For the third year in a row, the County Alumni football team came away with a victory Saturday night over the City Alumni team. The game originated in 2014 as a Cass vs. Cartersville alumni game, but the format was altered somewhat this year to include some other participants with both teams. The County team, consisting mostly of former Cass alumni sprinkled with players from Adairsville and other Bartow County connections, won the game 22-8. The two previous alumni matches were won by Cass. Players from as far back as the Class of 1988 participated in the third annual game played this year at Earl Cunningham Stadium on the Grassdale Road campus of the former Cass High School (now the Bartow County College and Careers campus). The two defenses were stingy in the opening half, but County quarterback Alex Tucker tore off a 30-yard scamper to set up a field goal by former Adairsville kicker, Blake Scoggins. The kick gave the County team a 3-0 lead at the intermission. The lead might have been larger, but a pair of touchdown passes by the County team’s other quarterback, Daniel Barrett to Josh Christian were nullified by penalty. Early in the second half, the City team took its first-ever lead in the three-year series on a Dylan Hale fumble recovery in the end zone. A botched shotgun snap went off the hands of County QB Barrett. A City two-point conversion gave them an 8-3 lead early in the third period. From that point, however, the County team added three touchdowns to eventually seal the contest. Former Cass player Brian Owens scored on a 12-yard run off tackle behind former Colonel offensive tackle David Rizer for the County’s first touchdown. Rashaad Hill, another former Cass player scored on another run, and former Colonel Justin Owens, who also transferred and played at Gainesville, added a third touchdown. It was the County’s defense that continued to control the game throughout. The City team’s offense only managed one trip into plus territory in the game. For the County defense, Drew Fury was the defensive MVP with 17 total tackles. He was followed closely by strong safety Nick Roberts with 14 tackles, and “Big Dave” Owens with 12 tackles — all former Cass players. Other former Colonels, Shad Mize and Deonta Christian, contributed big plays for the special teams. Mize, a 1995 graduate, blocked a punt, while Christian contributed a long punt return. The two County quarterbacks led their team’s offense in different manners. Barrett was 7 of 9 passing for 135 yards and Tucker had six rushes for 75 yards. Barrett was awarded the game’s Offensive MVP, Tucker was named MVP of the Game, and Derek McFarland received an award as the oldest player. “We had a good crowd and there was plenty of game-day atmosphere,” said game organizer and County quarterback Alex Tucker. The event included individual player introductions in the pregame including their high school and college. Sheriff Clark Millsap conducted the game coin toss. Military recruiters recognized local military service and supplied color guards. There were food trucks, vendors, alumni cheerleaders, cheerleaders from Cass and Adairsville middle and high schools, plus spirit lines formed by county recreation youth players. “The rain sent a few people home early, but a lot of people stayed and took in the whole game. We all had a great time and that’s what it’s really all about,” added Tucker.

