Adairsville's Vic Beasley, Jr., of the Falcons, had a sack and a forced fumble in Atlanta's one-point loss Sunday against the Chiefs. He now leads the NFL in forced fumbles and is second in the league in sacks. Also this past weekend, Cartersville's Miller Forristall made his second start of the season as the top-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide remained unbeaten and secured a spot in the College Football Playoffs. Local collegiate football players, Hayes Linn (Air Force) and Hiram Velez (Troy), also learned their bowl game assignments this past weekend. NFL VIC BEASLEY, JR. — Atlanta Falcons (2nd yr.; DE/OLB, Clemson, Adairsville HS). . . added a solo tackle, sack, and forced fumble to his season stats Sunday, but the Falcons lost 29-28 to the visiting Kansas City Chiefs. Beasley’s sack and forced fumble came on a first quarter, 3rd and 3 play at the Atlanta 39 yard line. Beasley dropped Chiefs’ quarterback Alex Smith for a four-yard loss and the fumble caused was recovered by the Falcons’ Grady Jarrett. Beasley is now second in the NFL in sacks with 10.5 and leads the league in forced fumbles with five. He trails the Broncos’ Von Miller who has 12.5 sacks on the year. Beasley is also eighth in the league in quarterback hurries with 22. COLLEGE FOOTBALL MILLER FORRISTALL — (photo left/credit: University of Alabama) University of Alabama (TE, Freshman, Cartersville HS). . . made his second start for the top-ranked Crimson Tide last Saturday in the Southeastern Conference Championship Game against Florida at The Georgia Dome. Forristall did not have a reception, but was part of a two tight end running game formation that rushed for 234 net yards. The Tide accumulated 372 total yards in their 54-16 blowout win. Forristall has played in all 13 games this season and has five receptions for 73 yards with a long catch of 32 yards. Alabama (13-0) faces Washington (12-1) New Year’s Eve in the Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl at The Georgia Dome in Atlanta as one of the semifinals of the College Football Playoffs. LUCAS JOHNSON (photo right credit: Georgia State University) — Georgia State University (OL, Soph., Cass HS). . . saw playing time in the Panthers’ 37-12 loss at Idaho last Saturday in the Moscow, Idaho Kibbie Dome. Georgia State finished the season 3-9 overall and 2-6 in the Sun Belt Conference. HAYES LINN — Air Force Academy (DB, Senior, Cartersville HS). . . the Falcons did not play this week, but learned their bowl fate. Air Force (9-3) will play South Alabama in the NOVA Home Loans Arizona Bowl (Tucson, AZ) December 30. Linn has 31 tackles and three pass break ups this season in 10 games played. He has missed two games due to injuries. SHELBY TOWNSEND, JR. — (photo left credit: Georgia Southern University) Georgia Southern University (TE, R-Soph., Woodland HS). . . saw action in the Eagles’ 28-24 upset of Troy University last Saturday in Statesboro. Georgia Southern finished the year 5-7 overall and 4-4 in the Sun Belt Conference. HIRAM VELEZ — Troy University (WR, Junior, Adairsville HS). . . saw action but did not have a reception in the Trojans’ four-point loss at Georgia Southern last Saturday. Velez has 10 receptions on the season for 113 yards and one touchdown. Troy (9-3, 6-2 Sun Belt) will play Ohio University of the Mid-America Conference December 23 in the Dollar General Bowl in Mobile, AL. Did we miss a football player this week? If we did, please let us know. Use the 'Contact' link at the top of this page or email: bartowsportszone@comcast.net. Please also visit our 'Athletes Beyond Bartow' page on this website.

The Bartow County Recreation Department’s 10U youth football all-stars took an early lead Sunday afternoon, but were unable to hold on in a 20-12 state semi-final loss to Rome in the Georgia Recreation and Parks Association (GRPA) playoffs at Calhoun High School. Bartow County, representing GRPA District 5, took a 12-0 lead in the first quarter. Devin Henderson put the locals on the scoreboard first with a 43 yard burst. Jamarion Pullum scored later in the opening quarter on a 37-yard jaunt. Both conversion attempts failed. Rome responded with a pair of second quarter touchdowns to knot the score 12-12 at the intermission. Following a scoreless third period, Rome scored the go-ahead touchdown on a one-yard run in the fourth quarter and added a two-point conversion. Trailing by eight, Bartow had one more possession to tie but was turned away and finished third in the state playoffs. Henderson led the Bartow defense with eight tackles. Pullum and Richard Houston followed with five tackles each. Truitt Hayworth added four tackles. Rome, who defeated Central Walton 27-21 to reach the state semifinals against Bartow, will play in the GRPA 10U state championship game Saturday, December 10 at Calhoun High School. Rome will face Chatham County in the title game at 3pm. Chatham County defeated Columbia County 39-12 and South Bryan County 41-16 to win the South Georgia half of the bracket this past weekend in Tifton. 2016 BARTOW COUNTY 10U GRPA YOUTH FOOTBALL ALL-STAR ROSTER Easton Adams, Michael Alexander, Luke Altizer, Ethan Blome, Devyn Brown, Ethan Brown, Zantivan Brown, Jachai Delgado, Cole Dumas, Andrew Foster, Jonathan Gough, Adrian Harris, Jr., Ja’kevian Harris, Truitt Hayworth, Devin Henderson, Kevin Henderson, Jr., Richard Houston, Quinton Kowdis, Isaiah Livsey, Jamie Long, Kendrick Price, Jamarian Pullum, Logan Shrewsbury, Kintrell Whatley. Head Coach: Terrance Benham. Assistant coaches: Joel Green, Thomas Pullum, Terrance Echols, and Adrian Harris. Local youth football reports provided by the Bartow County Recreation and Parks Department and the Cartersville Recreation and Parks Department and are sponsored on BartowSportsZone.com by CiCi's Pizza of Cartersville located in Cherokee Place off Main Street.

