Athletes Beyond Bartow: Beasley, Falcons enjoy win in New Orleans
Former Adairsville star Vic Beasley and the Atlanta Falcons rallied following a bye week and shocked the Saints in New Orleans Sunday, 26-9. The former Clemson All-American and NFL first round pick had a big day that included 1.5 sacks. In Saturday's college action, current Clemson star quarterback Trevor Lawrence established a new mark for Tigers' quarterbacks by throwing for at least three touchdowns in five consecutive games. At least fourteen other local college football athletes made their marks on the gridiron this week as well. Local athlete highlights this week also include college action in cross country, volleyball, wrestling, soccer, and basketball.
NFL
VIC BEASLEY — Atlanta Falcons (5th year pro; DE/OLB; Clemson; Adairsville HS)… not only did the Falcons play their best game of the year Sunday in New Orleans, so did Beasley and the rest of the defense. The former Adairsville star finished with four total tackles and 1.5 sacks as Atlanta beat the Saints 26-9. The Falcons (2-7) play at the Carolina Panthers Sunday.
COLLEGE FOOTBALL
CHRIS BLACKSTON — University of West Georgia (Sr., DB, Adairsville HS)… led the Wolves with 10 tackles, eight solo in a 35-20 loss Saturday at Delta State University. UWG (6-4, 4-3 Gulf South Conference) hosts NCAA D-II No. 1 Valdosta State (9-0, 7-0) in Carrollton this Saturday night.
JONATHAN CRUZ — (So., PK, Cartersville HS)… made a pair of third quarter field goals, two PAT kicks, and booted six kickoffs for a 40.2-yard average with one touchback as the 49ers beat visiting UTEP 28-21. Cruz made a 45-yard field goal with 11:50 to go in the third quarter that narrowed Charlotte’s deficit to 21-10. Then after a 49ers’ touchdown and two-point play, he made a 34-yard field goal with 0:44 remaining in the third period to knot the score at 21-all. Charlotte (5-5, 3-3 C-USA) has now won three straight going into a bye week. The 49ers will host Marshall November 23.
DALEN CURTIS — Brevard College (Jr., TE, Cartersville HS)… was a starter, but had no other stat line in the Tornadoes’ 10-9 home conference win over Averett. Brevard (6-3, 4-2) finishes the regular season Saturday at Greensboro College (NC).
KURTIS FEANNY — Lenoir-Rhyne University (So., OL, Woodland HS)… a starter at left guard, Feanny was part of a Bears’ offense that dialed up 458 yards of total offense in a 45-31 home win over UNC-Pembroke. The unbeaten and NCAA D-II 7th-ranked Bears improved to 10-0 and will close out the regular season Saturday afternoon at South Atlantic Conference foe, Catawba.
HUNTER HARDIN — Point University (Jr., OL, Woodland HS)… a starter a center, Hardin and the Skyhawks’ offense managed 270 yards of total offense and was 4-for-4 in the red zone Saturday, but lost to visiting St. Andrews (NC), 33-28. Point (4-6, 2-2 Mid South Conference) hosts Bluefield College (VA) this Saturday.
SEAN HOLTON — Davidson College (Jr., DB, Cartersville HS)… started at free safety and finished with five total tackles including one for a 4-yard loss as the Wildcats won big at Butler Saturday, 52-10. Davidson (7-3, 4-2 Pioneer League) travels to Deland, FL to take on Stetson this Saturday afternoon.
BRADY JERNIGAN — Maryville College (Tenn.) (Sr., DL, Woodland HS)… had a pair of tackle assists that included a half sack, a tackle for loss, and also intercepted a pass Saturday as the Scots beat Greensboro College 28-7 on Senior Day. Maryville (3-6, 3-3 USA South Athletic Conference) wraps up the season this Saturday at North Carolina Wesleyan.
