October 1, 2026 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com The Cass Lady Colonels built an 8-0 lead by the middle of the fourth inning Thursday evening and went on to win at Woodland 12-4. Cass scored in four of its five offensive frames and pounded out 16 hits in the victory. Pitcher Kylie Gentry earned the win. She went five innings and allowed four runs (three earned) on seven hits and two walks. Gentry struck out six. Shyia Woods led the Cass offense with four hits and two RBI. Kharmyn Collum had two hits, including a home run and four RBI. Natalie Hughes (RBI), Maci Walker, and Gentry also had two hits. Addy Bauder (two RBI), MJ McFarlane (two RBI), Rilyn Caspari, and Lindsey Chubb each added one hit for the Lady Colonels. Evelyne Tucker (4 IP, 9R, 3ER, 11H, 2K) and Rilynn DeBoard (1 IP, 3ER, 3H) pitched for Woodland. Sis Pirkle (two RBI), Charlotte Petersen (RBI), Bella Kuykendall, Bailey Ryan, Lillian Hollis, Kylee Poston, and Daliyah Callahan each had one hit for the Lady Cats. Woodland (8-18, 4-12) hosts Whitefield Academy on Monday at 5:55 p.m. and visits Cartersville on Tuesday at 5:55 p.m. Cass (14-10, 9-7) hosts Dalton on Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. and welcomes Cartersville on Thursday at 5:55 p.m. HERITAGE-CATOOSA 8, ADAIRSVILLE 5 The Lady Tigers collected more hits on Tuesday, but an eight-run third inning lifted the visiting Generals to an 8-5 Region 7-4A win. Adairsville chipped away at the Heritage lead over the last four innings but fell three runs short. Paislee Rooks (2.2 IP, 8R, 1ER, 6H, 1BB, 1K) suffered the pitching loss for the Tigers. Heidi Rickett (4.1 IP, 0R, 3H, 2BB) also pitched for Adairsville. Sydney Satterfield led the Tigers' offense with four hits, including a double and one RBI. Rickett (home run, three RBI) and Rooks (RBI) each had two hits. Ashlynn Durden, Madison Brookshire (double), and McKenzly Atkins each added one hit. Heritage-Catoosa (18-4, 13-2) won the region title. Adairsville (19-10, 9-6) finished third in the region standings behind the Generals and Ridgeland. The Lady Tigers visit South Paulding for a non-region game on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m.

September 30, 2026 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com Cartersville volleyball defeated North Cobb in three straight sets Tuesday (25-12, 25-11, 25-10) and collected a Region 7-5A win over Villa Rica by forfeit. Amara Ejieke totaled 17 kills, eight digs, one block, and one ace in the victory over the Warriors. Adelynn England finished with nine kills, eight digs, three blocks, and two aces. McKenzie Wilkie had 16 digs, five aces, and one kill. Blakely Morris contributed nine blocks, four kills, and one dig, and Brooke Belarmino compiled 17 assists, six digs, and two aces. The Lady Canes (32-3, 6-0) are ranked third in the GHSA Post Season Rankings behind Marist and Blessed Trinity as of Wednesday night’s report. North Oconee and Central-Carroll round out the top five in Class 5A. Cartersville plays at Alpharetta on Thursday evening and will also face Marist. The Hurricanes visit Westminster on Tuesday and will also play Midtown. ADAIRSVILLE, WOODLAND, AND CASS DROP MATCHES ON TUESDAY Adairsville volleyball lost at Heritage-Catoosa (21-25, 15-25) on Tuesday night and also fell to Southeast Whitfield (12-25, 21-25). In the loss to the Generals, Sadie Brownlow had three kills and four digs. Alexis Scott finished with three kills, and Teaghan Myers contributed six assists, six digs, two blocks, and two aces. Against the Raiders, Blaire Fuller produced two kills. Nadelyn Dodson compiled 10 digs. Myers totaled seven digs and five assists. Scott had two kills and two aces, and Brownlow added three aces. The Lady Tigers (10-22, 1-8 Region 7-4A) play at Woodland on Thursday and will also face Gordon Central. Adairsville hosts Ridgeland on Tuesday. Woodland lost at Allatoona (7-25, 13-25, 7-25) and also fell to Pebblebrook (15-25, 20-25) on Tuesday. Karissa Williamson and Reese Martinak each had two kills in the loss to Allatoona. Ava Lawler contributed four assists, two aces, and two blocks, and Dayanna Jaimes finished with nine digs. Against Pebblebrook, Lawler had four assists, three aces, and one block. Jaimes had four digs, and Martinak added two kills. Woodland (7-23, 2-4 Region 7-5A) hosts Gordon Central and Adairsville on Thursday. Cass volleyball lost a two-set home match Tuesday to Cherokee (set scores not available) and finished the season winless.

Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com In conjunction with WBHF and Bartow Sports Zone, Elite Stone Supply presents and celebrates the ELITE ATHLETES OF THE MONTH. Each month, local high schools select an Elite Athlete of the Month from their varsity programs and share information about their honoree through Bartow Sports Zone and on 100.3 FM and AM 1450, WBHF in Cartersville. Addie Harris is the September 2026 Elite Athlete of the Month representing Cartersville High School. A sophomore on the Hurricanes’ varsity competition cheer, Game-Day cheer, and rifle teams, she is the daughter of Andy Harris and Krista Gaines. Harris has distinguished herself as an exceptional student-athlete through her dedication, leadership, and commitment to her team. As a member of our 2025 GHSA 4A State Championship team, she consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic, positive attitude, and unwavering determination. "Addie is one of the most dedicated athletes we have had the opportunity to coach. She works hard every day, embraces challenges, and always puts her team's needs first. Her contributions helped our program earn the 2025 GHSA 4A State Championship, but what truly sets her apart is her character. Addie carries herself with integrity, represents our school with pride, and earns the respect of teammates and coaches alike. We are grateful for the impact she has had on our team and are confident she will continue to achieve great things." - Cissi Adams & Breanna Johnson Harris maintains a 3.8 GPA, takes Honors and AP classes, and is a member of Beta Club and Youth Leadership Bartow. After graduation, she plans to attend the Naval Academy. Julian Medina is the 2026 September Elite Athlete of the Month representing Woodland High School. Marisol Medina's son is a sophomore member of the Wildcats’ cross-country and track and field teams. Medina has produced a personal record in every cross-country race this season and has taken over a minute off his 5K time in the process. “Julian is always working hard to improve his times both at the races and during practices,” said coach Amber Parker. “He has made tremendous progress.” Medina plans to attend college after graduation from high school. The September 2026 Elite Athlete of the Month representing Adairsville High School is Alexis Scott. A senior outside hitter on the Lady Tigers’ volleyball team, she is the daughter of Tarvis and Ciara Scott. “Alexis is the type of student-athlete every coach wishes they had on their team. She leads on and off the court. Alexis is not only a good volleyball player, but she is an even better person. She represents the team, our school, and our community positively. We are very glad that she is part of our program,” said Adairsville coach Clint Decker. Scott wants to pursue a career as an athletic trainer. Lawson Weeks is the September 2026 Elite Athlete of the Month representing Cass High School. Lawson, the son of Malena and Mathew Weeks, is a senior offensive lineman on the Colonels’ football team. “Lawson means a lot to what we do up front,” said Cass assistant athletic director Bobby Hughes. “He’s a guy we can count on every snap to play hard, do his job, and put the team first. Offensive line play is built on trust, toughness, and playing for the guy beside you, and he represents all of those things. Our offensive line and our team are better because of what he brings every day.” 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 WBHF radio feature. #EliteAthletesoftheMonth #Cass #Cartersville #Woodland #Adairsville #highschool

September 29, 2026 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com Adairsville, Cartersville, and Woodland picked up important region victories Tuesday, while Cass suffered a shutout loss. The Lady Tigers used a 14-hit attack to defeat Northwest Whitfield 11-5, the Lady Canes collected 12 hits in a 9-5 win over Allatoona, and Woodland rallied past Dalton 8-6, while Cedartown blanked Cass 6-0. ADAIRSVILLE 11, NORTHWEST WHITFIELD 5 Every player in the Adairsville lineup had at least one hit, and the Lady Tigers recorded 14 hits on Tuesday in an 11-5 Region 7-4A victory at Northwest Whitfield. The Bruins had 13 hits of their own but couldn’t match Adairsville’s run production. Paislee Rooks (5.2 IP, 5R, 3ER, 12H, 1BB, 2K) earned the win for Adairsville. Chloe Hill (1.1 IP, 0R, 1H) also pitched. Rooks (double, four RBI), Ashlynn Durden (home run, two RBI), Ansley Powell (two RBI), Madison Brookshire (RBI), and Lillianne Gunter each produced two hits for Adairsville. Hill (two RBI), Heidi Rickett (double), Lily Brookshire, and Hynleigh Statham each added one hit. The loss dropped Northwest Whitfield to 9-16 overall and 3-10 in region play. Adairsville (18-9, 8-5) hosts Northgate on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. and Heritage-Catoosa on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. CARTERSVILLE 9, ALLATOONA 5 Taryn Bradley had three hits, including a home run, a double, and five RBIs on Tuesday evening as the Lady Canes peppered Allatoona with a dozen hits and beat the Lady Buccaneers 9-5 at Dellinger Park. Zoie Shiflett (4 IP, 5R, 2ER, 4H, 0BB, 4K) and Presley Crabbe (3 IP, 0R, 1H, 0BB, 4K) shared the pitching duties for the Lady Canes. Sophia Harper (double, RBI) and LaKiaya Banks each had two hits for Cartersville. Shiflett (RBI), Allana Williams (RBI), Kennedy Crenshaw, Sam Porter, and Izzy Tummins (double) each added one hit in the Lady Canes’ win. The loss dropped Allatoona to 11-11 overall and 8-9 in Region 7-5A. Cartersville (23-2, 16-0) hosts Woodland on Tuesday. WOODLAND 8, DALTON 6 Woodland softball scored four runs in the second and four in the sixth on Tuesday night to win at Dalton, 8-6, in a Region 7-5A contest. Evelyne Tucker collected the pitching win for Woodland, working 6-2/3 innings. She allowed five runs (two earned) on nine hits and two walks with three strikeouts. Bailey Ryan retired one batter and was charged with one earned run on one walk with one strikeout. Gracie Korb had two hits for the Lady Cats. Bella Kuykendall drove in four runs with a double and a sacrifice fly. Charlotte Petersen, Kylee Poston, and Lillian Hollis each had one hit for Woodland. Ryan drove in three runs and played all nine positions in the win. The loss dropped Dalton to 3-18 overall and 0-14 in region play. Woodland (8-17, 4-11) hosts Cass on Thursday at 5:55 p.m. CEDARTOWN 6, CASS 0 Cedartown pitcher Shailey Pittman struck out seven and limited the Lady Colonels to only four hits on Tuesday in a 6-0 shutout at Cass. The Bulldogs totaled six hits and scored in five of their seven offensive frames. Abagail Nails (3.1 IP, 4R, 3ER, 2H, 2BB, 4K) and Kylie Gentry (3.2 IP, 2R, 1ER, 4H, 0BB, 2K) split the Lady Colonels’ pitching duties. Natalie Hughes, Shyia Woods, Maci Walker, and Nails each had one hit for Cass in the loss. Cedartown evened its season record at 13-13 and improved to 9-7 in Region 7-5A. Cass (13-10, 8-7) visits Woodland on Thursday at 5:55 p.m.