Elite Stone Supply, in conjunction with WBHF and Bartow Sports Zone, is proud to present the ELITE ATHLETES OF THE WEEK. Each week, all five local schools will 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 August 20, 2016: Justice Carter -- Woodland High School Chad Lowery -- Adairsville High School Brighton McCollum -- Excel Christian Academy Sadie McMicken -- Cass High School Hannah Todd -- Cartersville High School Justice Carter is the Woodland High School Elite Athlete of the Week. Carter is a tenth grade student at WHS with a current 3.8 grade point average. He is a two-sport athlete competing for the Wildcats in both football and basketball. He is the son of Nundall Carter. Carter had perfect attendance this summer in the Woodland summer strength and conditioning program, leading by example. Carter rushed for 67 yards in the Wildcats’ football game last week at River Ridge. Chad Lowery is the Adairsville High School Elite Athlete of the Week. Lowery plays on both sides of the ball for the Tigers’ football program. In the opening game of the regular season, he scored a touchdown and showed promise at his safety position on defense. Lowery is the living embodiment of moral character both in the classroom and on the field. Academically, he gives 100 percent effort. He pushes his intellect by taking challenging honors and AP classes and thrives under the rigor and demands it offers. Lowery makes hard decisions, such as studying when he could socialize and takes time to help others understand when he could choose to focus solely on himself. Additionally, he involves himself in organizations such as FCA and the Chamber of Commerce Leadership Program in order lead by example. Lowery carries these attributes onto the football field every day. He works hard even when conditions are less than ideal. He completes drills to focus on form and ability. He chooses not to complain but to inspire others by exemplifying the value of hard work. Lowery exudes humility when his efforts are recognized. He makes conscious decisions every day to make moral choices, work harder and become more. Brighton McCollum is the Elite Athlete of the Week from Excel Christian Academy. She is the daughter of Brian and Suzanne McCollum and has attended Excel for twelve years. McCollum has been an honor roll student for all of her high school years. McCollum is a four year starter at shortstop on the softball team as well as being a four year starter on the basketball team. She has also run cross country for three years. She has been an integral part of softball teams that qualified for the state tournament each of the last two seasons and has served as captain of the softball team for two years. McCollum was All-County, first team All Region, and first team All State in her sophomore season. Last year, she was All-County, All-Region, and honorable mention All State. McCollum is off to a great start this season. She is currently fourth in the region with a .478 batting average and fourth in the region with 7 RBIs. She leads the region with 12 runs scored. She is third in the region in stolen bases with five; fourth in the region with a .909 fielding percentage; and has a .520 on base percentage. McCollum serves as one of the Huddle leaders for the FCA at Excel. She has also served as a class representative on the Student Council. She serves her community by being an active participant in Splash Bartow during the summer months. Sadie McMicken is the Cass High School Elite Athlete of the Week. McMicken is a 17-year-old senior and the daughter of Darrell and Allison McMicken. She is a four-year member of the Lady Colonels’ varsity volleyball team and a three-year starter. McMicken has moved from front row attack to libero this year where she is excelling and better serving her team. She is a leader both on the court and off. She is often the “voice” of the team, encouraging her teammates in their efforts, cheering on her teammates, and serving as captain. McMicken is an integral part of the Cass High School volleyball team. Hannah Todd is the Elite Athlete of the Week for Cartersville High School. She is a senior member of the Lady Canes’ softball team as a pitcher and an outfielder and is committed to the University of North Carolina. She is the daughter of Kelly and Becky Todd. In five games last week, the future Tar Heel was 2-1 as a pitcher throwing no-hitters in both of her wins over Adairsville and Fannin County. She allowed only six hits in her pitching loss to region and state power, Central of Carrollton. Todd struck out 25 in the three games in the circle. She also played centerfield and was the Canes’ designated player (DP) in another game. In eleven plate appearances last week, Todd had three hits including a home run and a triple. She also drove in four runs. Editors Note: Photos and bios are supplied to Bartow Sports Zone and WBHF by the respective schools and their athletic departments.

Woodland volleyball won twice Tuesday at South Cobb High School, defeating the host Lady Eagles and Campbell. Woodland defeated Campbell in three sets 26-24, 10-25, and 25-21. In their other match Tuesday, the Lady Cats swept two sets from South Cobb, 25-12 and 25-23. Madilyn Tuplin totaled 13 kills, 7 digs, two blocks, and one ace in the two matches. Kalia Henry contributed 14 assists, 11 aces, 12 digs, and a block. Woodland (8-5) plays at Allatoona High School Thursday where the Lady Cats will face the host Bucs and Sonoraville.

