Sammy Rosario, a former Cass standout and now a nationally-ranked senior wrestler at NAIA Cumberland University in Lebanon, Tennessee, strengthened his individual standing January 5-6 at the National Wrestling Coaches Association Duals in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where he went undefeated in five matches. His recent performance along with the announcement of Vic Beasley, Jr.'s All-Pro selection highlights this week's review of Athletes Beyond Bartow. NFL VIC BEASLEY, JR. -- Atlanta Falcons (2nd year pro; Clemson University, Adairsville HS). . . already selected to the Pro Bowl, Beasley added his first Associated Press All-Pro selection. The former Tigers' standout and Clemson All-American, racked up 15.5 sacks and six forced fumbles this season. Both stats led the entire NFL. He is also the first Falcons' defender to ever lead the league in sacks. Atlanta (11-5) hosts the Seattle Seahawks Saturday afternoon in the divisional round of the NFC playoffs. WRESTLING EVAN COLE — Cumberland University (Jr., 149 wt. class, Cartersville HS). . . went 1-4 for the 17th-ranked Phoenix January 5-6 at the NWCA National Duals in Fort Wayne, IN. The team went 3-2 facing five opponents ranked in the top 13 nationally and is now 8-2 in dual matches. The Phoenix hit the mats Wednesday at 14th-ranked Lindsey Wilson and travel to Southeastern University (FL) Saturday to face Southeastern and Ouachita Baptist. SAMMY ROSARIO — Cumberland University (Sr., 133 wt. class, Cass HS). . . went undefeated in five matches at NWCA National Duals in Fort Wayne, IN as the Phoenix finished 3-2 as a team against five top-13 ranked opponents January 5-6. Rosario is the highest nationally ranked wrestler for Cumberland at No. 4 in the nation in the 133-pound weight class. Rosario is also the top-ranked individual at 133 in the East Regional. He has compiled an 18-4 mark during his senior campaign. The Phoenix, now 8-2 in dual matches, travel to 14th-ranked Lindsey Wilson Wednesday and go to 19th-ranked Southeastern University (FL) Saturday where they will also face Ouachita Baptist (AR). JAKE HUFFINE — University Tennessee-Chattanooga (R-Soph., 133 wt. class, Woodland HS) . . . finished 1-2 at the Southern Scuffle January 1-2 hosted by the Mocs. Chattanooga placed 11th of 23 teams in the event won by top-ranked Oklahoma State. Huffine is now 7-6 during the 2016-17 season. Chattanooga will travel to Hampton, Virginia Friday and Saturday for the Virginia Duals. SWIMMING ELISE HART — Air Force (Jr., Cartersville HS). . . placed 17th in the 100 butterfly and 30th in the 100 backstroke at the University of California-San Diego Invitational January 2. The Air Force women finished sixth of six team with the host Lady Aztecs winning the event followed by Boise State and San Jose State. Air Force will host Seattle and North Carolina this Friday and Saturday, January 13-14. BASKETBALL SYDNEY BOYD — Brewton Parker College (Soph., G, Woodland HS) . . . scored four points with one rebound and one steal in a 71-67 win at William Carey University (MS) January 5. The Lady Barons also lost 62-56 Saturday at home to visiting Blue Mountain College (MS). Brewton-Parker (5-5, 2-3 Southern States Athletic Association) hosts Faulkner (AL) Thursday and Coastal Georgia College Monday, January 16. A.J. MOSBY — Alcorn State (PG/SG, Jr., Cartersville HS) . . . totaled six points, eight rebounds, seven assists, two steals, and one block as the Braves split a pair of SWAC home games January 2 and 4. Alcorn lost 67-65 to Texas Southern, but defeated Prairie View A&M 66-55. Alcorn State (4-9, 1-1 Southwestern Athletic Conference) plays at Grambling State Monday and at Jackson State Wednesday before hosting Mississippi Valley State on Saturday. ADRIAN RODGERS — Albas Oresund - Swedish Pro League (G, [Cartersville, GA] Centennial HS; Southern University). . . scored seven points with nine rebounds, three assists, and a steal in a 91-54 loss to KFUM Nassjo January 3. Albas Oresund (1-15) plays at Uppsala Tuesday. DARIUS THROWER — Truett-McConnell University (G, Fresh., Excel Christian Academy). . . saw playing time in a pair of Bears’ wins January 3 at home over St. Andrews (NC) 94-71 and at Point University (GA) January 5, 88-79. Truett-McConnell (7-9, 3-5 Appalachian Athletic Conference) hosts Reinhardt University Monday, plays at Union College (KY) January 11 and entertains Tennessee Wesleyan College on Saturday, January 14. COREY TOBIN — Reinhardt University (G, Jr., Cartersville HS). . . scored 11 points and collected six rebounds January 5 in an 85-69 loss at Union College (KY). The Eagles (11-4, 5-3 Appalachian Athletic Conference) travel to Truett-McConnell University (GA) Monday and will host Milligan College (TN) and Bryan College (TN) Wednesday and Saturday. CARROD WATSON — University of North Georgia (R-Fr., F/C, Woodland HS). . . scored five points and grabbed a pair of rebounds in a 91-86 win at Armstrong State January 6. The Nighthawks (8-5, 4-0) host Peach Belt Conference foes USC-Aiken Monday, before traveling to Georgia College Wednesday and Francis Marion University (SC) on Saturday. HAKEEM WINTERS — Point University (Soph., F, Cartersville HS) . . . scored 10 points and grabbed 11 rebounds with three assists in a 74-67 loss at Bryan College (TN) January 3. He then scored 18 points with three rebounds and a steal in a home 88-79 loss to Truett-McConnell January 5. Point (2-15, 1-7 Appalachian Athletic Conference) plays at Milligan College (TN) Monday, hosts Montreat College (NC) Wednesday, and travels to Bluefield College (VA) on Saturday. Did we miss anyone this week? Please let us know. Use the ‘Contact’ link at the top of this page or Email: bartowsportszone@comcast.net. Follow all of your favorite local athletes using their link on the ‘Athletes Beyond Bartow’ page of this website.