JA’COREY JOHNS — Wake Forest University (R-Fr., DE, Cartersville HS)… made eight tackles, including one for a loss, but the Deacons suffered a 36-17 loss at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg. The loss knocked WFU out of the Top 25 in both polls. Wake (7-2, 3-2 ACC) travels to 3rd-ranked and unbeaten Clemson Saturday afternoon.
BRADLEY KIRK — Shorter University (So., S, Cartersville HS)… broke up a pass in the third quarter and made a fourth quarter tackle as the Hawks defeated Allen University 37-7 Saturday for their first win of the season. Shorter (1-9, 0-7 Gulf South Conference) closes out the season Saturday with a conference game at Florida Tech.
TREVOR LAWRENCE — Clemson University (So., QB, Cartersville HS)… helped lead the 3rd-ranked Tigers to an ACC Conference Championship Game berth in a 55-10 win Saturday at N.C. State. Lawrence completed 20-of-27 passes for 276 yards and three touchdowns. He became the first-ever Clemson quarterback to pass for three touchdowns in five consecutive games. The sophomore also rushed for a career-high 59 yards on eight attempts and reached the end zone once on the ground. He now is responsible for 30 touchdowns this season (23 passing, 7 rushing). The Tigers (10-0, 7-0 ACC) host Wake Forest Saturday afternoon.
JACOB POTTER — Kennesaw State University (So., LS, Adairsville HS)… snapped for a field goal, five PATs, and three punts as the FCS 11th-ranked Owls won at Campbell University, 38-35. KSU (8-2, 3-1 Big South Conference) plays at Hampton this Saturday afternoon.
NICK ROOT — Carson-Newman University (R-Fr., OL, Cartersville HS)… saw action for the Eagles as they won at Limestone 42-35. CNU (7-2, 5-2 South Atlantic Conference) entertains Tusculum this Saturday afternoon.
JOHN SCIFERS — University of West Georgia (R-Jr., PK, Woodland HS)… kicked off five times for a 47-yard average Saturday in the Wolves’ 35-20 loss at Delta State. The unbeaten and NCAA D-II top-ranked Valdosta State Blazers (9-0, 7-0) visit UWG (6-4, 4-3) Saturday night.
AVERY SHOWELL — Georgia Tech (R-So., DB, Cartersville HS)… was credited with a tackle on the second half opening kickoff in the Yellow Jackets’ 33-28 loss at Virginia. Georgia Tech (2-7, 1-5 ACC) hosts Virginia Tech Saturday afternoon.
JAKE WALKER — Furman University (Jr., TE, Cartersville, GA, Darlington HS)… had one reception for 20 yards as the FCS 10th-ranked Paladins blew out VMI on Senior Day 60-21. Furman (7-3, 6-1 Southern Conference) travels to Spartanburg to take on Wofford in another conference battle Saturday.
CROSS COUNTRY
PARKER BREEDLOVE — Reinhardt University (Fr., Cartersville HS)… placed 70th of of 119 runners at the Appalachian Athletic Conference Championships Saturday at the 8K Boling Park Course in Canton. Breedlove covered the course in 29:59.47. The Eagles’ team finished fourth of 12 teams and was behind champion Milligan, Montreat, and SCAD Atlanta.
VOLLEYBALL
NEDU EVANS — Augusta University (Fr., MH, Cartersville HS)… had three kills and a pair of block assists last Tuesday in a three-set sweep of Georgia College. She also added a block assist in a five-set loss at Francis Marion last Friday afternoon. Augusta (22-8, 6-4 Peach Belt Conference) hosts USC-Aiken Friday night and Lander University Saturday afternoon. GRACE HUNTER — Brewton-Parker College (Fr., OH, Cartersville HS)… saw action in 14 sets and totaled 19 kills in those four match losses. The Barons lost a home, five-set match to Fort Valley State, and lost straight set matches on the road Friday and Saturday at William Carey (Miss.), Mobile (Ala.), and Loyola (La.). BPC finished the regular season with a 4-29 mark.
