Friday night's soccer roundup: Cartersville and Woodland split region contests

March 28, 2026

Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com

Cartersville and Woodland split soccer decisions on Friday night in Wildcats’ Stadium, while the Cass soccer teams also split decisions at Pepperell.

CANES EDGE WILDCATS IN PENALTY KICK SHOOTOUT

In a hard-fought battle that went the distance, the Cartersville Purple Hurricanes edged the Woodland Wildcats 2-1 in penalty kicks Friday night at Wildcats’ Stadium to claim a crucial Region 7-AAAA victory.

Woodland got on the board first in the 37th minute when Marvin Morales curled home a free kick, giving the Wildcats a 1-0 lead at halftime.

The Hurricanes responded in the 79th minute of regulation when Jayden Nevarez found the net to even the score at 1-1. Neither team could break the deadlock through the remainder of regulation or in two five-minute overtime periods.

With the game tied 1-1 after extra time, the outcome was decided from the penalty spot. 

Woodland’s Luis Sanchez, Hunter Limbaugh, and Marvin Morales made kicks for the Wildcats. Ben Jones, Josue Enriquez, Filberto Duarte, and Brayden Alonso made kicks for the Canes. With each team missing one kick high over the crossbar, it was a save by Cartersville goalkeeper Cash Priest on a Woodland attempt that made the difference.

Cartersville goalkeeper Cash Priest was a hero in the shootout, making a key save on Aiden Carrillo’s attempt. 

The win improved Cartersville’s record to 7-6 overall and 4-3 in Region 7-AAAA. The Hurricanes will look to build on the momentum when they travel to North Murray on Tuesday night at 7:30 p.m.

Woodland fell to 5-8 overall and 2-5 in the region. The Wildcats will host Central-Carroll on Thursday at Wildcats’ Stadium.

LADY CATS CELEBRATE SENIOR NIGHT WIN OVER LADY CANES

The Woodland Lady Cats celebrated their 2026 seniors in style Friday night, blanking the Cartersville Lady Canes 2-0 at Wildcats’ Stadium.

Both goals came in the first half as Woodland jumped out to a quick lead. Mahdi Hernandez opened the scoring with a goal assisted by Ansley Burns. Maddie Weightman then added to the lead with a header off a free kick taken by Sammy Espinosa, giving the Lady Cats a 2-0 advantage at halftime.

The second half remained scoreless as Woodland’s defense held firm to preserve the shutout.

The victory improved Woodland’s record to 6-7 overall and 5-2 in Region 7-AAAA. The Lady Cats will return to action at home on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. against Central-Carroll.

Cartersville dropped to 8-5 overall and 5-2 in the region. The Lady Canes will look to bounce back when they travel to North Murray on Tuesday at 5:30 p.m.

COLONELS ROUT PEPPERELL

The Cass Colonels put on an offensive show Friday night, routing the Pepperell Dragons 10-0 at Pepperell High School in a game that ended early by mercy rule.

Cass dominated from the opening whistle, scoring all seven of its first-half goals in a relentless attack. Louis Morales led the charge with four first-half goals, three of them assisted by Anthony Diaz. Diaz himself added three goals in the half, including one assisted by Morales, as the Colonels built a commanding 7-0 halftime lead.

The onslaught continued in the second half. 

Easton Misztak scored two quick goals in the first five minutes, with one assisted by Diaz and the other by Jacob Quiggly. Jorge Alvarez capped the scoring in the 53rd minute with a goal assisted by Francisco Castaneda, triggering the mercy rule and ending the contest.

The Colonels improved to 7-5 with the lopsided victory and will host Coahulla Creek on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. in Cochran Stadium. Pepperell fell to 3-8 on the season.

LADY COLONELS COME UP SHORT

The Cass Lady Colonels fell at Pepperell on Friday night in a hard-fought non-region contest that saw the host Lady Dragons score the game’s only goal in the 25th minute.

“The girls battled,” said Cass coach Kyle Calandra, “but we just didn’t capitalize on our opportunities.”

Pepperell improved to 8-2 on the season. Cass (4-8) welcomes Coahulla Creek on Tuesday at 5:30 p.m.