September 28, 2026 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com MLB / MiLB MASON BARNETT — MLB Athletics (5th-year pro; Auburn; Cartersville HS) … made his final start of 2026 last Thursday against the visiting Houston Astros and pitched six innings. He allowed four earned runs on four hits and two walks and struck out eight, with no decision, in an eventual 7-5 loss. The 25-year-old was 1-4 with two saves in 20 MLB appearances covering 50 innings. He had 50 strikeouts and a 7.02 ERA with the Athletics. With the Triple-A Las Vegas Aviators, Barnett was 4-3 in 14 starts, covering just over 66 innings. He had 50 strikeouts and a 5.16 ERA. The Athletics finished fourth in the American League West. NFL TREVOR LAWRENCE — Jacksonville Jaguars (6th-yr. NFL; Clemson; Cartersville HS) . . . completed 19 of 29 passes for 182 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception Sunday in a 35-6 home win over the New England Patriots. He added 25 yards rushing on four attempts. Lawrence threw two touchdown passes in the second quarter to Josh Cameron (12 yards) and Jakobi Myers (10 yards). He connected with Parker Washington on a 17-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter. The Jags (2-1) play at the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. FOOTBALL CARLOS DEL RIO-WILSON — Marshall University (R-Sr., Cartersville HS) … completed 27 of 39 pass attempts for 413 yards and three touchdowns in this past Saturday’s 36-35 home win over Gardner-Webb University. He also rushed for 48 yards on 14 attempts. The Thundering Herd (3-1) visit James Madison University on Saturday afternoon. JD DeROCHE — University of Cumberlands (So., Cass HS) … made seven tackles from his inside linebacker position this past Saturday in a 58-21 loss at top-ranked Keiser University (FL). The Patriots (4-1) have a bye week before hosting 10th-ranked Campbellsville University (KY) on October 10. TOKYO GORDON — Sam Houston State University (Sr., Adairsville HS) … made one tackle and recovered a fumble this past Saturday in the Bearkats’ 49-14 loss at 11th-ranked Texas Tech. Sam Houston (1-3) has a bye week before traveling to Lynchburg, Virginia, to face Liberty University in their Conference USA opener. DEVIN HENDERSON — Appalachian State University (Jr., Cass HS) … a starter at safety, Henderson made seven tackles (four solo) in the Mountaineers’ 41-31 loss this past Saturday at N.C. State. App State (3-1) has a bye week before hosting Old Dominion on October 10 in their Sun Belt Conference opener. BRAYLON HILL — Kentucky Wesleyan College (Fr., Cartersville HS) … had one kick return for 35 yards and a touchdown following a blocked punt, two rushing attempts for minus-1, and one reception for nine yards this past Saturday in a 48-13 home loss to Tiffin University (OH). Wesleyan (0-4, 0-2 Great Midwest Athletic Conference) heads to Midland, Michigan, on Saturday to play at Northwood University. SHADRE HURST — University of Houston (5th year, Cartersville HS) … was part of an offensive line rotation that helped produce 441 yards of total offense in a 42-28 win this past Saturday at Georgia Southern. The 20th-ranked Cougars (3-1, 0-1 Big 12 Conference) host UCF in a conference tilt on Saturday. BRAXTON KITCHENS — Georgia State University (So., Cartersville HS) … long snapper for the Panthers in their 35-14 home win this past Saturday over Northern Illinois. GSU (3-1) welcomes Old Dominion University on Saturday afternoon for the Panthers’ homecoming game and Sun Belt Conference opener. KHRISTIAN LANDO — Jacksonville State University (Jr., Cartersville HS) … had 16 yards rushing on four carries this past Saturday in a 23-13 home win over Middle Tennessee. The Gamecocks (3-2, 1-0 Conference USA) have a bye week before playing at Kennesaw State University on Wednesday, Oct. 7. TRENTON MAHAFFEY — Anderson University (Fr., Cartersville HS) … started on an offensive line that helped produce 520 yards of total offense in a 42-22 home win this past Saturday over Lenoir-Rhyne University. The Trojans (4-1, 3-0 South Atlantic Conference) host Emory & Henry University (VA) on Saturday afternoon. BRADY MARCHESE — Auburn University (Fr., Cartersville HS) … saw action but did not have a stat line in the Tigers’ 21-15 win over visiting Vanderbilt. Auburn (3-1, 1-1 Southeastern Conference) travels to Knoxville to play at Tennessee on Saturday afternoon. ZAY NALLS — Anderson University (So., Adairsville HS) … made three tackles, broke up two passes, and recovered a fumble this past Saturday as the Trojans beat visiting Lenoir-Rhyne 42-22. Anderson (4-1, 3-0 South Atlantic Conference) welcomes Emory & Henry University (VA) on