October 12, 2024 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com The Adairsville Tigers led 27-0 by halftime and cruised to a 34-7 Homecoming win Friday night over the visiting Ridgeland Panthers. The Tigers’ defense kept the Panthers bottled up most of the night while quarterback Ethan Long threw for three touchdowns, including two to Xavious Nalls. Jamarian Pullum opened the Adairsville scoring with a one-yard touchdown plunge on the Tigers’ first possession. The scoring run capped a 60-yard drive that took six plays. A two-point conversion pass attempt failed, but Adairsville held a 6-0 lead with 8:11 remaining in the first quarter. Following a Ridgeland three-and-out, Adairsville scored again. A Tigers’ 67-yard drive took only three plays and culminated with a Tre Winters quick slant pass reception that he raced 38 yards to the end zone with 4:11 left in the opening quarter. Cooper Souders added the PAT kick to give Adairsville a 13-0 advantage. The two teams traded possessions until late in the second quarter when Adairsville struck for two more scores in the final 3-½ minutes of the first half. Ezequiel Carter cashed in a lengthy drive by the Tigers with a five-yard touchdown run. The scoring march took 12 plays and covered 60 yards to put Adairsville ahead 20-0 with 3:26 left in the second quarter. To end the first half, Adairsville drove 62 yards on six plays. Long connected with Nalls for a 35-yard touchdown play with 0:56 remaining in the half. Souders’ third extra point gave the Tigers a 27-0 lead at the intermission. Adairsville returned the second-half kickoff to the Ridgeland 48-yard line to set up their final scoring drive of the night. Carter had two nice runs of 11 yards and 17 yards in the possession, ending with a 17-yard touchdown pass from Long to Nalls. The seven-play drive and Souders’ kick put the Tigers up 34-0 with 8:43 left in the third quarter. Ridgeland mounted its only scoring drive late during a running fourth-quarter clock. The Panthers drove 81 yards in 12 plays to get on the scoreboard with 2:30 left to play. Bryson Donald capped the march with an 8-yard touchdown run, making the final score 34-7. Long was 13-for-16 passing for 258 yards and three touchdowns. Nalls finished with five catches for 131 yards and two scores. Winters had four receptions for 87 yards and one touchdown. Carter, a freshman back, led the Tigers’ rushing attack with 62 yards on 12 carries with one touchdown.  The Adairsville defense limited the Panthers to only 106 total yards (71 rushing). Ethan Brown had 13 tackles for the Tigers, including three for loss. Colton Sanford contributed six tackles, including one sack, while Righley Worthington and Winters added five tackles each. The loss dropped Ridgeland to 1-7 on the season and 1-3 in Region 7-AAA. Adairsville (5-2, 2-1) travels to Tunnel Hill on Friday to face the Northwest Whitfield Bruins (6-2, 2-2). ~~ Larry Gardner contributed to this report.

October 11, 2024 The Cartersville Lady Canes volleyball team has reached the championship round of the Region 7-4A Tournament and will face the Allatoona/Dalton winner in the finals on Saturday at noon. Cartersville is hosting the region tournament. Allatoona will play Dalton at 10 a.m. on Saturday at The Storm Center. On Thursday, Cartersville defeated Dalton 25-12 and 25-22 to advance to the championship match.

October 10, 2024 The Lady Colonels rallied for four runs in the bottom of the seventh inning Thursday evening to walk off with a 6-5 non-region home win over Adairsville. Emma Gibson (2 IP, 2R, 0ER, 3H) picked up the pitching win for Cass in relief of Lily Powell  (2 IP, 0R, 1H, 3BB) and Bailey York (3 IP, 3ER, 4H, 3BB, 2K). Ashlyn Carlton (6.1 IP, 6R, 5ER, 11H, 2BB, 4K) suffered the pitching loss for the Tigers. Sydney Satterfield had three hits for Cass, including two doubles. Chloe Hill had two doubles and two RBI. Braelyn Franklin (triple, RBI) also had two hits for the Lady Colonels. Alivia Joslin (RBI), Ansley Powell (RBI), and Ashlynn Durden led the Adairsville offense with two hits. Adairsville completes the season with a 15-14 mark. Cass (17-9) will begin the Class 4A state playoffs on the road. Their playoff opponent will be determined later this weekend. CARTERSVILLE 9, SOUTHEAST WHITFIELD 0 Presley Crabbe rang up ten strikeouts Thursday evening while tossing a five-inning no-hitter as Cartersville won at Southeast Whitfield, 9-0. Kennedy Crenshaw had two hits for Cartersville. Zoie Shiflett (home run, three RBI), Kinsey Woodard (double, RBI), Allana Williams (RBI), Addi Burns (RBI), Jordan Bishop, LaKaiya Banks (triple), Reese Dumas (double), and Taryn Bradley added one hit. Southeast Whitfield completed the season with a 2-25 mark. The Lady Raiders were 1-20 in Region 7-4A. Cartersville completed the regular season with a 22-5 record. The Lady Canes were 19-2 in Region 7-4A and will host a Class 4A state playoff first-round series (opponent, TBA) as a No. 2 seed.