Cartersville softball routed Sandy Creek at home Tuesday night, 15-0 in only three innings, in a Region 5-AAAA game. The Lady Canes scored four runs in the first inning, six in the second inning, and five more in the bottom of the third to close out the game by mercy run-rule. Only three of Cartersville’s runs were earned. Sandy Creek committed nine errors. Paris Poston had two hits and scored three times for the Lady Canes. Madison McKinney plated four runs and had one hit. Jolea Prokop finished with a hit and three RBIs. Hannah Todd had a hit and two RBIs. Presley Edwards had a hit and one RBI. Tara Mathis drove in a run and Neeley Baxter had one hit. Todd (2 IP, 0R, 1H, 0BB, 5K) and Mathis (1 IP, 0R, 0H, 1BB) shared the pitching duties for the Lady Canes. Cartersville (3-4, 1-1) hosts Chapel Hill Thursday at 5:55pm and plays in the Allatoona Buccanneer Bash Friday and Saturday. KELL 2, WOODLAND 0 The Woodland softball team was shutout 2-0 Tuesday night at Kell. The Longhorns scored unearned runs in the fourth and sixth innings and their pitching struck out 13 in the victory. Sarah Baynard (7 IP, 2R, 0ER, 2H, 2BB, 4K) suffered the pitching loss despite an outstanding outing. Woodland (1-4, 1-2) plays at Hiram Thursday at 5:55pm and hosts games Friday against Armuchee and Roswell starting at 6pm. The Lady Cats also host three games Saturday starting at 8:30am against Darlington, Northwest Whitfield, and South Paulding. BREMEN 9, ADAIRSVILLE 0 Bremen pitcher Ashlinn Garner threw a perfrect game at Adairsville Tuesday as the visiting Blue Devils shutout the Lady Tigers, 9-0, in five innings. Garner struck out five. Bremen took a 3-0 lead in the first inning and led 5-0 after two frames. The visitors added four more runs in the top of the fifth. The Lady Tigers (5-6, 2-3) play Haralson County at home August 30.

A walk-off ground ball single to third base by Sarah Fox scored Kaila Carson in the bottom of the seventh inning Tuesday night to give the Cass softball team a 4-3 Region 7-AAAAA victory over visiting Hiram. Carson singled with one out to start the Cass seventh inning and moved to second on a single by Sierrah Gani. Alexia Najarro reached on a bunt that loaded the bases and set up the game winner by Fox. Hiram loaded the bases with no outs in the top of the final inning, but Cass turned a triple play to get out of the jam. Cass third baseman, Arianna Mustin knocked down a hard ground ball, tagged the runner at third trying to return to the bag, then stepped on the bag before throwing for a third force out. Without the triple play, the opportunity for the walk-off hit in the bottom of the seventh may not have existed. Cass took a 3-0 lead through two innings, but Hiram rallied to tie the game in the top of the fifth on two hits, two walks, and a hit batsman. Sarah Moore earned the pitching victory. She scattered five hits and four walks allowing three runs. Moore fanned four Lady Hornets. Carson (2 RBI), Najarro (double) and Fox (RBI) finished with two hits each to lead the Lady Colonels’ offense. Gani and Arianna Mustin (RBI, double) had the other Cass hits. Cass (3-5, 1-3) plays Villa Rica at home Thursday at 5:55pm and hosts Darlington at 5pm Friday. The Lady Colonels play two game Saturday at Hillgrove against the host Lady Hawks at 9am and against Ridgeland at 1pm.

The 2016 FedExCup Playoffs get started this week on the PGA Tour. Cartersville Country Club’s Director of Golf, Scott Hamilton, will have several players contending for this year’s championship. Hamilton, a current teacher for PGA Tour stars Boo Weekley, Steven Bowditch, Chris Kirk, Brendon Todd, Ben Martin, Kyle Thompson, Russell Henley, Harris English, Aaron Baddeley, Hudson Swafford, and Jim Renner also works with several players on the WEB.com Tour. Additionally, the Scott Hamilton Golf Academy client list includes Joe Durant, a top contender on the senior PGA Champions Tour. Durant is in third place on that tour’s Schwab Cup standings behind Bernhard Langer and Miguel Angel Jimenez. Hamilton also works with Brooke Pancake of the LPGA Tour and Jamie Elson on the European Tour. Only the top 125 players on the PGA Tour begin the playoffs this week at The Barclays being played this year at Bethpage Black in Farmingdale, New York. The field will be narrowed to 100 for the Deutsche Bank Championship (Sept. 2-5), then 70 for the BMW Championship (Sept. 8-11), and only the top 30 will make it to Atlanta’s East Lake Golf Club for the TOUR Championship September 22-25. Jason Day currently sits in first place in the FedExCup standings. Day had three wins this season and is currently the world’s No. 1 player. He has nine top-ten finishes in 16 starts on tour this season. Dustin Johnson, Adam Scott, Russell Knox, and 2015 champion Jordan Spieth round out the top five. Scott Hamilton Golf Academy representatives in the playoffs include the following: (current position in FedExCup standings) 35th — Harris English 45th — Aaron Baddeley 60th — Chris Kirk 61th — Ben Martin 83th — Russell Henley 90th — Hudson Swafford 110th — Boo Weekley Former SHGA player and Acworth resident, Jason Bohn, also made the playoff field. He is in 77th place heading into The Barclays.

