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October 13, 2025 Cartersville pitcher Zoie Shiflett Cartersville softball secured two three-inning victories on Monday night in the first round of the Class 4A state playoffs, but the Cass Lady Colonels suffered two challenging defeats in Atlanta. GAME 1:  CARTERSVILLE 15, FOREST PARK 0 GAME 2:  CARTERSVILLE 15, FOREST PARK 0 The Lady Canes made quick work of visiting Forest Park Panthers Monday night and advanced to the second round of the GHSA Class 4A state playoffs with a pair of 15-0 wins in three innings. Zoie Shiflett struck out seven while tossing a no-hitter in the first game. Presley Crabbe tossed a no-hitter in the second game and fanned five. Both hurlers faced the minimum for three-inning perfect games. The Lady Canes took advantage of eleven walks and three errors in Game 1. The second game saw Forest Park pitchers issue 16 walks, and the Panthers committed one error. Sever Cartersville batters had one hit each, including Miley Jo Williams (double, three RBI), Kennedy Crenshaw (double, two RBI), Kinsey Woodard (RBI), LaKiaya Banks (RBI), Taryn Bradley (RBI), Addi Burns (RBI), and Sophia Harper (triple). Emma Miller added one RBI. Forest Park’s season ends with a 9-13 record. Cartersville (27-4) advances to the Sweet Sixteen to host the Madison County/Perry series winner next Monday and Tuesday if needed. GAME 1:  PACE ACADEMY 5, CASS 4 GAME 2:  PACE ACADEMY 9, CASS 4 The Lady Colonels had their season come to an end Monday night in Atlanta with a doubleheader first-round loss at Pace Academy, 5-4 and 9-4. Cass led the opening game 4-1 through four innings before the host Lady Knghts responded with a three-run fifth and a go-ahead run in the sixth. In Game 2, the two teams were knotted 4-4 until the fifth inning when the Knights took the lead with two runs. Pace added three insurance runs in the sixth to put the game and the series away. Kylie Gentry (6 IP, 5ER, 8H, 4BB, 6K) was the Cass pitcher of record in the first game. Bailey York (7 IP, 9R, 7ER, 9H, 7BB, 3K) suffered the pitching loss in Game 2. Gentry had four hits in the doubleheader, including a triple in Game 1 and a home run in Game 2. York had three hits in the two games with four RBI. Natalie Hughes, Shyia Woods, and KK Evans finished the series with two hits. Harlee Thomason, Emma Gibson, Lindsey Chubb (double), and MJ McFarlane added one hit. Molli Morrow contributed one RBI. Pace Academy moves on to the second round with a 14-9 record. The season ends for Cass with an 18-10 mark.

October 13, 2025 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com This week’s update on locals contributing with their teams at the collegiate and professional level includes 23 athletes from four different sports. NFL TREVOR LAWRENCE — Jacksonville Jaguars (NFL, 5th-year pro; Clemson; Cartersville HS) … completed 27 of 42 passes for 258 yards and two touchdowns this past Sunday in a 20-12 home loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Lawrence also had nine rushing yards on three attempts. The Jaguars (4-2) play the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday at Wembley Stadium in London. FOOTBALL JOHNATHAN CLINE — East Tennessee State University (R-So., Cartersville HS) … was part of an offensive line rotation that rolled up over 500 yards of total offense in a 45-10 home victory over VMI. The Buccaneers (3-4, 1-2 Southern Conference) play at Chattanooga on Saturday. CARLOS DEL RIO-WILSON — Marshall University (R-Jr., Cartersville HS) … completed 17 of 24 passes for 219 yards and two touchdowns this past Saturday in a 48-24 home win over Old Dominion University. He also rushed for 95 yards and two touchdowns on 17 attempts in the victory. The Thundering Herd (3-3, 1-1 Sun Belt Conference) hosts Texas State on Saturday. TOKYO GORDON — Sam Houston State University (Jr., Adairsville HS) … had one tackle last Thursday in the Bearkats’ 29-27 home loss to Jacksonville State University. SHSU (0-6, 0-3 Conference USA) hosts UTEP on Wednesday night. DEVIN HENDERSON — Liberty University (R-Fr., Cass HS) … recorded three tackles October 8 in