October 8, 2024 Cartersville’s Zoie Shiflett went 3-for-3 at the plate and tossed a seven-inning complete game Tuesday evening to lead the Lady Canes in an 8-3 home region win over Cedartown. Shiflett’s three hits included a home run and two singles. Her efforts in the pitching circle included seven strikeouts with no walks. She allowed three earned runs on six hits. Cedartown opened the top of the first inning with three runs on four consecutive hits, but Shiflett settled in to shut out the Lady Bulldogs the rest of the way. Her two-run homer in the bottom of the third inning knotted the score at 3-all. From there, the seventh-ranked Lady Canes added three runs in the fourth inning and two more in the sixth. Layne Callan (double, two RBI), Kinsey Woodard, and Lakaiya Banks (RBI) had two hits for Cartersville. Jordan Bishop (triple), Kennedy Crenshaw (sac fly, RBI), Reese Dumas, and Addi Burns added one hit. The loss dropped Cedartown to 16-12 overall and finished 11-10 in Region 7-4A. Cartersville (21-5, 18-2), a No. 2 seed in the upcoming Class 4A state playoffs, completes the regular season on Thursday at Southeast Whitfield. CASS 6, DALTON 5 The Lady Colonels built a 6-2 lead through five innings and held off visiting Dalton for a 6-5 region victory Tuesday night. Chloe Hill hit a solo home run and had an RBI triple to help pace the Cass offense. Braelyn Franklin (double, two RBI), Darianna Sosa (double), and Molli Morrow also had two hits. Payton Mize (double, RBI), Sydney Satterfield (RBI), and Cayce Brown added one hit. Kylie Gentry (7 IP, 5R, 1ER, 7H, 3BB, 15) struck out 15 to earn the pitching victory. The season closes for Dalton with a 7-16 overall record. The Catamounts finished 7-14 in region play. Cass (16-9, 14-7) will be the No. 3 seed from Region 7-4A in the state playoffs. The Lady Colonels complete regular season play at home Thursday against Adairsville at 5:55 p.m. ALLATOONA 4, WOODLAND 3 The Woodland Lady Cats wrapped up their 2024 campaign Tuesday evening at fifth-ranked Allatoona with a 4-3 loss. Kamryn Smith (6 IP, 4ER, 7H, 2BB, 4K) suffered the tough-luck pitching loss for Woodland. She also paced the Lady Cats at the plate with two hits.  Jordan Hammonds, Alana Carnes (RBI), Mackenzie Araya, Lanie Calhoun, and Bailey Ryan added one hit for Woodland. Allatoona improved to 20-2 on the season and finished 20-1 in Region 7-4A. Woodland’s season ends with a 7-15 overall record. The Lady Cats finished 7-14 in region play.

October 7, 2024 Adairsville softball took an 8-4 lead with seven runs in the third inning Monday evening en route to a 10-4 non-region victory over visiting Chattooga. Ansley Powell and Maddie Baggett had three hits and two RBI each to pace the Lady Tigers’ attack. One of Baggett’s hits was a double. Brie Patterson and Ashlynn Durden followed with two hits and one RBI. Taylor Evans (double, sac fly) and Adysen Garvey contributed one hit and two RBI. Riley Mounger added one hit for Adairsville. Jordan Clay pitched all seven innings for the Tigers and struck out seven. She allowed four earned runs on six hits and five walks. Chattooga dropped to a 10-13 mark. Adairsville (15-13) wraps up the season on Thursday at Cass.