The Adairsville girls and boys basketball teams both lost to Calhoun Thursday night in Region 6-AAA games at Adairsville. The games were rescheduled for Thursday night in anticipation of a pending snow event apparently set to move through the area late Friday and Saturday. The Lady Tigers started fast and led by nine points early to hold a 15-10 advantage after one quarter, but a 22-9 second quarter by the 7th-ranked Lady Jackets gave Calhoun a 32-24 lead at halftime. Calhoun (13-3, 5-1) extended their lead to 58-35 after three quarters, then held off Adairsville in the final period for a 10-point victory. Ashlyn Barnes and Jana Johns both had 19 points and 10 rebounds each for Calhoun. Cassie Henderson added 13 points and 14 rebounds for the Lady Jackets. Zay Harris led Adairsville with 17 points. Josie Summerville and Nakiyah Washington both scored 12 for the Lady Tigers. Adairsville (6-8, 2-4) will host Haralson County next Tuesday at 6pm. CALHOUN BOYS 80, ADAIRSVILLE 48 Visiting Calhoun used a 20-3 second quarter advantage to pull away from the Tigers Thursday night at Adairsville in a Region 6-AAA matchup. The Yellow Jackets led 15-10 after one quarter on their way to a 50-23 lead at the intermission. Calhoun extended the lead to 67-35 through three quarters. Chapin Rierson led the Jackets with 24 points. Malik Lawrence and Kaylan Aker followed with 16 and 10 points, respectively, as Calhoun improved to 11-2 overall and 6-0 in region play. Denzel Pitt and Ronald Hardin scored nine each for Adairsville. Cody Henderson scored seven and Cole Hewatt six. Adairsville (9-6, 3-3) will host Haralson County Tuesday and travel to Sonoraville on Friday, January 13.

Cass shutout Woodland in the second quarter Tuesday night and went on to a 46-29 Region 7-AAAAA win at the Wildcats home floor. C.J. Bennett led Cass with 20 points. Jake Collum scored ten and Ashton Burley seven for the Colonels. Jaylen Ballard finished with 11 points to lead the Wildcats. Justice Hayes and Justice Carter added five each for Woodland. Cass (10-4, 5-1) plays another Region 7-AAAAA game at Carrollton Friday and travels to region-foe Rome next Tuesday. Woodland (1-9, 0-5) plays at East Paulding Friday and travels to Hiram Saturday for region games. CASS GIRLS 57, WOODLAND 23 Kyla Michienzi led the Lady Colonels with 17 points as Cass won a Region 7-AAAAA game at county-rival Woodland Tuesday night, 57-23. Cass led 19-4 after just one quarter and took a 39-8 lead to the intermission. The lead extended to 51-15 after three quarters. Jana Morning scored nine points for Cass, followed by Sharia Wade with eight, Ayleah Curtis seven, plus Chanel Clemmons and Esmeralda Thomas with four each. Payton Stoddard and Briana Stephenson scored two points each. Hillary McCarver added one point. Lexie Robinson led the Lady Cats with 10 points. Carli Clymer added four points for Woodland. The Lady Cats (0-10, 0-5) play at East Paulding Friday and at Hiram Saturday. Cass (10-3, 4-2) travels to take on 7th-ranked Carrollton Friday and plays at Rome next Tuesday.

Jaylon Pugh scored 22 points and T.J. Horton nine as the Cartersville boys edged Cedartown Tuesday night to win their Region 5-AAAA opener on the road. The Canes led by one point at halftime (23-22) and after three quarters (34-33) before holding off the Bulldogs, 48-44. Cedartown slipped to 6-5 overall and 0-1 in Region 5-AAAA. Cartersville (9-2, 1-0) has home games Friday and Saturday at the Storm Center against Central-Carrollton and sixth-ranked LaGrange. CEDARTOWN GIRLS 48, CARTERSVILLE 46 Lady Canes’ basketball coach Cindy Moore saw her team rally from a 15-point deficit only to fall on a buzzer-beater at Cedartown, 48-46. “We made a great comeback, but they hit the shot at the end,” said Moore. “Free throws were crucial. We missed three in the last 40 seconds that could have extended our lead.” Madison McKinney led the Lady Canes with 18 points. Camila Rodriguez scored 11 and Monica Motuba added eight points. Cedartown improved to 5-6 overall and 1-0 in Region 5-AAAA. Cartersville (6-6, 0-1) hosts Central-Carrollton Friday and LaGrange on Saturday at the Storm Center.

The Excel Christian Academy girls basketball team broke open a close game with a big third quarter performance Tuesday night and then held off visiting Trion in the fourth to win 46-38. The Lady Eagles trailed 10-8 after one period, but took a 21-20 lead to halftime. In the pivitol third quarter, Excel outscored the Lady Bulldogs 18-3 to take a 39-23 advantage to the final period. Whitney Harris had a game-high 20 points for Excel. She was followed by Rylie Boston with 11 points, Landry McCollum six, Brighton McCollum five, and Kalli Beth Scheff with two points. Shayla Youngblood and Josie Maddox led Trion with 13 and 10 points, respectively. The loss dropped the Lady Bulldogs to 2-10 overall and 1-3 in Region 6-A. Excel Christian (6-3, 2-1) plays at Darlington Friday night and will host Gordon Central on Saturday. TRION BOYS 66, EXCEL CHRISTIAN ACADEMY 17 Despite the one-sided final score, Excel boys basketball coach Eric Collins said he saw some positives. “I’m really proud of our guys,” said Collins, “they played hard tonight.” Trion took a 23-10 lead after one period and pushed their advantage to 42-13 at halftime on their way to a region win over the Eagles. Jackson Busch led Excel with six points. J. Gill led Trion with 15 points. Blaine Woody scored 11 for the Bulldogs who improved to 9-3 overall and 5-1 in Region 6-A. Excel (0-7) plays at Darlington Friday night and will host Gordon Central Saturday evening.

