October 2, 2025 With their two wins on Thursday evening over visiting Hiram, the Cartersville Lady Canes secured the Region 7-4A championship and a top seed in the upcoming Class 4A state playoffs. They also celebrated their seniors. Cartersville softball seniors (L-R): Haley Collum, Miley Jo Williams, Kinsey Woodard, Addi Burns, and Jaycee Blackwell. GAME 1: CARTERSVILLE 12, HIRAM 0 GAME 2: CARTERSVILLE 10, HIRAM 0 The Lady Canes swept a home doubleheader Thursday with Hiram, with pitchers Presley Crabbe tossing a four-inning no-hitter in Game 1 and Haley Collum and Zoie Shiflett combining for a dozen strikeouts in five innings in Game 2. Addi Burns had four hits in the doubleheader. Shiflett finished with three hits, including two home runs, a double, a sacrifice fly, and six RBI. Kinsey Woodard (home run, double, four RBI), Sam Porter (double, RBI), Miley Jo Williams (triple, double, sacrifice fly, five RBI), and Sophia Harper (two RBI) contributed two hits. Taryn Bradley (double, two RBI), Izzy Tummins, and Crabbe added one hit. The losses left Hiram with a 5-17 overall record and 3-16 in region play. Cartersville (25-2, 18-2) clinched the top seed from Region 7-4A in the state playoffs. The Lady Canes have a non-region home game Monday with Harrison (6 p.m.) and wrap up region play at Cedartown on Tuesday. GAME 1: SOUTHEAST WHITFIELD 4, WOODLAND 3 GAME 2: WOODLAND 14, SOUTHEAST WHITFIELD 9 Woodland split a Region 7-4A doubleheader at Southeast Whitfield Thursday night, dropping the opener 4-3 before winning the nightcap 14-9. Evelyne Tucker (7 IP, 9R, 3ER, 7H, 3BB, 7K) collected the pitching win for the Lady Cats in Game 2. Bella Kuykendall (7 IP, 4R, 2ER, 6H, 0BB, 5K) was tagged with the pitching loss in Game 1. Ashlyn Baines (double, four RBI) and Kamryn Smith (double, RBI) had four hits in the doubleheader. Bailey Gerstner (two doubles, four RBI), Bailey Ryan (triple, RBI), Gracie Korb (double, RBI), and Sonny Hicks (RBI) contributed three hits. Cat Sneed (double) and Kylee Poston added two hits on the night for Woodland. The doubleheader split left Southeast Whitfield with an 8-18 record overall and 4-16 in region play. Woodland (8-14, 5-11) hosts Allatoona on Monday for a doubleheader starting at 5 p.m. ALLATOONA 12, CASS 4 The Lady Colonels lost their third consecutive region game and the fifth of their last seven Thursday night at 6th-ranked Allatoona, 12-4, in five innings. After falling behind 5-1 through three innings, Cass narrowed the margin to 5-4 in the top of the fourth inning on a Molli Morrow homer and an RBI single by Kylie Gentry. The comeback threat was short-lived with the host Lady Buccaneers posting seven runs over the next two innings. Gentry (4.1 IP, 12R, 5ER, 9H, 4BB, 2K) suffered the pitching loss for Cass.  Morrow (two-run home run) had two hits for the Lady Colonels. Gentry (RBI), Lindsey Chubb (double, RBI), Harlee Thomason, KK Evans, and MJ McFarlane added one hit in the loss. Allatoona improved to 14-5 overall and 14-5 in Region 7-4A. Cass (16-8, 14-6) has a non-region game at Chattooga on Monday and wraps up the regular season at Dalton on Tuesday. ADAIRSVILLE 9, NORTHWEST WHITFIELD 7 The Lady Tigers built a 6-1 lead in the early innings Thursday evening and held off host Northwest Whitfield down the stretch for a 9-7 Region 7-3A victory. The Lady Bruins (7-19, 5-13) narrowed the Adairsville lead to 6-5 in the fourth inning, but the Tigers added a three-run sixth inning to extend their lead to 9-5.  Northwest threatened with two runs in the bottom of the seventh, but Adairsville pitcher Ashlyn Carlton closed the door with a fly out and a line out to end the game. Chloe Hill (3.2 IP, 5R, 2ER, 5H, 1BB, 3K) and Carlton (3.1 IP, 2R, 1ER, 3H, 2BB, 1K) shared the pitching duties for Adairsville. Carlton and Hill (RBI) also led the Adairsville offense with two hits each. Ansley Powell (triple, three RBI), Ashlynn Durden (RBI), Riah Boyd (RBI), Cadey Evans, Maddie Baggett, and Alivia Joslin had one hit. Adairsville (14-15, 5-13) will close out the season on Wednesday with a non-region game at Sprayberry.

