Athletes Beyond Bartow: Howard collects first MLB win, Lawrence has record setting day
Former Cartersville High School pitcher Sam Howard picked up his first Major League Baseball win Sunday as the Colorado Rockies defeated the San Diego Padres.
Howard closed out the fifth inning without damage and worked a shutout sixth inning to be in line for the victory. The Rockies went on to complete a home sweep of the Padres with Sunday’s 10-5 win. Also on the professional level, former Adairsville High star Vic Beasley played a role in the Atlanta Falcons’ win Sunday night over the Philadelphia Eagles. Beasley recorded a sack in the Eagles’ final drive of the night that was thwarted deep in Falcons’ territory.
In college football, Trevor Lawrence had another record-setting day as Clemson won at Syracuse. Elsewhere, former Hurricane Bryce Wilkins got his first start on the offensive line for Reinhardt while Bradley Kirk and former Adairsville standout Chris Blackston led Shorter and West Georgia in tackles Saturday. Local athletes also made marks with their college teams in cross country, on volleyball courts, and on the soccer pitch this week.
MLB
SAM HOWARD — Colorado Rockies (6th yr. pro; LHP; Georgia Southern; Cartersville HS)… picked up his first Major League win Sunday as the Rockies completed a home sweep of the San Diego Padres. Howard was entered in the fifth inning with one out and worked through the sixth inning without allowing a run or hit. He struck out two. Howard also made a pair of brief appearances earlier in the week. Thursday in Denver against the St. Louis Cardinals, Howard was entered with two outs in the eighth inning and struck out the Cards’ leadoff-hitting outfielder Dexter Fowler during a Rockies’ 10-3 loss. Saturday against the Padres, Howard walked second baseman Greg Garcia — the only batter he faced in the eighth inning. The walk loaded the bases and Garcia eventually came around to score in a five-run inning by the Padres. The Rockies held on, however, for an 11-10 win. Colorado is 65-85 and 31.5 games behind the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League’s West Division with less than two weeks remaining.
NFL
VIC BEASLEY — Atlanta Falcons (5th yr. pro; OLB; Clemson; Adairsville HS)… came up with a huge sack of Eagles’ quarterback Carson Wentz in the fourth quarter when Philiadelphia was attempting to rally for a win. On a third and ten, Beasley chased down Wentz and dropped him for a four-yard loss and sack at the Philadelphia 43 yard line. The Eagles hit a long pass on the next play, but the Falcons eventually stopped Philadelphia on a fourth down play at the Atlanta 16 yard line. Atlanta (1-1) travels to Indianapolis to take on the Colts Sunday.
COLLEGE FOOTBALL
TERRY BERDIN — Reinhardt University (So., SL, Cartersville HS)… had two rushing attempts for a total of 21 yards including a long run of 17 yards. He also caught a pass that went for 42 yards as the NAIA 10th-ranked Eagles won at Campbellsville University (KY) 28-0. RU (3-0) travels to West Palm Beach Saturday to take on Keiser University.
CHRIS BLACKSTON — University of West Georgia (Sr., DB, Adairsville HS)… led the 14th-ranked Wolves in total tackles with nine Saturday in UWG’s 24-14 win at Limestone in Gaffney, South Carolina. Blackston also broke up two passes and had one quarterback hurry. West Georgia (2-0) hosts Albany State Saturday night in Carrollton.
BRYCE BURGESS — Reinhardt University (So., RB, Adairsville HS)… had two carries for 24 yards including an 18 yard run as the Eagles won at Campbellsville University (KY) 28-0. Reinhardt (3-0) plays at Keiser University Saturday in West Palm Beach, FL.
MARCUS CHILDERS — Northern Illinois University (R-Jr., QB, Adairsville HS)… completed 3-of-five passes for 28 yards and rushed twice for four yards in the Huskies’ 44-8 loss at Nebraska. NIU (1-2) has a week off before traveling to Vanderbilt September 28.
JONATHAN CRUZ — UNC-Charlotte (So., PK, Cartersville HS)… made a 53-yard field goal on the final play of the first half and booted six of his eight kickoffs for touchbacks as the 49ers routed visiting UMass 52-17. Charlotte (2-1) plays at No. 1-ranked Clemson Saturday night.