Vic Beasley had a scare early in the first quarter of the Atlanta Falcons' win Sunday over the New Orleans Saints, but the Adairsville native returned in the second quarter to sack Drew Brees and capture the NFL sacks title for the 2016 regular season. The sack brought Beasley to within one sack of the Falcons' franchise record for a season held by John Abraham. Beasley's play highlights this week's updates of 'Athletes Beyond Bartow' for current professional and collegiate athletes with ties to the Cartersville and Bartow County community. At the collegiate level, Hayes Linn completed his senior football season at Air Force with a bowl win, Miller Forristall and the Alabama Crimson Tide advanced to the National Championship Game in Tampa, and A.J. Mosby continues to make his mark on the hardwoods with Alcorn State University. NFL VIC BEASLEY, JR. — Atlanta Falcons (2nd year pro, DE/LB, Clemson, Adairsville HS). . . Beasley told reporters post game Sunday that his shoulder “popped out” in a first quarter collision with a Saints’ lineman, but it quickly started feeling better. After a first quarter trip to the locker room for an X-ray on his shoulder that proved negative, Beasley returned in the second period and collected a sack of Drew Brees. That play gave him 15.5 sacks for the season and the NFL title in the category. He finished two sacks ahead of Von Miller of the Denver Broncos and three ahead of Lorenzo Alexander (Buffalo), Danielle Hunter (Minnesota), and Markus Golden (Arizona). Meanwhile Sunday, the Falcons were cruising to 35-13 halftime lead and eventually coasted to a 38-32 victory over New Orleans. The win clinched a first round playoff bye for the NFC South Division champions and granted the Falcons the No. 2 seed in the NFC behind the Dallas Cowboys. Atlanta finished the regular season with an 11-5 mark. Beasley finished the regular season with 39 tackles and a league-leading six forced fumbles (tied at six with Oakland linebacker Bruce Irvin). Beasley also defended two passes. The Falcons playoff opponent will be decided by the outcome of this weekend’s NFC Wild Card games. The 6th-seeded Detroit LIons will play at the 3rd-seeded Seattle Seahawks while 5th-seeded New York Giants travel to the 4th-seeded Green Bay Packers. As the top seed, Dallas will host the lowest surviving seed in the Divisional Round. Atlanta will entertain the highest surviving seed on Saturday, January 14 at 4:30pm. COLLEGE FOOTBALL MILLER FORRISTALL — University of Alabama (Fr., TE, Cartersville HS). . . fellow tight end O.J. Howard got all the receiving targets, but Forristall was a key ingredient on multiple plays for the Crimson Tide’s vaunted rushing attack Saturday in a 24-7 national semifinal victory over No. 4 Washington at the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl in the Georgia Dome. Top-ranked Alabama (14-0) will face No. 2 Clemson in the National Championship Game Monday, January 9 in Tampa. HAYES LINN — Air Force (Sr., DB, Cartersville HS). . . wrapped up his collegiate career with one tackle in the Falcons’ 45-21 Arizona Bowl win over South Alabama December 30 in Tucson. Linn had 32 tackles and three passes defended in 11 games during the 2016 season. He missed two games due to injury. He played in 49 games during his career and compiled 58 career tackles. Air Force was 10-3 this season and finished 5-3 in the Mountain West Conference. HIRAM VELEZ — Troy University (Jr., WR, Adairsville HS). . . saw action in the Trojans’ 28-23 win over Ohio University at the Dollar General Bowl in Mobile, AL. Velez finished the season with 10 receptions in 13 games played for 113 yards and one touchdown. The scoring play was a 47-yard catch vs. Austin Peay. Troy finished the season 10-3 overall and was 6-2 in the Sun Belt Conference. PRO AND COLLEGE BASKETBALL SYDNEY BOYD — Brewton Parker College (Soph., G, Woodland HS). . . scored two points and grabbed a pair of rebounds in a 79-63 loss at Martin Methodist December 29. The Lady Barons also lost a conference game at Bethel University December 30, 80-51. Brewton-Parker (4-5, 0-3 Southern States Athletic Conference) open a four-game, conference homestand Thursday against William Carey University and wlll host Blue Mountain College Saturday. EMMANUEL HOLLOWAY — UU-Korihait, Finnish Professional League (G, Illinois State, Woodland HS). . . scored six points and collected two rebounds with two assists in a 91-57 loss December 28 to second place Salon Vilpas. In rematch with Salon Vilpas December 30, Holloway totaled 15 points with six rebounds, four assists, three steals, and one blocked shot, but his team lost 76-74. UU-Korihait (4-14) plays Kataja Wednesday and Helsinki January 11. A.J. MOSBY — Alcorn State University (Jr., PG/SG, Cartersville HS). . . scored 19 points and grabbed 10 rebounds with seven assists and one steal while the Braves snapped a six-game losing skid December 22 with an 83-68 win over Rust College. Mosby scored three points with three rebounds, four assists, and one steal as Alcorn State lost 63-53 December 20 at Grand Canyon University. Mosby, recently named Alcorn State Male Athlete of the Week, has started all 11 games for the Braves. He is averaging 7.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, and better than two assists per game. Alcorn State (3-8) opens play in the Southwestern Athletic Conference Monday and Wednesday with home games against Texas Southern and Prairie View A&M before traveling to Jackson State Saturday. ADRIAN RODGERS — Malbus Oresund Malmo, Swedish Professional League (Cartersville native, Southern University) . . . scored 10 points with four rebounds and three assists in a 109-71 loss at home to first place BC LF Luleå December 20. Rodgers leads the team in scoring at 16.9 points per game. Malbas Oresund (1-14) will host KFUM Nassjo Tuesday and play at Uppsala January 10. DARIUS THROWER — Truett-McConnell College (Fresh., G, Excel Christian Academy). . . scored three points and had one rebound in the Bears’ 88-54 exhibition loss at North Carolina Central December 28. TMC (5-9, 1-5 Appalachian Athletic Conference) returns to conference play Tuesday by hosting St. Andrews (NC) and will travel to Point University Thurday before hosting Reinhardt University Saturday. CARROD WATSON — University of North Georgia (R-Fresh., F/C, Woodland HS). . . saw his first collegiate action December 19 in a home 76-73 Peach Belt Conference win over Lander University. Watson logged 14 minutes, collected four rebounds and blocked one shot. He also saw playing time in an 89-76 exhibition loss at Kennesaw State December 31. UNG (6-5, 2-0 PBC) returns to conference play Wednesday at Flagler College and plays at Armstrong State Friday. HAKEEM WINTERS — Point University (Soph., F, Cartersville HS). . . scored 23 points and collected 13 rebounds with one assist and one steal in a 108-80 loss at Armstrong State University December 30. Point (2-13, 1-5 Appalachian Athletic Conference) plays at Bryan College (TN) Tuesday, hosts Truett-McConnell Thursday, and travels to Milligan College (TN) Saturday. Did we miss someone this week? Please let us know. Use the 'Contact' page of this website or send an email to: bartowsportszone@comcast.net. Visit the Bartow Sports Zone 'Athletes Beyond Bartow' page to find links to all the current local athletes in the pros and on collegiate rosters.

