The Daily Tribune News released its 2016 All-Bartow County softball team Sunday. PLAYER OF THE YEAR Hannah Todd (photo right) — Cartersville ALL-COUNTY Skyler Chappell — Woodland Emily Collum — Adairsville Brittney Cox — Woodland Hope Elrod — Cass Sarah Fox — Cass Sierrah Gani — Cass Loren Harris — Adairsville Brighton McCollum — Excel Rachel Parrott — Excel Paris Poston — Cartersville Bailey Robinson — Adairsville HONORABLE MENTION Natalie Burrow — Adairsville Molly Wilson — Cartersville Aliza Baker — Excel Madgie Robinson — Woodland Arianna Mustin — Cass For the full story, please see Jason Greenberg’s report at — http://daily-tribune.com/sports/item/6656-the-2016-daily-tribune-news-all-county-softball-team

Georgia Recreation and Parks Association (GRPA) District 5 youth football all-star action began Saturday at Hamilton Crossing Park with the 8U Cartersville team and the 10U Bartow team winning their opening games. The Cartersville Parks and Recreation Department 8U all-star team shutout Bartow 33-0, while the Bartow County Parks and Recreation Department 10U all-star team defeated Cartersville 32-8. The games were the first for all four teams in the GRPA District 5 round robin tournament. 8U DISTRICT 5 -- GRPA CARTERSVILLE 33, BARTOW 0 ​​ Asa Mitcham finished with 90 yards rushing and 20 yards receiving to help lead Cartersville. Mitcham had scoring runs of 54 and 23 yards. He also caught a 20 yard pass for a touchdown from Harris Turner and caught a pass for a two-point conversion. Reed Ezell finished with 76 yards rushing and Collier Jordan totaled 24 yards on the ground. Ezell, who had seven tackles and a 20 yard interception return on defense, scored on a 17 yard run. He added a two-point conversion pass and a one-point conversion run. Mitcham had three tackles for Cartersville. Nasier Bennett, Jorian Bailey, Dixon Lindsey, and Griffin Woodall made two tackles each. Jordan (fumble recovery), Peyton Emery (fumble recovery), and Hudson Lusk each added one tackle apiece. Malachi Harris rushed for 65 yards for Bartow. Joshua Love and Kyron McClendon finished with 14 and 11 yards, respectively. On defense for Bartow, Harris made six tackles. Graham Coheley and Deion Winters had three tackles each. McClendon and Demarcus Ballenger finished with a pair of tackles, while Love and Jakez Baldwin added one tackle apiece. Rome was also scheduled to play at Dalton in the other 8U District 5 game Saturday. No results were available at the time this report was published. Bartow (0-1) travels to James Brown Park to play Dalton Tuesday at 7:15pm in their second District 5 game. Cartersville (1-0) will host Dalton Thursday at Dellinger Park with kickoff set for 6pm. 10U DISTRICT 5 -- GRPA BARTOW 32, CARTERSVILLE 8 Kendrick Price and Richard Houston scored a pair of touchdowns each and Devin Henderson rushed for 134 yards to help lead Bartow to a district tournament opening win over Cartersville, 32-8. Price finished with 77 yards rushing and scored on a 13 yard run and a 60 yard kickoff return. He also converted a two-point conversion kick. Houston scored on a 20 yard run and a one yard plunge. He totaled 65 yards on the ground. Jamarian Pullum totaled 77 yards rushing with most of it coming on a 68 yard gallop for a touchdown. Jonathan Gough and A.J. Harris added 12 and six yards rushing, respectively. Henderson and Houston led the Bartow defense with six tackles each. Price collected four tackles. A.J. Harris made three tackles and Isaiah LIvsey added two stops. Reece Alexander, Ethan Brown, Zantavian Brown, Truitt Hayworth, Kevin Henderson, and Jaimen Long added one tackle each for Bartow. Trevor Harris, who led Cartersville with 91 rushing yards, scored their only touchdown on a five yard run. Brodie McWhorter added a two point conversion kick for Cartersville. Stephen Rowser led the Cartersville defense with six tackles. Turner Abernathy collected four tackles. Robert Campbell and Landen Heath had three stops each. Christian Wood made a pair of tackles and Ali Hamilton recovered a fumble. Baylon Long, Andrew Moore, and Luke Surrett added one tackle each for Cartersville. Bartow (1-0) travels to James Brown Park Tuesday to take on Dalton at 6pm. Cartersville (0-1) will play at Rome Tuesday at 7:15pm at Riverview Park. The round robin tournament continues Thursday. Cartersville will host Dalton Thursday at Dellinger Park, while Bartow will host Rome at Hamilton Crossing Park. Both games Thursday are scheduled for 7:15pm. NOTE: The Bartow 12U all-star team played at Calhoun Saturday. Results were not made available, but will be updated. Bartow 12U hosts Rome Tuesday at 6:15pm at Hamilton Crossing Park. Youth football reports are provided by Cartersville Parks and Recreation Department and Bartow County Parks and Recreation Department. The reports are sponsored on Bartow Sports Zone by CiCi's Pizza of Cartersville.

The Woodland High School co-ed cheerleaders won the 2016 Georgia High School Association all-classification Co-Ed State Championship Friday night at the Columbus Civic Center. Woodland, with 282 points, edged runner-up Johns Creek by two points. Grayson was third with 266 points, followed by Forsyth Central (265), Milton (257), and Mill Creek (254). Members of coach Kathi Shedd’s team include: Grace Segars, Adisyn Garrett, Alex Hulsey, Ryanne Ritch, Katelyn Honaker, Breanna Shook, Chloe Hendrix, Jamie Landrum, Savannah Hawkins, Kristian Fisher, Andy Johnson, Noah Williams, Griffin Guyton, Rodney Thompson, Nathan Williams, and Miles Shade. Carole Payne is an assistant coach. Woodland qualified for the state finals with a fifth place finish in the preliminary state sectionals, but had a major deduction in that performance. In the finals, the Wildcats completed a clean performance to capture the title in a highly competitive field.