KURTIS FEANNY — Lenoir-Rhyne University (So., OL, Woodland HS)… was part of a Bears’ offense that accumulated 354 yards to beat Virginia Union Saturday 28-11 in Richmond. 9th-ranked Lenior-Rhyne (2-0) entertains Newberry Saturday to open South Atlantic Conference play.
DYLAN FORMAN -- Shorter University (Fr., TE, Woodland HS)... was listed on the Hawks participation list and saw action in Saturday’s Gulf South Conference 42-14 loss to University of West Florida. Shorter (0-2) travels to Fort Valley State this Saturday afternoon.
MILLER FORRISTALL — University of Alabama (R-Jr., TE, Cartersville HS)… had one catch for seven yards Saturday in the 2nd-ranked Crimson Tide’s 47-23 win at South Carolina. Forristall now has three receptions on the season for 40 yards. Alabama (3-0, 1-0 SEC) hosts Southern Miss Saturday.
HUNTER HARDIN — Point University (Jr., OL, Woodland HS)… a starter for the Skyhawks on the offensive line in their 27-6 loss Saturday to NAIA 19th-ranked Southeastern University. Point (0-3) plays at St. Thomas University this Saturday.
GRANT HARRIS — Victor Valley CC (So., LB, Cartersville HS)… had five tackles, four solo, and one tackle for loss in the Rams’ 37-5 loss to Chaffey College. VVC (1-1) hosts Southwestern CC Saturday night.
BRADY JERNIGAN — Maryville (TN) College (Sr., DL, Woodland HS)… made two tackles including one for loss Saturday in the Scots’ 27-22 loss at Centre College (KY). Maryville (0-2) host Hanover College (IN) Saturday.
JACOREY JOHNS — Wake Forest University (R-Fr., LB, Cartersville HS)… had five total tackles, two solo, Friday night in the Demon Deacons’ 28-14 home victory over North Carolina. WFU (3-0) hosts Elon this Saturday for their annual homecoming game.
BRADLEY KIRK — Shorter University (So., DB, Cartersville HS)… a starter in the Hawks’ defensive backfield, Kirk led his team in tackles Saturday with 10, seven solo. He now has 14 tackles through the first two games. Shorter lost 42-14 to visiting West Florida Saturday in their Gulf South Conference opener and step back out of conference this Saturday at Fort Valley State.
TREVOR LAWRENCE — Clemson University (So., QB, Cartersville HS)… set a new career high in passing yards in Saturday’s 41-6 win at Syracuse. Lawrence completed 22-of-39 passes for 395 yards and three touchdowns. The quarterback also rushed for 42 yards and found the end zone in the second quarter for his third rushing touchdown of the season. The 300-yard passing total was his first this season and the sixth of his career. In Saturday’s game, Lawrence became the 13th player in Clemson history to reach the 4,000-yard career mark of total offense and only the 10th player in Tigers’ history to reach 4,000 passing yards. He now has the sixth most touchdown passes in school history. The 87-yard touchdown pass to Amari Rodgers in the third quarter was the longest in Lawrence’s career. The two also connected for a 16-yard first quarter touchdown and Lawrence found Frank Ladson Jr. for a 7-yard score early in the fourth quarter. Top-ranked Clemson (3-0) hosts Charlotte Saturday night.
JACOB POTTER — Kennesaw State University (So., LS, Adairsville HS)… snapped all the extra points and the Owls’ one punt in their 42-7 win Saturday at Alabama State. KSU (2-1) plays at Missouri State this Saturday afternoon.
JOHN SCIFERS — University of West Georgia (R-Jr., P/PK, Woodland HS)… punted six times Saturday for a 36.3 yard average in the 14th-ranked Wolves’ 24-14 win at Limestone. His longest punt went for 44 yards. UWG (2-0) hosts Albany State Saturday night.
AVERY SHOWELL — Georgia Tech (R-So., DB, Cartersville HS)… had one solo tackle in the third quarter of the Yellow Jackets’ 27-24 home, overtime loss Saturday to The Citadel. Georgia Tech (1-2) has a bye week before traveling to Philadelphia to take on the Temple Owls September 28.
JAKE WALKER — Furman University (Jr., TE, Cartersville resident, Darlington HS)… saw playing time in the Paladins’ 24-17 loss Saturday at Virginia Tech. Furman (1-2) begins Southern Conference play at home Saturday against Mercer.