The Woodland Lady Cats softball team was shutout Monday night at Allatoona, 10-0 in five innings. The Lady Buccanneers are the 5th-ranked team in Class 6A. Melanie Bennett pitched a two-hit shutout and struck out six for Allatoona, while Maggie Lewis and Nicolle Nysted combined for four hits and five RBIs to lead the Lady Bucs' offense. Brittney Cox and Audrey Morris had the only Woodland hits. Jordan Duck, who allowed only two earned runs, was tagged with the pitching loss for the Lady Cats. Woodland (1-4) hosts Kell in a Region 7-AAAAA matchup Tuesday at 5:55pm and travels to Hiram on Thursday for another 5:55pm start. The Lady Cats help host the Allatoona Buccaneer Bash Friday and Saturday at Woodland. They will play Armuchee and Roswell Friday night before facing Darlington, Northwest Whitfield, and South Paulding on Saturday. Games begin at 6pm Friday evening and 8:30am on Saturday.

The Adairsville softball team scored ten runs in the opening three innings Monday night, then cruised to an eight run decision over Cass in five innings, 13-5. The Lady Colonels actually took a 2-0 lead in the top of the first, but their advantage would be short-lived. Adairsville scored five runs in the bottom of the first inning, followed by two in the second and three in the third frames. Cass narrowed the lead to 10-5 in the fourth, but the Lady Tigers scored three runs in the bottom of the fifth to end the game. Adairsville out hit Cass, 14 to five. Loren Harris (5 IP, 5R, 4ER, 5H, 3BB, 5K) picked up the pitching win for the Lady Tigers. Sarah Moore (5 IP, 13ER, 14H, 6BB, 2K) suffered the pitching loss for Cass. Bailey Robinson was 3-for-4, including a double, with two RBIs for Adairsville. Harris doubled and homered for four RBIs. Havyn Isaac had two hits including a double. Natalie Burrow finished with two hits, including a double and two RBIs. Emily Collum (double), Morgan DeBoard, Macy Hufstetler, Cortni Jacobs, and Alexa Varner (double) each added one hit each for the Lady Tigers. Sarah Fox had two hits, including a triple, and three RBIs to lead the Cass offense. Hope Elrod had two hits and Arianna Mustin drove in a run with a hit for the Lady Colonels. Cass (2-5) has home games against Hiram Tuesday, Villa Rica Thursday, and Darlington Friday. The first two are scheduled for 5:55pm and Friday’s game is a 5pm start. Adairsville (5-5) hosts Bremen Tuesday at 5:30pm. The Excel softball team took a big lead early, then held on for a 9-7 win Monday at home over Gordon Central. The Lady Eagles held an 8-0 lead after only two innings, but did not score again until the bottom of the sixth. Meanwhile, the visiting Lady Warriors narrowed the margin with seven runs across the fourth, fifth, and sixth innings. Rachel Parrott (1-for-2) and Hannah Lee (2-for-4) combined for three hits and six RBIs with one double each. Aliza Baker was 3-for-4 with a pair of doubles. Landry McCollum also added a pair of hits and stole three bases. Whitney Harris (RBI) and Lindsey Mauldin (RBI) each contributed a hit. Taylor Gibson (5 IP, 5R, 3ER, 7H, 3BB, 4K) started in the circle and picked up the pitching win. Hannah Lee (2 IP, 2R, 1ER, 3H, 1BB, 2K) earned a save by closing out the final two frames. Gordon Central falls to 1-5 with the loss. Excel (4-3) hosts Trion Thursday at 4:30pm and Southeast Whitfield for a doubleheader Saturday at 10am.