Trevor Lawrence tossed seven, first half touchdown passes and top-ranked Cartersville took a 56-7 lead at halftime on their way to a 77-14 first round playoff victory over Chestatee Friday night at Weinman Stadium. The win moves Cartersville into the second round of the Class AAAA state playoffs. Avery Showell caught touchdown passes of 24, 25, and 76 yards. E.J. Turner had scoring receptions of 14 and 29 yards. Jkobe Orr had a 3 yard touchdown catch and Antoine Jefferson added a 16 yard touchdown catch just before the intermission. Trase Fezzia also returned an interception 98 yards for a touchdown in the first half. Chestatee drove 80 yards in 6 plays for their only score that cut the Canes' lead to 28-7 with 1:21 remaining in the first quarter. A long pass reception from quarterback Storm Yarbrough to Reggie James set up a 10-yard TD catch by James. The second half was played with a running clock, but the Canes second and third units continued to move the football and add points. Cartersville added a 65 yard touchdown catch by Dominique Williams from Tee Webb to make the score 63-7. Webb also hit Marko Dudley for an 11 yard strike in the fourth quarter that made the score 70-14. Marcus Gary added a one yard touchdown run in the game’s final minute for a 77-14 final score. Chestatee’s Nick Beard scooped up a blocked punt for the War Eagles’ second half touchdown that narrowed the margin to 63-14 with 3:10 left in the third quarter. The block came against the Canes' second unit. Lawrence finished the night 14-of-18 for 263 yards and 7 touchdowns — all in the first half. Trey Creamer ran for 39 yards on three carries. Showell caught three passes for 125 yards and two touchdowns. E.J. Turner had 71 yards on four catches and two touchdowns. Jefferson had four receptions for 38 yards, and Orr caught three balls for 29 yards and one score. Grant Farmer and Jonathan Cruz connected on all the Cartersville PATs. Defensively for Cartersville, Sean Holton finished with nine tackles. Trevor Lowe totaled eight stops and a sack. Xavior Coaxum and Brandon Wade finished with five tackles. Trase Fezzia and Evan Williams had interceptions. Cartersville (11-0) extended its state-leading 26-game winning streak and will host Burke County (9-2) in the second round next Friday (Nov. 18). The Bears defeated Northside-Columbus 55-20 in the first round.

Coach Joey King’s Cartersville Purple Hurricanes football team opens defense of their 2015 Class AAAA State title Friday night at Weinman Stadium when the Chestatee War Eagles arrive for a 7:30pm kickoff. The Canes’ coach is in his third season at the helm and has his 2016 team heading into the state playoffs on a 25-game winning streak. Cartersville won the 2015 state championship by going 15-0. They have since completed another 10-0 regular season and won their region championship for a school-record fifth year in a row. Their opponent in the first round is a team on an upswing, despite going only 4-6 this season. Chestatee was only 1-19 the previous two seasons, but got off to a good start this year before their region slate began. War Eagles’ first-year head coach, Shaun Conley, led his team to three wins in their first five games. Chestatee collected wins over East Hall, Fannin County, and Lumpkin County to start the season, 3-2. Their non-region losses were to North Hall, Flowery Branch, and Habersham Central. Chestatee is the No. 4 seed from Region 7-AAAA and needed only one region win in the five-school league to earn a state playoff berth. They defeated White County on October 21 to accomplish that feat, but suffered region losses this season to West Hall, Blessed Trinity, and Marist. Coach King explained on the Bartow Sports Zone radio show Friday morning on WBHF that Chestatee will present some resistance for the Canes. “They do some good things that could give us problems,” said King. “They have a good grasp of what they are trying to do offensively and they like to bring pressure defensively from time to time, so that could cause problems.” Chestatee has revamped their style of offense from previous years under Conley. “They’ve completely changed their style of play," noted King. They’ve gone through a culture change and it has been good for them. They have run the split-back veer in the past, but now they have gone to an uptempo spread game. They've been about 50-50 — percentage wise — run to pass.” Junior Storm Yarborough is the quarterback of a fairly balanced offensive attack that has averaged nearly as many passing attempts as rushing attempts this year. Yarborough’s top target is senior Baylee Camp, who has 871 yards on 54 receptions. The War Eagles’ top player of note this season, however, has been 6’1”, 200 pound, junior running back, Nick Lyles. “Lyles is a quality kick returner and a really good running back,” coach King pointed out. “He even plays a little bit in the defensive backfield. He’s just a good football player.” The Eagles’ odd-front defense is led by senior linebacker, Austin Gean. He leads Chestatee in tackles at over 15 per game. Moises Cuevas (6-5, 285) is also impressive along the War Eagles’ defensive front. Heavy favorites going into the game, the Canes will focus on themselves and strive toward their ultimate goal — another state championship. “We want to be better than we were the day before and better than we were the play before,” noted the Canes’ head coach. “We emphasize to the kids every day that any team can beat you on a given day, so you have to put your hard hat on and be ready to work every day.” “Our kids are ready for the challenge,” King concluded.