The Bartow County Recreation Department 7-year-old girls soccer all-stars won the Georgia Recreation and Parks Association (GRPA) state championship Saturday in Calhoun. Bartow did not allow a goal in the state tournament, defeating Albany YMCA (2-0) in the state semifinals and Calhoun (3-0) in the state championship game. Ryland Piatt and Ella Edwards scored one goal each for Bartow County in the semifinal win over Albany YMCA. Emma Edwards scored one goal and Ella Edwards scored twice in the state championship match. The team, coached by Jimmy Edwards, includes: Ashlynn Bloodworth, Gracie Cash, Alexa Damer, Ella Edwards, Emma Edwards, Francesca Fitzgerald, Lillian McCormick, Layla Morgan, Ryland Piatt, and Malorie Rogers. BARTOW 10U AND 12U FINISH 3RD AT STATE TOURNAMENT The Bartow County 10U girls soccer all-stars placed third Saturday in the GRPA state tournament. Bartow 10U defeated Camden County 2-1 Friday night, but lost in the semifinals Saturday to Dalton, 8-0. Dalton 10U went on to capture the state title with a 2-0 win over Columbia County. The Bartow 10U all-stars include: Layla Allgood, Jazlyn Coyle, Jessica Hogue, Mia Manjarrez, Summerlyn Smith, Allie Southern, Hailey Templeton, Piper Tordrup, Ava Walker, Anna-Grace Weathers, Caitlin Wilson. Coach: Jeff Shinall. The Bartow County 12U girls soccer all-stars lost to Albany YMCA 5-2 Friday night in the state tournament semifinals to finish third. Albany YMCA went on to win the state title on Saturday with a 2-0 victory over Columbia County. The Bartow 12U all-stars include: Gracie Baker, Gabbie Becerra, Taff Bradley, Giorgia Conduff, Paige Forman, Ahtziri Fuentes, Rachel Millsap, Naxyria Roberts, Paola Robledo, Natalie Rogers, Ashley Walker, Reagan Weightman, Ava Whatley. Coach: Chris Owens Soccer results and rosters supplied to BartowSportsZone.com by the Bartow County Parks and Recreation Department.

The Woodland wrestling team has won its first four tournaments to start the 2016-17 season after winning the Woodstock Wolverine Classic Saturday by more than 80 points. Gavin Nix, Justin Kellett, Kyle Gollhofer, Vinnie Rosati, Dawson Woods, and Cody Cochran each came away with first place finishes for the Wildcats in their respective weight classes. Hunter Hardin had a runner-up finish for Woodland. Kyle Veley and Kurtis Feanny placed fourth. Jesus Montero placed fifth. The Wildcats will travel this coming Saturday, December 10 to the Jim Graves Invitational hosted by Brandon High School, just outside of Tampa, Florida. The Adairsville wrestling team placed second Saturday at the Westminster Duals. The Tigers defeated Lakeside-DeKalb, Pace Academy, Perry, and Salem. The only loss of the day for coach Ryan Torrence’s team was to the host Westminster Wildcats. The Cass wrestling team took only nine wrestlers to the Woodstock Wolverine Classic Saturday and seven of them placed with the team finishing third overall. Tripp Breeden and Chance Scrutchins won their weight classes. Tyler Pilcher and Ben Mills came away with runner-up finishes. Houston Jones and C.J. McKnight placed third, while Cody Mauldin placed fifth. Cass will host Adairsville, Sonoraville, and Gordon Central Wednesday and will compete -- along with Adairsville -- in the Dalton Carpet Classic on Saturday, December 10. The Cartersville wrestling team finished fifth with 112 points at the Harrison Hoya Invitational Saturday. Senior Jonathan De La Cruz led the Hurricanes with a first place finish in the 220 pound division. Freshman Caz Smith finished second in the 106 weight class. Senior Robby Earick placed third at 132 pounds and Braden Duocher placed fourth in the 126 pound division. The Canes host Gordon Central Tuesday and will wrestle in the 'Rumble at the Rock' hosted by Northside-Columbus High School on Saturday, December 10.