The Cass cross country teams competed at the Our Lady of Mercy Invitational Saturday in Fairburn, but did not field full team scores. St. Pius had five runners in the top ten of the girls event and all seven runners in the girls’ top 14 to win the nine-team event. Blessed Trinity had five runners in the top ten of the boys’ race and all seven in the top 20 to win the 10-team boys race. Stephanie Robledo placed 43rd for the Lady Colonels. Lexie Wallentine and Karsen Henry finished 66th and 67th, respectively. Derrick Smith placed 23rd for the Colonels. Nick Poteat (35th), Devon Martinez (55th), and Ryan Dupree (62nd) followed. Next for the Cass harriers will be the Ridge Ferry Invitational in Rome on Saturday (Aug. 27).

The regular season for Minor League Baseball wraps up at the end of August and the MiLB playoffs are usually completed within the first days of September. While two locals are shut down for the season, Grant DeBruin, Sam Howard, and Connor Justus will continue through the month. Saturday, Howard (photo courtesy MiLB prospects) had his best start at the Double-A level and one of his best starts as a pro. DeBruin has remained steady in the heat of the summer months and Justus is in the midst of a four-game hitting streak. DeBruin's Hagerstown Suns have also clinched a post-season berth due to their performance in the South Atlantic League's first half. Howard's Hartford Yard Goats and Justus' Burlington Bees, however, appear to be just outside the playoffs this year. Dalton Geekie, who pitched at Georgia Highlands College and now toils for the Rome Braves, suffered a season ending injury, had Tommy John surgery and will now begin his rehab. Donavan Tate, a Cartersville High standout and former first round pick of the San Diego Padres, only appeared in a handful of games for the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes of the Advanced Class A California League. They are an affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Below, we have updates on the players with local ties. Grant DeBruin — Hagerstown Suns — Class A, South Atlantic League — MLB Parent Club, Washington Nationals -- (Adairsville HS) The former Adairsville High School and University of Alabama-Huntsville standout has continued a consistent summer with a surge in late July and early August. He has hit safely in six of his last ten games and snapped a three game hitless streak Sunday with a 1-for-3 game at Lexington although the Suns lost to the Legends, 1-0. Through 62 games this season, DeBruin is now hitting .267 with four home runs and 27 RBIs at Hagerstown. DeBruin, 26, spent the first part of the year in extended spring training and was briefly at the Advanced Class A level with the Potomac Nationals. Hagerstown is 30-26 in the SAL second half, currently two and one-half games behind the Lakewood BlueClaws (Phillies affiliate). Hagerstown already clinched a post-season spot by winning the division’s first half. Dalton Geekie — Rome Braves — Class A, South Atlantic League — MLB Parent Club, Atlanta Braves -- (Georgia Highlands College) Geekie is on the disabled list for the remainder of the season by the Braves and was forced to have Tommy John surgery after developing an issue in his elbow August 1. Geekie finished his first pro season with a 2-4 record and had a 5.16 ERA in 31 appearances in 2016. He had one save in his only save opportunity and worked 45 and 1/3 innings. Opponents had a .247 batting average against him. Rome is currently 28-22 in the South Atlantic League’s second half standings, in second place, four and one-half games behind the Southern Division leading Augusta GreenJackets (SF Giants affiliate). Sam Howard — Hartford Yard Goats — Double-A, Eastern League — MLB Parent Club, Colorado Rockies -- (Cartersville HS) Howard picked up a victory Saturday by working six shutout innings against Trenton. He scattered six hits, walked three, and recorded three strikeouts in the victory. Howard has now won five of his last seven starts for the Yard Goats with victories July 16, July 27, August 3, and August 14 and Saturday. He had a no-decision performance July 22 and suffered a loss August 9 during that span. The 23-year-old former Cartersville High and Georgia Southern University pitcher is now 9-9 on year after starting the season 4-3 with the Advanced Class A, Modesto Nuts of the California League. He has a 3.47 ERA in 24 starts and 135 innings. He has 124 strikeouts. Opponents have a .256 batting average against him. The Yard Goats are 70-55 on the year and in third place in the Eastern League’s Eastern Division. They trail the Reading (PA) Fightin’ Phils by 11.5 games. Connor Justus — Burlington Bees — Class A, Midwest League — MLB Parent Club, Los Angeles Angels -- (Cartersville HS) After a fast start with the Rookie level Orem Owlz, Justus has continued his progress with a solid start for the Class A (full season) Burlington Bees of the Midwest League. Justus had a rough stretch at the plate in early August, but has currently hit safely in five of his last six games. Justus was selected in the fifth round of this year’s June MLB draft by the Los Angeles Angels. Justus’ batting average remains .275 through his 54 games as a professional combining his Orem and Burlington numbers. He has 11 extra base hits, including one home run and 29 RBIs. Defensively, Justus has a .952 fielding percentage in 228 total chances. He has been part of 27 double plays in 461 innings. The Burlington Bees are 29-27 in the second half standings of the Midwest League’s Western Division and are 61-65 overall in 2016. The Bees are currently 12 games back of division-leading Clinton LumberKings (Seattle affiliate). Donavan Tate — Rancho Cucamonga Quakes — Advanced Class A — California League — MLB Parent Club, Los Angeles Dodgers (Cartersville HS) Tate played in ten games after coming off the disable list to start the season. He has a .143 batting average in 35 at bats with a home run and four RBIs. He has played defensively at both corner outfield positions and has been utilized as a designated hitter, but has not seen action since July 6. The Quakes are 19-17 in the second half standings of the California League’s South Division. They are currently 5.5 games behind the Lancaster JetHawks (Houston Astros affiliate). To check on these local players any time, use the 'Athletes Beyond Bartow' page of this web site to locate active links to each players statistics, schedules, results, and other team information.