The 2016-17 high school basketball season is just around the corner and all five local schools in Cartersville and Bartow County are busy with preparations for their respective schedules. In this feature, we present a brief look at each team. Kyle Sandy, of Score Atlanta, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, and SandysSpiel.com contributed to this feature with the boys preview. CARTERSVILLE GIRLS With only one senior last season, the Lady Canes return the majority of a team that finished with a 6-20 record. Kimora McClinic, Madison McKinney, and Monica Motuba each return with three years of varsity experience. Coach Cindy Moore expects important contributions from sophomores A’Maya Davis, DeAsia Jefferson, and London Shaw. Cartersville will play in a new region that includes traditionally strong teams at LaGrange and Sandy Creek. Coach Moore also stated that Chapel Hill returns the nucleus of a good team from last season. “We will challenge for a state playoff berth if we play consistently,” said Moore. “We have to hit the high percentage shots, make free throws, and reduce turnovers. We believe we have the athleticism and speed to create scoring opportunities from our defense.” CASS GIRLS The Lady Colonels return their top four scorers from a team that went 14-13 last season. Jana Morning led the team with 12 points per game and was the County Player of the Year. Esmeralda Thoas, Payton Stoddard, and Kyla Michienzi averaged 11, eight, and seven points, respectively. Cass girls head coach Burt Jackson is looking forward to elevated contributions from Lyric Curtis, Chanel Clemmons, and Sharia Wade. Curtis, a junior, is a physical player that Jackson believes will help his team with rebounding and defense. Clemmons, also a junior, received quite a bit of playing time toward the end of last season. Jackson likes Clemmons’ ability to play defense, block shots, and rebound. Wade was a JV player last season that is a scorer and has exhibited the ability to shoot three-pointers. The Lady Colonels find themselves in a tough region that includes a pair of pre-season, top-ten teams in Villa Rica and Carrollton. Rome and county rival Woodland are also in Region 7-AAAAA. “We will compete for a state playoff berth if we stay healthy, keep improving, and play as a team,” noted coach Jackson. WOODLAND GIRLS The Lady Cats return three of their top performers from last year’s team that finished 5-20. Seniors Jamison Kilgo and Lexie Robinson return along with sophomore Madgie Robinson. Coach Kyle Morgan is hopeful Lexie Robinson will be available around the Christmas break and able to make a positive contribution at that point. Morgan will be seeking contributions also from newcomer, seniors Danielle Downes and McKenzie Hobbs. He will also be evaluating several sophomores and freshmen that may be able to contribute at the varsity level. Woodland — like Cass — will compete in Region 7AAAAA with ranked teams Villa Rica and Carrollton. Morgan also expects Rome and Kell to be among the top contenders in the region. “We will challenge for a state playoff spot if we come together as a team, play to our strengths, remain and get healthy, and continue to improve daily at practice and in games,” coach Morgan summarized. ADAIRSVILLE GIRLS Adairsville girls head coach Lee Whitaker returns four starters from last year’s team and is excited for the 2016-17 campaign. Senior Chloe Powell, juniors Emily Collum and Josie Summerville, plus sophomore Nakiyah Washington return for a team that finished 13-17 a year ago. Washington was All-County and All Region 6AAA 1st Team last season and led the Lady Tigers in scoring. Collum was an All-County selection that led the team in assists and steals from her point guard position. Summerville was an All-County honorable mention player last year that averaged more than eight ponts and nine rebounds. Powell returns as the vocal leader and one of the team’s most intelligent defenders. Whitaker also expects key contributions this season from Taylor Greene, Havyn Isaac, and Zay Harris. Greene, a senior, had a solid off-season and adds an inside and defensive presence. Harris is a junior that Whitaker thinks will add ball handling skills and three point range, and Isaac is a sophomore expected to have another solid season as a defender and three point shooter. The Lady Tigers will compete in Region 6AAA South where the Sonoraville girls are the defending champions. Calhoun returns the region Player of the Year in Jana Johns and Haralson County and Bremen are coming off quality seasons. Haralson County was a Sweet Sixteen team and Bremen qualified for the state playoffs. “Our plan is to progress from being competitors to champions in our sub-region and region,” noted Whitaker. “If we continue to make the game-by-game progress, I like our chances as much as anybody.” EXCEL CHRISTIAN ACADEMY GIRLS Coach Eric Harris returns several key members to a team that finished 12-14 last year including seniors Lindsay Mauldin and Brighton McCollum; juniors Whitney Harris and Kalli Beth Scheff; and sophomores Landry McCollum, Anna Lane Hattaway, and Rylie Boston. Newcomers for the Lady Eagles will be senior Hannah Lee and freshman Victoria Boulier. Defending state champ St. Francis will be labeled again the team to beat among Region 6A private school teams. Mt. Paran Christian and Fellowship Christian also made the state tournament from this region last season. (Boys Basketball Previews content courtesy Kyle Sandy, SandysSpiel.com) CARTERSVILLE BOYS Cartersville moves out of Region 7-AAAA, which they dominated, and now faces a step up in competition. Jaylon Pugh guides the Purple Hurricanes his junior season. The 5-foot-10 guard was the Region Player of the Year as a sophomore, averaging 15.6 points and 4.6 assists per game. Pugh’s court vision and deft three-point stroke (97 made; school-record of 10 in a game) makes him the catalyst on offense. TJ Horton brings back starting experience after averaging 6 points and 3.3 assists per game. 6-foot-5 sophomore Isaac Gridley and 6-foot-6 junior Trevor Lawrence will anchor the paint. Lawrence, who is ranked the No. 1 player in the entire country for the Class of 2018 in football as a 5-star quarterback, enters his first season with the Hurricane basketball team. He had an outstanding summer rebounding and blocking shots for Coach Mike Tobin. Another newcomer, Avery Showell, transfers in from St. Francis. The Wake Forest football commit is an athletic 6-foot-1 forward that can slash to the basket. With no defending state champions residing in Class AAAA, the classification is truly wide open and up for grabs. Henry County, Sandy Creek, Upson-Lee, and St. Pius X will open the year as the teams to beat in Class AAAA. Thomson, North Clayton, LaGrange, Westover, Perry, and Cartersville will round out the preseason top 10. CASS BOYS Cass scrapped its way to a 10-16 mark under first-year head coach David Brock. The Colonels showed signs of improvement coming down the stretch despite the under-.500 record. Gone is Bartow County Co-Player of the Year Mike Sims, but Ashton Burley and CJ Bennett compose a steady and often explosive backcourt. Burley enters his junior season after putting together a nice summer with 17U Active Elite while Bennett is back for his senior season following an All-County selection along with Burley. Hiram, Villa Rica, and Carrollton were all state tournament teams last season and are now in the newly formed Region 7-AAAAA. Cross-county rival, Woodland, is also in the region with Kell, Rome, Paulding County, and East Paulding. WOODLAND BOYS Top players Jonathan Pritchett, Jarvis James and Brady Jernigan all graduated from last year's team. Returning starters senior guard Camden Royal and sophomore Justice Hayes will play big roles as the Wildcats’ most experienced duo. Seniors Trevor Knowles, Jaden Pressley and sophomore Jaylen Ballard project to get major minutes. Colman Roberts, former girls head coach, looks to build a winning culture with the new-look Wildcats. ADAIRSVILLE BOYS Adairsville returns it top core of a nine-win team, bringing back the team’s Offensive Player of the Year (Sr. Cole Hewatt), Defensive Player of the Year (Sr. Juan Perez) and Most Valuable Player and All-County selection senior Ronald Hardin. Junior guards Hunter Hice and Ethan Belcher also hold promise moving forward. Calhoun reached the state quarterfinals from Region 6AAA last season and will again one of the teams to beat. North Murray, Coahulla Creek, and Ringgold were also state tournament qualifiers from this region. EXCEL CHRISTIAN ACADEMY BOYS Not only does Excel Christian lose head coach Matt Sanders to North Cobb as an assistant, but the Eagles saw Bartow County Co-Player of the Year Darius Thrower graduate along with All-County picks Caleb West and Chris Hale. Excel Christian, 12-14 last season, will seek a new identity under coaches Eric Collins and Gary Boulier. The Eagles will have 6-foot-3 senior Joseph Cuomo and sophomore Hunter Johnson return as two of the most experienced players on the roster. North Cobb Christian, St. Francis, King’s Ridge Christian, and Whitefield Academy will be among the favorites that are Region 6A privates.

