Canes move into the second round with a win over Westminster

November 16, 2024

The Cartersville Purple Hurricanes raced to a 30-0 lead at halftime and improved to 11-0 Friday night with a 37-22 home playoff victory over the Westminster Wildcats.

The Class 4A first round win advances the Canes to a second-round home game next week against Starrs Mill.

Quarterback Nate Russell threw a 13-yard touchdown pass and ran for a 5-yard touchdown to give Cartersville a 13-0 lead after one quarter. A’Darrian Taylor-Wilson caught the scoring pass with 6:06 remaining in the first quarter. The rushing touchdown was at the 4:31 mark.

Cartersville scored all 17 second quarter points in the final four minutes of the half, including ten in the final eleven seconds.

Russell hit Brady Marchese for a 27-yard touchdown with 3:50 remaining in the second quarter and a 20-0 lead.

On their next possession, Ramsey Rowell gave the Hurricanes a 23-0 advantage with a 33-yard field goal.

Westminster fumbled the ensuing kickoff return allowing Cartersville another scoring opportunity before the intermission. The Canes lined up for an apparent field goal attempt, but holder Andrew Purdy connected with Grayson Villar on a fake as time expired in the first half. The PAT kick by Rowell sent the Canes to the locker room with a 30-0 lead.

The Wildcats cut the Cartersville lead to 30-14 with a 1-yard run by Chase Marable in the third quarter and a 3-yard run by Braedon Willis with 9:21 left in the fourth quarter.

Cartersville extended the lead to 37-14 with a 26-yard touchdown pass from Purdy to Caden Aleman with 4:50 left in the game.

On Westminster’s next possession, Christopher Kuzniak tossed a 68-yard touchdown pass. The Wildcats added a two-point conversion for a 37-22 final score.

Westminster finishes the season with a 5-6 record.

Cartersville will host Starrs Mill (10-1) on Friday. The Panthers defeated Mays in the first round, 32-24.