October 1, 2025 Riley Huff (10) makes a play at the net as Amara Ejieke and McKenzie Wilkie look on. Cartersville volleyball defeated McEachern (25-6, 25-13) and Jonesboro (25-21, 25-12) Tuesday evening in the Storm Center and improved to 37-6 heading into postseason play. The Lady Canes will open the Region 7-4A playoffs on October 7 against Woodland at Allatoona High School. The tournament will continue on October 9 and 11. In other action, Cass (2-28) lost Tuesday to Mt. Bethel Christian Academy, 25-12 and 25-1, in a match played at Kell High School. Next for the Lady Colonels is the Region 7-4A tournament at Allatoona. Adairsville (9-27) dropped matches on Tuesday to Gilmer (25-15, 25-5) and Northwest Whitfield (25-13, 25-14).  Rihanna Critendon had two kills and two blocks against Gilmer. Myka Colston had two kills and Nadelyn Dodson added four digs. In the loss to Northwest Whitfield, Olivia O’Tinger finished with three kills. Savannah Viktora, Alexis Scott, and Ella Steward had two kills. Teaghan Myers and Dodson contributed eight digs. Adairsville hosts North Murray and Gordon Central on Thursday starting at 5 p.m.

September 30, 2025 Ashlyn Carlton ADAIRSVILLE 10, NORTHWEST WHITFIELD 4 A five-run third inning propelled the Lady Tigers to a 6-3 lead Tuesday night, and the offense produced at least one more run in each of the next three innings to defeat visiting Northwest Whitfield, 10-4. Ashlyn Carlton (7 IP, 4ER, 11H, 1BB, 6K) picked up the pitching victory for Adairsville as the Tigers celebrated their 2025-26 seniors. Maddie Baggett led the Lady Tigers’ offense with four hits and two RBI. Cadey Evans (two RBI) and Ashlynn Durden (double, two RBI) contributed two hits. Lily Roberts (triple, two RBI), Carlton (double, two RBI), Riah Boyd, Chloe Hill, Ansley Powell, and Alivia Joslin added one hit each. Northwest Whitfield (7-18, 5-11) will host Adairsville (13-15, 4-13) on Thursday at 5 p.m. CARTERSVILLE 7, ALLATOONA 4 The Lady Canes trailed 3-2 through four innings Tuesday evening at Allatoona. Still, they scored three runs in the fifth on Sam Porter’s home run and added single runs in the final two frames to finish off the Lady Bucs in a critical Region 7-4A victory. Zoie Shiflett earned the pitching win for Cartersville with four innings of work. She gave up three unearned runs, scattering four hits and two walks. Shiflett struck out three. Presley Crabbe closed out the final three innings in the circle without yielding a hit or a walk. Crabbe also fanned three. Porter had the big bat for the Lady Canes, producing a triple, a three-run homer, and five RBI. Taryn Bradley also had two hits. LaKiaya Banks (RBI), Shiflett (RBI), and Addi Burns added one hit. Allatoona slipped to 13-5 overall and 13-5 in region action. Cartersville (23-2, 16-2) hosts a region doubleheader with Hiram on Thursday. GAME 1: CEDARTOWN 1, CASS 0 GAME 2: CEDARTOWN 4, CASS 2 Visiting Cedartown swept a doubleheader at Cass Tuesday night, winning a pair of tightly contested games 1-0 and 4-2. The Lady Bulldogs utilized two singles and a wild pitch to score in the top of the first inning en route to a 1-0 victory in the opener. Cass pitcher Kylie Gentry suffered the hard-luck pitching loss in a complete-game effort. She allowed only six total hits and no walks with three strikeouts. The Lady Colonels managed only three hits. Natalie Hughes, Lindsey Chubb, and Molli Morrow had one single each. Cass led 2-1 through four innings in the second game, but Cedartown took a 3-2 lead in the fifth inning and added an insurance run in the seventh for a 4-2 final score. Bailey York made the pitching start for Cass and was tagged with the loss. She yielded three earned runs on four hits and one walk and fanned three. Gentry entered to pitch the final 2-⅔ innings and allowed just one, unearned run on five hits. Harlee Thomason (RBI), Shyia Woods, Emma Gibson, York (RBI), Hughes, and Morrow had one hit each for Cass. Cedartown improved to 14-10 overall and 13-5 in region play. Cass (16-7, 14-5) travels to Allatoona on Thursday for a 5:30 p.m. first pitch.

September 30, 2025 Scott Barkley / CanesAthletics.com Canes Cheer continued its dominance over the weekend, as the varsity and JV squads each brought home first-place trophies at the Buford Invitational.  It marks the second week in a row for CHS to win an event, claiming the top spot last week in Calhoun.  The next stop for Canes Cheer will be much closer, as they join the competition at Allatoona High’s Buccaneer Bash this Saturday, Oct. 4.

