Late interceptions seal Colonels' win at Allatoona

October 24, 2026

Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com

The Cass Colonels overcame second-quarter turnovers, then leaned on their running game and two fourth-quarter interceptions to defeat the Allatoona Buccaneers 21-14 on Friday night at Buccaneers Stadium in Acworth.

Cass improved to 8-1 with the win, keeping its hopes of earning a higher seed and potential home-field advantage in the state playoffs alive. The Colonels had already clinched a postseason berth entering the game.

Allatoona, which needed a victory to strengthen its slim playoff hopes and reach the top 32 of the GHSA Postseason Rankings, fell to 2-7.

The Colonels controlled much of the contest defensively, but two late Allatoona possessions threatened to spoil their efforts before Xzavion Turner and Marcus Daniels sealed the victory with interceptions.

Cass opened the game with a defensive three-and-out before putting together a 57-yard scoring drive. The 12-play march included two fourth-down conversions and took just over six minutes, ending when quarterback Noah Rogers scored on a three-yard bootleg with 4:59 remaining in the first quarter. Anthony Diaz added the extra point for a 7-0 lead.

Allatoona managed one first down on its next possession before punting. The Colonels then made one first down on their second possession, but running back Kalil Charles lost a fumble at the Cass 31-yard line.

The Buccaneers capitalized on the short field, scoring five plays later on a 21-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Frank Young to wide receiver Isaac Young. Tristian Anderson's extra point tied the game at 7-7 with 9:28 remaining in the second quarter.

Cass struggled to regain its offensive rhythm before halftime. One of its remaining possessions ended in another fumble, while the other two produced just one first down apiece.

The Colonels' defense, however, kept Allatoona from gaining another first down on the Buccaneers' final two first-half possessions, sending the teams to the locker room tied.

Cass found its footing after halftime, scoring on consecutive possessions to take control.

The Colonels opened the second half with a seven-play, 73-yard drive that benefited from two Allatoona penalties, one for a late hit on Rogers and another for a facemask. Charles capped the possession with a 16-yard touchdown run, and Diaz's kick put Cass ahead 14-7 with 9:11 remaining in the third quarter.

After the defense forced another Allatoona punt, Cass took over at its own 36-yard line and needed just six plays to cover 64 yards. Charles ripped off a 24-yard run for a first down before finishing the drive with a 26-yard touchdown scamper. Diaz's extra point extended the Colonels' lead to 21-7 with 10:39 remaining in the game.

The defenses controlled much of the remaining fourth quarter before Allatoona mounted a late scoring drive to make things interesting.

Starting at its own 36, the Buccaneers faced fourth-and-13 before Frank Young connected with Isaac Young on a 57-yard pass to reach the Cass 10-yard line. Frank Young finished the 64-yard drive with a three-yard keeper, and Anderson's extra point cut the deficit to 21-14 with 3:50 remaining.

Allatoona recovered its ensuing onside kick at the Cass 49-yard line and picked up a first down before Turner intercepted a pass to end that threat.

The Buccaneers used their remaining timeouts and forced a three-and-out. Cass' punt was fair caught at the Colonels' 45-yard line, giving Allatoona one final opportunity with 1:47 left.

A pass completion moved the Buccaneers to the Cass 22-yard line, but Daniels intercepted the next pass and returned it to the 40. The Colonels then took a knee in victory formation to run out the clock.

Cass will have a bye week before returning to action Nov. 6 against Dalton at Cochran Stadium.

Allatoona will close its season Friday, Oct. 30, at Woodland.