Saturday afternoon. JAKE PARKER — Cumberland University (R-Sr., Cartersville HS) … completed 9 of 12 passes for 132 yards and one touchdown and rushed for 125 yards and one touchdown on 13 attempts this past Saturday as the Phoenix beat visiting Florida Memorial 41-14. Cumberland (3-1) hosts 25th-ranked Georgetown College (KY) on Saturday afternoon. CHRIS ROPER — Dartmouth College (Sr., Adairsville HS) … made two tackles on special teams and had six rushing attempts for 13 yards this past Saturday in a 31-28 home loss to Monmouth University. The Big Green (0-2) hosts the University of Pennsylvania on Saturday afternoon. STEPHEN ROWSER — Morehouse College (Jr., Cartersville HS) … made one tackle in the Maroon Tigers’ 46-38 home loss to Edward Waters University this past Saturday. Morehouse (1-4) plays Tuskegee University on Saturday night at the Crampton Bowl in Montgomery. BRAXTON RYAN — Kentucky Wesleyan College (So., Adairsville HS) … started on the Panthers’ offensive line that helped generate 104 yards of total offense in a 48-13 home loss to Tiffin University (OH). Kentucky Wesleyan (0-4, 0-2 Great Midwest Athletic Conference) plays at Northwood University (MI) on Saturday. LUKE SURRETT — University of Richmond (Jr., Cartersville HS) … started on the Spiders’ offensive line that helped produce 355 total yards in a 13-9 home win over Furman. Richmond (4-1, 2-0 Patriot League) visits Lafayette University (PA) on Saturday afternoon. CHASE TATUM — Kennesaw State University (Fr., Cass HS) … the tight end participated but did not record a stat line in the Owls’ 17-14 loss last Saturday at Arkansas State. KSU (1-3) has a bye week before hosting Jacksonville State University on Wednesday, October 7. MALACHI TOLIVER — University of Georgia (Jr., Cartersville HS) … was part of an offensive line rotation that helped generate 306 total yards this past Saturday in a 41-13 home win over Oklahoma. Second-ranked Georgia (4-0) hosts Vanderbilt on Saturday. DAVIS WADDELL — Western Carolina University (Fr., Cartersville HS) … was a participant for the Catamounts, but did not record a stat line this past Saturday in a 58-31 loss at East Tennessee State. Western Carolina (2-3, 0-1 Southern Conference) welcomes Tennessee Tech on Saturday night. SACOVIE WHITE-HELTON — University of Georgia (Jr., Cass HS) … caught two passes for four yards and had three punt returns for 20 yards this past Saturday in the 2nd-ranked Bulldogs’ 41-13 win over Oklahoma in Athens. Vanderbilt visits Georgia on Saturday. IAN WILLIAMS — University of Arkansas (So., Cass HS) … participated but did not record a stat line this past Saturday in the Razorbacks’ 34-6 home win over Tulsa. Arkansas (2-2, 0-1 Southeastern Conference) travels to College Station on Saturday night to take on Texas A&M. SOCCER BRIONNA CARVER — Johnson University (Fr., Woodland HS) … the Royals’ outside back logged 56 minutes in a 6-1 loss at Union Commonwealth University on September 23 and played 53 minutes this past Saturday in a 5-1 loss at Brenau University (GA). Johnson (2-6, 0-4 Appalachian Athletic Conference) hosts Spartanburg Methodist on Wednesday and Bluefield University (VA) on Saturday. HUNTER LIMBAUGH — LaGrange College (Fr., Woodland HS) … a defender, Limbaugh started and played all 90 minutes Sunday in a 3-2 home victory over Warren Wilson College (NC). He als had one shot on goal and logged 77 minutes on September 23 in a 4-2 loss at Sewanee-University of the South (TN). He added seven minutes of pitch time this past Saturday in a 2-0 loss at Belhaven University (MS). The Panthers (5-4, 0-1 Collegiate Conference of the South) host Asbury University (KY) on Saturday. ELIZABETH MORGAN — Thomas University (So., Woodland HS) … made two starts at forward and logged 92 total minutes in road wins last Thursday and Saturday at Mobile University (2-0) and Faulkner University (AL) (2-1). The NightHawks (3-3-2, 2-2-1 Southern States Athletic Conference) host Tennessee-Southern on Thursday and Blue Mountain Christian University (MS) on Saturday. MALLORY NICKLAS — Northeastern State University (Fr., Cartersville HS) … played eight minutes as a midfielder in last Friday’s 1-0 home loss to Pittsburg State (KS). The Riverhawks (5-3-2, 1-2-1 Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletic Association) host Rogers State University (OK) on Friday. MIGUEL PINEDA — University of North Georgia (Fr., Woodland HS) … the Nighthawks’ goalkeeper made five saves and allowed one goal in a 1-1 draw at home on September 23 against Georgia Southwestern University. He is now 2-0-2 in net this season. UNG (6-0-5, 2-0-4 Peach Belt Conference) hosts USC Aiken on Saturday afternoon. HALEY