BRYCE WILKINS — Reinhardt University (So., OL, Cartersville HS)… made his first start Saturday at left guard in the Eagles’ 28-0 win at Campbellsville University (KY). He was also credited for a tackle in the second quarter on a seven-yard pass completion by Campbellsville. NAIA 10th-ranked Reinhardt (3-0) makes the trip to West Palm Beach Saturday to take on Keiser University.
CROSS COUNTRY
PARKER BREEDLOVE — Reinhardt University (Fr., Cartersville HS)… ran 58th overall of 101 competitors Saturday at the University of North Georgia Cross Country Invitational in Oakwood. Breedlove covered the 8k course (4.97 miles) in 31:36. Breedlove was seventh among his teammates. As a team the Eagles placed fifth out of a dozen schools. The race was won by West Alabama by one point over Emmanuel College. Reinhardt competes this Friday at the Wingfoot XC Classic at Sam Smith Park in Cartersville.
CHEYENNE SPINKS — University of North Georgia (Fr., Woodland HS)… finished 11th individually in 20:00 and was the fifth scoring runner for the Nighthawks as they won the 7th Annual 5k UNG Cross Country Invitational Saturday. UNG finished seven points ahead of SCAD Atlanta with University of the South placing third. North Georgia runs Friday night in the Wingfoot XC Classic at Sam Smith Park in Cartersville.
VOLLEYBALL
NEDU EVANS — Augusta University (Fr., MH, Cartersville HS)… the Lady Jags had a trio of straight set wins over the weekend, defeating Albany State Friday and King University (TN) and Emmanuel College Saturday. Augusta (5-2) hosts Belmont Abbey Tuesday, at West Alabama Friday, before entertaining University of Montevallo and Southern Arkansas University Saturday. (Note: Individual stats were not available but will be added when they become available.)
GRACE HUNTER — Brewton-Parker College (Fr., S/RS, Cartersville HS)… led her team with 13 kills, hitting 0.417 with just 3 attacking errors in the game Saturday as the Lady Barons earned their first win of the year and their first conference win in years, defeating Middle Georgia State. BPC (1-9, 1-0) plays at Agnes Scott Wednesday night before traveling to play Keiser University and Florida College in Temple Terrace, Florida. Saturday they travel to Lakeland, Florida to face Southeastern University.
SOCCER
EMILY COLLUM — Georgia Southwestern State University (So., F, Adairsville HS)… took two shots, one shot on goal and played 20 minutes in the Hurricanes’ 5-2 loss at Middle Georgia State last Tuesday. She did not take a shot, but saw 35 minutes of playing time Saturday in a 2-1 loss to Spring Hill College. Georgia Southwestern (1-2) hosts Southern Wesleyan Wednesday night and head to Rome Saturday for an evening match at Shorter University.
HAVYN ISAAC — Georgia Military College (Fr., GK, Adairsville HS)… saw 30 minutes of action off the bench in net Friday in the Bulldogs’ 6-0 blanking of Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College. She had one save. GMC (2-2-1, 2-1-1 GCAA) hosts another conference match Friday against South Georgia State CC.
KURT MOORE — Birmingham Southern College (Sr., GK, Euharlee resident, Darlington HS)… picked up a pair of wins in net this weekend as the Panthers won 4-2 Friday at LeTourneau University in Longview, Texas and edged East Texas Baptist University 3-2 in overtime Sunday. Moore started and went the distance in both wins making three saves at LeTourneau and six at East Texas Baptist. BSC (3-2-1) hosts Belhaven University this Saturday night.
MARISSA MOWRY — Anderson University (So., M, Cartersville HS)… started and played 71 minutes in the Lady Spartans’ 2-1 win last Wednesday night over USC-Aiken. Anderson (1-1) entertains Newberry Wednesday in both teams’ South Atlantic Conference opener. The Spartans travel to Wingate for a conference match Saturday evening.
COURTNEY RHEA — Berry College (So., MF, Cartersville HS)… played the final eight minutes of the opening half in the Vikings’ 3-2 home win last Wednesday over Huntingdon College. She also entered in the 63rd minute of Sunday’s 7-2 win at Agnes Scott and had a shot on goal. Berry (5-1) plays at Covenant College Tuesday night and travels to Belhaven University Saturday afternoon.