October 7, 2024 NFL TREVOR LAWRENCE — Jacksonville Jaguars (NFL, 4th-yr. pro; Clemson; Cartersville HS) …  completed 28 of 34 passes Sunday for 371 yards and two touchdowns as the Jaguars beat the visiting Indianapolis Colts 37-34 on his 25th birthday. He also had two rushing attempts for four yards. Lawrence connected with Brian Thomas for an 85-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter and Brenton Strange for a 4-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter. Jacksonville (1-4) travels to London this week to play the Chicago Bears at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday. FOOTBALL KOLBE BENHAM — Marist College (R-Jr., Cartersville HS) … made four tackles (three solo) in a 42-19 loss this past Saturday at Davidson College. The Red Foxes (0-5, 0-2 Pioneer Football League) host the University of St. Thomas (MN) this Saturday at noon. HAYDEN CAGLE — Berry College (Sr., Cartersville HS) … a starter on the Vikings’ offensive line this past Saturday that helped produce 450 yards (183 rushing) in a 44-7 home win over Southwestern University (TX). Berry (3-1, 1-0 Southern Athletic Association) visits Hendrix College (AR) on Saturday. KEVIN HENDERSON — University of Findlay (Fr., Cass HS) … made two solo tackles this past Saturday in the Oilers’ 49-9 win at Kentucky Wesleyan. Findlay (5-0, 3-0 Great Midwestern Athletic Conference) will host Ashland University on Saturday afternoon. SHADRE HURST — Tulane University (So., Cartersville HS) … a starter on the Green Wave’s offensive line that helped produce 497 total yards (317 rushing) this past Saturday in a 71-20 win at UAB. Tulane (4-2, 2-0 American Athletic Conference) has a bye week prior to hosting Rice on October 19. QUANTE JENNINGS — Presbyterian College (Sr., Cartersville HS) … rushed for 52 yards on seven carries and caught two passes for another 17 yards this past Saturday in a 27-21 loss at the University of San Diego. The Blue Hose (2-4, 0-2 Pioneer Football League) play at Morehead State this Saturday afternoon. TYLER MARTIN — Berry College (Sr., Cass HS) … a starter on the Vikings’ offensive line this past Saturday that helped produce 450 yards (183 rushing) in a 44-7 home win over Southwestern University (TX). Berry (3-1, 1-0 Southern Athletic Association) visits Hendrix College (AR) on Saturday. SAM PHILLIPS — UT Chattanooga (R-Jr., Cartersville HS) … caught six passes for 110 yards this past Saturday, including a 38-yard touchdown in the third quarter during the Mocs’ 17-10 win at 23rd-ranked East Tennessee State. Chattanooga (2-3, 1-1 Southern Conference) plays at Furman on Saturday. DEVONTE ROSS — Troy University (Jr., Cartersville HS) … caught two passes for 26 yards, including a 19-yard touchdown reception in the third quarter as the Trojans lost 38-17 to visiting Texas State last Thursday. Troy (1-5, 0-2 Sun Belt Conference) has a bye week before playing at South Alabama on Tuesday, October 15. STEPHEN ROWSER — Morehouse College (Fr., Cartersville HS) … made one tackle in the Maroon Tigers’ 42-0 loss to Tuskegee University last Saturday in Columbus. Morehouse (1-4, 1-3 SIAC) has a bye week before visiting Albany State on October 19. COURTNEY SLOCUM — Mars Hill University (Sr., Adairsville HS) … made three tackles and returned an interception 29 yards this past Saturday in a 34-9 victory at Newberry University. The Lions (1-2, 1-1 South Atlantic Conference) host Carson-Newman on Saturday. EVAN SLOCUM — Wake Forest University (Sr., Cartersville HS) … made one tackle and recovered a fumble that he returned 88 yards this past Saturday in a 34-30 conference win at N.C. State. On the Wolfpack’s opening drive of the first quarter, Slocum scooped up a fumble in the red zone and returned it to the N.C. State 2-yard line. The play set up a Demon Deacons touchdown to go ahead 10-0 at the time. Wake Forest (2-3, 1-3 Atlantic Coast Conference) hosts tenth-ranked Clemson on Saturday afternoon.  