the Flames’ 19-8 home win over UTEP. Liberty (2-4, 1-1 Conference USA) hosts New Mexico State on Tuesday night. KEVIN HENDERSON — University of Findlay (So., Cass HS) … made five tackles, including one tackle for a nine-yard loss and one sack for an eight-yard loss in the 19th-ranked Oilers’ 16-14 home win over Hillsdale College. He was also credited with one quarterback hurry. Findlay (6-0, 4-0 Great Midwest Athletic Conference) hosts Kentucky Wesleyan on Saturday. SHADRE HURST — Tulane University (R-Jr., Cartersville HS) … started on an offensive line that helped produce 362 yards of total offense in a 26-19 home win last Thursday over East Carolina University. The Green Wave (5-1, 2-0 American Athletic Conference) hosts Army on Saturday. KHRISTIAN LANDO — Jacksonville State University (R-Fr., Cartersville HS) … rushed for 21 yards on six attempts and caught one pass for 16 yards in the Gamecocks’ 29-27 win last Thursday at Sam Houston State. Jax State (3-3, 2-0 Conference USA) hosts Delaware on Wednesday night. TYLER MARTIN — Berry College (Sr., Cass HS) … a starter on the Vikings’ offensive line that helped generate 313 yards of total offense in a 29-6 home win over Trinity University (TX) this past Saturday. Berry (4-1, 2-0 Southern Athletic Association) plays at Sewanee-University of the South on Saturday. JAKE PARKER — Cumberland University (R-Jr., Cartersville HS) … completed 10 of 29 passes for 238 yards and three touchdowns with one interception this past Saturday in a 28-24 loss at Bethel University (TN). Parker also rushed for 31 yards on 11 attempts. The Phoenix (4-2) visit 19th-ranked Georgetown College on Saturday afternoon. SAM PHILLIPS — University of Iowa (Sr., Cartersville HS) … had one catch for 14 yards this past Saturday in the Hawkeyes’ 37-0 win at Wisconsin. Iowa (4-2, 2-1 Big Ten Conference) hosts Penn State on Saturday night. DEVONTE ROSS — Penn State University (Sr., Cartersville HS) … caught seven passes for 115 yards, including a 67-yard reception, but the Nittany Lions lost a third-straight game to visiting Northwestern, 22-21. Penn State (3-3, 0-3 Big Ten) visits Iowa on Saturday night. STEPHEN ROWSER — Morehouse College (So., Cartersville HS) … had two tackles, including one for a six-yard loss this past Saturday in a 31-26 win at Central State (OH). The Maroon Tigers (2-4, 2-2 Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference) host Lane College (TN) on Saturday afternoon. BRAXTON RYAN — Kentucky Wesleyan University (Fr., Adairsville HS) … made a start on the Panthers’ offensive line that helped produce 258 total yards, but lost 21-3 to Ohio Dominican this past Saturday. Kentucky Wesleyan (0-6, 0-4 Great Midwest Athletic Conference) visits 19th-ranked University of Findlay on Saturday. SACOVIE WHITE-HELTON — University of Georgia (R-Fr., Cass HS) … saw action but was not targeted in the Bulldogs’ 20-10 win this past Saturday at Auburn. Georgia (5-1, 3-1 Southeastern Conference) hosts Ole Miss on Saturday. CROSS COUNTRY DANIELLE THAYER — Augusta University (Jr., Woodland HS) … placed 61st (18:51) at the 5K Royals Cross Country Challenge last Friday in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Lady Panthers finished fifth of 19 teams in the Blue Division. Augusta prepares for the Peach Belt Conference Championship on Saturday, October 25, in Milledgeville. SOCCER ABBEY CRAIG — Reinhardt University (Sr., Cartersville HS) … was credited with one shot on goal last Wednesday and logged all 90 minutes as a defender in a 2-0 home win over Johnson University (TN). She also started and played all 90 minutes in a 2-1 win at Union Commonwealth University (KY) this past Saturday. The Lady Eagles (7-3-2, 7-1-2 Appalachian Athletic Conference) host Truett McConnell University on Wednesday night and the University of Pikeville (KY) on Sunday. LIBBY MORGAN — Shorter University (Fr., Woodland HS) … entered as a reserve and logged 44 minutes in a 0-0 draw at home last Wednesday against Erskine College (SC). She also logged 38 minutes at forward in a 6-1 loss last Saturday at North Greenville University. The Lady Hawks (1-6-2, 0-5-2 Carolinas