Athletes Beyond Bartow: Struggles continue for Lawrence, Jaguars

Being the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft brings with it a double-edged sword.

While there's the obvious fame and fortune that accompany being the top selection, it also comes with the burden of trying to turnaround what is typically a wayward franchise.

Cartersville High graduate Trevor Lawrence is experiencing that first hand, as the Urban Meyer-led Jacksonville Jaguars slog through the final few weeks of a frustrating rookie season for quarterback and coach.

PRO FOOTBALL

Trevor Lawrence (Jacksonville Jaguars; Rookie Season; Cartersville HS) — Lawrence and the rest of the Jacksonville offense struggled mightily in a 20-0 loss Sunday at Tennessee. The former national champion at Clemson completed 60% of his passes (24 for 40) totaling 221 yards. However, Lawrence finished with just a 35.5 passer rating and threw four interceptions, giving him 14 on the season against only nine touchdown passes. The Jaguars will hope to bounce back against the Houston Texans this week at home.

PRO BASKETBALL

Ashton Hagans (Raptors 905, NBA G League; Cartersville native) — Raptors 905 dropped a pair of home games to the Maine Celtics this week, falling 129-103 Thursday and 134-106 Saturday. Hagans posted nine points, five rebounds, three assists and a steal in 31 minutes during Thursday's contest. He earned the start — his first of the season — but only played 20 minutes in Saturday's game, finishing with four points, four rebounds, three assists and one steal. Hagans and Co. were slated to face the College Park Skyhawks Tuesday and Thursday at Gateway Center Arena.

COLLEGE BASKETBALL

Justice Hayes (South Georgia Tech So., Cass HS) — Hayes started both of the Jets' games last week. He totaled 12 points, two rebounds and two assists in an 82-76 home win Friday over Gulf Coast State and an 84-78 neutral-site loss Saturday to Florida SouthWestern State in Panama City, Florida.

T.J. Horton (Georgia Highlands College Fr., Cartersville HS) — In an 86-72 home win Wednesday against Middle Georgia Prep, Horton posted nine points, six rebounds, one assist and one steal.

Josie Summerville (North Park University Sr., Adairsville HS) — Summerville recorded six points, pulled down seven rebounds and posted one steal in 21 minutes during a 55-42 home loss Wednesday versus Carthage.

Nakiyah Washington (Piedmont College Jr., Adairsville HS) — Washington started both of Piedmont's home games last week, playing 37 total minutes in a 74-62 victory against Maryville (Tennessee) and a 64-62 loss Saturday versus Berea. The junior forward registered 16 points, 10 rebounds, four steals, three assists and one block combined over the two games.

TRACK AND FIELD

Stephen Smith (Kennesaw State University So., Cass HS) — Smith finished in a tie for fourth place in the men's pole vault, clearing 4.55 meters, Dec. 3 at the Clemson Opener Invitational. WRESTLING Jahvar Lewis (Midway University Jr., Woodland HS) — During the inaugural River States Conference Duals, Midway eased to victories over West Virginia Tech (51-6), Ohio Valley (57-0) and Rio Grande (39-9) Dec. 4 at home. Wrestling at 133 pounds, Lewis benefited from a pair of forfeits but also pinned his West Virginia Tech opponent. Jabril Williams (Midway University Fr., Cartersville HS) — Williams won via sudden victory in overtime at 174 pounds against Rio Grande (Ohio) and picked up a forfeit win versus Ohio Valley (West Virginia) during the event.

-- Nicholas Sullivan, The Daily Tribune News