Cartersville quarterback Trevor Lawrence was named the 2016 All-Classification Player of the Year by the Georgia Sports Writers Association and his head coach, Joey King, was named 2016 Coach of the Year for Class AAAA in a release this past weekend. The Canes also had four other players to receive All-State honors from the GSWA. Avery Showell and Torrian Scrutchins joined Lawrence on the Class AAAA All-State First Team. Trey Creamer and Antoine Jefferson were named Second Team All-State. Clockwise from top left: Trevor Lawrence, coach Joey King, Avery Showell, Trey Creamer, Torrian Scrutchins, and Antoine Jefferson GSWA All-Classification Player of the Year: Trevor Lawrence, Cartersville, QB, 6-5, 197, Jr. CLASS AAAAAAA Offensive Player of the Year: Chase Brice, Grayson, QB, 6-3, 180, Sr. Defensive Player of the Year: Chandler Wooten, North Cobb, LB, 6-2, 225, Sr. Coach of the Year: Jeff Herron, Grayson First Team Offense QB Chase Brice, Grayson RB Sheldon Evans, Roswell RB Tyray Devezin, Etowah WR Louis Hall, Woodstock WR Ramel Keyton, Marietta TE Chigoziem Okonkwo, Hillgrove OL Tyler Fannin, Mill Creek OL Tony Gray, Grayson OL Jordan Tucker, Roswell OL Warren Ericsson, North Gwinnett, OL Will Taylor, Grayson ATH Malik Willis, Roswell K Brenton King, Mill Creek Defense DL Justin Ellis, Roswell, DL Robert Cooper, South Gwinnett DL Kory Cumberland, Roswell DL Thurman Geathers, North Cobb LB Quinn Miller, Archer LB Chandler Wooten, North Cobb LB Dam Diriberto, Roswell LB Quentin Hayes, McEachern DB Xavier McKinney, Roswell DB DeAngelo Gibbs, Grayson DB Jamyest Williams, Grayson DB Stewart Head, Etowah P Jake Camarda, Norcross RET Jacobe Burrell, Norcross Second Team Offense QB Michael Barrett, Lowndes RB Paris Brown, McEachern RB Devonte Brown, East Coweta WR Malachi Carter, Mountain View WR Montrell Washington, Cherokee TE Fred Lloyd, Tift County OL Tucker Barnes, Lowndes OL Jalen Jackson, McEachern OL John Harris, Mill Creek OL Brandon Moore, North Cobb OL Chris Sibilia, North Gwinnett ATH Matthew Hill, Brookwood K Will VanPamelen, Grayson Defense DL Jaden Hunter, Westlake DL Christian Albright, North Cobb DL Justin Mascoll, South Gwinnett DL Latrell Bankston, Woodstock LB Monty Montgomery, Norcross LB Connor Heyward, Peachtree Ridge LB Jeremiah Gemmel, East Coweta LB Jaden Hunter, Westlake DB Derrik Allen, Lassiter DB A.J. Terrell, Westlake DB Jaytlin Askew, McEachern DB Trise Barge, Colquitt County P Jason Pierce, Hillgrove RET Edmond Graham, Mill Creek Honorable Mentions: Bailey Hockman, McEachern; Will Lovett, North Cobb; Travis Tisdale, Lowndes; Chad Terrell, North Paulding; Dominick Blaylock, Walton; Tyson Harris, Lowndes; T.J. Smith, Wheeler; Tory Ponder, Colquitt County; Aaron Knowles, Cherokee; Ayoola Ogun-Semore, Mill Creek; Elias Hubbard, Grayson; Devon Holmes, Lowndes; Breon Dixon, Grayson; Justin Scott, Kennesaw Mountain; Jack Carroll, Cherokee; Corey Long, Woodtock, Owen Pappoe, Grayson; Jeffery Davis, Lowndes; J.J. Peterson, Colquitt County; Zane Ashley, Peachtree Ridge; Miles Sims, Weslake; Shawn Shamburger, Colquitt County; C.J. Miller, McEachern; Tre Person, Westlake; Fred Stewart, Lowndes; Drew Tejchman, North Cobb; Jacob Pereira, Wheeler; Jackson Gravely, North Paulding. Class AAAAAA Offensive Player of the Year: Jake Fromm, Houston Co., QB, 6-3, 230, Sr. Defensive Player of the Year: Aubrey Solomon, Lee Co., DL, 6-4, 294 Sr. Coach of the Year: Alan Rodemaker, Valdosta Offense First Team QB Jake Fromm, Houston County RB Ahmaad Tanner, Dalton RB Daetrich Harrington, Alexander WR J.R. Ingram, Valdosta WR Josh Vann, Tucker TE Zach Williams, Johns Creek OL D’Antne Demery, Brunswick OL Zalon’tae Hillery, Glynn Academy OL Aaron Graham, Valdosta OL Trey Iorillo, Harrison OL Dyan Wonnum, Tucker ATH Tobias Oliver, Northside K Ivan Mora, Dalton Defense DL Aubrey Solomon, Lee County DL Aaron Sterling, Tucker DL Derrick Newton, Coffee DL Devonnsha Maxwell, Valdosta LB C.J. Turner, Harrison LB Kam Burnett, Northside LB Tyler Taylor, Lanier LB Zacoby McClain, Valdosta DB Otis Reece, Lee County DB Jalen Everett, Valdosta DB Maddux Houghton, Dalton DB Tae Daley, Northside P James Bushware, Valdosta RET Jayce Rogers, Valdosta Second Team Offense QB Justin Fields, Harrison RB Jaylin Marson-Knight, Stephenson RB Trey Sermon, Sprayberry WR Amari Colbert, Houston County WR Steven Peterson, Harrison TE Jonte Baker, Valdosta OL Carter Francis, Allatoona OL Eric Allen, Harrison OL Caleb Kelly, Northside OL Dylan Cole, Dalton OL Trey Hill, Houston County ATH Khalil McClain, Creekside K Adam Lippy, Tucker Defense DL John Wesley Whiteside, Dalton DL Michael Allen, Lanier DL Kwabena Bonsu, South Cobb DL Trayzel Jurendini-Wyche, Alexander LB Antonio Grier, Mays LB Malik Horton, Langston Hughes LB Juwuan