Local high school basketball summaries for games played on Friday, December 2 and Saturday, December 3. CASS BOYS 61, VILLA RICA 48 The Colonels built a comfortable lead early at Villa Rica Saturday and held on throughout for a 13-point Region 7-AAAAA win. Cass led 16-10 after one quarter and 30-17 at halftime. Villa Rica cut the lead to 42-32 after three quarters, but the Colonels outscored the Wildcats 19-16 in the final period for a 61-48 win. The Colonels put four players in double figures, led by Ian Whittington with 17 points. Jake Collum scored 15 points for Cass, followed by Jacquez Milles with 14 and C.J. Bennett with 12 points. Ashton Burley added three points. Villa Rica (2-1, 1-1) was led by Tamarcus Middlebrook with 12 points. Micah Hodges and Rodney Thomas scored eight for the Wildcats and Jabrette Hart added seven. Cass (3-1, 1-0) plays at Paulding County Tuesday night, will host East Paulding Friday and Kell on Saturday night, December 10. VILLA RICA GIRLS 61, CASS 47 Villa Rica led by six after one quarter, nine at halftime, and 10 after three quarters on their way to a 61-47 home region victory over the visiting Lady Colonels. Junior Jaila Orozco led the Wildcats with 16 points. Sophomore Deasia Merrill followed with 15 points for Villa Rica. Villa Rica improved to 4-0 overall and 2-0 in Region 7-AAAAA with the win. Cass (2-2, 0-1) plays at Paulding County Tuesday, hosts East Paulding Friday, and entertains Kell on Saturday. ROCKMART BOYS 69, ADAIRSVILLE 59 The visiting Yellow Jackets led a close game at each quarter stop during a 10-point victory Saturday evening at Adairsville. Rockmart led 12-9 after one quarter and 30-25 at halftime. They maintained their five point lead through three quarters, leading 48-43. Adairsville had three players in double figures. Cole Hewatt led the Tigers with 12 points, followed by Ronald Hardin and Hunter Hice with 10 points each. Ethan Belcher finished with nine points. Cody Henderson scored seven. Juan Perez added six and James Sims scored five points. Rockmart’s Bronson Garner led all scorers with 17 points. Morgan Sims contributed 16 points for the victors, followed by Avery Allen and Logan Burge with 12 and 11 points, respectively. Rockmart improved to 2-1 with their win. Adairsville (3-3) also fell to Ringgold Friday night by a 62-55 score. The Tigers host North Murray Tuesday night and travels to Murray County Friday night. ROCKMART GIRLS 64, ADAIRSVILLE 48 The Lady Tigers led by nine after one quarter, but the visiting Lady Yellow Jackets scored 21, 18, and 17 points over the final three periods to distance themselves. Havyn Isaac led Adairsville with 12 points. The Lady Tigers host North Murray on Tuesday. CALHOUN GIRLS 57, CARTERSVILLE 24 Anna George had a double-double (12 points, 10 rebounds) and Jana Johns scored 19 points and grabbed nine rebounds to lead Calhoun past Cartersville Saturday afternoon in Calhoun. Ashlyn Barnes and Cassie Henderson scored eight points each for the Lady Jackets. They both also added eight rebounds. Barnes was credited with four steals. Calhoun improved to 4-2. Cartersville (2-3) plays next in two weeks — Saturday, December 17 — at Paulding County. RINGGOLD GIRLS 74, ADAIRSVILLE 47 No game report made available for Friday night’s game at Adairsville. RINGGOLD BOYS 62, ADAIRSVILLE 55 Ringgold came from behind in the fourth quarter to defeat Adairsville by seven points Friday night at Adairsville. Ringgold led 15-14 after one quarter, but Adairsville went to halftime ahead 32-29. Ringgold pulled to within one by the end of the third quarter at 44-43 and outscored Adairsville 19-11 in the fourth quarter for their win.