SKLBA — Point University (So., Cass HS) … logged 22 minutes as a defender and took one shot last Thursday and Saturday in road wins at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (5-0) and Wesleyan College (3-0). The Skyhawks (7-3, 4-1 Southern States Athletic Conference) host Life University (GA) on Thursday and Dalton State College (GA) on Saturday. VOLLEYBALL AILEE ENGLAND — Berry College (Jr., Cartersville HS) … totaled six aces and 10 digs and played in all eight sets this past Friday and Saturday as the Vikings won 3-1 at 5th-ranked Trinity University (TX) and beat Southwestern University (TX) 3-1. Berry (9-2, 3-0 Southern Athletic Association) visits Covenant College on Tuesday night and will host Centre College (KY), Sewanee-University of the South (TN), and Maryville College (TN) on Friday and Saturday. CROSS COUNTRY TYLER JONES — University of West Georgia (Sr., Woodland HS) … finished 48th individually (27:33.7) and ran sixth for his team as the Wolves finished third behind Furman and Western Carolina at the 14-team Tryon Western North Carolina 8K XC Collegiate Showcase. Next for UWG is the USC Upstate Invitational on October 17. GOLF ANDREW LUTJENS — Georgia College & State University (So., Cartersville HS) … shot 76-73-73 (6-over) and tied for 52nd individually as the Bobcats finished 14th of 16 teams at the Lake Lanier Collegiate Invitational held September 21-22 at Achasta Golf Club. The University of North Georgia won the tournament with a 34-under par team total, finishing 10 shots ahead of Lincoln Memorial University (TN) and 27 shots ahead of Anderson University (SC). Next for Georgia College is the Georgia Southwestern Hurricane Invitational at Doublegate Country Club on October 5-6. CARSEN STANFIELD — USC Upstate (Fr., Cartersville HS) … shot 78-76-72 (16-over) to finish 66th individually as the Spartans placed 12th of 13 teams September 20-23 at the GMAC Invitational at Inverness Country Club in Birmingham. USC-Upstate played in The Carolina Cup at Spartanburg’s Caroline Country Club on Sunday and Monday. Stanfield shot 80-80 on Sunday playing as an individual. Their next tournament is Oct. 23-25 at the Fripp Island Intercollegiate. CHRISTINA SURCEY — Lipscomb University (Jr., Cartersville resident, North Cobb Christian School) … shot 76-70-71 (1-over) and tied for 19th individually as the Bisons finished fifth of 13 teams at the Bettie Lou Evans Invitational at the University Club of Kentucky. The host Wildcats won the tournament at 25-under par, followed by Penn State, California, and Indiana. Next for Lipscomb is The Alley Invitational at Mississippi State. GRIFFIN WOODALL — Toccoa Falls College (Fr., Cartersville HS) … shot 85-80 and tied for 36th individually as the Screaming Eagles finished sixth of nine teams at the Bob Jones University Bruins Invitational September 21-22 at Cobbs Glenn Country Club in Anderson, South Carolina. The host Bruins won the tournament, followed by Brewton-Parker College and Columbia College (SC). Toccoa Falls hosts the NCCAA South Region tournament at Cateechee Golf Club on September 28-29.

September 28, 2026 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com The Lady Colonels totaled 11 hits and scored 6 runs in the third and fifth innings Monday night, winning 12-2 in five innings at Calhoun. Kylie Gentry picked up the Cass pitching win. She went all five innings in the circle, allowing two earned runs on three hits and two walks while striking out seven. Natalie Hughes (RBI), Lindsey Chubb (double), and Rilyn Caspari each had two hits for Cass. Shyia Woods homered and drove in three runs. Abagail Nails (double, two RBI), Maci Walker (RBI), Kharmyn Collum (RBI), and Gentry each added one hit. Calhoun dropped to 8-13. Cass (13-9, 8-6 Region 7-5A) hosts Cedartown on Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. and plays at Woodland on Thursday at 5:55 p.m.

September 27, 2026 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com Cartersville Country Club members R.B. Clyburn and Lee Bowman both played in the 2026 U.S.G.A. Mid-Amateur Championship this weekend at Sand Valley Resort in Nekoosa, Wisconsin, but neither qualified for the 64-player match play portion, which begins Monday. Two hundred sixty-four players aged 25 and over qualified for the Championship and played 36 holes of stroke play on Saturday and Sunday on two courses — The Lido and Sand Valley. Clyburn tied for 90th with rounds of 75-72. Bowman shot 77-74 and tied for 151st. Bobby Massa of Dallas, Texas, was the stroke play medalist with rounds of 64-69 (9-under). The match play rounds begin Monday with the top 64 players and continue through Thursday.