Conference) host Young Harris College on Wednesday before traveling to Converse University (SC) on Saturday. HALEY SKLBA — Point University (Fr., Cass HS) … entered off the Skyhawks’ bench to log 15 minutes in a 12-0 home win this past Saturday over Blue Mountain Christian University (MS). Point (9-4-1, 4-2 Southern States Athletic Conference) visits Thomas University (GA) on Thursday and Brewton-Parker College on Saturday. VOLLEYBALL AILEE ENGLAND — Berry College (So., Cartersville HS) … saw action in seven sets this past Saturday and Sunday as the Vikings won at Millsaps College (MS) and Rhodes College (TN). She had three aces and one dig. Berry (17-3, 8-1 Southern Athletic Association) will host Trinity University (TX) on Saturday and Southwestern University (TX) on Sunday. VANESSA JOHNSON — Georgia Highlands College (So., Cartersville HS) … had 19 kills, five blocks, and two digs October 8 in the program’s first win since beginning a varsity schedule — a five-set victory over Wesleyan College (25-20, 25-12, 23-25, 23-25, 15-7). The middle blocker also recorded nine kills, four blocks, two digs, and one assist on October 6 in a four-set loss to the Shorter University JV. The Chargers (1-14) have a home match with Toccoa Falls College on Friday. MADELYN ORTON — LaGrange College (Sr., Cartersville resident, Cornerstone Prep Academy) …  had eight digs and four assists this past Saturday in a three-set home win over Agnes Scott College. She added three digs in a loss to Maryville College (TN). The Panthers (7-15, 5-3 Collegiate Conference of the South) host Belhaven University (MS)  on Thursday and will play a tri-match at Maryville College and with Agnes Scott College on Saturday. MEREDITH ORTON — LaGrange College (Sr., Cartersville resident, Cornerstone Prep Academy) … contributed one dig in the Panthers’ loss to Maryville College (TN) this past Saturday. LaGrange (7-15, 5-3 Collegiate Conference of the South) hosts Belhaven University (MS) on Thursday and travels to Maryville College on Saturday, where the Panthers will also play Agnes Scott College.

October 12, 2025 Joe Lyons of Ireland won the 2025 Golfweek International Senior Invitational presented by Georgia Power at Cartersville Country Club. Joe Lyons of Galway, Ireland, carded rounds of 71-68-70 (7-under par) this past Thursday through Saturday at Cartersville Country Club to win the 2025 Golfweek International Senior Invitational presented by Georgia Power.  Reigning U.S. Senior Amateur champion Michael McCoy (69-71-70) of Des Moines, Iowa, and Shane McMillan (65-74-71) of Bountiful, Utah, finished one shot back. Lyons made final round birdies on No. 16 and No. 18 to secure his victory. Yancey Johnson (71-70-70) of Simpsonville, South Carolina, placed fourth, and Tony Wise (72-73-67) of Georgetown, Kentucky, was fifth, followed by Kevin VandenBerg (75-72-67) of Pulaski, New York, and Cartersville’s Chad Branton (72-70-72) in a sixth-place tie. Carlos Aranda of Springfield, Virginia, and Rick Cloninger of McDonough tied for eighth at 1-under par. Steve Albright of Ocala, Florida, rounded out the top ten with an even-par 54-hole total. Team South Carolina rallied in the final round to edge Team Utah for the 2025 Senior International Invitational. South Carolina, represented by Johnson, Cloninger, and Gino Berchiatti, won the team title with a 6-under par total, surpassing Team Utah (McMillan, Brigham Gibbs, and Jon Wright) on the final day by two shots. Team Kentucky (Wise, Buddy Bryant, and Mark Knecht) finished third at 2-under par. Branton’s Team Georgia North, which also included Bob Royak (Alpharetta) and Rusty Strawn (McDonough), tied for fifth place at 1-over par. The host team representing Cartersville Country Club fell eleven spots on the final day to finish 23rd. David Coleman’s 39th-place finish led the local senior squad. Mike Hefner was 43rd, and Charles Wilson placed 86th. The best two individual scores in each round counted toward the three-man team totals. The event featured many of the top senior amateur golfers in the world and helped raise $10,000 for the local charity, Advocates for Children.