The Cartersville Purple Hurricanes trailed early Friday night at Weinman Stadium, but responded well on their way to a 38-17 semifinal victory over Mary Persons. Cartersville will now play for the GHSA Class AAAA state championship for a second consecutive year. The Canes turned the ball over twice by fumble and trailed 14-0 after one quarter, but outscored the visiting Bulldogs 38-3 over the final three periods for a 21-point victory and a return visit to Atlanta’s Georgia Dome. Mary Persons took their early lead on a long touchdown pass and a one-yard run. Roger Akins was on the receiving end of a 43-yard touchdown pass from Caleb Speir that gave the Bulldogs a 7-0 lead with 5:55 left in the opening quarter. After the Canes fumbled the ensuing kickoff, Mary Persons went 18 yards on three plays to take a 14-0 lead with 3:19 remaining in the first quarter on a Zach Harvey one-yard plunge. Down by two touchdowns, Trevor Lawrence connected twice with E.J. Turner for touchdowns and Trey Creamer scored on a 54-yard dash to give Cartersville a 21-17 halftime lead. The first Turner touchdown was set up by a 36-yard play from Lawrence to Avery Showell. Turner then made his eight-yard touchdown catch in the back of the end zone to cut the Bulldogs' lead to 14-7 in the first minute of the second quarter. Mary Persons responded with a 21-yard field goal by Alexander Rivera to take a 17-7 lead, before Creamer broke loose on a 54-yard touchdown run with 6:12 remaining in the first half. Cruz, who made all his PAT attempts, connected to pull the Canes with three points at 17-14. The second Lawrence to Turner touchdown of the second quarter put Cartersville ahead for good. Lawrence scrambled and reversed his field before finding Turner for an 18-yard throw and catch on a third and 13 play. The touchdown gave the Canes a 21-17 halftime advantage. Lawrence hooked up with Darien Poellnitz for a three-yard touchdown pass out of the Canes’ heavy package in the third quarter. The scoring play culminated a nine-play, 50-yard drive and gave Cartersville a 28-17 lead with 6:23 remaining in the period. The touchdown came on a third and goal play. Junior placekicker Jonathan Cruz added a 31-yard field goal for the Canes before Trey Creamer caught a screen pass from Lawrence and scampered 29 yards for another touchdown as the Canes pulled away in the second half. The Cartersville defense limited Mary Persons to only 26 total yards in the second half to secure the Hurricanes’ 29th consecutive win. Lawrence finished the night 16-of-23 for 254 yards and four touchdowns. Creamer gained 140 yards and scored one touchdown on 18 carries. He also caught a 29-yard touchdown pass. Turner hauled in six receptions for 110 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Showell caught two passes for 52 yards and Antoine Jefferson made five receptions for 46 yards. On defense, Showell led the Canes with seven tackles and two sacks. Poellnitz, Brandon Wade, and Nyvin Nelson finished with five tackles each. Poellnitz’s stops included a sack and Wade broke up a pass. Torrian Scrutchins added three tackles for loss and a sack, while Trevor Lowe picked off a pass and Xavior Coaxum forced on Bulldogs’ fumble. Cartersville (14-0) will face Thomson (14-0) next Saturday (Dec. 10) in the Class AAAA state championship game at The Georgia Dome. Thomson won its semifinal game Friday night over visiting Jefferson, 27-6. Thomson’s Michael Thomas rushed for a touchdown and threw a 32-yard touchdown pass to Trey Parker to lead the unbeaten Bulldogs into the finals. Mills Ridings and Bubba Murray each added Thomson rushing touchdowns. Game statistics supplied by Jason Greenberg, The Daily Tribune News.

The 7-year-old girls soccer all-stars from the Bartow County Parks and Recreation Department will join their 10U and 12U counterparts from Bartow County Saturday to compete for a state championship at the Calhoun Soccer Complex. Bartow County will meet Albany YMCA in a semifinal match at 10am with the winner advancing to the state title match at 12:30pm against the Calhoun/Walton County winner. BARTOW COUNTY 7-YEAR-OLD GIRLS SOCER ALL-STARS Ashlynn Bloodworth, Gracie Cash, Alexa Damer, Ella Edwards, Emma Edwards, Francesca Fitzgerald, Lillian McCormick, Layla Morgan, Ryland Piatt, Malorie Rogers. Coach: Jimmy Edwards. GRPA 7-year-old State Tournament -- Saturday, December 3 10am at Calhoun Soccer Complex Calhoun vs. Walton County Bartow County vs. Albany YMCA 12:30pm at Calhoun Soccer Complex State Championship match Previous story regarding Bartow County's 10U and 12U teams in state tournament: http://www.bartowsportszone.com/single-post/2016/11/30/Bartow-youth-soccer-football-teams-in-GRPA-state-playoffs-this-weekend