September 26, 2026 Scott Barkley / CanesAthletics.com Quarterback Harris Turner (3) barks out a call at the line against Villa Rica on Sept. 25. Photo by Russell Andrews Harris Turner completed 13 of 14 passes for 226 yards and four touchdowns as Cartersville overwhelmed Villa Rica with 58 first-half points in a 58-0 homecoming win at Weinman Stadium. The Canes scored in all facets, adding a 45-yard Cooper Melvin pick-six and Jordan Akins special teams safety to seven offensive possessions that ended with a touchdown. Jaden Navarrez connected on all eight extra-point attempts. The offense totaled 454 yards, 175 on the ground and 279 through the air. The win improves the top-ranked Canes to 5-0 and 1-0 in Region 7, with a scoring average of 51.6 a game while giving up only 5.4 per contest. That kind of success could lead a team to rest on its laurels. It hasn’t been the case, said head coach Conor Foster. “We didn’t start as fast last time out, so we had a little bit of a chip on our shoulder,” he said. “The kids played hard and prepared well, so it was a lot of fun. It was a big night, with the Go Gold emphasis and it being homecoming, so I’m really proud of them staying focused.” Cartersville travels to rival Cass next Friday, Oct. 2, for its biggest test of the season in a battle of unbeatens. The Colonels, 6-0 and ranked fifth in 5A by MaxPreps, won their second region game on Friday with a 42-21 victory at Woodland. “We’ll be focused,” said Foster. On Friday, 10 Canes receivers caught at least one pass, led by Madoxx Davis’ 75 yards on five receptions, three of which went for scores. Kaiden Kent had three catches for 52 yards and a score. Brayden Doss was the leading rusher at 89 yards on five carries and one touchdown. Tyon Coe only had three carries, but two went to the end zone as he finished with 46 yards. Cartersville’s defense continued its season-long dominance, holding Villa Rica to only 48 first-half yards and 126 for the game. The Wildcats’ leading rusher, Emmanuel Ajayi, began the night averaging 140 yards per game, but finished with 43. The shutout was the Canes’ third of the season. Quarterbacks Turner and Doss had plenty of time to find receivers. And when they didn’t throw, it was typically because of the massive hole opened up by their line for a big gainer on the ground. “[The offensive line] has been getting better every week,” said Foster. “They work hard, and they’re humble. They also have to go against our defense in practice, so iron sharpens iron and they make each other better.” Left guard Jorian Bailey is the only returner from last year’s senior-heavy line. “We’ve been progressing ever since the summer and preparing every week,” he said. “It’s all about getting better. We work on our steps every day. That’s Coach Mac’s favorite thing – steps. Show up. Dominate. Execute the job. “We’ll dial in,” he added about the game with Cass. “The goal is a state championship, but you need to worry about what’s in front of you.” Coach Mac is Shane McPherson, whose 20 of 21 years as a coach have focused on the offensive line. “Jorian is our leader up front,” he said. “He’s a three-year starter and has gone from just hoping to survive to easily being the best we have.” Villa Rica attempted to catch Cartersville off guard with an onside pooch kick to start the game, but instead, Noah Kearney’s fair catch started the offense at the Canes' 36-yard line. Five plays later, Coe took a handoff up the middle and kept his feet for a 28-yard touchdown. An 18-yard run by Doss helped set up Coe’s seven-yard punisher of a run to end the next drive and make the score 14-0 with 6:22 left in the first quarter. On Cartersville’s third possession, Turner connected with KT Blackwell for 14 yards and Lance Tippett for 28 more. Then, from 21 yards out, the junior dropped a beauty between the corner and safety in the back left corner of the end zone for Davis and a 21-0 lead. The Wildcats got their second first down of the night on the next drive, but after Grayson Warmack collected his second tackle for a loss to set up a second-and-long, Melvin snatched an errant pass at the Villa Rica 45 and took it to the house for a 28-0 advantage with 41 seconds left in the first quarter. After forcing another Wildcat punt, the Canes covered 78 yards in four plays to score again. Doss carried three times, including a 56-yarder down to the 19. His seven-yard run stretched the lead to 35-0. Cartersville’s next possession ended with Turner stepping up in the pocket from the 25 and finding a wide-open Kent for the score. Villa Rica’s ensuing drive finished with Akins’ tackle on the punter in the end zone as he attempted to pick up a fumbled low snap. The Canes’ final two scores of the half – and the night – came from drives all on Turner’s arm. Starting at his own 36, Turner found Davis for nine yards before turning to Cole Crawford for 12. A bubble screen back to Davis ended with the four-star receiver jetting across the field for a 44-yard touchdown. The final score needed two plays to go 43 yards. After a Turner-to-Coe screen pass that covered 38 yards, Turner rolled right before finding Davis for the final four and a 58-0 lead with a minute to play in the half.

September 26, 2026 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com The Woodland girls finished seventh of 20 teams to lead local squads at the 23rd annual Darlington Cross Country Festival. The Adairsville girls placed 16th, and the Tigers finished 23rd of 28 teams in the 5K boys’ race. Pace Academy won the girls’ and boys’ team titles. Cass’ Booker Gearhart (15th, 18:14) had the top individual finish among local runners competing individually. The Lady Cats were led by Alison Snead (16th, 21:25). Rylee Maxwell (22nd, 21:39), Tatum Currier (30th, 22:24), Isabel McCafferty (73rd, 24:47), and Ariel Salter-Bigger (118th, 27:12) followed for Woodland. Fernanda Singer (51st, 23:42) led the Adairsville girls. Reese Fuller (69th, 24:22), Tara Heatherly (93rd, 25:52), Bella Smith (99th, 26:10), and Kelsie Crosby (103rd, 26:20) also ran for the Lady Tigers. Cass had three girls entered individually, led by Annabel Leon (87th, 25:33), Alejand Cuesta Llorento (88th, 25:39), and Charley Doyle (90th, 25:43) Top runners for the Adairsville boys included Jaxon Stanfield (84th, 20:33), Aaron Souders (105th, 20:49), Jackson Steele (113th, 21:06), Chris Chao (154th, 22:31), and Aiden Viktora (160th, 23:05). Adairsville returns to action on Thursday in LaFayette at the Rambler XC Invitational. Woodland will run Saturday in Douglasville at the Alexander Invitational. Cass is off until the Sam Smith Showdown at Sundown in Cartersville on October 21.

