October 2023 Elite Athletes of the Month
Elite Stone Supply, in conjunction with WBHF and Bartow Sports Zone, presents the ELITE ATHLETES OF THE MONTH. Each month, local high schools are provided the opportunity to name an Elite Athlete of the Month from their varsity programs and present the information on their honoree through Bartow Sports Zone and on 100.3FM and AM1450, WBHF in Cartersville.
The October 2023 Elite Athlete of the Month representing Cass High School is Ja’Kai Baldwin.
A 6-0, 175-pound junior, Baldwin is a two-year starter at cornerback for the Colonels football team and a member of the Cass basketball team.
“His ability to cover man-to-man is very natural and his desire to continue to grow his football IQ makes him a huge attribute for his team. He loves to compete and rarely takes a rep off at practice. He often slides over to the scout team to take reps against the first-team offense. Guys with D-I ability seldom want to take reps on the scout team but Ja’Kai’s work ethic, desire to compete, and love of the game challenge our best players and help to make our team better. He brings energy to every practice and makes the work fun with his infectious attitude. He embodies our belief in “Practice Makes Permanent.” ~~ Cass football head coach Steve Gates.
He is the son of Brianna Prater and the late Elgin Baldwin.
The Cartersville High School Elite Athlete of the Month for October 2023 is Karley Garrison.
She is a senior and a member of the Purple Hurricanes’ varsity competition cheer team, football cheer team, game day cheer team, and varsity gymnastics team.
“Karley is an exceptional athlete who has left an unforgettable mark on our cheer program,” noted Cartersville coaches Breanna Johnson and Cissi Adams. “Her versatility and skill set are truly remarkable. She consistently delivers exceptional performances in each area of cheerleading. Her dedication to the sport, coupled with her positive attitude, motivates her teammates to push their limits and strive for excellence — all qualities we value in our student-athletes.”
The daughter of Rodney and Tara Garrison, she is a four-year Triathlete Award winner and a member of Beta Club, Mu Alpha Theta, and the National Honor Society.
Already a dual-enrollment student, Garrison plans to attend Kennesaw State University and earn a degree in nursing.
Jonathan Gough is the Adairsville High School Elite Athlete of the Month for October 2023.
He is the starting quarterback for the Tigers football team and a member of the Adairsville track and field team.
Gough has been a Player of the Week ten times over the last three seasons and leads Region 6-AAA in almost every statistical category this season. He is a three-year starter and was the region’s First Team All-Region Quarterback in 2022.
A senior with a 3.7 GPA in the classroom, he is the son of Terry and Erin Gough.
“Jonathan is one of the hardest working players I have been around in 23 years of coaching,” said Tigers’ Offensive Coordinator Pat Konen. “He consistently works on improving his skill set. He is never satisfied with his performance, accolades, or abilities. He is always seeking to improve. He makes others around him better and is like having a coach on the field.”
Gough plans to attend college, major in business, and continue his football career at the next level.
The October 2023 Elite Athlete of the Month for Woodland High School is Jamarion “Jay” Walker.
A senior running back and defensive back on the Wildcats football team, Walker is also a member of Woodland’s basketball and track and field teams.
“Jamarion has been a pivotal force for our football team in October,” said Wildcats head coach Brandon Haywood. “Jay demonstrates remarkable performance and has exhibited a well-rounded approach on the field against some formidable opponents.”
Walker had 25 rushing attempts for 169 yards yielding a 6.76 yards per carry average. He coupled those numbers with 20 pass receptions for 306 yards and one touchdown — averaging 15.3 yards per catch. He amassed 475 yards in a three-game stretch.
Walker, the son of Margo and Donald Ard, plans to continue playing football at the collegiate level and pursue a degree in Marine Biology.
Editors Note: Photos and bios are supplied to Bartow Sports Zone and WBHF by the respective schools and athletic departments. Elite Stone Supply Co., LLC is the monthly sponsor. Athletes receive a plaque along with recognition during a radio feature on WBHF.
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