CROSS COUNTRY McKINLEY CHAPPELL — Berry College (Jr., Woodland HS) … finished 26th individually in 27:08 as the Vikings were runner-up to Mississippi College at the 12-team 8K Belhaven Invitational this past Saturday in Clinton, Mississippi. Next for Berry is the Augustana Inter-Regional October 19 in Rock Island, Illinois. ANDY FORSYTH — Berry College (Fr., Woodland HS) .. finished 39th individually in 28:12 while the Vikings finished runner-up to Mississippi College at the 12-team 8K Belhaven Invitational this past Saturday in Clinton, Mississippi. Next on the schedule for Berry is the Augustana Inter-Regional October 19 in Rock Island, Illinois. DANIELLE THAYER — Augusta University (So., Woodland HS) … finished 249th in 20:32 and the Jaguars were 26th of 29 teams at the 5K Louisville Classic this past Saturday. Augusta heads to the Royals Challenge on Friday at McAlpine Creek Park in Charlotte. VOLLEYBALL AILEE ENGLAND — Berry College (Fr., Cartersville HS) … saw action in one set and contributed one dig in the Vikings’ 3-0 home win this past Saturday over Sewanee. Berry (6-8, 3-1 Southern Athletic Association) also suffered a 3-2 loss on Saturday to Centre College (KY). The Vikings travel to Rhodes College in Memphis for a Friday night match and visit Hendrix College (Ark.) on Saturday. MAKAYLA MALONE — Toccoa Falls College (Fr., Excel Christian Academy) … saw action in two sets September 30 but had not stat line in a 3-1 home loss to Ferrum College. TFC (5-11, 3-3 NCCAA) visits Brenau on Wednesday night and hosts Georgia Highlands College on Saturday afternoon. MADELYN ORTON — LaGrange College (Jr., Cartersville resident, Cornerstone Prep) … saw action in three sets this past Saturday and had four digs and two service aces during losses to Covenant College and host Piedmont University. The Panthers (4-13, 1-6 Collegiate Conference of the South) play at Middle Georgia State on Wednesday evening and have a tri-match with Agnes Scott College and host Maryville College (Tenn.) on Saturday. MEREDITH ORTON — LaGrange College (Jr., Cartersville resident, Cornerstone Prep) … saw action in three sets and contributed one assist, one kill, and one dig in losses Saturday to Covenant College and host Piedmont University. LaGrange (4-13, 1-6 CCS) visits Middle Georgia State on Wednesday evening and plays a tri-match with Agnes Scott College and Maryville College (Tenn.) on Saturday. SOCCER ABBEY CRAIG — Reinhardt University (Jr., Cartersville HS) … made two starts, logged all 180 minutes of pitch time, and had two shots on goal as the Lady Eagles split matches last week. Reinhardt lost 2-0 at home to Truett-McConnell University last Wednesday and won 4-2 Saturday at Milligan University (Tenn.). The Eagles (5-4, 4-2 Appalachian Athletic Conference) host Brenau on Wednesday and play at Johnson University (Tenn.) on Saturday.   TENNIS EMILY SURCEY — Samford University (Sr., Cass HS) … went 2-1 with doubles partner Sara Erenda last weekend as the Bulldogs hosted a round robin tournament with Central Arkansas, Mississippi State, Troy, and Jacksonville State. Surcey lost her three singles matches — two in tiebreaker sets — facing opponents from Troy, UCA, and Jax State. She played on Line 2 in two of the three singles matches and Line 1 in the third. Samford heads to Auburn University this weekend for the Division I ITA Regionals. BRYCE VANORDER — Piedmont University (Grad Student, Woodland HS) … participating in the ITA Regionals in Rome September 28-29, VanOrder lost a singles match to an opponent from Sewanee and two doubles matches with partner Charles Parnell to opponents from Sewanee and Centre College (Ky.). The Lions host the Piedmont Fall Foliage Classic this weekend in Demorest. GOLF BUCK BRUMLOW — University of Georgia (Sr., Cartersville HS) … carded rounds of 75-71-73 — 219 (9-over) and tied for 46th place individually as the Bulldogs tied for tenth of 15 teams at the Ben Hogan Colliegiate Invitational September 30-October 1. Oklahoma won the tournament by four shots over Texas. It was conducted on the par-70, 7,289-yard Colonial Country Club course in Fort Worth, Texas. Up next on the Georgia schedule is the Beau Rivage Fallen Oaks Collegiate October 19-21 in Saucier, Mississippi.