September 30, 2025 The Woodland girls placed seventh of 22 teams and the Woodland boys were ninth of 29 teams on Saturday, September 27, at the 22nd annual Darlington Cross Country Festival in Rome. The Cass boys finished 15th, and the Adairsville boys were 27th in the race won by the Hillgrove boys and girls. Allison Snead led the Lady Cats with a 10th-place finish in 21:32. She was followed by Woodland teammates Rylee Maxwell (18th, 22:02), Addison Brown (45th, 23:39), Jette Julius (70th, 25:03), and Lily Hiott (100th, 26:27). Top finishers for the Lady Tigers were Bella Smith (34th, 22:51) and Fernanda Singer (76th, 25:17). Cass’ Karishma Archarya finished 52nd in 23:57. The Woodland boys were led by Jonathan Ringwell (6th, 17:04). He was followed by Wildcats’ teammates James Morris (42nd, 18:43), Charlie Hennington (48th, 19:03), Conner Cruz (88th, 20:03), and Logan Marr (100th, 20:17). Nicholas Robinson (32nd, 18:33) paced the Colonels. He was followed by Cass teammates Booker Gearhart (33rd, 18:34), Adam Brush (77th, 19:39), Maddox Perales (85th, 19:54), and Jonathan Fuenter (216th, 25:30). Aaron Souders (116th, 20:41) and Canyon East (171st, 21:56) led Adairsville. The Tigers run in the Grove Level Stampede on Tuesday. Cass participates in the Dade County Invitational in Trenton on Thursday. Woodland competes at the Alexander/Asics Invitational in Fairburn on Friday.

September 30, 2025 Jada Zimmerman and Riley Huff at the net for the Lady Canes. Cartersville volleyball won seven consecutive matches over the weekend to capture the 14th annual Hilton Head Island Bash. The competition was held at Hilton Head Island High School and the Hilton Head Island Recreation Center. Cartersville had straight set victories over Bridges Prep (Beaufort, SC), Riverside (Greer, SC), Whale Branch (Beaufort, SC), Hilton Head Island, May River (Bluffton, SC), and South Effingham (Guyton, GA). Only St. Vincent’s, a single-A school in Savannah, took the Lady Canes to a third set. In the win over Bridges Prep, Amara Ejieke had five kills and two blocks. Jada Zimmerman contributed seven kills and one block, while Riley Huff added three blocks. Mckenzie Wilkie totaled five digs, seven assists, and one ace. Emma Wall finished with two digs, seven assists, and four service aces. Against Riverside, Zimmerman was credited with eight kills. Holly Dufrene totaled six kills and two blocks. Huff produced four kills and two blocks, while Ejieke added four kills. Wilkie had nine digs and three aces. Wall distributed 14 assists. St. Vincent’s won the first set with Cartersville 25-22 before the Lady Canes rallied to win the match 25-13 and 15-9. Ejieke and Zimmerman each had 10 kills. Wilkie finished with 15 digs and three aces. Wall had 12 assists and two aces. Huff and Dufrene each contributed three kills and two blocks with Aubree Barrett adding 11 assists. Cartersville leaders in the win over Whale Branch were Adelynn England and Ejieke with five kills. Zimmerman had four kills. Blakely Morris and Sydney Seigler had seven and three aces, respectively. Huff finished with four blocks and three kills on the front line. Wilkie contributed 10 digs, while Wall and Barrett added six assists. Zimmerman and Ejieke led the Lady Canes front line with 10 and six kills, respectively in the win over Hilton Head Island. Huff added three blocks. Wilkie had 10 digs and three aces. Barrett produced 10 assists with two digs, and Wall had eight assists and four digs. Huff (five blocks), Zimmerman (nine kills, one block), and Ejieke (four kills, five blocks) were strong up front for the Lady Canes in their win over May River. Barrett and Wall contributed 12 and 11 assists, respectively. In Cartersville’s win over South Effingham, Zimmerman had eight kills. Huff, Dufrene, and Blakely Morris each contributed four kills. Huff added four blocks. Ejieke totaled two kills and two blocks, while Wall and Barrett distributed 12 and nine assists, respectively. Before the Hilton Head tournament on Thursday, September 25, the Lady Canes lost a tough five-set match at Alpharetta, Cartersville handed the Lady Raiders their only loss of the season back in early August and took the first two sets of the rematch, 25-20 and 25-23. Alpharetta seized momentum in the third set, 25-17, however, and won the final two sets, 25-23 and 15-9, improving to 31-1. Ejieke had 12 kills and two blocks in the loss. Zimmerman had 11 kills and a block. Dufrene followed with nine kills and three blocks, while Huff added five blocks. Wilkie finished with 16 digs, four aces, and three assists. Seigler contributed eight digs and four aces. Wall totaled 22 assists, seven digs, and three aces. Barrett added six digs and 14 assists with an ace and one kill. Cartersville (35-6) hosts McEachern, Christian Heritage, and Jonesboro on Tuesday beginning at 5 p.m. to wrap up regular-season play. The Lady Canes will be the No. 2 seed in the Region 7-4A tournament at Allatoona on October 7, 9, and 11.