September 26, 2026 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com Cass receiver Jeremy Barrett reaches the end zone in the Colonels' 42-21 win on Friday at Woodland. PHOTO: Randy Parker / The Daily Tribune News The Cass Colonels remained unbeaten Friday night, overcoming a strong second-half challenge from Woodland before pulling away for a 42-21 victory at Wildcats Stadium. Cass, ranked No. 7 in Class 5A, improved to 6-0 overall and 2-0 in Region 7-5A. The Colonels never trailed and defeated Woodland for the eighth straight time, improving to 17-6 all-time against the Wildcats. Woodland, which dropped to 2-3 overall and 0-1 in region play, had the first opportunity to score. Solomon James returned the opening kickoff to near midfield, and the Wildcats drove to the Cass 21-yard line before missing a 38-yard field goal. After the teams exchanged short drives and punts, Cass broke through with 10:42 remaining in the second quarter. The Colonels drove 43 yards in four plays, with Noah Rogers finding Jeremy Barrett for a 24-yard touchdown pass in the left flat. Barrett sidestepped the first defender and raced to the end zone. Anthony Diaz added the extra point for a 7-0 Cass lead. Cass then created another scoring opportunity when Xzavion Turner intercepted a pass near the goal line and returned it 41 yards to the Colonels' 42-yard line with just over six minutes remaining in the half. Cass converted the turnover into another touchdown. Rogers capped a 58-yard, 12-play drive with a 20-yard touchdown pass to Jah Abdullah-Kortey with 1:06 left before halftime. Diaz's PAT gave the Colonels a 14-0 advantage at the break. Woodland's Peyton Young (28) makes a tackle vs. Cass. PHOTO: Randy Parker / The Daily Tribune News Woodland answered immediately after halftime. Cass went three-and-out on its opening possession of the second half, and James needed only one offensive snap to give the Wildcats life. With 9:32 remaining in the third quarter, James broke loose for a 61-yard touchdown run. Chad Waller's PAT cut the Cass lead to 14-7. The Colonels responded with a 67-yard drive that consumed 12 plays and included a fourth-down conversion. Rogers connected with Abdullah-Kortey on a pass into the red zone before Kalil Charles scored on a 1-yard run with 4:46 remaining in the quarter. Diaz's kick made it 21-7. Woodland answered again. The Wildcats drove 62 yards in seven plays, with James carrying three times for 37 yards. But James was injured on a 12-yard run that gave Woodland a first down at the Cass 14-yard line. He was carted from the field with a severe ankle injury. Woodland QB Sam Ray looks downfield vs. Cass on Sept. 25. PHOTO: Randy Parker / The Daily Tribune News Woodland finished the drive with Sam Ray's 14-yard touchdown pass to Clayton McArdle, cutting the deficit to 21-14 with 3:03 left in the third quarter. Cass appeared to answer immediately when Barrett returned the ensuing kickoff for a touchdown, but a penalty brought the ball back to midfield. The Colonels needed six plays to reach the end zone anyway. The drive featured five running plays and a 29-yard pass from Rogers to Barrett before Charles scored his second 1-yard touchdown of the night. Diaz's PAT pushed the Cass lead to 28-14 with 34 seconds remaining in the third. Woodland went three-and-out on its next possession, punting on the first play of the fourth quarter. Cass took over at the Wildcats' 32-yard line and needed only two plays to extend its lead. Rogers connected with King Lloyd for 26 yards, and Charles followed with a 6-yard touchdown run. Diaz's kick made it 35-14 with 10:30 remaining. Woodland continued to battle. The Wildcats marched 71 yards in 10 plays on their next possession, relying heavily on the running game. Nine of the plays were runs by Hayden Collins and Mitchell Sheppard, with Sheppard gaining 20 and 14 yards. Collins finished the drive with a 6-yard touchdown run, and Waller's PAT cut the margin to 35-21 with 5:54 remaining. Woodland attempted an onside kick, but Lloyd recovered for Cass at the Wildcats' 49-yard line. On the very next play, Rogers put the game away. The Cass sophomore quarterback took the snap and started to his right before cutting toward the left sideline and outracing the Woodland defense for a 49-yard touchdown run. Diaz added the PAT for a 42-21 lead with 5:43 remaining. Woodland picked up two first downs on its next possession but was stopped on downs when the Colonels recorded a sack at the Wildcats' 42-yard line with just under three minutes remaining. Cass' second-unit offense later fumbled, giving Woodland one final possession at its own 40-yard line. The Wildcats reached the Cass 6-yard line on a final-play pass from Ray to McArdle, but time expired before Woodland could score again. Rogers completed 14 of 17 passes for 187 yards and two touchdowns. He also rushed for 42 yards on four attempts and scored once on the ground. Barrett caught eight passes for 99 yards and a touchdown, while Lloyd had four receptions for 65 yards. Abdullah-Kortey added three catches for 36 yards and a touchdown. Charles rushed for 82 yards and three touchdowns on 17 carries. Kalel Charles added 27 yards on six attempts. For Woodland, James finished with 176 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries before leaving with his ankle injury. Sheppard rushed for 37 yards on five attempts, while Collins had 21 yards and a touchdown on six carries. Ray completed 9 of 23 passes for 126 yards, one touchdown and one interception. McArdle caught five passes for 74 yards and a touchdown. Trevor Mann had two receptions for 23 yards, while Braylen Collum caught two passes for 16 yards. Cass will return home Friday for one of the area's most anticipated matchups, hosting top-ranked Cartersville at Cochran Stadium. The Hurricanes enter the game 5-0 overall and 1-0 in Region 7-5A. Woodland travels to Villa Rica, which enters at 4-2 overall and 0-2 in region play. ~~ Stuart Morse contributed to this report.