October 5, 2024 Second-ranked Cartersville remained undefeated this season and continued dominance in the all-time series with county-rival Cass on Friday night with a 38-7 victory at Weinman Stadium. The Canes improved to 7-0 on the season and won for the 46th time in 51 meetings with the Colonels since 1956. Cartersville's win was also their eleventh consecutive in the series. Cartersville quarterback Nate Russell threw four touchdown passes to four different receivers in the victory. He was 13-for-18 through the air for 232 yards. Cass scored on its opening possession when running back Braylon Hill scampered 65 yards through Hurricane defenders. The drive covered 80 yards in four plays. Mason Madrid’s PAT kick gave the Colonels a 7-0 lead with 9:58 remaining in the first quarter. Cartersville drove to the Cass 27-yard line on its initial possession but missed a 45-yard field goal attempt. The Colonels’ second possession ended with a fumble at the Cartersville 47-yard line, but the Canes were stopped on downs at the Cass 30-yard line. Three plays later, Cass fumbled again at their 36-yard line, setting up the Hurricanes' four-play drive to knot the score at 7-all. Russell found A’Darian Taylor-Wilson in the end zone for a 28-yard strike with 0:09 left in the first period. Ramsey Rowell converted the first of his five PAT kicks on the night. Starting from their own 20, Cass mixed in runs by Hill and quarterback Elijah Slocum to reach Cartersville territory but turned the ball over on downs at the Canes’ 45-yard line. On the first play of the next Cartersville possession, Cass defensive back Ja’Kai Baldwin picked off a Canes’ pass and returned it to the Cartersville 45-yard line. Following two short runs and an incomplete pass, a low snap on a Cass punt attempt resulted in the Canes recovering the ball at the Colonels’ 34-yard line. Five plays later, Russell connected with Brady Marchese in the left corner of the end zone for a 26-yard touchdown and a 14-7 lead with 3:51 to play in the first half. Cass returned the ensuing kickoff to the 44-yard line and marched inside the red zone on nine plays, but time expired in the half to negate the Colonels’ scoring opportunity. The second half opened with a quick scoring play by the Canes.  On second down from the 35-yard line, Russell fired a quick slant to Ja’Mauri Brice, who raced 65 yards for the Canes’ third touchdown. The scoring play gave Cartersville a 21-7 lead with 11:06 remaining in the third quarter. Following exchanges of punts — two by Cass and one by Cartersville — the Canes gained possession at the Cass 47-yard line. Four plays later, Russell tossed his fourth touchdown pass of the night. The 32-yard reception by Caden Aleman put Cartersville ahead 28-7 with 3:48 to play in the third period. A third-down pass on the next Cass possession was intercepted by Kaden Baldwin and returned 30 yards for another Hurricanes’ score. The pick-six had Cartersville leading 35-7 with 2:10 left in the quarter. The Cartersville defense forced another three-and-out on the next Cass possession and Reed Ezell returned a Cass punt to the Colonels’ 35-yard line. Cartersville drove to the Cass 10-yard line but settled for a 27-yard field goal by Rowell and a 38-7 advantage with 9:48 remaining in the game. The Colonels marched from their 19-yard line to the Canes’ 6-yard line on their next possession but came up empty. The 10-play drive — all on the ground — included a 42-yard run by Hill. Cartersville picked up two first downs on its final possession and ran out the game clock to seal the win. Hill rushed for 198 yards and one touchdown on 18 carries for the Colonels. Slocum also had 18 rushing attempts for 77 yards. The Colonels rushed for 308 yards but managed only five yards passing in eight attempts. Brice had six receptions for Cartersville, totaling 105 yards and a score. The loss dropped Cass to 4-4 on the season and 1-3 in Region 7-4A. The Colonels have a bye week on the schedule before hosting Dalton on October 18. The Canes, now 3-0 in region play, visit Allatoona on Friday for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff.

October 5, 2024 Woodland and Allatoona's defensive units performed well Friday night and controlled most of the contest, but the Buccaneers generated enough offense to escape with a 17-0 road victory. Allatoona quarterback Paul Cruz capped a 67-yard drive with a 2-yard keeper on the Bucs’ opening possession. That touchdown, with 6:41 remaining in the first quarter, would be the only points of the first half. Woodland stopped the Buccaneers on their next five possessions but was unable to produce any points themselves. The Wildcats attempted a long field goal in the opening half but missed the kick, and they trailed 7-0 at the intermission. The two defenses continued their dominance in a scoreless third quarter, but the Buccaneers added some insurance in the final period. A long run by the Bucs moved them inside the Wildcats 10-yard line before the Woodland defense stiffened again. Allatoona settled for a short field goal and a 10-0 lead with 8:55 left in the game. Following the ensuing kickoff, the Allatoona defense produced back-to-back sacks and forced Woodland to punt from their own end zone. The Buccaneers took advantage of the field position advantage and tacked on a quick touchdown with 5:38 remaining. Xavier Rucker took a handoff up the middle for a 40-yard scoring run and a 17-0 advantage. The Wildcats had one final possession but turned the ball over on downs, and Allatoona could run out the remaining clock. Woodland had a couple of big plays of 15-plus yards, including passes from J.D. Trail to Preston Sorrells and Soloman James for 17 yards each. Cam Williams also had several catches on the night for around 35 yards. “I’m really proud of Coach Darby and our defensive staff,” Woodland coach Andy Scott told David Herron of The Daily Tribune News. “I thought we did a great job containing a really good offense to the bitter end. We just have to continue to find ways to score. "I’m very proud of our kids. I feel like we’re getting better, even though the score doesn’t indicate it, but I think we’re getting better. We’re going to continue to keep working and keep pushing." Allatoona (4-3, 2-1) hosts Cartersville on Friday at 7:30 p.m. Woodland (1-5, 0-3) will entertain Hiram on Friday for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff. ~~ David Herron of The Daily Tribune News contributed to this game story.