September 29, 2025 Ninth-ranked Heritage-Catoosa scored eight runs in the bottom of the second inning Monday evening to take charge and defeated visiting Adairsville 10-1 in five innings. After the Lady Tigers narrowed the margin to 8-1 in the top of the third inning, the Lady Generals added two more runs in the third for the last of the scoring. Maddie Baggett (1.2 IP, 8R, 3ER, 4H, 2BB, 1K) was the Tigers’ starter in the circle and was tagged with the pitching loss. Ashlyn Carlton (2.1 IP, 2ER, 3H, 1BB) pitched in relief for Adairsville.  Ansley Powell (double), Chloe Hill (double), Lily Roberts, Ashlynn Durden, and Baggett had one hit each for the Lady Tigers. Heritage improved to 14-7 overall and 10-6 in Region 7-3A. Adairsville (12-15, 3-13) hosts Northwest Whitfield on Tuesday at 5:55 p.m. and travels to Tunnel Hill to play the Lady Bruins on Thursday in a 5 p.m. start.

September 29, 2025 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com Former Cartersville High receiver Devonte Ross had two fourth-quarter touchdown receptions Saturday night, but his Penn State team fell to Oregon in a Top Ten college football battle. At the professional level, Trevor Lawrence and the Jacksonville Jaguars improved to 3-1, and Mason Barnett made his final start of the season for the Oakland Athletics. NFL Trevor Lawrence TREVOR LAWRENCE — Jacksonville Jaguars (NFL, 5th-year pro; Clemson; Cartersville HS) …completed 21 of 31 passes for 174 yards and one touchdown Sunday in the Jags’ 26-21 road win at the San Francisco 49ers. His touchdown throw was a 4-yarder to Hunter Long in the second quarter, giving Jacksonville a 14-3 lead at the time. Lawrence also had seven rushing yards on seven attempts. The Jaguars (3-1) host the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday, Oct. 6. MLB Mason Barnett MASON BARNETT — Oakland Athletics (Major League Baseball; 4th-year pro; Auburn; Cartersville HS) … made a 5-⅔ innings start at home last Friday against the Kansas City Royals and received no decision. He allowed three earned runs on three hits and two walks while striking out three in an eventual 4-3 A’s win. The 24-year-old was 1-1 in five starts totaling 22-⅓ innings for Oakland. He had 18 strikeouts with the MLB team and a 6.85 ERA. His year also included a 6-2 record for Triple-A Las Vegas, where he had 23 starts and 25 appearances covering 119 innings. Barnett fanned 124 in the Pacific Coast League and had a 6.13 ERA. FOOTBALL JOHNATHAN CLINE — East Tennessee State University (R-So., Cartersville HS) … was part of an offensive line rotation that helped produce 467 total yards, but the Buccaneers lost to visiting Mercer University 38-34 last Saturday. ETSU (2-3, 0-1 Southern Conference) visits Furman University on Saturday. CARLOS DEL RIO-WILSON — Marshall University (R-Jr., Cartersville HS) … completed 24 of 31 passes for 258 yards and three touchdowns, but the Thundering Herd lost 54-51 to visiting Louisiana this past Saturday. He also had 21 rushing attempts for 81 yards in the loss. Marshall (2-3, 0-1 Sun Belt Conference) has a bye week before playing at Old Dominion on Oct. 11. MYLES FORRISTALL — Georgia Tech (R-So., Cartersville HS) … saw action on special teams in the Yellow Jackets’ 30-29 overtime win last Saturday at Wake Forest. Georgia Tech (5-0, 2-0 Atlantic Coast Conference) has a bye week before hosting Virginia Tech on Oct. 11. DEVIN HENDERSON — Liberty University (R-Fr., Cass HS) … made two tackles (one solo) in last Saturday’s 21-7 loss to Old Dominion. The Flames (1-4, 0-1 Conference USA) travel to El Paso, Texas, to play UTEP on Wednesday night. KEVIN HENDERSON — University of Findlay (So., Cass HS) … had four tackles (two solo), including one tackle for a loss in a 37-7 home win over Thomas More University (KY) last Saturday. The Oilers’ linebacker was also credited with three pass breakups. NCAA D-II 25th-ranked Findlay (4-0, 2-0 Great Midwest Athletic Conference) visits Walsh University (OH) on Saturday. SHADRE HURST — Tulane University (R-Jr., Cartersville HS) … a starter on the Green Wave’s offensive line that helped produce 437 total yards in a 31-14 win last Saturday at Tulsa. Tulane (4-1, 1-0 American Athletic Conference) hosts East Carolina University on Thursday night. KHRISTIAN LANDO — Jacksonville State University (R-Fr., Cartersville HS) … had one carry for two yards and one kick return for 20 yards in last Saturday’s 42-25 loss at Southern Miss. The Gamecocks (2-3, 1-0 Conference USA) have a bye week before visiting Sam Houston State University on Thursday, October 9. SAM PHILLIPS — University of Iowa (R-Jr., Cartersville HS) … made five receptions for 64 yards, including a 21-yarder in the Hawkeyes’ 20-15 home loss last Saturday