Elite Stone Supply, in conjunction with WBHF and Bartow Sports Zone, presents the ELITE ATHLETES OF THE WEEK. Each week, all five local schools are provided opportunity to name an Elite Athlete of the Week and present the information on their honoree through Bartow Sports Zone and on 100.3FM and AM1450, WBHF in Cartersville. Recipients for the week ending November 5, 2016: William Matherne, Cartersville High School Denzell Pitt, Adairsville High School Cheyenne Spinks, Woodland High School Jacob Wilson, Cass High School William Matherne is the Elite Athlete of the Week for Cartersville High School. A senior member of the Canes cross country team, Matherne saved his best two performances for the 2016 region and state meets. His 18:05 time at the Region 5AAAA Championship placed him fourth on the team, a spot higher than his normal fifth position. At the Class AAAA State Championships, he did one spot better placing third for the Canes. Although he has lettered each of his four cross country seasons, this was his first opportunity to run in the state championship meet. Matherne improved throughout the season and overcame an early season ankle injury that kept him out of two meets. The son of David and Gail Matherne, William was accepted last week to Auburn University. He is interested in studying bio-systems engineering. The Elite Athlete of the Week representing Adairsville High School is Denzel Pitt. A senior defensive end and wide receiver for the Tigers’ football team, Pitt led the Adairsville defense by averaging nine solo tackles and three assists over the final two games. Also a member of the Tigers’ basketball team, he is the son of the late Margarita Chavis. Woodland High School’s Elite Athlete of the Week is Cheyenne Spinks. A sophomore member of the 2016 state champion Lady Cats’ cross country team, Spinks consistently ran among her team’s leaders and accumulated some of the best times in Region 7AAAAA and the state. The daughter of Travis and Sherry Spinks, Cheyenne ran 15th overall at the Class AAAAA state meet. She had a season best time of 19:51.55 at the Westover Invitational. Jacob Wilson is the Elite Athlete of the Week for Cass High School. A senior two-way starter at tight end and defensive end for the Colonels’ football team, Wilson has been a consistent and positive influence throughout the season. Wilson played a total of 97 snaps this past week in the Colonels’ game at Carrollton. His work ethic, determination, and dedication to the team is how he has helped set the tone for others to follow. He is the son of Brandi Wright and Michael Wilson. Editors Note: Photos and bios are supplied to Bartow Sports Zone and WBHF by the respective schools and their athletic departments. Elite Stone Supply, LLC is the weekly sponsor. Athletes receive a plaque along with recognition during a weekly radio feature on WBHF.

Last Saturday, the top-ranked Woodland girls cross country team won the 2016 Class AAAAA State Championship to cap off an outstanding season of races by the Lady Cats. Woodland had five runners to finish in the top twenty individual spots of the state championship race and all seven team members finished in the top 70 of 195 runners. The Lady Cats defeated second place Starr's Mill by 28 points, with McIntosh, Flowery Branch, and Grady rounding out the top five of 27 teams that qualified for the state finals. WOODLAND GIRLS (state championship race position, time) Carli Clymer (5th, 20:09) Tess Cochran (8th, 20:26) Cheyenne Spinks (15th, 21:12) McKenna Trapheagen (19th, 21:20) Lindsay Scifers (37th, 22:00) Casey Bolan (59th, 23:10) Makenzie Stephenson (69th, 23:19) Now that a few days have passed, Woodland head coach Matthew Landolt took time to reflect on the 2016 state championship season and shared his thoughts with BartowSportsZone.com. 1. The team performed so well all year, at what point did you begin to think the group might actually win the state title? At the beginning of each season we try to set some realistic team goals. After considering the talent we had returning and the incoming freshmen we felt that we could make the podium at state for the first time in school history. For me personally, the first time I thought about a possible win at state was after the Carrollton Orthopedic Invitational which is the same course as the state meet. We arrived with two of our top girls out with minor injuries and we all realized our seventh girl would count toward our score that day. Many athletes see a situation like that as a “lost cause” because we were only seeded fourth at full strength and we were likely to fall another three to six places with the missing athletes. Instead of faltering to the adverse situation, the remaining girls rallied together and finished second at that meet. That’s the moment I really felt like this group had the mindset required to get the win. 2. After the girls received the No. 1 ranking, did it add pressure and (if so) what were some of the things you did to try and alleviate that pressure? It absolutely added a challenge to the season. We first received our #1 seed ranking in late September so the pressure of that moniker followed them for the six weeks up to the state championship. I think the coaching staff tried to emphasis that we had our race strategy and we needed to “race our race” regardless of how other teams approached each course. I think the knowledge that we are a young team helped reduce the stress for many of the athletes but as much as we tried to avoid it, we all wanted to go the distance this year. 3. Who improved the most to put you in state title contention this year? That’s an easy question but I don’t think the answer is a specific individual, the answer is the team’s chemistry. I have been coaching at Woodland for five years and one of the biggest difficulties I encounter is the belief that “the easy way is more fun”…this belief challenged the “hard work to succeed” mindset. Our returning leaders, Lindsay Scifers and Cheyenne Spinks were able to harness the work ethic of our incoming athletes and focus everyone’s energy on a singular goal: maximize our potential. 