Search Results

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

September 22, 2025 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com An update on local professional and collegiate athletes and their contributions for the week ending on Sunday, September 21. NFL Trevor Lawrence TREVOR LAWRENCE — Jacksonville Jaguars (NFL, 5th-year pro; Clemson; Cartersville HS) … completed 20 of 40 passes for 222 yards, but no touchdowns with one interception this past Sunday in a 17-10 home win over the Houston Texans. He added two runs for nine yards. The Jaguars (2-1) visit the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday. MLB / MiLB MASON BARNETT — Oakland Athletics (Major League Baseball; 4th-year pro; Auburn; Cartersville HS) … made his fourth Major League start last Wednesday in Fenway Park against the Boston Red Sox, receiving no decision in an eventual 5-4 loss. The 24-year-old went four innings, allowing three runs (two earned) on five hits and three walks. He struck out two. Barnett is 1-1 with the A’s and has worked 16-⅔ innings since joining Oakland from Triple-A Las Vegas on August 26. The right-handed hurler has 15 strikeouts and a 7.56 ERA with the MLB club.  ANTHONY SEIGLER — Nashville Sounds (Major League Baseball; 8th-year pro; Cartersville HS) … was returned to Nashville September 9 after spending July and August with the Major League Milwaukee Brewers. Seigler began the 2025 season in Nashville, where he hit .277 with seven home runs and 20 stolen bases in 63 games. He made his MLB debut on July 2, starting at third base in a doubleheader against the New York Mets. He was optioned back to the Sounds after batting only .194 in 34 games. In his final nine games with Triple-A Nashville, the former Yankees’ first-round selection was 12-for-33, including five doubles, one home run, and four RBI with two walks in games against Gwinnett and Louisville. Seigler finished the MiLB portion of his season with a .290 average, eight homers, and 23 stolen bases. PGA TOUR AMERICAS BUCK BRUMLOW — (1st-year pro; University of Georgia; Cartersville HS) … shot 72-70 (2-over par) and missed the cut last Thursday and Friday at the Victoria Open at Uplands Golf Club in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. The rookie professional slipped to 80th on the Fortinet Cup points list with only the Fortinet Cup Championship remaining on the 2025 schedule. The season-ending event is at Morgan Creek Golf Course in Surrey on Thursday through Sunday. FOOTBALL JOHNATHAN CLINE — East Tennessee State University (R-So., Cartersville HS) … was part of an offensive line rotation that helped produce 406 yards of total offense during a 26-16 home win over Elon. The Buccaneers (2-2) open Southern Conference play Saturday at home against Mercer. JACHAI DELGADO — Shorter University (Fr., Cass HS) … saw his first collegiate action this past Saturday as the Hawks beat Virginia-Lynchburg University 57-20 in Rome. Shorter (1-3) begins Conference Carolinas play with a home game Saturday against Chowan University. CARLOS DEL RIO-WILSON -- Marshall University (R-Jr., Cartersville HS) ... was 18-for-22 passing for 261 yards and four touchdowns in last week's 42-28 win at Middle Tennessee. He also rushed for 22 yards and a score, and was named the Sun Belt Conference Offensive Player of the Week. Marshall (2-2) visits Louisiana on Saturday night. Kail Ellis KAIL ELLIS — Auburn University (Fr., Cass HS) … the youngest player in college football at age 17, Ellis entered at center for starter Connor Lew in the second quarter of this past Saturday’s 24-17 loss at Oklahoma. Lew later returned, but it was a second appearance for Ellis, who saw action Sept. 6 against Ball State. Ellis had a senior high school season remaining, but reclassified last Spring to enter at Auburn. The 6-4, 315-pound center turns 18 in April. The Tigers (3-1, 0-1 SEC) play at Texas A&M on Saturday. MYLES FORRISTALL — Georgia Tech (R-So., Cartersville HS) … continues to see action on the Yellow Jackets’ special teams. He has appeared in every game in 2025, including Saturday’s 45-24 win over visiting Temple. Georgia Tech (4-0, 1-0 ACC) visits Wake Forest on Saturday. TOKYO GORDON — Sam Houston State University (Jr., Adairsville HS) … the Bearkats’ linebacker had two tackles in this past Saturday’s 55-0 loss at 8th-ranked Texas. Sam Houston (0-4, 0-1 C-USA) has a bye week before traveling to New Mexico State for a Thursday night conference opener on Oct. 2. DEVIN HENDERSON — Liberty University (R-Fr., Cass HS) … saw action in his fourth game, but had no stat line in the Flames’ 31-13 home loss this past Saturday to James Madison University. Liberty (1-3, 0-1 C-USA) visits Old Dominion on Saturday night. KEVIN HENDERSON — University of Findlay (So., Cass HS) … the Oilers’ linebacker had three tackles (two solo), including one tackle for loss in a 33-3 win this past Saturday at Lake Erie College. Findlay (3-0, 1-0 Great Midwest Athletic Conference) hosts Thomas More University on Saturday night. SHADRE HURST — Tulane University (R-Jr., Cartersville HS) … a starter on the Green Wave’s offensive line that helped produce 282 total yards of offense in a 45-10 loss this past Saturday at Ole Miss. Tulane (3-1) travels to take on Tulsa University on Saturday. Khristian Lando KHRISTIAN LANDO — Jacksonville State University (R-Fr., Cartersville HS) … rushed for 68 yards on 11 carries and scored one touchdown this past Saturday during a 45-10 home win over Murray State University. The Gamecocks (2-2, 1-0 C-USA) play at Southern Miss on Saturday night. TYLER MARTIN — Berry College (Sr., Cass HS) … a starter on the Vikings’ offensive line that helped generate 298 total yards, but lost at 22nd-ranked Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, 17-9. Berry (2-1) has a bye week before hosting Rhodes College (TN) on Saturday, Oct. 4. SAM PHILLIPS — University of Iowa (R-Jr., Cartersville HS) … caught one pass for 25 yards this past Saturday in a 38-28 victory at Rutgers. The Hawkeyes (3-1, 1-0 Big Ten Conference) host Indiana on Saturday. STEPHEN ROWSER — Morehouse College (So., Cartersville HS) … made two tackles this past Saturday in the Maroon Tigers’ 35-17 home loss to Kentucky State. Morehouse (0-3, 0-1 Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference) travels to Jacksonville to play at Edward Waters University on Saturday. IAN WILLIAMS — University of Memphis (Fr., Cass HS) … made one tackle this past Saturday in the Tigers’ home victory over Arkansas, 32-31. Memphis (4-0) opens American Athletic Conference play on Saturday at Florida Atlantic University. GOLF ANDREW LUTJENS — Georgia College (Fr., Cartersville HS) … carded rounds of 76-73-69 (2-over par) to finish T27 of 81 players Sept. 15-16 at the University of North Georgia Intercollegiate held at the 7,166-yard, par-72 Chattahoochee Golf Club in Gainesville, Georgia. Lutjens was the second-lowest scorer on his team as the Bobcats finished 12th of 15 teams in the tournament won by Lander University. Georgia College plays in the Georgia Southwestern Hurricane Invitational on Monday and Tuesday at Doublegate Country Club in Albany. SOCCER Abbey Craig ABBEY CRAIG — Reinhardt University (Sr., Cartersville HS) … started on defense and played all 180 minutes of last week’s scoreless draw at Spartanburg Methodist and 1-0 win at Bryan College (TN). The Eagles (2-2-2, 2-0-2 Appalachian Athletic Conference) host Columbia International University on Wednesday and travel to Montreat College (NC) on Saturday. LIBBY MORGAN — Shorter University (Fr., Woodland HS) … started both games last week at forward and midfielder and logged 166 minutes on the pitch during a 2-0 loss at Erskine College (SC) last Wednesday and a 1-0 loss at Barton College (NC) on Saturday.  