Jones, Lainer LB Capsen Burley, Northgate DB Isaiah Nelson, Northside DB Antwon Kincade, Valdosta DB Eugene Brown, Tucker DB Jaylon Jones, Dacula P Tyler Eith, Dunwoody RET Kyric McGowan, Dalton Honorable Mentions: Deejay Dallas, Glynn Academy; Max Hughes, Coffee; Taurean Taylor, Tucker; Charles Anderson, Allatoona; Kendall Cross, Glynn Academy; Demetrius Davis, Coffee; Eli Watson; Houston County; Zeke Cobb, Dalton; Justin Hall, Alexander; Milton Jackson, Coffee; Sam James, Richmond Hill; Evan Conley, Pope; Randon Jernigan, Glynn Academy; Ty Harris, Dacula; Jake Brock, Dalton; Trashon Owens, Northside; Tucker Sumner, Dalton; Michael Robinson, Allatoona; Mason White, Winder-Barrow; Nasir Love-Porter, Dalton; Jalen Perry, Dacula; Alex Gelter, Northside. Class AAAAA Offensive Player of the Year: Tylan Morton, Griffin, QB, 6-4, 181, Sr. Defensive Player of the Year: Solon Page III, Kell, LB, 6-2, 207, Sr. Coach of the Year: John Reid, Rome First Team Offense QB Tylan Morton, Griffin RB Dameon Pierce, Bainbridge RB Anthony Grant, Buford WR Nick Singleton, Jones County WR Jaquez Sloan, Grady TE Kemari Averett, Grady OL Zach Kadum, Rome OL Dean Powell, Buford OL Case Cook, Carrollton OL Jalynn Strickland, Ware County OL James Ohonba, Woodland-Stockbridge ATH Quentin Gates, Carver-Atlanta K Connor Mendelson, Kell Defense DL Adam Anderson, Rome DL JayQuan Coles, Woodland-Stockbridge DL Brenton Cox, Stockbridge DL Ja’Quon Griffin, Rome LB Solon Page III, Kell LB Jaylen Griffin, Rome LB T.D. Roof, Buford LB Trevion Baker, Carver-Atlanta DB Yusuf Corker, Woodland-Stockbridge DB Zay Brown, Clarke Central DB Quandarious Monday, Carver-Atlanta DB Terray Bryant, Arabia Mountain P Joshua Jenkins, Columbia RET Shakur Brown, Woodland-Stockbridge Second Team Offense QB Caylin Newton, Grady RB Chris Rodriguez, Ola RB Jamious Griffin, Rome WR Marquez Ezzard, Stockbridge WR Wallace Corker, Woodland-Stockbridge TE Jake Simpson, Buford OL Joe Santock, Kell OL Austin Donaldson, Stockbridge OL Garrett Scoggins, Buford OL Qua Pitts, Jones County OL Justin Spinks-Moxey, Carver-Atlanta ATH JeMar Lincoln, Ware County K Emmanuel Gonzalez, Rome Defense DL Ismail Dabdoub, Kell DL Jamarcus Chatman, Rome DL Kelton Dawson, Stockbridge LB Eric Walker, SW DeKalb LB Tre Allen, Woodland-Stockbridge LB Jamontae Holt, Kell LB Earnest Jones, Ware County DB Joshua Cook, Arabia Mountain DB Avonte Ross, Grady DB Shamaar Bennett, Kell DB Teldrick Ross, Jones County P Michael Tanks II, SW DeKalb Honorable Mentions: Knox Kadum, Rome; Jalynn Sikes, Rome; Jalen Holston, Stockbridge; Caleb Huntley, Locust Grove; Devaughn Brown, SW DeKalb; Jamie Palmer, Thomas County Central; Kellas Williams, Thomas County Central; Kenderick Duncan, Stockbridge; Tez Raybon, Warner Robins; Dirmacrus Clay, Grady. Class AAAA Offensive Player of the Year: Trevor Lawrence, Cartersville, QB, 6-5, 197, Jr. Defensive Player of the Year: Markeith Montgomery, Ridgeland, DB, 5-10, 180, Jr. Coach of the Year: Joey King, Cartersville First Team Offense QB Trevor Lawrence, Cartersville RB Colby Wood, Jefferson RB Zach Harvey, Mary Persons WR Josh Johnson, Woodward Academy WR Jay Jones, NW Whitfield TE James Ellis, Blessed Trinity OL Jacob Bolton, Blessed Trinity OL Caleb Etheridge, Mary Persons OL Caleb Chandler, Jefferson OL Clark Daniel, Upson-Lee OL William Nana-Fabu, Columbus ATH Anthony Showell, Cartersville K Hayden Kilgore, Jefferson Defense DL Malik Herring, Mary Persons DL Tre Howard, Mary Persons DL Caleb Johnson, Northside-Columbus DL Torrian Scrutchins, Cartersville LB Jashari Patterson, Cairo LB Malik Clark, Baldwin LB Jon Conner, NW Whitfield LB K.J. Phillips, Woodward Academy DB Markeith Montgomery, Ridgeland DB A.J. LaGrand, Carver-Columbus DB Tyricus Danielly, Mary Persons P Bill Rubright, Marist RET Ryan Davis, Blessed Trinity Second Team Offense QB Ryan Glover, Woodward Academy RB Steele Chambers, Blessed Trinity RB Jalyn Shelton, Ridgeland WR Antoine Jefferson, Cartersville WR Will Blanchard, NW Whitfield OL Knox Hagen, Woodward Academy OL Jovante Williams, Cedartown OL Tanner Floyd, NW Whitfield OL Charlie Clark, Marist ATH Trey Creamer, Cartersville K Cole Phillips, Cairo Defense DL Jon Tant, NW Whitfield DL Dontae Wilson, Jefferson DL Terry Myrick, Woodward Academy DL Cruz Rodriguez, Cedartown LB Doriyah Gorham, West Laurens LB Tay Jarrell, Mary Persons LB Jake Rudolph, Blessed Trinity LB Dylan Galm, Chapel Hill DB Zack Boobas, Jefferson DB J.R. Pace, Woodward Academy P Brooks Hosea, Blessed Trinity RET U.S. Beasley, Carver-Columbus Honorable Mentions: Corbee Wilson, Heritage-Catoosa; Luke Shifflett, NW Whitfield; Walter Grant, Cairo; Grayson Moore, Ridgeland; Jadon Walker, Chapel Hill; Jatori Sims, Mary Persons; J.D. Bertrand, Blessed Trinity; Nathan Robertson, Northside-Columbus. Class