Turnovers plagued the Cass Colonels Friday night in their scrimmage at Pepperell, but head coach Bobby Hughes ultimately came away pleased with his team’s performance. The visiting Colonels lost 12-0 Friday night in Lindale to the Pepperell Dragons in the scrimmage portion where score was kept. “We had three turnovers and one was in the red zone that gave them a cheap score,” noted Hughes. “Plus, we had some scoring chances if we execute. One was just outside the red zone. There were a couple of situations where we just didn’t get the job done with the offense.” Hughes (in photo) pointed out his team’s effort was pleasing and he was happy with how the defense performed. “Our defense was solid. I mean we turned it over three times and they (Cass defense) kept us in the scrimmage,” Hughes added. In the format used with Pepperell, the front line players were utilized for the first half only and score was not kept in the second half with the younger players on the field. “We will have to cut down the penalties and execute better,” said Hughes, “but I was pleased with how most of our first-time starters played.” Cass dressed out 98 players Friday night and all of them received some reps in the game. Hughes also said everyone came out of the game healthy and commended his defensive front and linebacker Tripp Breeden for their high-level play. “Our guys got more comfortable as the scrimmage went along. This will help us. We will get to review the film with the kids and we’ll be ready when the lights go on for real,” concluded Hughes. The Colonels open their 2016 season next Friday at Adairsville (0-1). Adairsville lost its season opener at Ridgeland last Friday. Kickoff for the county rivalry game is set for 7:30pm. For a more detailed account, please see Jason Greenberg's coverage at the link below from The Daily Tribune News. http://www.daily-tribune.com/sports/item/6129-tos-hurt-cass-but-provide-experience-in-scrimmage

Playing in the Lakeview-Ft. Oglethorpe Invitational Saturday, Cartersville finished the day with a 2-2 mark. The Lady Canes defeated Southeast Whitfield 25-22 and 25-20. They also defeated Coahulla Creek 25-12 and 26-24. In one of their tightest matches of the year, Cartersville lost to Gordon Lee in three sets with the Lady Canes winning the middle set 26-24. The Lady Trojans won set one 25-22 and the third set 15-12. Cartersville also fell to Northwest Whitfield 25-16 and 25-19. The Lady Canes (4-5) are back in action next Saturday at Cherokee High School.