October 11, 2025 Scott Barkley / CanesAthletics.com Cartersville QB Nate Russell / Photo: Randy Parker / DTN Nate Russell piled up 318 passing yards and four touchdowns before four minutes elapsed in the second quarter as CHS sprinted to a 48-7 lead on the way to a 48-24 win over Allatoona on Oct. 10.  The night began by honoring impressive achievements, as the 2015 Canes state championship team was recognized before kickoff. Former players gathered on the field while video messages played from then-Canes coach Joey King and quarterback Trevor Lawrence. Miller Forristall, whose touchdown reception in the championship game sent Buford back to Gwinnett County empty-handed, narrated another video chronicling the season. Davis Waddell with yards after the catch in the Hurricanes' win over Allatoona. Photo: Randy Parker / DTN Like Forristall and Terrius Callahan did ten years ago, Canes receivers made getting behind the defense look routine as Russell averaged 34.6 yards per completion. Speedsters Brady Marchese and Madoxx Davis pulled in scoring bombs of 71 and 75 yards, respectively, while Tyon Coe ripped off a 65-yard scoring reception of his own. Davis Waddell’s two catches covered the final 34 yards of his team’s most sustained drive, an 11-play, 72-yard march in the first quarter that made the score 34-0.  Allatoona struck back fast with a 72-yard touchdown run on their first play after the kickoff. All that did, though, was give the Canes enough time to score once more in the opening quarter on Tripp Chatmon’s one-yard grind that pushed the lead to 41-7 with 39 seconds left.  “They’re just really talented,” Canes head coach Conor Foster said on Marchese and Davis’ ability to create separation downfield. “Our coaching staff did a good job of using some motions and shifts and some different things to create matchup issues. The guys were just doing a good job in the box, watching the eyes of defensive backs and different things like that. It was a combination of a good job by our coaching staff and two really talented players.” Russell’s growth has become evident, and not just in what is measured on the field, his coach said.  Brady Marchese hauls in a pass in Cartersville's win over Allatoona. Photo: Randy Parker / DTN “He’s been great all year,” said Foster. “Nate keeps it loose and doesn’t let anyone get too tight. He doesn’t press. The experience from being a three-year starter has put him in some big games he’s won and some he’s lost. He has kind of settled in to enjoy the last season, and everyone is playing loose because of him.” The Canes took the ball to start the game, with Russell finding Davis for 38 yards on the first play. After a six-yard throw to Kaiden Kent, Marchese motored 30 yards to the six off an inside screen. Adam Reed and Peyton Emory then bushhogged a path on the right side of the line for Braylon Hill’s run into the end zone. After Coe’s catch on the next possession pushed the lead to 14-0, Athens Davenport recovered a fumble on the kickoff return to set up the offense on the Allatoona 24. Russell scrambled for 22 yards before Chatmon twisted out of tacklers for the two-yard touchdown. Defensive pressure put the ball back in the offense’s hands early and often for the early scoring barrage.  “Setting that tone is important to start the game,” said defensive end Grayson Villar, who also got into the backfield for a key stop on a goal-line stand in the fourth quarter. “Once you get the first stop on that first drive, it controls the whole game. You have to give 100 percent on every play, every possession.” Canes' RB Tyon Coe runs to daylight in Cartersville's victory over Allatoona. Photo: Randy Parker / DTN Fellow defensive lineman Mason James said consistency is important. “We’re always talking about doing your job, running the correct technique,” he said. “I always want to grade high and feel I’ve really improved my focus. I used to overthink a lot, but now I’m more comfortable with the calls, so I’ve gotten better at reacting.” The third-ranked Canes move to 8-0, 4-0  in Region 7 with Cedartown coming to Weinman Stadium next Friday. The Bulldogs dropped to 2-6 and 0-4 on Friday night after losing to Dalton, 25-20. “I know every team in this region, and everyone has guys who can play,” said James, on not overlooking the Bulldogs. “You have to stay focused because other teams are hungry, ready to play, and looking for a win. So we’re going to kick it up a level next week in practice because we’re getting closer to the playoffs, and the focus has to be even higher.”