to Indiana. Iowa has a bye week before traveling to Wisconsin on Oct. 11. Devonte Ross, Penn State DEVONTE ROSS — Penn State University (Sr., Cartersville HS) … had four catches for 48 yards and two fourth-quarter touchdowns in the 7th-ranked Nittany Lions’ 30-24 overtime home loss to No. 2 Oregon last Saturday night. Penn State (3-1, 0-1 Big Ten Conference) visits UCLA on Saturday. STEPHEN ROWSER — Morehouse College (So., Cartersville HS) … made five tackles (four solo), including one tackle for loss in last Saturday’s 27-24 loss at Edward Waters University. The Maroon Tigers (0-4, 0-2 Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference) play Tuskegee University in Montgomery on Saturday night. BRAXTON RYAN — Kentucky Wesleyan College (Fr., Adairsville HS) … received his first collegiate playing time this past Saturday in a 44-0 loss at Hillsdale College (MI). Wesleyan (0-4, 0-2 Great Midwest Athletic Conference) hosts Ashland University (OH) on Saturday afternoon. SACOVIE WHITE-HELTON — University of Georgia (R-Fr., Cass HS) … made one catch for five yards in the 12th-ranked Bulldogs’ 24-21 home loss last Saturday night to 10th-ranked Alabama. Georgia (3-1, 1-1 Southeastern Conference) hosts Kentucky on Saturday. IAN WILLIAMS — University of Memphis (Fr., Cass HS) … made one fourth-quarter tackle from his defensive back position last Saturday in the Tigers’ 55-26 win over Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Florida. Memphis (5-0, 1-0 American Athletic Conference) hosts Tulsa on Saturday night. GOLF Andrew Lutjens, Georgia College ANDREW LUTJENS — Georgia College (Fr., Cartersville HS) … carded rounds of 75-76-71 and tied for 30th of 81 players at the Georgia Southwestern Hurricane Invitational September 22-23. The tournament was played at the 7,024-yard, par-72 Doublegate Country Club in Albany. Lutjens had the lowest individual total for the Bobcats in an 11th-place finish. Florida Southern won the 15-team event. The next tournament for Georgia College is the Patriot Fall Classic, hosted by Lander University in Ninety-Six, South Carolina. SOCCER ABBEY CRAIG — Reinhardt University (Sr., Cartersville HS) … made starts and played all 180 minutes of two matches last week. She had one shot Sept. 24 in a 2-1 home loss to Columbia International University, and the Eagles earned a 2-1 win at Montreat College (NC) last Saturday. Reinhardt (3-3-2, 3-1-2 Appalachian Athletic Conference) hosts Tennessee Wesleyan on Wednesday and Columbia College (SC) on Saturday. LIBBY MORGAN — Shorter University (Fr., Woodland HS) … started at forward and logged all 90 minutes this past Saturday in a 1-0 loss at Southern Wesleyan University (SC). The Hawks (1-5, 0-4 Conference Carolinas) host Emmanuel University on Saturday. MACI NICKLAS — Truett McConnell University (So., Cartersville HS) … in 52 minutes of pitch time, she took two shots, including one shot on goal, Sept. 24 in a 6-1 home win over Bryan College (TN). The Bears (7-0-1, 5-0 Appalachian Athletic Conference) visit Brenau University on Wednesday night and host the University of Pikeville (KY) on Saturday. VOLLEYBALL AILEE ENGLAND — Berry College (So., Cartersville HS) … saw action in all nine sets of three, straight-sets home wins this past weekend over Southwestern University (TX), Millsaps College (MS), and Sewanee-University of the South (TN). England contributed one assist and one dig. The 15th-ranked Vikings (13-2, 5-1 Southern Athletic Association) host the Berry Invitational on Friday and Saturday and will face Covenant College, East Texas Baptist University, and Oglethorpe University. MADELYN ORTON — LaGrange College (Sr, Cartersville resident, Cornerstone Prep Academy) … played in two sets and had four digs this past Saturday in a 25-18, 25-11, 25-10 straight sets win over Wesleyan College (GA) in Wilmore, Kentucky. The Panthers (5-13, 1-3 Collegiate Conference of the South) also suffered a five-set loss on Saturday to host Asbury University (KY). LaGrange plays Covenant College and Piedmont University on Saturday in Demorest. MEREDITH ORTON — LaGrange College (Sr., Cartersville resident, Cornerstone Prep Academy) … had three kills, one block, and five digs Sept. 24 in a four-set home victory over Huntingdon College (AL). She also had two blocks in the Panthers’ loss at Asbury University. LaGrange (5-13, 1-3 Collegiate Conference of the South) faces Covenant College and hosts Piedmont University on Saturday. CROSS COUNTRY TYLER JONES — University of West Georgia (Jr., Woodland HS) … finished 44th of 163 runners in 28:11 as the Wolves hosted the 8K Twilight at PR’ville last Friday in Carrollton. Although his run was not part of the team score, UWG won its first meet in the school’s Division I era with five of the top ten placers in the 18-team event. West Georgia runs at USC-Upstate’s Invitational on October 16. Danielle Thayer, Augusta University DANIELLE THAYER — Augusta University (Jr., Woodland HS) … placed 14th (20:15) of 130 competitors last Saturday, and the Jaguars won the 15-team Bobcat Invitational in Milledgeville. Augusta had all five scoring runners in the top 15 to finish ahead of Georgia Southern and North Georgia. Augusta heads to Charlotte, North Carolina, for the Royals Challenge on October 10.

Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com In conjunction with WBHF and Bartow Sports Zone, Elite Stone Supply presents the ELITE ATHLETES OF THE MONTH. Each month, local high schools select an Elite Athlete of the Month from their varsity programs and share the information about their honoree through Bartow Sports Zone and on 100.3 FM and AM 1450, WBHF in Cartersville. Isabella Hazelwood is the September 2025 Elite Athlete of the Month for Woodland High School. A senior setter and outside hitter on the Lady Wildcats’ volleyball team, Hazelwood has earned a varsity letter in each of the last three seasons and is a team captain. She is the daughter of Eric and Samantha Hazelwood. “Izzy is our hardest working player and she always leads by example,” noted Woodland volleyball coach David Condon. “She is incredibly well-rounded as a student athlete, and we’re fortunate to have her in our program.” Hazelwood serves as the student body vice president and is a senior editor for Journalism. She is an AP Scholar, a member of Beta Club, National Honor Society, National Spanish Honor Society, a Merit Scholar, and a Scholar Athlete. She plans to attend college and major in marketing. Isla Owens represents Cass High School as an Elite Athlete of the Month for September. The daughter of James and Krista Smith and a junior captain on the Lady Colonels’ varsity football and competition cheer team, Isla has been a standout on and off the mat this season. As a captain on the squad, Isla has led her fellow cheerleaders through team injuries and some major squad shakeups. She is the team’s strongest base in stunting and best tumbler on the squad, with multiple passes that include a twisting full. Isla doesn’t just cheer for the Colonels in the fall; she is dedicated to cheerleading year-round. In addition to school cheer, she competes on a Worlds competitive team at Stingrays Allstars in Marietta. She recently attended a recruitment clinic at the University of Louisville, where she stood out.  Isla has excelled in the classroom as a magnet student, maintaining a 4.4 GPA, while also being nominated by her peers for Magnet Leadership and homecoming court.  “We are proud and honored to have Isla representing Cass High School both in the classroom and on the mat,” stated Cass cheer coach Christie Barnett. Carson Robinson is the Cartersville High School Elite Athlete of the Month for September. A junior on the Canes' cross country and track teams, he is the son of Shane and Lauren Robinson. Robinson is currently the second-ranked cross country runner in Region 7-AAAA and has consistently been the best scoring member of the Cartersville team this season. He has a season best 5K time of 16:49. “Carson is an excellent example of team leadership both on and off the race course,” noted Cartersville cross country coach Nicholas Bridges. “He has done an exceptional job emerging as our team leader. While quiet and reserved, Carson consistently sets a strong example both on and off the course. His actions reflect leadership, integrity, and dedication, earning the respect of his peers.” While currently enrolled in all Honors and Advanced Placement courses, Robinson has an academic weighted GPA of 4.308. “He exemplifies what it means to be a true student-athlete,” added Bridges. “He demonstrates a strong commitment to academic excellence while balancing the athletic demands.” The September Elite Athlete of the Month representing Adairsville High School is Bella Smith. Smith is a freshman member of the Tigers’ cross country team and will participate with the track and field team in the Spring. “Bella has come out as a powerhouse this season,” said Adairsville cross country coach John Ford. “She began her high school season with a 20th-place finish in a field of 122 runners at the Frontrunner Five Star Stride race at Heritage High School in Ringgold, and has improved with every race. She has steadily improved throughout the season, finishing 14th, 11th, 4th, and, most recently, winning the Adairsville Invitational. We look forward to watching Bella’s progress over the next four years and expect great things.” Editor's Note: The respective schools and athletic departments supply Bartow Sports Zone and WBHF with photos and bios. Elite Stone Supply Co., LLC is the monthly sponsor. Athletes receive a plaque and recognition during a radio feature on WBHF. #EliteAthletesoftheMonth #Cass #Cartersville #Woodland #Adairsville #highschool