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 name an Elite Athlete of the Month from their varsity programs and present the information on their honoree through Bartow Sports Zone and on 100.3FM and AM1450, WBHF in Cartersville. Adairsville High School’s Kolt McCord is the September Elite Athlete of the Month. A senior member of the Tigers’ football and wrestling teams, he is the son of Kurt and Brittney McCord. McCord plays linebacker on defense and H-Back on the Adairsville offense. “He has been the vocal leader for us this year on defense and has blocked extremely well on offense,” noted Adairsville football coach Jon Cudd. “He has been voted our player of the game on offense and defense this season. Kolt has a relentless work ethic that is infectious to his teammates. After season-ending ACL surgery last season, he has worked as hard as any player I have seen to get back on the field. He is performing at a very high level for us right now.” McCord is taking multiple Advanced Placement classes. He is in the Adairsville Magnet Program and carries a 4.0 GPA. He plans to attend the University of Georgia to major in Civil or Agricultural Engineering. The Elite Athlete of the Month representing Woodland High School is Juan Mendoza. A senior member of the Wildcats’ cross-country and soccer teams, he is the son of Orlando Mendoza and Maria Padilla. Mendoza is the cross country team's number one runner this season and has been on the team for the past four years. Earlier this season, he won the Woodland-hosted Run at the Rock Invitational. “It has been a pleasure watching him grow as a runner and a leader,” said WHS coach Robert Forbes. He is the type of athlete all coaches hope to have on their team.” Mendoza has been recognized as a Woodland Scholar-Athlete and plans to attend Georgia Tech. Barrett Stepp is September's Cartersville High School Elite Athlete of the Month. A senior on the Canes’ Cross Country and Track teams, he is the son of Jayce and Erin Stepp. Stepp has finished as the top runner for the Cartersville Cross Country team in five of six races this year. His average 5,000-meter time is 16:37. He has also finished in the Top Ten in five of those six races. “Barrett has done a great job adjusting to the new coaching staff,” said coach Nick Bridges. “He is a leader and holds his teammates accountable. We are excited to see how he responds to the training during the final one-third of the season.” Stepp is also a member of the boys' 4x800m relay team, which set a school record and finished second at the GHSA Track & Field State Meet last spring. He has taken Honors and Advanced Placement courses throughout high school and has a 4.2 GPA. Stepp is undecided about where to attend college but wants to continue competing in Cross Country and Track and field. Ian Williams is the September Elite Athlete of the Month, representing Cass High School. The son of LaShanda Williams is a senior on the Colonels’ football team this season, playing safety on defense and receiver on offense. He currently leads the Cass defense with 82 total tackles, four pass breakups, and two interceptions. He returned one of those interceptions for a touchdown. “We look forward to watching him finish the season strong and are excited to watch him continue his education and football career at the next level,” said Cass Athletic Director Dr. Nicky Moore. Editors 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 25, 2024 Sixth-ranked LaFayette scored eight runs in the third inning Wednesday evening and shutout visiting Adairsville 13-0 to complete a two-game series sweep. The Lady Tigers managed only one hit. Alivia Joslin had a leadoff double in the first inning. LaFayette (19-4, 14-3) finished with nine hits and took advantage of five defensive errors by the Tigers. Adairsville (12-12, 4-11) hosts No. 1-ranked Heritage-Catoosa on Monday at 5:55 p.m.