October 11, 2025 Braxton Elrod hands off to Ezequiel Carter. On a crisp fall night in Rossville, the Adairsville Tigers dominated the Ridgeland Panthers with a decisive 30-3 victory on Friday, in a Region 7-3A matchup. The game started with a miscue for Ridgeland, who won the toss and elected to receive, but fumbled the opening kickoff. Adairsville’s Gatlin Fair pounced on the loose ball, giving the Tigers prime field position. They capitalized with an eight-play, 63-yard drive, capped by a 27-yard field goal from Cooper Souders with 8:20 left in the first quarter, putting Adairsville up 3-0. Ridgeland answered on their next possession, marching 48 yards in seven plays, highlighted by a 36-yard pass from Kaiden Williams to Jamarcus Lewis, moving the Panthers to the Tigers’ 24. Cash Ellis knotted the score at 3-3 with a 29-yard field goal at the 4:29 mark of the first quarter. After both teams traded punts, Adairsville struck again late in the first.  Quarterback Braxton Elrod scampered untouched for a 14-yard touchdown on a keeper, finishing a swift four-play, 55-yard drive aided by three Ridgeland penalties. The score gave the Tigers a 10-3 lead with 36 seconds left in the quarter. Ridgeland’s next drive showed promise, with Tabrone Ball carrying nine times for 68 yards to push the Panthers to the Adairsville 7. However, a missed 23-yard field goal attempt with 5:55 left in the second quarter kept them off the board.  Adairsville seized momentum, driving 80 yards in 11 plays, fueled by three completions from Elrod to Colton Sanford for 19, 30, and nine yards. Matthew Cook capped the drive with a 7-yard touchdown catch from Elrod, and Souders’ PAT extended the Tigers’ lead to 17-3 at halftime. The second half opened with a setback for Adairsville as Ridgeland’s Jamarcus Lewis intercepted an Elrod pass and returned it into Tigers’ territory. The Panthers drove to the Adairsville 1, but Ball fumbled, and the Tigers recovered with 9:20 left in the third.  Adairsville made Ridgeland pay, covering 97 yards in six plays, with Elrod connecting with Torron Hale for a 74-yard touchdown strike down the right sideline. A blocked PAT kept the score at 23-3 with 6:16 remaining in the third. Ridgeland’s next drive reached the Adairsville 29 but stalled on downs.  The Tigers sealed the game in the fourth quarter with a nine-play, 68-yard drive, finished by Jake Barszcz’s 1-yard touchdown plunge. Souders’ PAT made it 30-3 with 8:52 left.  Ridgeland’s final possession fizzled at the Adairsville 37, and the Tigers ran out the clock with 10 plays, ending in victory formation. Adairsville’s balanced attack and opportunistic defense proved too much for Ridgeland, who fell to 2-6 overall and 0-4 in region play. The Panthers head into a bye week before facing Northwest Whitfield on October 24.  The Tigers, now 3-4 overall and 2-1 in Region 7-3A, return home to host the Northwest Whitfield Bruins on Friday, looking to build on their momentum. ~~ Larry Gardner contributed to this report.

October 11, 2025 Amara Ejieke goes up for a kill as Riley Huff looks on. Cartersville volleyball captured the Region 7-4A championship Saturday with a straight-set victory at Allatoona. The Lady Canes won 25-19, 25-19, and 25-15. Amara Ejieke had seven kills, nine digs, one block, and 10 service receptions in the victory. Adelynn England totaled one kill, five digs, one assist, and 15 receptions. Riley Huff had five kills and four blocks on the Cartersville front line. Aubree Barrett contributed two digs and 13 assists. Sydney Seigler had nine digs, 11 service receptions, and one service ace. Cartersville will host a Class 4A state tournament first-round match on Tuesday with Drew, the No. 4 team from Region 4-4A. The Cartersville/Drew winner will face either Walnut Grove or Wayne County in the second round on Saturday, October 18.  If Cartersville advances, the Lady Canes would host.

October 11, 2025 Woodland offensive line The Hiram Hornets (4-4, 3-1 Region 7-4A) secured a convincing 42-7 victory over the Woodland Wildcats (0-7, 0-4 Region 7-4A) on Friday, October 10, at Hornet Stadium. Hiram's balanced offensive attack and opportunistic defense outplayed Woodland, earning a decisive win in Region 7-4A play. The Hornets struck early in the first quarter with 4:16 remaining when quarterback Caleb Carmichael connected with Adarius Anderson for a 22-yard touchdown pass. Joshua Corvera's PAT kick gave Hiram a 7-0 lead.  Just over a minute later, Anderson capitalized on a Woodland fumble, scooping it up and racing 32 yards for another touchdown, though the PAT kick failed, making it 13-0.  As the first quarter expired, running back Dylan Maina broke free for a 33-yard touchdown run, but another missed PAT kept the score at 19-0. Hiram continued to pile on in the second quarter.  With 6:54 left, Corvera drilled a 41-yard field goal, extending the lead to 22-0.  Late in the half, Carmichael threw an 18-yard touchdown pass to Sean Shead with 35 seconds remaining, though the extra point attempt failed, sending the teams to halftime with Hiram leading 28-0. The third quarter saw Hiram's reserves make an impact.  At 6:59, backup quarterback Jordan Thomas scored on a 3-yard run, followed by a successful Corvera PAT, pushing the score to 35-0. Later, with 2:29 left in the quarter, Thomas launched a 54-yard touchdown pass to Braylon McAfee, and another successful PAT made it 42-0. With the game well in hand, the fourth quarter was played with a running clock.  Woodland avoided a shutout when sophomore running back Solomon James punched in a 2-yard touchdown run with 2:34 remaining, followed by a successful PAT, finalizing the score at 42-7. Hiram's victory keeps them competitive in Region 7-4A as they prepare to face Allatoona on the road next Friday. Meanwhile, Woodland, still searching for their first win, will look to rebound when it hosts Southeast Whitfield on Friday night. ~~ Stuart Morse contributed to this report.

