Cartersville riflery team reaches state podium
- 15 hours ago
- 2 min read
March 20, 2026
Scott Barkley / CanesAthletics.com
The Cartersville High School Rifle Team took a step no other group of Canes has taken on March 14, the one that led to a podium finish in the GHSA Rifle state championships.
The third-place finish in Waycross marks the highest in Cartersville history. Georgia does not recognize classes according to size in Rifle, making Cartersville No. 3 among 126 programs in the state.
Maggie Sheffield led the way for the Canes with a career-high performance. The junior shot a 589-40, placing her at No. 7 overall and earning a spot in the Final Match.
Lucy Evans, consistently the Canes’ Top Gun over her career, finished 15th while struggling with an injured back. Evans will be lining up for Morehead State in Kentucky next season. Her last act as a Cane, though, put her in a different role.
The final round, featuring the top seven shooters, broke from the traditional setup. An elimination-style “shoot-out” for the top position brought competitors to the line from all three positions (standing, kneeling, prone), amid crowd noise designed to distract shooters.
Chief Edwin Bonayon deferred his opportunity to coach Sheffield in the Finals, allowing his graduating senior and four-year veteran, Evans, to sit in the coach's chair. Teammates in some fashion since daycare days and competitors who challenged each other to be better, the duo finished the season on the same stage.
“I’m so thankful for Lucy and her four years on the team, three of them as a team captain,” said Bonayon. “She helped mentor and coach not only me but the other shooters.”
An awards ceremony honored the Top Ten participants making up the All-State team. Evans earned second place, with Sheffield placing tenth.
It’s the first time in Cartersville Rifle history for such a feat.