September 27, 2025 Kalil Charles rushed for 235 yards and three touchdowns Friday as Cass won at Woodland, 55-9. The 10th-ranked Cass Colonels delivered a dominant performance on Friday night, dismantling the Woodland Wildcats 55-9 at Wildcats Stadium. The Colonels scored touchdowns on their first six possessions and eight of ten overall, building a commanding 41-3 halftime lead en route to their third straight Region 7-AAAA victory and sixth consecutive overall. Cass set the tone early, marching 75 yards in 17 plays after receiving the opening kickoff. Sophomore running back Kalil Charles powered the drive with 10 carries for 66 yards, including bursts of 15 and 17 yards. The Colonels capped the drive with a crafty fourth-and-goal reverse toss to slot receiver Jeremy Barrett, who scampered seven yards untouched for the score. Anthony Quijada’s extra point gave Cass a 7-0 lead with 4:14 left in the first quarter. The Colonels’ offense didn’t let up with their next possession. At the 10:37 mark of the second quarter, Kalil Charles punched in an 11-yard touchdown run to complete a 52-yard, eight-play drive, bolstered by quarterback Brodie McWhorter’s completions to Chase Tatum (11 yards) and Zeke Helton (8 yards).  RANDY PARKER/TDTN Woodland quarterback Sammy Ray IV, left, hands off to running back Solomon James during the Wildcats Sept. 26 home game against cross-county rival Cass. Kalil Charles struck again just two minutes later, breaking free for a 60-yard touchdown run, pushing the Cass lead to 21-0. Woodland’s woes continued when they fumbled the ensuing kickoff, handing Cass the ball at the Wildcats’ 12-yard line. On the very next play, McWhorter found fellow senior tight end Chase Tatum for a 12-yard touchdown pass, and Quijada’s fourth extra point made it 28-0 with 8:29 left in the half. The Wildcats responded with a 12-play, 50-yard drive, aided by two Cass penalties, but stalled at the Colonels’ 12-yard line. Justin Abarca’s 30-yard field goal put Woodland on the board at 28-3 with 4:05 remaining in the half.  RANDY PARKER/DTN Cass quarterback Brodie McWhorter looks for a receiver downfield as he scrambles in the backfield in the Colonels' game at Woodland Sept. 26. Any momentum was short-lived for the Wildcats, as twin brother Kalel Charles electrified the crowd with a 95-yard kickoff return for a touchdown just 13 seconds later, extending the Colonels’ lead to 35-3. Before halftime, the Colonels added one more score, driving 62 yards in six plays. Kalil Charles contributed a 27-yard run, and McWhorter connected with Elijah Slocum for a 27-yard touchdown pass with 34 seconds left. A missed extra point left the halftime score at 41-3. Cass had the only scoring play of the third period, with Kalil Charles’ 43-yard touchdown run that pushed the lead to 48-3 with 4:27 remaining in the period. With a running clock in the fourth quarter, Cass turned to its reserves.  Woodland managed a highlight when Solomon James broke multiple tackles for a 68-yard touchdown run, trimming the deficit to 48-9 with 8:24 remaining. Cass then closed the scoring with 6:23 left when freshman quarterback Noah Rogers threw a 55-yard touchdown pass to Raymond Woodard. The pass, deflected after traveling 15 yards, landed in Woodard’s hands, and he raced to the end zone. Quijada’s seventh extra point sealed the 55-9 final. RANDY PARKER/DTN Cass head coach Steve Gates makes a point to an official in the Colonels' game at Woodland Sept. 26. Solomon James rushed for 120 yards and one touchdown in 18 attempts for the Wildcats. Woodland quarterback Sammy Ray was 9-for-23 passing for 61 yards and one interception. He also rushed for five yards on three attempts. For the Colonels, Kalil Charles rushed for 235 yards and three touchdowns on 19 carries. Carter Foster contributed 30 rushing yards on three attempts. McWhorter totaled 13 rushing yards on four keepers. Noah Rogers ran for 13 yards on two keepers, and Barrett added a seven-yard touchdown run. McWhorter completed 8-of-14 passes for 73 yards and two scores. Rogers was 1-for-3, including a 55-yard touchdown to Woodard. Slocum and Tatum each caught three passes for 27 yards and one touchdown. Zeke Helton had one reception for eight yards and Jah Abdullah Kortay added a six-yard reception. Cass (6-1, 3-0) returns home to face Cartersville on Friday night in a pivotal Region 7-AAAA clash. Meanwhile, Woodland (0-5, 0-2) looks to rebound at Allatoona next week.