October 10, 2025 Scott Barkley, CanesAthletics.com After dispatching Woodland on Tuesday, Oct. 7, by a cumulative score of 75-12 across three games, the Canes volleyball team also swept Dalton on Thursday in the 4A Region 7 tournament. It didn't come without the Lady Catamounts making things interesting in the third set, though. The 3-0 win sets up a Saturday, noon match with the host team, Allatoona. The Lady Bucs ( 34-9) handed Cartersville (39-6) a loss on Sept. 4 in a closely-contested match, 19-25, 25-21, 15-13. All-Region honors were presented on Tuesday. Jacksonville State commit Rylie Huff was named Co-Player of the Year and First Team All-Region. Jada Zimmerman, Amara Ejike, and Kenzie Wilkie were also named to the First Team. Aubree Barrett, Holly Dufrene, and Emma Wall received Second Team honors, and Blakely Morris was named Honorable Mention. CHS won the first and second games against Dalton by 25-12 and 25-13 scores, respectively, pulling away after the Catamounts had closed the gap to 14-11 and 13-8. They appeared to be on the way to a similar win after Ejieke's kill made the score 11-9, and the Lady Canes built a 20-14 advantage. Dalton clawed their way back, though, to 23-20 before Zimmerman's kill finished the match, 25-22. "I think we did pretty good," said Zimmerman, who has committed to Eastern Florida State College. "We could have done better. We need to work on our blocking a little bit more, and our defense and hitter-setter connection. We were off a little bit in that last game." Huff, who leads the team in blocks, said she and the team need to do some work. "We did alright in the first set, but then we kind of just lost energy and were going through the motions. I didn't hit as well as I usually do. We'll work on it in practice tomorrow, watch film, and just make sure we're locked in and ready for Saturday." "There was low energy," said Canes head coach Kyle Lundberg. "It was just one of those days." During such times last season, it wasn't uncommon for Lundberg to call a timeout not to talk strategy, but to order a set of burpees for those on the court to refocus. It added a layer of toughness that squad took to the state championship game. Only once, at a tournament in Charleston, has it happened this year. There is a reason burpees have had the rare appearance, and it also has to do with toughness. "They haven't been retired," said Lundberg. "I just haven't been calling as many timeouts this year. I want them to build that grit on their own. They don't need a timeout to get out of a bad run. They're strong enough to face it."

October 8, 2025 Cartersville defeated Woodland, and Allatoona eliminated Cass Tuesday night in the opening round of the Region 7-4A championship tournament at Allatoona High School. Both Cartersville and Allatoona — the top two seeds — won in straight sets. In the region semifinals on Thursday evening, host Allatoona will face Southeast Whitfield, and Cartersville plays Dalton.

October 8, 2025 The Adairsville softball team concluded its 2025 season Wednesday evening with a one-sided road win at Sprayberry. Ashlyn Carlton produced three hits, including two doubles, a sacrifice fly, and one home run, as the Lady Tigers peppered the Yellow Jackets with 10 hits in five innings. Carlton was also the winning pitcher for Adairsville, working all five frames. She allowed just one hit and one walk, while striking out five. Sprayberry’s lone run was unearned. Ansley Powell had two hits, including one triple and one RBI. Alivia Joslin also had two hits, including one double. Cadey Evans (double, two RBI), Annabelle Mitchell (two RBI), and Lily Roberts (double, RBI) chipped in one hit each. Sprayberry finished the year with a 5-21 mark. Adairsville finished 15-15 overall and was 5-13 in Region 7-3A.