4. Even state championship teams face adversity during the season. What were some of the adverse situations or issues the girls overcame? Everyone in our organization has their personal expectations and sometimes they run concurrent to each other. As their coach, sometimes you are forced to make a tough decision and it will disappoint some of the stakeholders in your organization. You just hope that people forgive you for those decisions because ultimately, we all want the best for our kids. For example, at one point in the season, we had to make a difficult decision as whether to run at the Bartow County Championship or to rest the varsity girls for the Nike Coach Wood Invitational where they faced top-ranked competition. My decision cost Woodland a potential county championship, but I still believe it was the right call. 5. When will the team have its formal celebration and will there be a state championship ring ceremony? We are planning to present the championship rings at a pep rally in January or February. 6. With such a young team (and the talented middle school athletes coming up), what’s the future look like for the Lady Cats? If you asked my girls, they would say they want nothing more than to compete at the Disney Invitational that happens every October. They have seen rival team Cartersville race there in the past and have always been envious. If you asked me, I would love to see Woodland’s Cross Country program become a known scholarship factory. Many college coaches have favorite high school programs they continuously recruit from and I’d love to see more of our girls get to use their talents to obtain a free education. 7. Who are the assistant coaches, volunteers, etc. you want to recognize for their contribution to your successful year? Thank you to our high school coaching staff: Rob Forbes, David Holloway and Lance Marvel. They have all been essential to managing the many aspects of this amazing season. Also, a big thank you to our middle school coaches Sherry Spinks, David Gierlak, and Barbara Marvel who have discovered these girls and instilled their passion into these young ladies. Last, thank you to our parents who have tolerated the early morning practices, the day long meets and my endless supply of text messages. 8. From now until next August, what will the training schedule look like for your runners? We hope that most of them will plan lots of “fun runs” over the next two months. I believe it’s important for runners to just get out and run for enjoyment without always doing a specific type of workout. Once January happens our athletes will begin to keep a running log of the miles they accumulate. For most of them, they will begin a spring sport (track, soccer, etc) or at least some form of off season conditioning. 9. Anything else you wish to included? I would like to say thank you to the local community for all the support this year. After the first meet, we had more first time attendees at our events than I have ever experience in 9 years of coaching. These were individuals who had no background in competitive running but showed up curious about the team and left the event excited to see them race again. It was amazing to watch these girls share their passion for running with everyone who came in contact with them. It has been an experience I will never forget. Last, as much as we hate to ask for community help, we now face the challenge of funding state rings for the girls. If any local business or individuals are willing to help us fund these rings, we would gladly welcome their assistance. This year we were donated warm-ups suits from Brooks Running Company (Thank You Brooks) and we’d like to sell advertising space on these to help fund our state rings. Anyone willing to help, please contact Matthew Landolt at Woodland High School or email: matthew.landolt@bartow.k12.ga.us. Thank you!

The Woodland swim team traveled to Cherokee County to compete against River Ridge, Marietta, and the Weber School. Senior Kera Lawhon scored 42 points in the meet for Woodland to lead the team. Woodland's 200 freestyle "B" relay team also impressed with a sub-varsity performance. The eighth grade team placed fourth in their race although they could not score team points in the varsity meet. The boys team was led by junior Jordan Baldwin who totaled 33 points. Gage O'Bannon also had a nice meet. He cut 2.15 seconds off his personal best 50 freestyle time. Woodland travels to Dalton for the Cats' next meet on November 10.

The Cartersville Purple Hurricanes are a clear favorite to once again make a deep playoff run and are favored to repeat as state champions in over 67 percent of all state playoff simulations according to the Maxwell Playoff Projections produced by Loren Maxwell of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The Maxwell ratings utilize a metric to simulate the state playoffs one million times to determine projected odds. The ratings reflect each team’s strength and the simulations consider the impact of the season’s game results, region alignments, and playoff brackets. The Canes are also a unanimously No. 1 ranked team in Class AAAA in each of the six major polls and ratings recognized in Georgia. Of course everyone knows the games are not played on paper or in computer simulations, so the Canes will defend their state title and their current 25-game win streak with a clear target on their backs. Cartersville (10-0) begins defense of their 2015 Class AAAA state title this Friday at Weinman Stadium when they host Chestatee (4-6). The Canes are a No. 1 seed from Region 5-AAAA. Chestatee is a No. 4 seed from Region 7-AAAA. A victory by the Canes would result in a second round home game November 18 against the winner of the Northside-Columbus at Burke County first round pairing. Meanwhile, another power rating formula — CalPreps.com — also has Cartersville as a huge favorite heading into the state playoffs. CalPrep.com projections for Class AAAA first round: (83.5 percent winner accuracy in 2016) Blessed Trinity 31, Chapel Hill 14 Burke County 35, Northside-Columbus 19 Cairo 42, Baldwin 0 Cartersville 62, Chestatee 0 Carver 42, Cross Creek 7 Oconee County 31, Northwest Whitfield 27 Mary Persons 35, North