AAA Offensive Player of the Year: Davis Mills, Greater Atlanta Christian, 6-4, 198, Sr. Defensive Player of the Year: Markaviest Bryant, LB, Crisp Co., 6-5, 231, Sr. Coach of the Year: Shelton Fenton, Crisp Co. First Team Offense QB Davis Mills, GAC RB Brandon Doe, Cook RB Zay Malcome, Westminster WR Harrison Sloan, GAC WR Devontae Howard, Peach County TE Austin Young, Dawson County OL Justin Shaffer, Cedar Grove OL Netori Johnson, Cedar Grove OL Peter Rooney, Westminster OL Antonio Addie, Crisp County OL Bryan Manuel, Worth County ATH Kyler McMichael, GAC K Mitchell Fineran, Peach County Defense DL Deangelo Malone, Cedar Grove DL Devonte Wyatt, Towers DL Traveon Freeman, Liberty County LB Markaviest Bryant, Crisp County LB Ahdarious Gee, Crisp County LB Dezmond Harris, Cedar Grove LB Luke Martin, Dawson County DB Richard LeCounte, Liberty County DB Tre’ Shaw, Cedar Grove DB Trey Morrison, GAC DB Shamarcus Redding, Peach County P Brooks Buce, GAC RET Kearis Jackson, Peach County Second Team Offense QB Jaalon Frazier, Liberty County RB Kyle Bailey, Bremen RB Grant Walker, Cedar Grove WR Elisha Polite, Liberty County WR Jadon Haselwood, Cedar Grove TE David Lee Little, Worth County OL William Long, Calhoun OL Nate Richey, GAC OL Xavier Wesley, Central OL Fletcher Hooks, Peach County OL Richard Dowers, Liberty County ATH Malik Nesbitt, Savannah K Kevin VIllatoro, Sonoraville Defense DL Jahlil Taylor, Crisp County DL Truman Jones, Westminster DL DeAngelo Carter, Crisp County LB Sherrod Agee, Sonoraville LB Jaquez Jackson, Peach County LB Davis Allen, Calhoun LB Lane Moore, Sonoraville DB Montraveon Futch, Jenkins DB Kyle Nixon, Peach County DB Jammie Robinson, Crisp County P Alex Gracey, Westminster RET Brady Harper, North Murray Honorable Mentions: Antonio Gilbert, Peach County; Jelani Woods, Cedar Grove; Tucker Gregg, Murray County; Nick Jackson, Lovett; Ryan Randall, Calhoun; Baylon Specter, Calhoun; Greg Rogers, Lovett; Ryan Alligood, Worth County; Bailey Lester, Calhoun. Class AA Offensive Player of the Year: John Wesley Kennedy, Benedictine, RB, 5-10, 180, Sr. Defensive Player of the Year: Chris Harris, Benedictine, DL, 6-1, 230, Sr. Coach of the Year: Biff Parson, Rockmart First Team Offense QB James Graham, Fitzgerald RB John Wesley Kennedy, Benedictine RB J.D. King, Fitzgerald WR Tyquan Johnson, Screven County WR Rory Starkey, Hapeville Charter TE Lecitus Smith, Fitzgerald OL Jason Poe, Fitzgerald OL Gage Blackston, Benedictine OL Ye’Majesty Sanders, Spencer OL Hunter Hays, Model OL Mike Adams, Chattooga ATH Kyler Eldridge, Model K Peyton Bush, Dodge County Defense DL Marlon Jackson, Fitzgerald DL B.J. Sharpe, Southwest DL Cameron Merrell, Hapeville Charter DL Jerrell Woodson, Brooks County LB Chris Harris, Benedictine LB Randy Green, Southwest LB Donterius Milsap, Fitzgerald DB William Poole, Hapeville Charter DB Christopher Smith, Hapeville Charter DB Josh Reliford, Fitzgerald P Lane Adams, Toombs County RET Geronda Hall, K.I.P.P. Collegiate Second Team QB Nick Iannone, Benedictine RB Isaiah Foster, Chattooga RB Tae Hammond, Pepperell WR Khalid Humphries, Brooks County WR Braylon Sanders, Callaway OL Ryan Wade, Brooks County OL Glendon Graybill, Monticello ATH Tyleek Collins, Benedictine K Ramiro Alanis, Pepperell Defense DL Mason O’Neil, Coosa LB Giovannia Moore, Spencer LB Nate McBride, Vidalia LB Cam Harris, Thomasville LB Jeremiah Powell, Thomasville DB Charlie Thomas, Thomasville P Noah Cannon, Rabun County RET Jay Johnson, Monticello Honorable Mentions: Hajj-Malik Williams, Hapeville Charter; Isaac Foster, Chattooga; Markus Smith, Rockmart; Trey Wiggins, Heard County; Andrew Barnes, Rabun County. Class A Offensive Player of the Year: K’Hari Lane, Macon Co., QB, 6-2, 230, Sr. Defensive Player of the Year: Jonathan Jason, McIntosh Co. Academy, LB, 6-1, 217, Sr. Coach of the Year: Dexter Copeland, Macon Co. First Team Offense QB K’Hari Lane, Macon County RB Lyn-J Dixon, Taylor County RB Drew Cobb, Gordon Lee WR Harrison Cook, Welseyan WR Trey Brown, Macon County WR Ryan Reid, Fellowship Christian OL Brady Scott, Mt. Paran Christian OL Christian Meadows, Macon County OL Zack Jones, Eagle’s Landing Christian OL Zach Quinney, Savannah Christian OL Cade Overstreet, Commerce ATH Trezman Marshall, Clinch County K Alex Usry, Eagle’s Landing Christian Defense DL Marquel Jackson, Macon County DL Nolan Smith, Calvary Day DL Dallas Anthony, McIntosh County Academy DL Christian Rodgers, Tattnall Square LB Kentarius Felton, Macon County LB Jonathan Jason, McIntosh County Academy LB George Shockley, Eagle’s Landing Christian LB Harrison Taylor, Eagle’s Landing Christian DB Tre Douglas, Eagle’s Landing Christian DB Curt McDonald, Macon County DB Rolf Reynolds, Athens Academy DB Jason