October 7, 2025 The Cass and Cartersville softball teams concluded their 2025 regular season slates on Tuesday and will begin the Class 4A state playoffs next Monday. CASS 11, DALTON 3 The Lady Colonels wrapped up the regular season Tuesday evening with an 11-3 road victory at Dalton. Cass led 8-0 through the first 3-½ innings before Dalton scored three runs in the bottom of the fourth on a walk, two singles, and a Lady Colonels’ error. Cass responded with three runs of their own in the next half inning, and pitcher Kylie Gentry retired the side in the bottom of the fifth to end the game. Gentry scattered three hits and two walks to earn the pitching win. She fanned ten and only one of Dalton’s three runs was earned. Bailey York (double, RBI) had three hits for the Lady Colonels. Harlee Thomason (sac fly, double, RBI), KK Evans (RBI), and Gentry (RBI) produced two hits. Molli Morrow (RBI) and Autumn Smith added one hit. Dalton finished the season with a 3-20 mark and 3-18 in region play. Cass (18-8, 15-6) will be on the road for a first-round state playoff series next Monday (DH) and Tuesday, if necessary, at Pace Academy in Atlanta. CEDARTOWN 4, CARTERSVILLE 1 The Lady Canes fell 4-1 Tuesday evening in their final regular season game at Cedartown. The host Bulldogs scored three runs in the bottom of the first, including a two-run homer, for their early advantage. They added a run in the fourth, and Cartersville scored in the sixth on a Kennedy Crenshaw RBI single.  Presley Crabbe took the tough-luck pitching loss for the Canes without allowing an earned run. She yielded five hits and one walk while striking out eight. Kinsey Woodard and Crenshaw had two hits for Cartersville. Addi Burns and Miley Jo Williams added one hit. Cedartown (17-10, 16-5) will be Region 7-4A’s No. 3 seed in next week’s state playoffs. Cartersville (25-5, 18-3) won the Region 7-4A title and will host either Martin Luther King or Forest Park in their best-of-three first-round series that begins on Monday.

October 7, 2025 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com Former Cartersville High and Clemson star quarterback, Trevor Lawrence, helped the Jacksonville Jaguars keep pace with the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC South this past Monday night with a key win over the visiting Kansas City Chiefs. Lawrence passed for one touchdown and ran for two more in a 31-28 victory. Jacksonville and Indianapolis lead the AFC South with 4-1 marks. NFL TREVOR LAWRENCE — Jacksonville Jaguars (NFL, 5th-year pro; Clemson; Cartersville HS) … completed 18 of 25 pass attempts for 221 yards and one touchdown Monday night as the Jaguars edged the visiting Kansas City Chiefs 31-28. Lawrence threw one interception, but also rushed for 54 yards and two touchdowns on 10 attempts. Jacksonville (4-1) hosts the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday afternoon. FOOTBALL JOHNATHAN CLINE — East Tennessee State University (R-So., Cartersville HS) … part of an offensive line rotation that helped produce 362 total yards in a 31-22 loss at Furman this past Saturday. ETSU (2-4, 0-2 Southern Conference) hosts VMI on Saturday. JD DEROCHE — University of the Cumberlands (Fr., Cass HS) … had one tackle Sept. 27 in a 27-14 win at Warner University (FL). The Patriots lost 49-34 at 12th-ranked Campbellsville University (KY) this past Saturday. UC (3-2, 0-1 Mid-South Conference) visits 7th-ranked Lindsey Wilson University (KY) on Saturday. TOKYO GORDON — Sam Houston State University (Jr., Adairsville HS) … saw action but did not have a stat line in the Bearkats' 37-10 loss last Thursday night at New Mexico State. Sam Houston State (0-5, 0-2 Conference USA) hosts Jacksonville State on Thursday night. DEVIN HENDERSON — University of Findlay (So, Cass HS) … made five tackles, including two for losses totaling 10 yards as the 21st-ranked Oilers won 31-10 this past Saturday at Walsh University. Findlay (5-0, 3-0 Great Midwest Athletic Conference) hosts Hillsdale College on Saturday afternoon. Tyler Martin / Berry College TYLER MARTIN — Berry College (Sr., Cass HS) … a starter on the Vikings’ offensive line that helped produce 572 yards of total offense in a 54-14 home win over Rhodes College. Berry (3-1, 1-0 Southern Athletic Association) hosts Trinity University (TX) on Saturday night. CHRIS ROPER — Dartmouth College (Jr., Adairsville HS) … saw action this past Saturday in a 36-24 loss to Penn at Franklin Field in Philadelphia. The Big Green (2-1, 0-1 Ivy League) plays at Yale on Saturday afternoon. DEVONTE ROSS — Penn