September 27, 2025 The defending Class 3A state champion Calhoun Yellow Jackets showcased their championship pedigree Friday night, dismantling the Adairsville Tigers with a balanced offensive attack and a stifling defense to earn a 36-0 Region 7-AAA victory at Adairsville High School. Calhoun wasted little time, striking first with 5:59 left in the opening quarter. Quarterback Trace Hawkins connected with Justin Beasley on a 45-yard touchdown pass, capping a swift 65-yard, six-play drive. Owen Vicente’s extra point gave the Yellow Jackets a 7-0 lead. The Jackets’ defense added to the tally late in the first, as Adairsville quarterback Braxton Elrod was flagged for intentional grounding in his own end zone, resulting in a safety and a 9-0 Calhoun advantage. The second quarter saw Calhoun’s offense continue to roll. Early in the period, Hawkins found Beau Kelly for a 4-yard touchdown pass, finishing a 24-yard, seven-play drive to make it 16-0. With 2:32 remaining before halftime, running back Hudson Chadwick punched in a 1-yard touchdown run to close a 61-yard, 12-play march, pushing the lead to 23-0 at the break. The Yellow Jackets showed no signs of slowing down in the third quarter. Chadwick scored his second 1-yard touchdown run of the night with 6:32 left, concluding a 52-yard, eight-play drive to extend the lead to 30-0. Later in the quarter, Hawkins and Beasley hooked up again, this time on a 46-yard touchdown pass that finalized a 76-yard, five-play drive, bringing the score to 36-0. With a running clock in the fourth quarter due to the mercy rule, neither team scored, sealing Calhoun’s commanding victory. Elrod was 6-for-14 passing for 73 yards for the Tigers. Barrett Fuller finished with two receptions for 52 yards. Jayvian Carson added 38 rushing yards on eight carries. On defense for Adairsville, Jake Barszcz and Matthew Cook had eight tackles. Colt Sanford and Max Hatch followed with seven. Calhoun (3-2, 1-0) hosts Ridgeland on Friday. Meanwhile, Adairsville (2-4, 1-1) will take advantage of a bye week to regroup before facing Ridgeland on the road on October 10. — Larry Gardner contributed to this report.

September 25, 2025 Woodland blasted visiting Dalton, Adairsville took region-leader LaFayette to the wire, and Cass was rained out Thursday in local high school softball action. WOODLAND 13, DALTON 1 Woodland pitchers Evelyne Tucker and Bella Kuykendall combined on a four-inning no-hitter Thursday afternoon as the Lady Cats powered past visiting Dalton 13-1. The Lady Cats scored three runs in each of the first three frames and four in the bottom of the fourth to close out the contest. Dalton scored a run in the top of the fourth on a walk, two ground outs, and an infield error. Bailey Ryan had three hits and one RBI for Woodland. Ashlyn Baines (double, three RBI) and Kamryn Smith (RBI) followed with two hits. Sis Pirkle (two RBI), Hayley Ledford (RBI), Rilynn DeBoard (RBI), Kylee Poston (RBI), and Sonny Hicks (double) added one hit. Gracie Korb was credited with one RBI. With the loss, Dalton falls to 2-17 overall and 2-15 in Region 7-4A. Woodland (8-13, 5-10) hosts a non-region game with Model on Monday at 5 p.m. and has a region doubleheader at home on Tuesday with Hiram. LAFAYETTE 2, ADAIRSVILLE 1 Adairsville softball took region-leading LaFayette to the wire Thursday evening, but came up short in a 2-1 loss on the Ramblers’ home field. LaFayette scored a run in the bottom of the first inning. Adairsville tied the score in the top of the second, and Tamra Yancey hit a solo home run for the Lady Ramblers in the bottom of the third for what proved to be the deciding run. Chloe Hill pitched all six innings for the Lady Tigers and was charged with the tough-luck loss. She allowed two earned runs on seven hits and one walk with one strikeout. Hill had two hits for the Tigers’ offense. Alivia Joslin, Ashlynn Durden (double), and Cadey Evans added one hit in the loss. LaFayette improved to 21-3 overall and 17-0 in Region 7-3A. Adairsville (12-13, 3-12) has a non-region game at Sonoraville on Saturday at 10 a.m. and returns to region action Monday at Heritage-Catoosa at 5:30 p.m.