Clayton 0 Jefferson 40, Pickens 14 Ridgeland 34, St. Pius X 14 Sandy Creek 28, Marist 21 Spalding 28, Eastside 24 Stephens County 35, Heritage-Catoosa 17 Thomson 38, Americus-Sumter 13 Troup County 38, West Hall 19 West Laurens 28, Luella 7 Woodward Academy 35, Upson-Lee 7 According to the Maxwell playoff projections, Cartersville’s greatest challenge will come from Region 3-AAAA champion, Thomson, and Woodward Academy, winner of Region 4-AAAA. The ratings give Thomson a 20.1 percent chance of winning the state title and give Woodward Academy a 5.3 percent shot at the championship. Cartersville and Woodward Academy are in the same quartile of the Class AAAA bracket and would meet Thanksgiving weekend if both teams win their first two playoff games. Since both teams are No. 1 seeds, a coin toss would determine the site of that game if it occurs. Thomson is on the opposite half of the bracket. The state title favorites according to the Maxwell playoff projections: (% of state title wins in one million state playoff projections) Class A (private): Eagle’s Landing Christian, 50.7 percent Class A (public): Macon County, 54.2 percent Class AA: Benedictine, 48.2 percent Class AAA: Greater Atlanta Christian, 47.6 percent Class AAAA: Cartersville, 67.4 percent Class AAAAA: Stockbridge, 45.2 percent Class AAAAAA: Valdosta, 38.1 percent Class AAAAAAA: Grayson, 63.6 percent Schedule for all classifications beginning Friday: Class AAAAAAA R8 #3 Archer at R6 #2 Peachtree Ridge R2 #4 Pebblebrook at R4 #1 Roswell R1 #3 Tift County at R3 #2 North Cobb R7 #4 Central Gwinnett at R5 #1 Lambert R6 #3 North Gwinnett at R8 #2 South Gwinnett R4 #4 Etowah at R2 #1 Westlake R3 #3 Hillgrove at R1 #2 Lowndes R5 #4 Milton at R7 #1 Norcross R4 #3 Woodstock at R2 #2 East Coweta R6 #4 Mountain View at R8 #1 Grayson R5 #3 West Forsyth at R7 #2 Brookwood R3 #4 North Paulding at R1 #1 Colquitt County R2 #3 Wheeler at R4 #2 Cherokee R8 #4 Newton at R6 #1 Mill Creek R7 #3 Parkview at R5 #2 South Forsyth At Large Lassiter at R3 #1 McEachern Class AAAAAA R8 #3 Gainesville at R6 #2 Harrison R2 #4 Bradwell Institute at R4 #1 Tucker R1 #3 Lee County at R3 #2 Evans R7 #4 Cambridge at R5 #1 Mays R6 #3 Allatoona at R8 #2 Lanier R4 #4 Jonesboro at R2 #1 Glynn Academy R3 #3 Grovetown at R1 #2 Northside-Warner Robins R5 #4 Langston Hughes at R7 #1 Johns Creek R4 #3 Stephenson at R2 #2 Effingham County R6 #4 Sequoyah at R8 #1 Dacula R5 #3 Northgate at R7 #2 Centennial R3 #4 Lakeside-Evans at R1 #1 Valdosta R2 #3 Richmond Hill at R4 #2 Lovejoy R8 #4 Winder-Barrow at R6 #1 Dalton R7 #3 Alpharetta at R5 #2 Alexander R1 #4 Coffee at R3 #1 Heritage-Conyers Class AAAAA R8 #3 Clarke Central at R6 #2 Carver-Atlanta R2 #4 South Effingham at R4 #1 Stockbridge R1 #3 Warner Robins at R3 #2 Griffin R7 #4 Villa Rica at R5 #1 Arabia Mountain R6 #3 Riverwood at R8 #2 Loganville R4 #4 Ola at R2 #1 Ware County R3 #3 Whitewater at R1 #2 Bainbridge R5 #4 Miller Grove at R7 #1 Rome R4 #3 Jones County at R2 #2 Wayne County R6 #4 North Springs at R8 #1 Buford R5 #3 Lithonia at R7 #2 Carrollton R3 #4 Riverdale at R1 #1 Thomas County Central R2 #3 New Hampstead at R4 #2 Woodland-Stockbridge R8 #4 Walnut Grove at R6 #1 Grady R7 #3 Kell at R5 #2 Southwest DeKalb R1 #4 Veterans at R3 #1 Starr’s Mill Class AAAA R8 #3 Oconee County at R6 #2 Northwest-Whitfield R2 #4 Upson Lee at R4 #1 Woodward Academy R1 #3 Northside-Columbus at R3 #2 Burke County R7 #4 Chestatee at R5 #1 Cartersville R6 #3 Heritage-Catoosa at R8 #2 Stephens County R4 #4 North Clayton at R2 #1 Mary Persons R3 #3 Cross Creek at R1 #2 Carver-Columbus R5 #4 Chapel Hill at R7 #1 Blessed Trinity R4 #3 Luella at R2 #2 West Laurens R6 #4 Pickens at R8 #1 Jefferson R5 #3 Sandy Creek at R7 #2 Marist R3 #4 Baldwin at R1 #1 Cairo R2 #3 Spalding at R4 #2 Eastside R8 #4 St. Pius at R6 #1 Ridgeland R7 #3 West Hall at R5 #2 Troup R1 #4 Americus-Sumter at R3 #1 Thomson Class AAA R8 #3 Jackson at R6 #2 Ringgold R2 #4 Tattnall County at R4 #1 Peach County R1 #3 Cooks at R3 #2 Savannah R7 #4 North Hall at R5 #1 Westminster R6 #3 Sonoraville at R8 #2 Franklin County R4 #4 Pike County at R2 #1 Liberty County R3 #3 Southeast Bulloch at R1 #2 Worth County R5 #4 Pace Academy at R7 #1 Greater Atlanta Christian R4 #3 Westside-Macon at R2 #2 Pierce County R6 #4 Murray County at R8 #1 Morgan County R5 #3 Lovett at R7 #2 Dawson County R3 #4 Islands at R1 #1 Crisp County R2 #3 Brantley County at R4 #2 Jackson R8 #4 Monroe Area at R6 #1 Calhoun R7 #3 Union County at R5 #2 Cedar Grove R1 #4 Dougherty at R3 #1 Jenkins Class AA R8 #3 Elbert County at R6 #2 Douglass R2 #4 Toombs County at R4 #1 Screven County R1 #3 Brooks County at R3 #2 Southwest R7 #4 Model at R5 #1 Callaway R6 #3 K.I.P.P. Atlanta at R8 #2 Banks County R4 #4 Josey at R2 #1 Benedictine R3 #3 Dodge County at R1 #2 Thomasville R5 #4 Spencer at R7 #1 Pepperell R4 #3 Laney at R2 #2 Vidalia R6 #4 Washington Atlanta at R8 #1 Rabun County R5 #3 Heard County at R7 #2 Rockmart R3 #4 Dublin at R1 #1 Fitzgerald R2 #3 Swainsboro at R4 #2 Jefferson County R8 #4 Monticello at R6 #1 Hapeville Charter R7 #3 Chattooga at R5 #2 Lamar County R1 #4 Berrien at R3 #1 Washington County Class A (public) Marion Co. at Twiggs Co. Manchester bye Turner Co. at Terrell Co. Macon Co. bye Irwin Co. at Dooly Co. Mount Zion bye Bowdon at Miller Co. Emanuel Co. Institute bye Trion at Taylor Co. Commerce bye Randolph-Clay at Mitchell Co. Clinch Co. bye Washington-Wilkes at Lincoln Co. McIntosh Co. Academy bye Wheeler Co. at Greene Co. Pelham bye Class A (private) Brookstone at Pinecrest Academy Wesleyan bye First Presbyterian at Aquinas Eagle's Landing Christian bye Holy Innocents' at Stratford Acad. Tattnall Square bye Hebron Christian at Sav. Christian Calvary Day bye Walker at Darlington Landmark Christian bye Mount Pisgah at Athens Christian Prince Avenue Christian bye Sav. Country Day at Athens Acad. Mount Paran Christian bye Mt. Vernon at George Walton Fellowship Christian bye

