Canes blank Centennial 40-0 in the opening round
October 10
by Kevin Pate / WBHF Sports
The Cartersville Purple Hurricanes won their opening-round matchup in the 2023 Class 5A state playoffs blanking the Centennial Knights at Weinman Stadium, 40-0.
Cartersville did most of its damage in the first half. On its second drive, Khristian Lando scored and converted a 2-point conversion to give Cartersville an early 8-0. On the Canes' next scoring drive, Jamauri Brice scored on a 48-yard touchdown reception throw by Nate Russell. Cartersville then recovered a fumble on the kickoff and scored three plays later on a 1-yard score by Russell.
Centennial struggled in the contest to put together drives against the stingy Cartersville defense. On a second-quarter drive, the ball got past the Knights’ quarterback, who kicked it out of the end zone for a safety.
Ryan Johnson capped the first quarter scoring with a field goal, as Cartersville took a 27-0 lead into the half.
The third quarter was played at a quick pace but Cartersville got on the scoreboard again with Brady Marchese scoring on another 48-yard touchdown pass from Russell. Ja’caiden Leonard added a late touchdown run in the fourth quarter to put the finishing touch on the game.
Cartersville (11-0) will host the second round next week and will play Eastside, a 38-14 winner Friday night over Chapel Hill.
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