The Cartersville High School swim teams competed Thursday, December 1 at Darlington against the host Tigers, Woodstock, Gilmer, and Coahulla Creek. Class AAAAAAA Woodstock came away as the winner of both the girls and boys meets with the Canes placing second and the Lady Canes finishing third. Cartersville had the second highest combined score for the meet. Cartersville’s Sam Braid won the boys’ 200 yard Individual Medley and Georgia Rutledge won the girls’ 50 yard Freestyle event. Canes’ top finishes: Owen Willoughby — 3rd, 100 Breaststroke Garrison McDaniel — 3rd, 100 Butterfly 200 Freestyle Relay — 3rd (Garrison McDaniel, Bryson Rogers, Haden Boone, Camden Vogelsang) Haden Boone — 4th, 200 Freestyle 400 Freestyle Relay — 4th (Tate Mathis, Malcolm Cooley, Daniel Hataway, Sam Braid) Tate Mathis — 4th, 1M Diving Owen Willoughby — 4th, 500 Freestyle Bryson Rogers — 5th, 100 Butterfly Bryson Rogers — 5th, 1M Diving William Matherne — 5th, 200 Freestyle William Matherne — 5th, 500 Freestyle Camden Vogelsang — 5th, 100 Backstroke 200 Medley Relay — 5th (William Matherne, Paul Swinney, Bryson Rogers, Haden Boone) Lady Canes’ top finishes: Anna Cooney — 2nd, 1M Diving Gracie Siniard — 2nd, 100 Butterfly Georgia Rutledge — 2nd, 100 Freestyle 200 Freestyle Relay — 2nd (Georgia Rutledge, Grayson Breedlove, Aleina Vidoli, Gracie Siniard) Gracie Siniard — 4th, 100 Breaststroke Grayson Breedlove — 4th, 200 Freestyle Isabella Amisano — 4th, 500 Freestyle 200 Medley Relay — 4th (Grayson Breedlove, Aleina Vidoli, Gracie Siniard, Georgia Rutledge) Katelyn Woodall — 5th, 200 Individual Medley 400 Freestyle Relay — 5th (Avery Archer, Victoria Martino, Laura Dodge, Addison Watkins) The next meet for Cartersville is scheduled for next Thursday against Adairsville and Rome at Adairsville High School. The Cass High School swim teams were in action Thursday, December 1 at the Calhoun Aquatic Center against the host Yellow Jackets, Creekview, and Southeast Whitfield. Calhoun swept the girls and boys meets with Creekview second and Cass third in both genders. Top finishes for the Colonels: Joseph Stoelzle — 2nd, 100 Freestyle 200 Medley Relay — 4th (Joseph Stoelzle, Noah Arnold, Trenton Lowery, Benjamin Fairbanks) Joseph Stoelzle — 5th, 50 Freestyle 200 Medley Relay — 5th (Eli Wilhoit, Corbin Molnar, Levi McCrary, Travis Franklin) Top finishes for the Lady Colonels: Trinity Byrd — 4th, 100 Breaststroke Lauren Gonzalez — 5th, 200 Freestyle 200 Medley Relay — 5th (Macy Wright, Trinity Byrd, Kelsey Bunch, Salena Le) The Lady Colonels and Colonels will host their next meet Tuesday at the Adairsville High School pool when they entertain Coahulla Creek and Southeast Whitfield at 5:30pm.

The Cartersville Purple Hurricanes have won 28 consecutive games over the past two seasons and are now only two wins away from a second consecutive Class AAAA state title. The Canes (13-0) will host Mary Persons (11-2) Friday night at 7:30pm at Weinman Stadium in the state semifinals. The winner will play for the 2016 state championship Saturday, December 10 at The Georgia Dome in Atlanta. Mary Persons won the Region 2-AAAA championship and is ranked No. 7. Cartersville won Region 5-AAAA and has been ranked No. 1 the entire season. The Bulldogs met Cartersville in the 1991 Class AA state semifinals. The Purple Hurricanes, on their way to their first state championship, won 21-17, in the only matchup pitting the two schools. This year's Class AAAA semifinal game matches contrasting offenses. Cartersville, led by highly touted junior quarterback Trevor Lawrence, is about 2-to-1 pass over run. Mary Persons favors the run about 3-to-1. Lawrence is 220-of-349 passing for 3,450 yards and 45 touchdowns. He threw for 197 yards and one touchdown in a 26-15 quarterfinal win over Woodward Academy last week. Mary Persons edged Blessed Trinity in the quarterfinals last week, 28-27. Senior Zach Harvey is the Bulldogs’ leading rusher with 1,395 yards and 24 touchdowns on 228 carries. He has seven games of 100 or more yards this season. Sophomore Quen Wilson has surged during the Bulldogs’ first three playoff games. He has over 500 yards during the playoffs and 866 yards on the season. He has six touchdowns and three 100+ yard games. Wilson ran for 152 yards last week against Blessed Trinity. Senior Jatori Sims is third on the Bulldogs’ offense with 548 yards on 46 attempts with four touchdowns. Mary Persons senior quarterback, Caleb Speir, is 90-for-164 for 1,478 yards and 13 touchdowns with only four interceptions. His top two targets have been