Huge night by Lawrence leads Canes to 77-14 first round playoff win over Chestatee

Trevor Lawrence tossed seven, first half touchdown passes and top-ranked Cartersville took a 56-7 lead at halftime on their way to a 77-14 first round playoff victory over Chestatee Friday night at Weinman Stadium.

The win moves Cartersville into the second round of the Class AAAA state playoffs.

Avery Showell caught touchdown passes of 24, 25, and 76 yards. E.J. Turner had scoring receptions of 14 and 29 yards. Jkobe Orr had a 3 yard touchdown catch and Antoine Jefferson added a 16 yard touchdown catch just before the intermission.

Trase Fezzia also returned an interception 98 yards for a touchdown in the first half.

Chestatee drove 80 yards in 6 plays for their only score that cut the Canes' lead to 28-7 with 1:21 remaining in the first quarter. A long pass reception from quarterback Storm Yarbrough to Reggie James set up a 10-yard TD catch by James.

The second half was played with a running clock, but the Canes second and third units continued to move the football and add points.

Cartersville added a 65 yard touchdown catch by Dominique Williams from Tee Webb to make the score 63-7. Webb also hit Marko Dudley for an 11 yard strike in the fourth quarter that made the score 70-14. Marcus Gary added a one yard touchdown run in the game’s final minute for a 77-14 final score.

Chestatee’s Nick Beard scooped up a blocked punt for the War Eagles’ second half touchdown that narrowed the margin to 63-14 with 3:10 left in the third quarter. The block came against the Canes' second unit.

Lawrence finished the night 14-of-18 for 263 yards and 7 touchdowns — all in the first half.

Trey Creamer ran for 39 yards on three carries. Showell caught three passes for 125 yards and two touchdowns. E.J. Turner had 71 yards on four catches and two touchdowns. Jefferson had four receptions for 38 yards, and Orr caught three balls for 29 yards and one score.

Grant Farmer and Jonathan Cruz connected on all the Cartersville PATs.

Defensively for Cartersville, Sean Holton finished with nine tackles. Trevor Lowe totaled eight stops and a sack. Xavior Coaxum and Brandon Wade finished with five tackles. Trase Fezzia and Evan Williams had interceptions.

Cartersville (11-0) extended its state-leading 26-game winning streak and will host Burke County (9-2) in the second round next Friday (Nov. 18). The Bears defeated Northside-Columbus 55-20 in the first round.