Canes run past Woodland 31-6

Cartersville's Kristian Lando scored on three TD runs Friday as Cartersville defeated Woodland, 31-6.

Cartersville clinched a state playoff berth and moved into position to host a first round state playoff game Friday night with a hard-fought 31-6 win over visiting Woodland.

Both teams struggled with turnovers, but the Canes outscored the Wildcats 14-0 in the second half to pull away with the Region 7-5A victory.

Following a Cartersville turnover and an exchange of punts, the Canes scored first by virtue of a safety. Woodland was pinned down at their own 1-yard line and the Cartersville defense tackled a Wildcats’ runner in the end zone with about four minutes left in the opening quarter.

Up 2-0, the Canes had great field position following the free kick.

Key runs by Malachi Jeffries moved Cartersville into the red zone and he later scored with a four yard touchdown run. Canes’ quarterback Nate Russell then completed a two-point conversion pass to Jaylen Scott to give Cartersville a 10-0 lead late in the opening period.

Barylon Inman’s interception set up the Canes’ next score. On the next play, Khristian Lando found the end zone with a 15-yard run and Ryan Johnson’s PAT kick gave Cartersville a 17-0 advantage in the final minute of the first quarter.

On the ensuing kickoff, Woodland’s Isaiah Livsey first mishandled the kick and then found daylight for a 99-yard return for touchdown. The Wildcats’ PAT missed and their following onside kickoff attempt failed leaving the Hurricanes with the ball at the 50-yard line as the second quarter began.

Each team threw interceptions in the second period and Cartersville kicker Ryan Johnson missed a 47-yard field goal attempt. Following the scoreless quarter, the teams went to the intermission with Cartersville leading 17-6.

The Canes went ahead 24-6 late in the third quarter on Lando’s second touchdown run and took a 31-6 lead just over halfway through the fourth quarter on his third rushing touchdown. This score was an 11-yard dash into the end zone.

Woodland (1-8, 0-4) travels to Hiram next Friday.

Cartersville (8-1, 3-1) heads to Dalton for a final regular season game with the Catamounts.

The Canes will clinch a home state playoff game with a win at Dalton and could win the region title with a victory and a Calhoun loss to Cass.