McCleskey, Wesleyan P Jackson McLarty, Mt. Paran Christian RET Raykwon Anderson, Charlton County Second Team Offense QB Banks Ramsey, Wesleyan RB Ahmad Barron, Tattnall Square RB Trevor Gear, Eagle’s Landing Christian WR Tamorrion Terry, Turner County WR Sean Queen, Eagle’s Landing Christian OL Carter Smith, Mt. Paran Christian OL Ted Aycock, Fellowship Christian OL Gunter Hoopianna, Clinch County OL Malik High, Turner County OL Thomas McBride, FPD ATH Noah Campbell, Prince Avenue Christian ATH Jacob Cendoya, Mt. Pisgah K Thomas Johnson, Charlton County Defense DL Konner Henkle, Mt. Paran Christian DL Joseph Roberts, McIntosh County Academy DL Barry Jackson, McIntosh County Academy DL Billy McCurry, Fellowship Christian LB Octavius Morris, Clinch County LB Jonathan Youngblood, Eagle’s Landing Christian LB Sam Wessinger, Prince Avenue Christian LB Fred Carswell, McIntosh County Academy LB Travis Kellogg, Athens Christian DB Ontario Wilson, Turner County DB Joey Blount, Landmark Christian DB C.J. Burgess, Turner County DB Jervonta Johnson, Clinch County P Alfredo Granier, Holy Innocents’ RET Shannon Wieczorek, Calvary Day Honorable Mention: Jared Daniels, Macon County; A.J. Davis, Savannah Christian; Cole Chancey, Commerce; Lofton Tidwell, Landmark Christian; Evan Walker, Trion; Brice Riley, Hebron Christian; Charles McClelland, Clinch County; Keyshawn Prince, Crawford County; Tobe Umerah, Stratford; Duane Moore, Clinch County; Sam Berry, Darlington; Frank Waldrep, Brookstone.

It was a back-and-forth battle to the wire, but the host Chattooga Indians edged Cartersville 60-57 to win the 2016 Chattooga Christmas Classic Friday night in Summerville. Cartersville led 16-11 after one period, but trailed at halftime 30-28. The Indians and Canes both posted 20 points in the third quarter giving Chattooga a 50-48 advantage going to the final eight minutes. Cartersville cut the Indians’ advantage to one point in the final 90 seconds, but failed to convert. The Indians then made free throws in the waning seconds to hold off Cartersville for a three-point victory and the tournament title. The loss snapped a five-game winning streak for the Hurricanes who defeated Cass and Coosa to reach the finals. Jaylon Pugh led Cartersville in the scoring column with 20 points. Isaac Gridley followed with 11 points and Avery Showell added eight. Gridley and Showell collected nine rebounds each. Showell was named to the all-tournament team. Chattooga, the 10th-ranked team in Class AA, improved to 11-1 with the tournament win. The Indians had wins over Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe and Sonoraville in the first two rounds. Cartersville (8-2) will open Region 5AAAA play Tuesday at Cedartown and will host region opponents Central-Carrollton and LaGrange at the Storm Center Friday night and Saturday afternoon. CASS BOYS 56, LAKEVIEW-FT. OGLETHORPE 23 The Cass boys held Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe to only six points in the first half and a mere 12 through three quarters on their way to a 56-23 win Friday night in a consolation game of the Chattooga Christmas Classic in Summerville. Cass won their final two games of the tournament after an opening round loss to Cartersville. Cass led 7-3 after one quarter and 24-6 at halftime on their way to a 43-12 advantage after three periods. C.J. Bennett was the only Colonel in double figures with 10, but ten players made their way into the scoring column. Mark Chester scored nine for Cass followed by Jake Collum with eight; Markeldrick Powell and Steven Spell with six; Carter Hedden with five; Ashton Burley and Ian Whittington with four; plus Austin Mays and Jacquez Milles with two each. Ian Whittington was named to the all-tournament team. The Colonels (9-4, 4-1 Region 7AAAAA) return to region play Tuesday at Woodland and will host Carrollton next Friday. ADAIRSVILLE BOYS 68, FANNIN COUNTY 44 The Adairsville Tigers bounced back from an opening round loss at the Fannin County Mountain Top Tournament with back-to-back wins including Friday’s 68-44 win over the host Rebels. Hunter Hice and Cole Hewatt were named to the all-tournament team for the Tigers who defeated Pickens Thursday after the Wednesday loss to Fellowship Christian Academy. In Friday’s victory, Hice led four Tigers in double figures with 21 points. Ethan Belcher scored 12, Hewatt 11, and Ronald Hardin 10 points. James Sims added seven points for Adairsville followed by Cody Henderson with three. Savaun Henderson and Trevis Williams contributed two points each. Logan Hult led Fannin County with 15 points as the Rebels slipped to 6-8 on the year. Adairsville (9-5, 3-2 Region 6AAA) returns to region play Friday, January 6 at home against Calhoun and will travel to Pickens on Saturday, January 7.