September 24, 2024 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com This week’s edition includes updates on local athletes from the NFL, MiLB, and PGA Champions Tour, as well as collegiate football, volleyball, soccer, and golf. NFL TREVOR LAWRENCE — Jacksonville Jaguars (NFL, 4th-yr. pro; Clemson; Cartersville HS) …  completed 21-of-38 passes for 178 yards with one touchdown and one interception in Monday night’s 47-10 loss at the Buffalo Bills. He also had three rushing yards on two attempts. His touchdown pass was a 6-yard throw to Brenton Strange early in the third quarter. Jacksonville (0-3) plays at the Houston Texans on Sunday afternoon. MiLB MASON BARNETT — Midland RockHounds (3rd-yr. pro; Oakland A’s Double-A affiliate; Texas League; Auburn; Cartersville HS) … was the winning pitcher in Game 1 of Midland’s Division series victory over the Frisco RoughRiders. Barnett went six innings in his playoff start and allowed no runs on two hits and two walks. He struck out seven in the Rockhound’s 2-0 win. Midland lost Game 2 of the series but advanced to the Texas League Championship series with a 5-2 win last Friday. Midland also defeated the Arkansas Travelers on Sunday to take a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three championship series. Barnett is in rotation to start Game 2 on Tuesday night at Arkansas.  ANTHONY SEIGLER — Somerset Patriots (7th-yr. pro; NY Yankees Double-A affiliate; Eastern League; Cartersville HS) … went 0-for-5 with four walks, two runs scored, and a stolen base in the Patriots two playoff wins last week over the Hartford Yard Goats to reach the Eastern League Championship series. This past Sunday, Seigler was 0-for-4 in Game 1 of the title series — a 9-5 loss to the Erie SeaWolves. The best-of-three series continues on Tuesday and Wednesday (if needed), and Somerset will be hosting. PGA TOUR CHAMPIONS JASON BOHN — Champions Senior Tour (Acworth, 51, 33-yr. pro; Cartersville CC member)  … shot 70-77 and missed the cut at the PURE Insurance Championship this past weekend at Pebble Beach Golf Links and Spyglass Hill. Paul Broadhurst (14-under) won the tournament. The next senior event is the Constellation Furyk & Friends in Jacksonville, Florida on October 4-6. FOOTBALL KOLBE BENHAM — Marist College (R-Jr., Cartersville HS) … made one tackle in the Red Foxes' 34-18 loss at Bucknell this past Saturday. Marist (0-3) hosts Dayton on Saturday. HAYDEN CAGLE — Berry College (Sr., Cartersville HS) … a starter on the Vikings’ offensive line that helped produce 326 total yards in a 28-24 win at 23rd-ranked Randolph Macon (VA) this past Saturday. Berry (2-1) has a bye week before hosting Southwestern University (TX) on October 5 in the Vikings’ Southern Athletic Association opener. JONAH GAMBILL — University of Memphis (R-Sr., Cartersville HS) … a starter on the Tigers’ offensive line that helped produce 385 yards this past Saturday but lost at Navy, 56-44. Memphis (3-1, 0-1 American Athletic Conference) hosts Middle Tennessee on Saturday. KEVIN HENDERSON — University of Findlay (Fr., Cass HS) … was a participant in the Oilers 42-6 win at home this past Saturday over Lake Erie. Findlay (3-0, 1-0 Great Midwest Athletic Conference) hosts Hillsdale College on Saturday. SHADRE HURST — Tulane University (So., Cartersville HS) … a starter on the Green Wave’s offensive line that helped produce 355 total yards (272 rushing) in a 41-33 victory at Louisiana. Hurst also made a pass reception for five yards during a third-quarter touchdown drive that gave Tulane a 31-19 lead. The Green Wave (2-2) host South Florida on Saturday. TYLER MARTIN — Berry College (Sr., Cass HS) … a starter on the Vikings’ offensive line that helped produce 326 total yards in a 28-24 win at Randolph Macon (VA) this past Saturday. Berry (2-1) enjoys a bye week before hosting Southwestern University (TX) on October 5 for Berry’s annual Mountain Day. JAKE PARKER — Judson University (So., Cartersville HS) … connected on 20-of-38 passes for 341 yards and two touchdowns this past Saturday in a 38-20 loss at Defiance College (OH). Parker threw three interceptions and also rushed for 28 yards on five attempts. The Eagles (1-2) travel to Southfield, Michigan on Saturday to play at Lawrence Tech. CHRIS ROPER — Dartmouth College (So., Adairsville HS) … had two fourth-quarter rushing attempts this past Saturday for minus 21 yards in a 45-13 home win over Fordham. The Big Green (1-0) visits Merrimack (MA) on Saturday afternoon. DEVONTE ROSS — Troy University (Jr., Cartersville HS) … in a 34-12 home win over Florida A&M, Ross caught eleven passes for 229 yards and three touchdowns, including a 98-yarder. He added one kick return for 17 yards, one punt return for 18 yards, and one rushing attempt for a one-yard loss. He has 26 catches for 501 yards and six touchdowns through four games. The Trojans (1-3) host Louisiana-Monroe on Saturday