senior Roger Akins (424 yards on 22 receptions, five TDs) and Sims (534 yards on 30 catches, four TDs). Senior defensive end, Malik Herring (6-4, 245), leads the Bulldogs in tackles with 81, including 27 for loss. Senior linebacker Tay Jarrell (6-1, 205) follows with 75 tackles. Seniors Vic Henderson and Tre Howard have 73 and 70 tackles, respectively. The Mary Persons/Cartersville winner will meet either Jefferson or Thomson in the state championship game. The Jefferson/Thomson game, originally set for Jefferson, was moved to Thomson's Brickyard earlier this week due to GHSA seating mandates. The requirement for Class AAAA is 4,000. Jefferson’s stadium does not meet that requirement, leading school and GHSA officials to move the game to Thomson which seats about 4,400. Both teams are region champs. Jefferson is 12-1 and won Region 8-AAAA. The fourth-ranked Dragons’ only loss this season came September 2 to Thomson, 42-20. Thomson is 13-0, has been ranked second most of the year, and won Region 3-AAAA. Thomson's regular season win over Jefferson was the first meeting between the two programs since 1963. The Dragons narrowed the Bulldogs’ lead to eight points with just under five minutes remaining, but Thomson returned an onside kick for a touchdown and added another score late for their 22-point win. The Bulldogs also lead the all-time series with seven wins in 11 meetings. There have been two ties in the series that dates back to 1949. Both offenses have been run-oriented this season. Mike Thomas is Thomson's leading rusher with 2,143 yards, including 193 in a 30-7 victory over Spalding last week. Bubba Murray has 931 yards for the Bulldogs. Thomas and Murray have combined for 39 rushing touchdowns. Junior quarterback Mills Ridings is 83-of-124 passing for 1,279 yards with 13 TDs for Thomson. Trey Parker (26 receptions for 534 yards) and J.T. Thomas (23 receptions for 466 yards) have been his top targets. Junior Colby Wood leads Jefferson with 1,534 rushing yards. Senior Zack Boobas follows with 594 yards and 14 touchdowns on 107 carries. Freshman Colby Clark has 590 yards and nine touchdowns on 134 attempts. The Maxwell ratings projections have Cartersville as a 24-point favorite over Mary Persons and Thomson with an 11-point edge on Jefferson. CalPreps projections has Cartersville as a 21-point favorite and Thomson as a 4-point favorite.

The Cartersville Purple Hurricanes' dominance of Region 5-AAAA during the 2016 season was rewarded recently by the coaches of the league with their announcement of the All-Region 5-AAAA awards and team. The Canes dominated the roster with more than 20 selections including Region Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, Two-Way Player of the Year, and Special Teams Player of the Year. The Region 5-AAAA All-Region team as voted by the region’s coaches: Player of the year: QB Trevor Lawrence, Cartersville, Jr. Offensive player of the year: QB Jadon Walker, Chapel Hill, Sr. Defensive player of the year: DL Torrian Scrutchins, Cartersville, Sr. Ironman Award (Two-way player of the year): LB/WR Avery Showell, Cartersville, Sr. Special teams player of the year: PK Jonathan Cruz, Cartersville, Jr. PHOTOS: (L-R) Trevor Lawrence, Torrian Scrutchins, Avery Showell, and Jonathan Cruz. First-team offense QB – Bryant Walker, Sandy Creek, Jr. RB – Cam Russell, Troup, Sr. RB – Jaelen Greene, Sandy Creek, Sr. WR – Antoine Jefferson, Cartersville, Sr. WR – Jamari Thrash, LaGrange, So. WR – Javan Hawes, Sandy Creek, Sr. WR – Kobe Hudson, Troup, Fr. TE – Parker Mallett, Sandy Creek, Sr. OL – Coy Tedescucci, LaGrange, Sr. OL – Dalen Curtis, Cartersville, Sr. OL – Jovante Williams, Cedartown, Sr. OL – Nick Root, Cartersville, Jr. OL – Savon Simmons, Sandy Creek, Sr. First-team defense DL – Brandon Wade, Cartersville, Sr. DL – Colby Warrior, Sandy Creek, Sr. DL – Darian Poellnitz, Cartersville, Jr. DL – King Mwikuta, Troup, So. LB – Kevin Martin, Troup, So. LB – Sean Holton, Cartersville, Sr. LB – TJ Peavy, Sandy Creek, Jr. LB – Trevor Lowe, Cartersville, Sr. DB – Mychael Jenkins, Sandy Creek, Sr. DB – Trase Fezzia, Cartersville, Sr. DB – Trey Creamer, Cartersville, Sr. DB – Xavier Coaxum, Cartersville, Sr. First-team specialists P – Marat Rosencrants, LaGrange, Sr. PK – Carson Wreyford, Troup, Jr. RET – Drezyn Parson, Sandy Creek, Sr. Second-team offense QB – Montez Crowe, Troup, Jr. RB – Tony Mathis, Cedartown, So. RB – Tyre Shelton, Chapel Hill, Jr. WR – EJ Turner, Cartersville, Jr. WR – J’Kobe Orr, Cartersville, Jr. WR – Kaleb Slaughter, Sandy Creek, Sr. WR – Ken Truitt, Troup, Sr. TE – Andy Boykin, LaGrange, Fr. TE – Kenley Bridwell, Troup, Jr. OL – Bryce Wilkins, Cartersville, Jr. OL – Keden Taylor, Central (Carrollton), Jr. OL – Keshawn Cameron, Troup, So. OL – Sam Barczak, Sandy Creek, Jr. OL – Seth Adams, Troup, Jr. Second-team defense DL – Cruz Rodriguez, Cedartown, Jr. DL – Jermaine Anderson, Chapel Hill, Jr. DL – Jonathan Olajubutu, LaGrange, Sr. DL – Nate Brown, Sandy Creek, Sr. LB – Dylan Galm, Chapel Hill, Sr. LB – Jacoris Willis, Troup, So. LB – Nyvin Nelson, Cartersville, Jr. LB – Rick Dyer, Central (Carrollton), Sr. DB – Cord Grissom, LaGrange, Sr. DB – Datren Bray, Chapel Hill, Sr. DB – Keshon Kent, Cedartown, Jr. DB – Macenta Stafford, Troup, Jr. Honorable mention: QB LaPerion Perry, LaGrange, Sr.; QB Trevon Wofford, Cedartown, Jr.; RB Amad Ogletree, LaGrange, Sr.; RB Marvin Hubbard, Sandy Creek, Sr.; WR Bo Russell, LaGrange, Jr.; WR Braxton Edge, Central (Carrollton), So.; WR Joseph Gibbons, Cedartown, Jr.; WR TJ Horton, Cartersville, Jr.; OL Alex Corrigan, Cartersville, Jr.; OL Cole Neely, Sandy Creek, Sr.; OL Demetrious Winters, Cartersville, Jr.; OL Mike Sims, Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill.; OL Nyquavous Diamond, Cedartown, Jr.; OL Tyrase Thornton, LaGrange, Jr.; DL Jarred Lane, Troup, Sr.; DL Lamarcus Brown, LaGrange, Sr.; DL Latarius Claxton, Chapel Hill, Sr.; DL Marqivous Slaughter, Central (Carrollton), Sr.; DL Nick Fulwider, Sandy Creek, Sr.; DL Taylor Hodge, Sandy Creek, Sr.; LB Dakota Mason, Cedartown, Jr.; LB Demetrius Worth, Sandy Creek, Sr.; LB Herbert Washington, Sandy Creek, Sr.; LB Nick Lyons, Troup, So.; DB Brian Branch, Sandy Creek, Fr.; DB Chanse Hill, Troup, Sr.; DB Herbert Washington, Sandy Creek, Sr.; DB Issac Appling, Sandy Creek, Sr.; DB Quan Neal, Cedartown, Sr.; DB Tajai Owens, Chapel Hill, Sr.; DB Xavier Vaughn, Central (Carrollton), Sr.

The Bartow County Parks and Recreation Department has three youth all-star teams ready to challenge for Georgia Recreation and Parks Association (GRPA) state championships this weekend in Calhoun. The Bartow County 10U and 12U girls soccer teams begin play Friday night at the Calhoun Soccer Complex, while the Bartow County 10U football all-stars will battle in a state quarterfinal game Saturday afternoon at the Calhoun High School stadium. The Bartow County 10U girls soccer all-stars will face Camden County Friday night at 8:30pm in their opening match of the single-elimination format tournament. The winner advances to the state semifinals on Saturday morning at 11:15am to face either Albany YMCA or Dalton. The Bartow County 12U girls soccer all-stars battle Albany YMCA Friday night in a state semifinal match. The winner will advance to Saturday’s GRPA state championship match at 12:30pm against either Calhoun, Columbia County, or Dalton. The Bartow County 10U football all-stars will open their state playoffs bid Saturday afternoon at 4pm at Calhoun High School against West Walton County. The winner advances to the GRPA state semifinals against the Central Walton/Rome winner on Sunday afternoon at 4pm again at Calhoun High School. The GRPA 10U football state championship game will be Saturday, December 10 at 3pm at Calhoun High School against the South Georgia winner. The South Georgia portion of the state bracket includes Chatham County, Columbia County, and South Bryan County. Those teams will determine their state finalists Saturday and Sunday in games at Friendly City Park in Tifton. Rosters for the BCRD teams advancing to the state playoffs: 2016 BARTOW COUNTY 10U GRPA YOUTH FOOTBALL ALL-STARS Easton Adams, Michael Alexander, Luke Altizer, Ethan Blome, Devyn brown, Ethan Brown, Zantivan Brown, Jachai Delgado, Cole Dumas, Andrew Foster, Jonathan Gough, Adrian Harris, Jr., Ja’kevian Harris, Truitt Hayworth, Devin Henderson, Kevin Henderson, Jr., Richard Houston, Quinton Kowdis, Isaiah Livsey, Jamie Long, Kendrick Price, Jamarian Pullum, Logan Shrewsbury, Kintrell Whatley. Coach: Terance Benham 2016 BARTOW COUNTY 12U GRPA GIRLS SOCCER ALL-STARS Gracie Baker, Gabbie Becerra, Taff Bradley, Giorgia Conduff, Paige Forman, Ahtziri Fuentes, Rachel Millsap, Naxyria Roberts, Paola Robledo, Natalie Rogers, Ashley Walker, Reagan Weightman, Ava Whatley. Coach: Chris Owens 2016 BARTOW COUNTY 10U GRPA GIRLS SOCCER ALL-STARS Layla Allgood, Jazlyn Coyle, Jessica Hogue, Mia Manjarrez, Summerlyn Smith, Allie Southern, Hailey Templeton, Piper Tordrup, Ava Walker, Anna-Grace Weathers, Caitlin Wilson. Coach: Jeff Shinall. Youth football and soccer information provided by the Bartow County Parks and Recreation Department and sponsored on BartowSportsZone.com by CiCi’s Pizza of Cartersville, located off Main Street at Cherokee Place.