The Hawks (1-4, 0-3 Conference Carolinas) play at Southern Wesleyan University (SC) on Saturday. MACI NICKLAS — Truett McConnell University (So., Cartersville HS) … saw action as a reserve last Wednesday and Saturday as the Bears defeated Tennessee Wesleyan University 1-0  at home and won 5-0 at Union Commonwealth. Nicklas took one shot during her 11 minutes in the road victory. TMU (6-0-1, 4-0 Appalachian Athletic Conference) hosts Bryan College (TN) on Wednesday before visiting Milligan University (TN) on Saturday. VOLLEYBALL AILEE ENGLAND — Berry College (So., Cartersville HS) … saw action in all three sets and had two service aces this past Saturday in an 0-3 loss at 16th-ranked Trinity University (TX) in San Antonio. She also saw court time in three sets on Sunday in a 25-19, 25-18, 25-15 win over Centre College (KY). Berry (10-2, 2-1 Southern Athletic Association) will host SAA matches Saturday and Sunday with Southwestern University, Millsaps College, and Sewanee. VANESSA JOHNSON — Georgia Highlands College (So., Cartersville HS) … started and recorded two kills, four blocks, and one dig in the Chargers’ 9-25, 19-25, 14-25 loss to the Covenant College JV on Sept. 16 in Rome. GHC (0-12) plays at Andrew College on Saturday. MADELYN ORTON — LaGrange College (Sr., Cartersville resident, Cornerstone Prep) … saw action in five sets last week during a home loss to Point University, a win at Belhaven University (MS), and a loss to LeTourneau University in Jackson, Mississippi. She had one dig in the loss to Point. The Panthers (3-12, 1-0 Collegiate Conference of the South) host Huntingdon College on Wednesday before playing Wesleyan College and Asbury University on Saturday in Wilmore, Kentucky. MEREDITH ORTON — LaGrange College (Sr., Cartersville resident, Cornerstone Prep) … played in 10 sets, recording 12 kills, three blocks, and three kills as the Panthers went 1-2 last week against Point University, Belhaven University, and LeTourneau University. LaGrange (3-12, 1-0 Collegiate Conference of the South) hosts Huntingdon College on Wednesday and faces Wesleyan College and Asbury University on Saturday in Wilmore, Kentucky. CROSS COUNTRY McKINLEY CHAPPELL — Berry College (Sr., Woodland HS) … placed 69th of 132 runners (27:10) as the Vikings finished eighth of 13 teams at the USC Upstate DIII Pre-Nationals 8K this past Saturday. North Central (IL) won the meet. Berry hosts its next meet on Saturday, Oct. 4.

September 24, 2025 Cartersville softball won its eleventh straight game Wednesday night, taking a 9-3 Region 7-4A win over visiting Southeast Whitfield. The Lady Canes out-hit the Lady Raiders eleven to three and scored in five of their six offensive frames. Zoie Shiflett collected the pitching win by working the first four innings in the circle. She allowed three runs (none earned) on three hits and one walk. She struck out three. Presley Crabbe did not yield a run, hit, or walk in the final three innings, while fanning six. LaKiaya Banks (two doubles, sac fly, RBI), Sam Porter, and Taryn Bradley had two hits for Cartersville. Sophia Harper (sac fly, three RBI), Izzy Tummins (sac fly, two RBI), Shiflett (RBI), Addi Burns, and Miley Jo Williams added one hit each. Southeast Whitfield dropped to 7-16 overall and 3-14 in Region 7-4A. Cartersville (22-2, 15-2) plays at Allatoona on Tuesday at 5 p.m.

September 23, 2025 Addi Burns had three hits for the Lady Canes on Tuesday in their doubleheader sweep at Woodland. Cartersville softball won both games of a doubleheader at Woodland on Tuesday night to maintain its hold on first place in the Region 7-4A standings. In the opener, Cartersville led 2-0 through five innings and added five more runs in the sixth to lead 7-0 en route to an 8-2 win. In the second game, the Lady Canes posted four runs across the first four innings on the way to a 6-1 victory. Presley Crabbe (7 IP, 2ER, 3H, 3BB, 9K) was the winning pitcher in the opener. Zoie Shiflett (7 IP, 1R, 0ER, 3H, 0BB, 3K) picked up the pitching victory in Game 2. Bella Kuykendall (7 IP, 8ER, 13H, 2BB, 1K) took the pitching loss for Woodland in the first game. Evie Tucker (7 IP, 6R, 5ER, 10H, 2BB, 1K) pitched for the Lady Cats in Game 2. Zoie Shiflett (double, home run, four RBI), Taryn Bradley (two doubles), and Addi Burns had three hits for Cartersville in the doubleheader. Kinsey Woodard (home run, two RBI), Miley Jo Williams (double, RBI), Sam Porter (sac fly, RBI), and Izzy Tummins (RBI) contributed two hits. LaKiaya Banks (two sac flies, two RBI), Emma Miller (RBI), Emilee Brinson, Avaree Sellers, Sophia Harper, and Carder Brock added one hit each. Bailey Gerstner