September 25, 2026 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com The Cartersville Lady Canes secured the only local high school softball win on Thursday, defeating Dalton in Region 7-5A. Adairsville fell to visiting Ridgeland in a Region 7-4A game, while Woodland and Cass lost non-region games in Mableton and Atlanta. CARTERSVILLE 6, DALTON 1 Presley Crabbe struck out eleven and tossed a seven-inning one-hitter Thursday at Dalton to help lead the Lady Canes to their 15th Region 7-5A victory. Cartersville led 4-0 through three innings and tacked on two insurance runs in the sixth. Dalton scored an unearned run in the bottom of the seventh. Izzy Tummins (home run, double, two RBI) led Cartersville with two hits. Allana Williams (home run, two RBI), LaKiaya Banks (double), Sam Porter (double), Taryn Bradley, Sam Porter, Avaree Sellers, Sam Evans, and Addi Lu Black each contributed one hit. Dalton dropped to 3-17 overall and 0-13 in region play. Cartersville (22-2, 15-0) visits Allatoona on Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. RIDGELAND 6, ADAIRSVILLE 3 Ridgeland softball outhit Adairsville 12 to 5 and scored four runs in the sixth and seventh innings Thursday night for a come-from-behind 6-3 win on the Lady Tigers’ diamond. Adairsville held leads of 2-1 after two frames and 3-2 through five, but failed to hold on. Paislee Rooks pitched the distance for the Tigers. She allowed six earned runs on twelve hits and one walk while striking out seven. Hynleigh Statham led the Adairsville offense with two hits, including a double. Chloe Hill (sac fly, two RBI), Lillianne Gunter, and Rooks each added one hit. The Lady Panthers improved to 18-5 overall and 10-3 in Region 7-4A. Adairsville (16-9, 8-5) hosts Cedartown on Friday at 4:30 p.m. and travels to Northwest Whitfield on Tuesday for a 5:30 p.m. start. WHITEFIELD ACADEMY 14, WOODLAND 6 The Lady Cats struggled to keep up with the Whitefield Academy offense Thursday night in Mableton, falling 14-6 to the Wolfpack. Whitefield Academy peppered the Wildcats with 16 hits and scored two or more runs in all five of their offensive frames. Woodland had eight players with one hit each, including Sonny Hicks (three RBI), Bella Kuykendall, Lillian Hollis, Bailey Ryan (RBI), Charlotte Petersen, Gracie Korb (RBI), Jarah Thorne, and Hayley Ledford. Kuykendall (4.1 IP, 13R, 7ER, 14H, 1BB, 1K) took the pitching loss. Rilynn DeBoard (0.0 IP, 1ER, 2H, 1BB) also pitched for the Lady Cats. Whitefield Academy improved to 16-4. Woodland (7-17, 3-11 Region 7-5A) hosts Dalton on Tuesday at 5:55 p.m. MOUNT VERNON 1, CASS 0 The Lady Colonels outhit the host Mustangs seven to two on Thursday evening in Atlanta, but failed to score in a 1-0 loss at Mount Vernon. The Mustangs scored the game’s only run in the bottom of the third inning on a single, a two-out stolen base, and a two-out RBI single. Cass hurler, Kylie Gentry, suffered the tough-luck loss in the circle. She yielded only one run on two hits and three walks while fanning nine. MJ McFarlane drove in three runs on three hits to lead the Lady Colonels’ offense. Shyia Woods, Rilyn Caspari, Kharmyn Collum, and Gentry each added one hit. Mount Vernon improved to 15-4. Cass (12-9, 8-6 Region 7-5A) plays at Calhoun on Monday in another non-region contest and returns to region play on Tuesday night at home against Cedartown.

September 23, 2026 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com Cartersville volleyball won twice at Woodland on Tuesday night, defeating the host Lady Cats 3-0 (25-10, 25-11, 25-7) in a Region 7-5A match and topping East Paulding (25-15, 25-11) in two straight sets. The wins lifted the Lady Canes to 30-3 overall and 5-0 in region play. Woodland slipped to 7-20 overall and 2-3 in region action. Woodland plays at Pickens on Thursday and will take on host Allatoona and Pebblebrook on Tuesday. Cartersville hosts North Cobb and region foe Villa Rica on Tuesday starting at 5 p.m. LADY TIGERS DROP ROAD REGION MATCHES Adairsville volleyball fell to host Northwest Whitfield and Calhoun on Tuesday in Region 7-4A matches. The Tigers lost 25-23, 25-19 to the host Bruins and also lost in two straight sets to Calhoun. Adairsville hosts Coosa and Gordon Central on Thursday at 5 p.m. and will play Southeast Whitfield and host Heritage-Catoosa on Tuesday at 5 p.m. in Ringgold. CASS LOSES TWO AT VILLA RICA The Lady Colonels lost to host Villa Rica (25-17, 25-11, 25-17) in a Region 7-5A contest and lost 25-11, 25-20 to Alexander on Tuesday night, remaining winless on the season. Cass (0-25, 0-5) plays at Paulding County on Thursday and hosts Dalton and Cherokee on Tuesday, starting at 5 p.m.