The Cartersville Lady Canes found themselves in their fourth straight, tightly contested game Tuesday night at Sonoraville and came away with a 44-41 victory. The Lady Canes used a fourth quarter, come-from-behind effort to pull out the win. Cartersville trailed at the end of each of the first three quarters — 9-6, 17-16, and 31-28 — but outscored the Lady Phoenix 16-10 in the final period to win by three. Kimora McClinic had a game-high 18 points for Cartersville, including seven in the final quarter and made five of seven free throws down the stretch. De’asia Jefferson scored six points for the Lady Canes. Addie Smith and Madison McKinney totaled five points each. Amya Davis added four points, while Monica Motuba and India Reed chipped in three apiece. Reid and McKinney collected nine and seven rebounds, respectively. Davis added five assists. Grace Darnell led Sonoraville with 13 points. Harleigh Chastain finished with nine points. Kolby Smith scored seven and Cortney Williams six. Sonoraville fell to 0-2 on the season. Cartersville (2-2) plays at Calhoun Saturday afternoon at 2:30pm. EXCEL CHRISTIAN ACADEMY GIRLS 42, WALKER 41 The Excel Christian Academy girls held on at home Tuesday night to defeat visiting Walker, 42-41. The Lady Eagles led by six heading to the final period and saw Walker take a brief lead, but Excel made just enough free throws down the stretch to hold on for a Region 6-A cross-over win. Whitney Harris led Excel with 13 points. Kalli Beth Scheff followed with 11 for the Lady Eagles. Rylie Boston scored nine and gathered more than 20 rebounds. Brighton McCollum added five points. Landry McCollum and Lindsey Mauldin contributed 3 and 1 point(s), respectively. Excel held a 9-4 lead after one quarter and led 19-12 at halftime. Saige Cornick-Turpin led Walker with 19 points. Madeline Daniel scored 13 for the Lady Wolverines. The Lady Eagles host Mount Pisgah Christian next Tuesday in a 6pm start, before traveling to Mt. Zion-Carroll and Walker on Friday and Saturday. WALKER BOYS 82, EXCEL CHRISTIAN 33 The visiting Wolverines took a 29-15 lead following a fast-paced first quarter and never looked back on their way to a convincing win at Excel Tuesday night. The Wolverines led 46-22 at halftime and 64-31 going to the final period. “Rebounding and costly turnovers hurt us throughout,” said ECA head coach Eric Collins. “We’ll go bck to practice, continue to stay focused, maintain the right mindset, and work on getting better fundamentally,” added Collins. Nick Robinson led all scorers with 21 for Walker. Jake Shore added 14 for the Wolverines. Jordan Wilkie scored 11 for Excel Christian. Levi Blackwell added seven. The Eagles hit the hardwood again Friday, December 9 at Mt. Zion-Carroll and play at Walker on Saturday, December 10. CEDARTOWN GIRLS 55, WOODLAND 40 Tia Covington scored 21 points, Victoria Frazier 11, and Tamara Beeman nine as the visiting Lady Bulldogs defeated Woodland Tuesday night. Cedartown led 12-2 after one quarter, 27-18 at halftime, and pushed their lead to 45-30 after three periods. Woodland’s Madgie Robinson was held scoreless in the first half, but scored 10 of the Lady Cats’ 12 points in the third quarter and finished with 11 points on the night. Leah Stutz scored eight points for Woodland. Nickiah Metcalf followed with seven. McKenzie Hobbs finished with six points. Jamison Kilgo chipped in four points. Danielle Downes and Lauren Morris added two points each for the Lady Cats. The Lady Bulldogs improved to 2-1. Woodland slipped to 0-2. CEDARTOWN BOYS 62, WOODLAND 51 The visiting Bulldogs broke open a very tight game in the fourth quarter to edge Woodland Tuesday night. Cedartown held a 15-14 lead after one quarter and was up 30-28 at halftime. Both teams posted a dozen points in the third quarter, but Cedartown outscored the Wildcats 20-11 in the final period. Quan Neal of the Bulldogs led all scorers in the game with 18 points as Cedartown improved to 2-0. Trevor Knowles led Woodland with 13 points and Justice Hayes also reached double figures with 10. Justice Carter followed with nine points. Hunter Johnson scored eight, Camden Royal seven, and Makaile Sanders added four points for the Wildcats. Woodland (1-1) is scheduled to host Carrollton Tuesday, December 6 before traveling to Paulding County on December 9 and Villa Rica on Saturday, December 10.