Four local high school competition cheerleading squads will vie for separate Georgia High School Association state championships this weekend at the Columbus Civic Center. Woodland has qualified for the finals of the co-ed division. Adairsville will compete in the Class AAA State Sectionals. Cartersville has qualified for the Class AAAA State Sectionals, and Cass will compete in the Class AAAAA State Sectionals. The Woodland High School co-ed team qualified for the state finals in that division last week and will compete in the 2016 Co-Ed State Finals Friday night in a session that begins at 7pm. The session will also include the state finals for Class A public and private schools. The Wildcats are scheduled to go 11th in the performance order and sixth among co-ed teams. The co-ed state championship is for all classifications. Other co-ed teams in the state finals include: Camden County, Northside-Columbus, Paulding County, Jones County, Grayson, Johns Creek, Forsyth Central, Mill Creek, Apalachee, Milton, Etowah, Winder-Barrow, Dacula, South Paulding, and Model. The competition cheerleading squads from Cartersville High School, Cass High School, and Adairsville High School also earned spots at the GHSA state competition this weekend with their performances last week at their respective area/region meets. Adairsville placed fourth in Region 6AAA and will compete in the Friday morning session of the state sectional that begins at 9am. Cartersville, third from Region 5AAAA, will perform in that same Friday morning session. Cass, third from Region 7AAAAA, will compete in the Friday afternoon session that begins at 3pm. The eight region champions from last week in each classification, along with the top eight teams from the Friday state sectional sessions of each classification will advance to the state finals on Saturday. The state finals for Class AAA and Class AAAA that could include Adairsville and Cartersville are scheduled for Saturday morning beginning at 9am. The state finals for Class AAAAA that could include Cass will be Saturday afternoon starting at 2pm. All sessions are held at the Columbus Civic Center. Tickets are $12 per session and the arena is cleared between all sessions. Photos courtesy TCPicsOnline.com

There were multiple key performances by athletes with local ties this past week across the nation. Collegiate and pro 'Athletes Beyond Bartow' capsules are provided by Bartow Sports Zone. Fans may also visit the 'Athletes Beyond Bartow' page on this website to find links to their teams' respective sites. Below are the performances tracked this week for football, cross country, volleyball, soccer, and basketball. CROSS COUNTRY SAVANNAH HARDIN — Young Harris College (Soph., Cass HS). . . placed sixth for her team and 164th overall (27:29, 6K) at the NCAA Division II Southeast Regional at Montevallo, AL. The Mountain Lions placed 19th of 27 teams that qualified for the regional. ROGER HERRERA — Reinhardt University (Sr., Cartersville HS). . . placed 67th overall (30:59, 8K) as Reinhardt finished fifth at the Appalachian Athletic Conference championship hosted by Montreat College in Black Mountain, NC. TROY HICKOM — Clayton State University (Sr., Cartersville HS). . . ran 5th for his team and placed 124th overall (35:05, 10K) as the Lakers placed 17th of 24 teams at the NCAA Division II Cross Country Southeast Regional at Montevallo, AL. JAISON MORNING (photo right) — Valdosta State University (Soph., Cass HS). . . led the Blazers with an overall time of 34:24.5 in the 10K race and an individual finish of 55th place at the NCAA Division II South Regional Championship in Saint Leo, FL. VSU finished 15th of 17 teams in the championship meet that included 116 runners. VOLLEYBALL KATIE O’CONNOR — Western Carolina University (Middle Blocker, Jr., Cartersville HS). . . recorded thre kills, a dig, and one block in the Catamounts’ home, four set victory over Chattanooga this past Saturday. WCU wraps up the regular season this week with three conference matches on the road. The Catamounts (10-16, 5-8 Southern Conference) play at UNC-Greensboro Wednesday, at Mercer Friday, and at The Citadel next Saturday. SYDNEY SUMNERS (photo right) — Shorter University (Defensive Specialist, Soph., Adairsville HS). . . played in one set and recorded one dig in the Hawks’ four-set victory at University of West Georgia November 1. Shorter (20-6, 15-3 GSC) hosts Lee University Thursday and Mississippi College Saturday. The Hawks remain in a three-way tie for the conference lead with one week remaining. Shorter is tied at the top of the standings with North Alabama and West Florida. SOCCER KATELYNN HARBEKE -- Life University (MF, Soph., Cass HS). . . saw action in the Running Eagles' regular season finale' at Georgetown (KY) College November 4. Life lost 6-0 to finish the season 2-13 overall and 1-7 in the Mid-South Conference. Harbeke took 12 shots -- 6 on goal -- and scored a goal October 14 against University of Pikeville. CODY WEST — Duquesne University (Defender, R-Jr., Cass HS). . . played 102 minutes of a 2-1 overtime loss to Rhode Island University this past Saturday. He also took one shot. The Dukes (8-4-5 overall, 3-2-3 Atlantic 10) open the conference tournament quarterfinals Thursday at Davidson, NC against Fordham. WOMEN’S BASKETBALL SYDNEY BOYD — Brewton-Parker College (G, Soph., Woodland HS). . . averaging 7.8 points per game and 4.3 rebounds through the Lady Barons first three games. BPC (2-1) has wins over Morris College (SC) October 28 and Thomas University November 4. The loss came at home against Voorhees College (SC) October 29. The Lady Barons play again December 1 at home against Loyola University (LA). MEN’S BASKETBALL EMMANUEL HOLLOWAY — UU-Korihait UUslkaupunki - Finnish Pro League (G, X-yr. pro, Illinois State, Woodland HS). . . leads his team in scoring through the first nine games with a 15.3 ppg average. He has also added 3.