  The Tigers capitalized quickly, however, with Elrod completing back-to-back passes to Barrett Fuller for 31 yards and Colt Sanford for a 44-yard touchdown. Another Souders’ kick tied the game at 14-14. With just 38.7 seconds left in the half, Northwest turned the ball over on downs at the Adairsville 22, and the Tigers seized the opportunity. Elrod connected with Sanford again for a 24-yard touchdown pass with 14 seconds remaining that gave Adairsville a halftime lead. A missed PAT left the score 20-14. Thomas Duncan makes a defensive plan Friday vs. Northwest Whitfield. The third quarter was a defensive battle, with both teams exchanging three-and-outs on their first two possessions. A short Adairsville punt early in the quarter gave Northwest prime field position, but the Tigers’ defense held firm.  The Bruins managed the only points in the third quarter with a 23-yard field goal by Martinez at the 6:29 mark. Adairsville took control in the fourth quarter.  Elrod broke free for a 38-yard touchdown run with 11:10 remaining, though a failed two-point conversion left the score at 26-17.  The Tigers later sealed the game with 4:56 left, as Elrod powered in for a 20-yard touchdown run. A successful PAT extended the Adairsville lead to 33-17.  Northwest’s final push ended when Nuckolls was intercepted by KJ Smith inside the Tigers’ 30, allowing Adairsville to run out the clock. “The backs ran hard and the offensive line played their best game to date,” said Adairsville head coach Jonathan Cudd on Saturday. “The defense gave up only three points after falling behind 14-0. It was a great team effort. The belief and buy-in over the last couple of weeks have been tremendous. We are finally starting to play to our capabilities.” Elrod’s dynamic performance included 194 yards rushing with three touchdowns. The Tigers’ quarterback also had 118 yards passing with two scoring tosses to Sanford. The Tigers’ victory moved them into second place in Region 7-AAA behind Calhoun. Adairsville (4-4, 3-1) heads to Ellijay next week to face Gilmer. Meanwhile, Northwest Whitfield, now 6-3 overall and 3-2 in the region, will look to rebound at home against Ridgeland in their final regular-season game. ~~ Larry Gardner contributed to this report.

October 15, 2025 Amara Ejieke (3) and Riley Huff (10) block a Drew return Tuesday night in the Lady Canes' 25-7, 25-4, 25-14 home win in the first round of the state playoffs. The Cartersville Lady Canes volleyball team easily advanced in the opening round of the Class 4A state playoffs Tuesday evening with a one-sided, straight-set win over Drew at the Storm Center. Cartersville (42-6) won the best-of-five match 25-7, 25-4, and 25-14 and will move into the Sweet Sixteen round to host Wayne County on Saturday. The Yellow Jackets (22-8) lost the first two sets of their first-round match with Walnut Grove on Tuesday, but won the final three sets to advance. The Cartersville/Wayne County winner on Saturday will face the St. Pius X/Blessed Trinity winner in the state quarterfinals on October 21.