SOCCER
EMILY COLLUM — Georgia Southwestern State University (So., F, Adairsville HS)… played 81 minutes and took one shot in a 4-0 home loss last Wednesday to Columbus State. Collum also saw 22 minutes of action in the Hurricanes’ 8-0 loss Saturday at Lander University. GSW finished the year with a 3-13-2 mark. Collum played in 16 games with five starts taking nine shots with two shots on goal.
HAVYN ISAAC — Georgia Military College (Fr., GK, Adairsville HS)… made seven saves in last Thursday’s 3-2 NJCAA Southeast District Semifinal win over Spartanbug Methodist in Barnesville, GA. The Bulldogs were eliminated from postseason play Friday with a 5-0 loss to Eastern Florida State CC to finish the year with a 10-8-1 record.
MARISSA MOWRY — Anderson University (So., MF, Cartersville HS)… played 26 minutes last Wednesday in a 1-0 loss at Queens (NC) and played all 90 minutes of a 2-0 conference tournament quarterfinal loss Saturday at Wingate. The Trojans finished the season with a 7-9 record. For the season, Mowry started every game and took two shots.
MADISON PUTZER — Young Harris College (Jr., MF, Cartersville HS)… played 33 minutes in a 2-0 home loss Friday to UNC-Pembroke. The Mountain Lions (6-10) play in the Peach Belt Conference quarterfinals Tuesday at University of North Georgia.
PAYTON PUTZER — Young Harris College (Jr., MF, Cartersville HS)… played 48 minutes of Friday’s 2-0 loss to visiting UNC-Pembroke. YHC (6-10) opens Peach Belt Conference tournament play Tuesday in Dahlonega at University of North Georgia.
WRESTLING
KYLE GOLLHOFER — University of Northern Iowa (Fr., Woodland HS)… went 4-1 to finish in third place in the 125-pound Freshman/Sophomore Division of the Harold Nichols Cyclone Open hosted this past weekend by Iowa State. Next for Northern Iowa is a match at Northwestern University Sunday evening in Chicago.
BASKETBALL
CADE ARCHER — Reinhardt University (Fr., G, Cartersville HS)… scored five points with three rebounds and one assist Friday night in 12 minutes of playing time during a 109-55 exhibition loss at Georgia Southern. He also had one steal in two minutes during a 67-48 loss Wednesday to visiting Point University. He added one assist in four minutes of action Saturday in a 66-65 win over Bluefield College (Va.). Reinhardt (2-2, 1-1 Appalachian Athletic Conference) hosts Truett McConnell University Wednesday night and travels to Montreat College (NC) Saturday afternoon.
JACQUEZ FOUNTAIN — Albany Tech CC (Fr., F, Cass HS)… scored 20 points and had four rebounds, three steals, and one block Thursday in an 82-66 home win over Florida Gateway CC. He then posted 21 points with 13 rebounds, two steals, two blocks, and had two assists in the Titans’ 97-79 win at home over Brewton Parker JV. Albany Tech (4-0) hosts Enterprise State CC (Ala.) Wednesday night and travels to Mobile to take on Bishop State CC Friday night.
ASHTON HAGANS — University of Kentucky (So., G, Cartersville, GA, Newton HS)… started both games for the Wildcats and averaged 11 points and 26 minutes as preseason 2nd-ranked Kentucky beat top-ranked Michigan State 69-62 in Madison Square Garden last Tuesday and Eastern Kentucky 91-49 Friday night at Rupp Arena. Hagans also totaled nine rebounds, eight assists, and four steals in the two wins. UK (2-0) hosts Evansville Tuesday night. WHITNEY HARRIS — Toccoa Falls College (So., G, Woodland HS)… had six points against Brewton Parker and six points against Brenau last Tuesday and Friday in a pair of losses. She added two rebounds, four assists, and one steal in those two outings. Saturday, Harris failed to score and had one assist in a loss to Covenant College. Toccoa Falls (2-5) travels to Brevard College Tuesday night and will host Florida College Friday night.