State University (Sr., Cartersville HS) … was targeted twice but did not have a reception this past Saturday in the Nittany Lions’ 42-37 loss at UCLA. With the loss, Penn State fell out of the AP Top 25 after being ranked No. 2 in the preseason. The Nittany Lions (3-2, 0-2 Big Ten) host Northwestern on Saturday. Stephen Rowser / Morehouse College STEPHEN ROWSER — Morehouse College (So., Cartersville HS) … made 10 tackles (seven solo), including three tackles for loss totaling 23 yards in the Maroon Tigers’ 27-20 win over Tuskegee University this past Saturday night in Montgomery. Rowser had two sacks and forced one fumble. Morehouse (1-4, 1-2 Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association) visits Central State University (OH) on Saturday. SACOVIE WHITE-HELTON — University of Georgia (R-Fr., Cass HS) … saw action but was not targeted in the Bulldogs’ 35-14 home win this past Saturday over Kentucky. The 10th-ranked Bulldogs play at Auburn on Saturday night. IAN WILLIAMS — University of Memphis (Fr., Cass HS) … was a participant, but did not have a stat line in the Tigers’ 45-7 home win this past Saturday night over Tulsa. Twenty-third-ranked Memphis has a bye week before visiting UAB on October 18.  GOLF BRODY TIDWELL — Georgia State University (Jr., Cartersville HS) … carded rounds of 70-79-73 (6-over par) and tied for 51st as the Panthers finished eighth of fifteen teams at the East Carolina University Ironwood Classic September 28-29. The event was played at the 7,120-yard, par 72 Ironwood Golf and Country Club in Greenville. Georgia State will play in the Pinetree Intercollegiate in Kennesaw on October 13-14. SOCCER ABBEY CRAIG — Reinhardt University (Sr., Cartersville HS) … a starting defender for the Lady Eagles, Craig was on the pitch for all 180 minutes of home wins last Wednesday (Oct. 1) and Saturday over conference rivals Tennessee Wesleyan (1-0) and Columbia (SC) College (4-0). Reinhardt (5-3-2, 5-1-2 Appalachian Athletic Conference) hosts Johnson University (TN) on Wednesday before traveling to Union Commonwealth (KY) for a match on Saturday.  Libby Morgan / Shorter University LIBBY MORGAN — Shorter University (Fr., Woodland HS) … started at forward and logged 66 minutes of pitch time in the Lady Hawks’ scoreless draw with Emmanuel University this past Saturday in Rome. Shorter (1-5-1, 0-4-1 Conference Carolinas) hosts Erskine College on Tuesday before traveling to play at North Greenville University on Saturday. HALEY SKLBA — Point University (Fr., Cass HS) … a reserve defender last Wednesday (Oct. 1) in the Skyhawks’ 9-0 win at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, Sklba logged 22 minutes of pitch time. Point (8-3-1, 3-1 Southern States Athletic Conference) visits the University of Tennessee Southern on Thursday and hosts Blue Mountain Christian University (MS) on Saturday. VOLLEYBALL Ailee England / Berry College AILEE ENGLAND — Berry College (So., Cartersville HS) … saw action in 10 sets as the Vikings defeated Covenant College and Oglethorpe University, but lost to East Texas Baptist this past Friday and Saturday at home. Across the three matches, England recorded two kills, two aces, and seven digs. Berry (15-3, 6-1 Southern Athletic Association) plays at Millsaps College (MS) on Saturday and at Rhodes College in Memphis on Sunday. MADELYN ORTON — LaGrange College (Sr., Cartersville resident, Cornerstone Prep Academy) … the defensive specialist saw action in one set of the Panthers’ 25-15, 25-10, 25-22 straight sets victory at Piedmont University this past Saturday. LaGrange also dropped a five-set match with Covenant College on Saturday. The Lady Panthers (6-14, 4-2 Collegiate Conference of the South) will host Maryville College (TN) and Agnes Scott College on Saturday. MEREDITH ORTON — LaGrange College (Sr., Cartersville resident, Cornerstone Prep Academy) … recorded two kills, one dig, and one block this past Saturday in a five-set loss to Covenant College at Piedmont University in Demorest. LaGrange also had a straight-sets win over the host Lions on Saturday. The Lady Panthers (6-14, 4-2 Collegiate Conference of the South) will host Maryville College (TN) and Agnes Scott College on Saturday. CROSS COUNTRY McKINLEY CHAPPELL — Berry College (Sr., Woodland HS) … finished ninth overall (26:58) and helped the Vikings win their home meet 8K on Saturday over seven other collegiate teams, including Morehouse College and Faulkner University (AL). Next on the schedule for Berry is the Roanoke Inter-Regional Border Battle on October 18 in Salem, Virginia.