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.4 steals. UU-Korihait is 2-7 on the season. ADRIAN ROGERS — Malbas Oresund Malmo - Swedish Pro League (G, 1st yr. pro, Cartersville resident, Southern University). . . leads his team in scoring through the first five games with a 17.2 ppg average. He has also contributed 3.6 rebounds and 2.4 assists. Malbas Oresund Malmo is 0-6 to start the season. DARIUS THROWER (photo right) — Truett-McConnell College (G, Fr., Excel Christian). . . saw his first collegiate action with a two minute stint during an 86-74 loss last Tuesday at Toccoa Falls College. TMC (2-2) plays at home twice this week against Columbia International Tuesday night and Toccoa Falls Saturday, November 12. HAKEEM WINTERS — Point University (F, Soph., Cartersville HS). . . scored 13 points, pulled down five rebounds, contributed one assist, one block, and one steal in 17 minutes of playing time during a 79-71 win over Carlow University Saturday afternoon. The win was Point’s first of the year and was part of a tournament being played in Indiana. Winters also totaled 13 points, 7 rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block in a pair of losses to Indiana University East November 4 and at Thomas University October 28. Winters is averaging 20 minutes per game. Point (1-2) plays at Georgia State Monday night and hosts Brewton-Parker College Wednesday. The Skyhawks travel to West Virginia Tech next Saturday. NFL VIC BEASLEY, JR. — Atlanta Falcons (2nd year pro; Clemson; Adairsville HS). . . had two solo tackles and one assist in the Falcons’ 43-28 win last Thursday at Tampa Bay. Beasley is now up to 26 tackles, 7.5 sacks, and three forced fumbles in Atlanta’s first nine games. COLLEGE FOOTBALL DeANDRE APPLIN — Georgia Military College (DB, Soph., Adairsville HS). . . made five tackles Saturday, including a quarterback sack and two quarterback hits as GMC defeated ASA Miami 28-7. Through 10 games, Applin now has 28 tackles and three sacks. The Bulldogs (9-1) host Lackawanna Sunday, November 13. TONY DEAN — Point University (WR, Fr., Cartersville HS). . . was targeted in 2nd quarter on a 2nd and 11 pass play in the Skyhawks’ 21-7 win at Ava Maria (FL) on Saturday. Point (2-6, 2-4 Sun Conference) closes out the regular season Saturday, Nov. 12 at Benedict College in Columbia, SC. T.L. FORD II (photo right) — UNC-Charlotte (WR, Jr., Cartersville HS). . . hauled in a pair of passes for 45 yards and a touchdown Saturday in the 49ers 38-27 win at Southern Miss. The touchdown catch was an 18-yard scoring play with only 0:35 remaining in the first half that put Charlotte ahead 28-14. Ford has 28 receptions this season for 392 yards and four touchdowns. The 49ers (4-5, 3-2 Conference USA) host Rice this Saturday afternoon. MILLER FORRISTALL — University of Alabama (TE, Fr., Cartersville HS). . . made a 22 yard reception in the Crimson Tide’s 10-0 win Saturday night in Baton Rouge over LSU. The third quarter catch from quarterback Jalen Hurts came on a 2nd and 15 play from the Alabama five yard line. The reception gave the Tide a first down at the 27 yard line in a scoreless game at the time. Top-ranked Alabama (9-0, 6-0 SEC) entertains SEC West foe Mississippi State Saturday in Tuscaloosa. DAKOTA HINES — Kentucky Christian University (PK / P, Jr., Adairsville HS). . . converted his only extra point attempt and punted four times for a 31.3 yard average with a long punt of 39 yards as the Crusaders lost at University of Pikeville (KY) Saturday, 30-19. KCU (2-8, 2-3 Mid-South Conference) closes out the season Saturday at home against Bluefield (VA). LUCAS JOHNSON — Georgia State University (OL, Soph., Cass HS). . . saw playing time in a 31-16 home loss to Arkansas State last Thursday night in The Georgia Dome. The Panthers (2-7, 1-4 Sun Belt) host University of Louisiana-Monroe Saturday afternoon in another conference matchup. RODNEY MITCHELL — Coastal Carolina University (OL, R-Soph., Cartersville HS). . . saw action in the Chanticleers’ 38-17 home victory Saturday over Monmouth. 18th-ranked Coastal (7-2) hosts Bryant University this Saturday afternoon. TIAMON PENNYMON (photo right) -- Eastern Arizona College (RB, Fr., Cartersville HS). . . saw action in the Gila Monsters' 26-24 conference win over Phoenix College. Eastern Arizona (7-3, 3-3 Western States Football League) host Glendale College Saturday night. JAMAR POSEY — Birmingham Southern College (OL, Jr., Woodland HS). . . received playing time in the Panthers 38-12 loss Saturday at Berry College. BSC finished the year 1-9 overall and 1-7 in the Southern Athletic Association. TYLER REED — Austin Peay State University (LB, Fr., Cartersville HS). . . recorded three tackles in the Governors’ 41-40 home loss to Tennessee State University on Saturday. Reed now has 19 tackles and one forced fumble in five games played. Austin Peay (0-9, 0-7 Ohio Valley Conference) hosts Eastern Kentucky this Saturday in another OVC tilt. ISAIAH ROSS — Point University (LB, Jr., Woodland HS). . . made three tackles including one sack in a 21-7 win at Ava Maria (FL) Saturday. The Skyhawks (2-6, 2-4 Sun Conference) close out the regular season Saturday, Nov. 12 at Benedict College in Columbia, SC. BRETT SHEDD — Shorter University (Long Snapper, Fr., Woodland HS). . . saw action in the Hawks’ 32-0 Gulf South Conference loss at home Saturday to MIssissippi College. Shorter (0-10, 0-7) will travel to Valdosta State this Saturday night for another GSC game. SHELBY TOWNSEND, JR. — Georgia Southern University (TE, R-Soph., Woodland HS). . . saw playing time Saturday in the Eagles’ 37-27 loss at Ole Miss. Georgia Southern (4-5, 3-2) returns to Sun Belt Conference play this Thursday night when the Eagles will host University of Louisiana-Lafayette for homecoming in a game on ESPNU. HIRAM VELEZ (photo right) — Troy University (WR, Jr., Adairsville HS). . . made a pair of receptions for 17 yards in Troy’s 52-31 win over UMass Saturday. Velez now has 8 catches for 104 yards and one touchdown on the season. The Trojans (7-1, 4-0 Sun Belt Conference) host Appalachian State this Saturday afternoon in a battle of unbeaten teams in conference play. DaKELIN WELLS — Maryville College (TN) (LB, Jr., Cass HS). . . made one tackle and recovered a fumble as the Scots lost at home to Huntingdon College Saturday, 28-24. Wells has 20 tackles, one forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries through nine games. Maryville (7-2, 5-1 USA South) plays at Greensboro College this Saturday. Please let us know if we have omitted someone. Use the 'Contact' link on the top menu of this page or email us: bartowsportszone@comcast.net