CARTER HEDDEN — Hocking CC (So., G, Cass HS)… scored eight points and was 2-for-2 from behind the arc Saturday in a 113-67 Hawks’ win over Westmoreland CC. He also saw eight minutes of court time, but did not score Friday in a 98-66 victory over Pennsylvania Highlands CC. Hocking (4-0) hosts University of Cincinnati Clermont Thursday and Malone University JV Saturday.
EVAN LEE — Northland Tech CC (Fr., F, Excel Christian Academy)… had one rebound in eight minutes of court time Sunday during a 74-73 loss at Lake Region State CC. The Pioneers return to the hardwoods Friday night when they host Minnesota State C&T.
KIMORA McCLINIC — Middle Georgia State University (Jr., G, Cartersville HS)… did not scratch a stat line in limited playing time last Tuesday during a 76-59 win at home over Voorhees College (SC). The Knights (4-0) travel to Voorhees Tuesday night at play at Brenau University Thursday.
KYLA MICHIENZI — Piedmont College (Fr., G, Cass HS)… had one rebound in three minutes of playing time Sunday in an 83-76 loss at 19th-ranked Oglethorpe University. The Lions (1-1) host Emory Wednesday night and will travel to Averett University this weekend where they will face William Peace University Saturday and the hosts on Sunday in Danville, VA.
JANA MORNING — Berry College (Jr., G, Cass HS)… averaged 35 minutes and 11.5 points in a pair of losses this past weekend in Atlanta to Piedmont College and LaGrange College as part of the SAA/USA South Classic. The starting guard also totaled six rebounds, four assists, two steals, and had one block in the two games. Berry (0-2) hosts Brevard College Thursday night.
JAYLON PUGH — Furman University (So., G, Cartersville HS)… saw four minutes of playing time in both of the Paladins wins this past week. Furman (2-0) won at Gardner-Webb and at home over Loyola Chicago. Pugh totaled two rebounds, two steals, and two points in his brief appearances. The Paladins play at Charleston Southern Tuesday night and will host Southern Wesleyan Friday night.
DARIUS THROWER — Truett McConnell University (Sr., G, Excel Christian Academy)… started all three games for the Bears this week and had 11 points Saturday in an 87-71 Homecoming win over Pensacola Christian College. He also had four rebounds and one assist in the win. Thrower also totaled 15 points with two assists in a 92-86 win over St. Andrews (NC) last Wednesday and a 103-62 exhibition loss at USC-Upstate Friday night. TMU (3-0) plays at Reinhardt University Wednesday night.
ALEXIS WARE — Piedmont College (Fr., F, Cass HS)… scored five points, grabbed six rebounds, and made a pair of steals in her collegiate debut Friday night in Atlanta against Berry College. She also had four rebounds in five minutes of court time Sunday against Oglethorpe. The Lions beat Berry 78-64 but fell to NCAA D-III 19th-ranked Oglethorpe 83-76. Piedmont (1-1) hosts Emory University Wednesday night and will play William Peace University and Averett University Saturday and Sunday in Danville, Virginia at the Averett Cougar Tip-Off. NAKIYAH WASHINGTON — Piedmont College (Fr., F, Adairsville HS)… scored 19 points Sunday in the Lions’ 83-76 loss at NCAA D-III 19th-ranked Oglethorpe. She added eight rebounds, six steals, and one assist in the loss. Saturday in her collegiate debut, she had one point, three rebounds, and one block in a 78-64 win over Berry College. Piedmont (1-1) entertains Emory University Wednesday night before heading to Danville, Virginia for the Averett University Tip-Off this weekend. The Lions will play William Peace University and host Averett.
CARROD WATSON — University of North Georgia (Sr., F, Woodland HS)… did not score, but had two rebounds and one assist in a start as the Nighthawks won at North Greenville University Friday night, 77-70 in Due West, SC. Saturday, Watson had seven points, six rebounds, and two assists in a start and 82-53 win at Erskine College. Both games were part of the Peach Belt/Conference Carolinas Challenge. UNG (2-0) hosts Emmanuel College Wednesday night and travels to Southern Wesleyan University Saturday.