The Cass Lady Colonels won the Chattooga Christmas Classic Friday night with a convincing 65-43 win over Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe in the championship game. Jana Morning, named Tournament MVP, scored 21 points to lead Cass. Kyla Michienzi followed with 17 points for the Lady Colonels and was also named to the all-tournament team. Chanel Clemmons scored 11 points and collected nine rebounds for Cass; followed by Esmeralda Thomas with nine points, Lyric Curtis with four points, Payton Stoddard with two points, and Sharia Wade with one point. Cass held the lead throughout the contest. The Lady Colonels held an 18-13 advantage after one period and were up 38-17 at halftime. The lead was 49-29 after three quarters. PHOTO: Jana Morning and Kyla Michienzi Cass defeated Southeast Whitfield and Cartersville in the first two rounds of the tournament to reach the championship game. Morning, who averaged 23.7 points per game in the tournament, scored 30 against Southeast Whitfield and 20 in the win over Cartersville. Cass (9-3, 3-2 Region 7AAAAA) will return to region play Tuesday at county-rival Woodland and will host Carrollton and Walton next Friday and Saturday. CARTERSVILLE GIRLS 42, SONORAVILLE 31 Cartersville snapped a two-game losing skid with an 11-point win over Sonoraville in a consolation game at the Chattooga Christmas Classic Friday. The Lady Phoenix led Cartersville 8-7 after one quarter, but Cartersville powered past Sonoraville with a strong second quarter to lead 23-14 at halftime. Sonoraville (2-11) narrowed the Lady Canes’ lead to 29-25 after three periods, but Cartersville held on for the win. Madison McKinney led Cartersville with 13 points. Addie Smith followed with 12 points and India Reid contributed eight. Reid was also named to the all-tournament team. Cartersville (6-5) returns to region play Tuesday at Cedartown and will host Central-Carrollton Friday, January 6 and LaGrange on Saturday, January 7. ADAIRSVILLE GIRLS 56, CENTRAL-CARROLLTON 53 The Lady Tigers edged Central-Carrollton by three points Friday in the third place game of the Hilburn-Patterson Invitational at Haralson County High School. Central-Carrollton fell to 6-6 on the season with the loss. Adairsville (6-6, 2-3 Region 6AAA) will host region rival and 8th-ranked Calhoun next Friday, January 6 before traveling to Pickens on Saturday, January 7 for a non-region game.

Tori Causey scored 23 points and Alexis Boykin 20 to lead Haralson County past the Adairsville Lady Tigers Thursday night, 78-38 in a semifinal game at the Haralson Holiday Invitational. The hosting Lady Rebels (10-3, ranked 10th in Class AAA) led throughout, including a 48-21 halftime lead and 70-28 after three quarters. Zay Harris scored 13 points for Adairsville followed by Emily Collum with seven and Taylor Greene with five points. Nakiyah Washington contributed four points; Latya Printup three; Breanna Wilson, Havyn Isaac, and Josie Summerville scored two apiece. The Lady Tigers (5-7) will wrap up play at the Haralson tournament Friday.

The Cartersville boys’ basketball team overpowered Coosa 67-51 Thursday night in the semifinal round of the Chattooga Christmas Classic in Summerville. Meanwhile, Chattooga defeated Sonoraville 63-53 in the other tournament semifinal Thursday evening and the host Indians will play Cartersville in the tournament championship game Friday night at 8:30pm. Avery Showell scored 18 points, followed by 14 each from T.J. Horton and Jaylon Pugh to lead the Canes. Trase Fezzia added eight points and Perignon Dyer scored seven. Cartersville, who defeated Cass 71-52 Wednesday in the first round, led Coosa 22-12 after one quarter and 46-29 at halftime on their way to a 59-46 advantage after three periods. Coosa (5-7) will play the Sonoraville Friday for third place. Cartersville improved to 8-1 on the season and has now won five straight. NORTH MURRAY GIRLS 52, CARTERSVILLE 36 The Cartersville girls lost their second game at the Chattooga Christmas Classic, falling to North Murray in a consolation game, 52-36. Camila Rodriguez and India Reid each had nine points for Cartersville. Madison McKinney added seven for the Lady Canes. The Lady Mountaineers improved to 9-4 with their win and will play the Chattooga/Sonoraville winner Friday in a fifth place game. The Lady Canes (5-5) had won three straight games heading into the tournament, but will now face the Chattooga/Sonoraville loser in a consolation game Friday at 5:30pm at Chattooga High School.

The Cass boys and head coach David Brock made the right adjustments at halftime Thursday night. The Colonels left the locker room and broke open a close game by outscoring Southeast Whitfield 19-8 in the third quarter on their way to a 66-50 win in a consolation game of the Chattooga Christmas Classic in Summerville. Cass, who lost in the opening round of the holiday tournament Wednesday to rival Cartersville, led the Raiders 17-14 after one quarter and held a 36-30 advantage at the intermission. The Colonels' 11-point separation in the third period started their path to a 16-point win. The Colonels received balanced scoring from C.J. Bennett, Jake Collum, Jacquez Milles, and Ian Whittington. Bennett scored 14 points and the other three Colonels totaled a dozen each. Steven Spell added seven for Cass, followed by Ashton Burley with six and Carter Hedden three. Cristian Antillon, Austin Brock, and Luke Johns scored 11 points each for the Raiders (4-9). Cass (8-4) plays another consolation game Friday night at 7pm against the Thursday night winner of a game between Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe and Ridgeland.