had two hits, including a home run and two RBI for Woodland. Kamryn Smith, Kylie Poston, Bailey Ryan, and Ashlyn Baines had one hit. Woodland (7-13, 4-10) hosts Dalton on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. Cartersville (21-2, 14-2) hosts Southeast Whitfield on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. CASS 3, SOUTHEAST WHITFIELD 2 The Lady Colonels trailed visiting Southeast Whitfield 2-0 until the bottom of the fifth inning Tuesday night, but rallied to escape with a 3-2 Region 7-4A victory. The Lady Raiders scored two runs in the top of the first inning and road a strong pitching performance by Chyann Blevins (6 IP, 3ER, 7H, 3BB, 9K) until the Colonels put together two walks and three singles in the fifth to take the lead. Cass pitcher Kylie Gentry was also solid in the circle. She worked all seven innings, allowing two earned runs on five hits and one walk. Gentry fanned seven to collect her 12th win of the season. Gentry was also 2-for-2 at the plate, including a triple and a walk. Bailey York (two RBI), Natalie Hughes (RBI), Shyia Woods, Lindsey Chubb, and Harlee Thomason had one hit each for the Lady Colonels. The loss dropped Southeast Whitfield to 7-15 overall and 3-13 in region play. Cass (16-5, 14-3) visits Chapel Hill for a non-region game on Thursday and has an important region doubleheader at home against Cedartown next Tuesday. LAFAYETTE 7, ADAIRSVILLE 2 Region-leading LaFayette amassed 14 hits and won at Adairsville Tuesday evening, 7-2.  The Lady Ramblers led 1-0 through four innings, then added two runs in the fifth and four in the sixth to build a 7-0 lead. Adairsville scored two runs in the bottom of the seventh. Lily Roberts (RBI), Cadey Evans (RBI), Ashlynn Durden, and Maddie Baggett had one hit each for the Lady Tigers. Baggett (5.2 IP, 7ER, 13H, 2BB, 4K) was saddled with the pitching loss. Chloe Hill (1.1 IP, 0R, 1H) retired the final four outs in the circle. LaFayette (20-3, 16-0) hosts Adairsville (12-12, 3-11) in a rematch on Thursday.

September 23, 2025 Woodland volleyball won its Senior Night match with Excel Christian Academy in straight sets Tuesday evening, 25-3, 25-7, and 25-8. Izzy Hazelwood totaled 21 assists, five aces, and two kills for the Lady Cats. Katie Clowers had five aces and three digs. Karism Torres contributed four kills and two aces. Alex Williams produced four aces and three kills. Aby Childs had eight kills, and Reese Martinak added six kills. Excel fell to 2-8 with the loss.  Woodland (10-24, 1-6) plays at Rockmart on Thursday and will also face Unity Christian. ADAIRSVILLE DROPS REGION MATCHES Adairsville volleyball lost two region matches at LaFayette on Tuesday evening, falling to Calhoun 25-12, 25-15, and the host Lady Ramblers 25-12, 25-10. In the loss to Calhoun, Myka Colston had two kills and two digs. Payton Hartline contributed two kills, and Nadelyn Dodson had 16 digs. Against LaFayette, Olivia O’Tinger had three kills and two digs. Colston had two kills and two digs. Teaghan Myers contributed three assists and two digs, and Dodson added eight digs. Adairsville (9-25, 2-8) travels to Ellijay next Tuesday to play host Gilmer and Northwest Whitfield.

September 23, 2025 The Adairsville Lady Tigers volleyball team won a three-set battle over Coosa on Monday and celebrated their 2025-26 senior class. Adairsville won the opening set 26-24, dropped the second set 13-25, but rallied to win the match with a 15-6 victory in the third set. Myka Colston had five kills and three digs in the win. Ella Steward had three kills and two digs. Eight other Tigers added one kill each. Olivia O’Tinger finished with five aces, two kills, two assists, and two digs. Teaghan Myers contributed two aces and three assists. Alexa Wynn distributed four assists. Carleigh Pierson totaled 12 digs, and Haven Walker added eight digs. Steward, O’Tinger, Walker, Colston, Pierson, Delaney Baxter, Jayden Gayton, Ansley Mims, Emily Sheriff, Rihanna Crittenden, Savannah Viktora, and Payton Hartline are listed as seniors on the Lady Tigers’ roster. Adairsville (9-23, 2-6) plays at LaFayette on Tuesday and will also face Calhoun.