night. COURTNEY SLOCUM — Mars Hill University (Sr., Adairsville HS) … made six tackles from his linebacker position, including two solo, one tackle for loss, and intercepted a pass that he returned 14 yards in a 29-21 home loss to Lenoir-Rhyne University. The Lions (0-2) visit Wingate (NC) on Saturday. VOLLEYBALL MADELYN ORTON  — LaGrange College (Jr., Cartersville resident, Cornerstone Prep Academy) … played in five sets in team losses to Belhaven University and Millsaps College this past Saturday in Mississippi. The Panthers (3-8, 0-1 Collegiate Conference of the South) play at Shorter University on Monday night, at Huntingdon College on Wednesday, and host Asbury University (KY) and Wesleyan College on Saturday afternoon. MEREDITH ORTON — LaGrange College (Jr., Cartersville resident, Cornerstone Prep Academy) … played in all sets in losses this past Saturday at Belhaven University and with Millsaps. Orton totaled six kills and three digs. The Panthers (3-8, 0-1 Collegiate Conference of the South) play at Shorter University on Monday night, at Huntingdon College on Wednesday, and host Asbury University (KY) and Wesleyan College on Saturday afternoon. SOCCER ABBEY CRAIG — Reinhardt University (Jr., Cartersville HS) … a starter at forward, Craig logged 78 minutes in a 1-0 Appalachian Athletic Conference win at Columbia International University last Wednesday. The Eagles (3-3, 3-1) host Montreat (NC) on Wednesday before traveling to Kentucky Christian for a match on Saturday afternoon. GOLF BUCK BRUMLOW — University of Georgia (Sr., Cartersville HS) … finished 2-under-par (70-71-70—211) and tied for eighth place individually this past Saturday through Monday at the Valero Texas Collegiate at TPC San Antonio Oaks. The Bulldogs tied for sixth place, with Oklahoma winning by six shots over Ole Miss. Auburn, Virginia, and Vanderbilt rounded out the top five teams at the 15-team event. Georgia’s next tournament is the Ben Hogan Collegiate at Colonial Country Club from September 30-October 1. TYLER STEWARD — Hesston College (Fr., Adairsville HS) … carded rounds of 83-86 and finished T60 individually at the Central Kansas Classic September 16-17 in McPherson, Kansas. Hesston was third of 14 teams in the tournament. The next event for the Larks is the Rolling Meadows Tournament in Junction City, Kansas, on October 7-8. CHRISTINA SURCEY — Florida State University (Fr., Cartersville resident, North Cobb Christian HS) … shot 8-over (78-68—146) and tied for 55th place individually at the rain-shortened Schooner Fall Classic this past Saturday and Monday in Norman, Oklahoma. Sunday’s second round was canceled due to heavy rains. The Seminoles finished third in the 16-team tournament, three shots behind Houston and one shot behind runner-up Auburn. Next for Florida State is the Stephens Cup in Oklahoma City on October 21-23. BRODY TIDWELL — Georgia State University (So., Cartersville HS) … shot 75-71-76 and tied for 65th September 15-17 at the J.T. Poston Invitational at Waynesville Inn & Golf Club. The Panthers tied for ninth of 15 teams. Lipscomb won the tournament by eight shots over Kennesaw State. Next for Georgia State is the Pinetree Intercollegiate in Kennesaw on October 14-15.

September 25, 2024 Ranked fourth in Class 4A, Cartersville volleyball suffered a close defeat against Class A-3A Private 7th-ranked Mount Paran Christian at the Storm Center on Tuesday night. The Eagles (22-12) won the first two sets 25-13 and 25-18 to gain a 2-0 lead in the best-of-five match. The Lady Canes won the next two sets 25-21 and 25-20, but Mount Paran took the fifth set 15-9. Cartersville (22-7) travels to 6th-ranked Westminster on Thursday. The Lady Canes will also play Roswell in the tri-match, which starts at 6 p.m. In other volleyball action Tuesday evening, Woodland split matches played in Calhoun. The Lady Cats lost to Dade County 25-7 and 25-18 but defeated host Gordon Central in a match extended to a third set. The Warriors won the opening set 25-22 before Woodland won the final two sets 25-16 and 15-7. Aby Childs had five kills for Woodland, and Dayana Jaimes totaled 11 digs. At Cass, the Lady Colonels fell in straight sets to Darlington 25-17 and 25-16 before losing a hard-fought, three-set match with Cambridge. The Bears won the opening set 25-12. Cass took the second set 25-22, and Cambridge won the deciding set 16-14. Woodland (2-22) will host Cass (6-16) and Rockmart on Thursday at 5 p.m. Adairsville lost straight sets matches Tuesday to Northwest Whitfield and Heritage-Catoosa. Alexis Scott finished with three kills, one block, and two digs for Adairsville in the Lady Tigers’ loss to Northwest Whitfield. Delaney Baxter and Payton Hartline had nine and five digs, respectively. Against Heritage, Cara Harp had two kills and six digs. Abby Farr contributed two kills. Adairsville (11-26) plays at Class AA 5th-ranked Coahulla Creek on Thursday at 5 p.m.