Canes take command in Region 7-4A with a victory at Cedartown
October 19, 2024
Cartersville Purple Hurricanes emerged victorious in a tough matchup against Cedartown on Friday night, securing -- for now -- the top spot in the Region 7-4A standings with a 19-14 win.
The Canes' victory was their fifth straight over the Bulldogs, and it moved Cartersville one step closer to clinching the region title. The second-ranked Hurricanes will likely need a win against Hiram at Weinman Stadium next Friday to secure the region's No. 1 seed for the state playoffs.
Both teams scored on their opening drives with methodical precision.
After receiving the opening kickoff, Cartersville got on the scoreboard first with a two-yard Baylon Long run. Ramsey Rowell converted the extra point to put the Canes up 7-0 with 9:12 remaining in the quarter.
Cedartown answered with a time-consuming drive of their own.
Clemson-commit Tae Harris cashed in the possession with a 28-yard run, knotting the score at 7-7 with just 0:28 showing on the first quarter clock.
A scoreless second period saw Cartersville possessions end with a sack by the Bulldogs’ Quinlan Cothron and an interception by UCF-commit Demarcus Gardner. Cedartown also attempted and missed a long field goal from midfield in the quarter.
Cedartown received the second-half kickoff, but the Hurricanes reclaimed the lead on the first play from scrimmage. Harris fumbled on the Bulldogs’ opening play, and the Canes’ Reed Ezell returned it 25 yards for a touchdown. Cothron blocked the PAT, but Cartersville held a 14-13 advantage with 11:41 remaining in the third quarter.
Harris responded on the Bulldogs’ next possession with a long touchdown run to take the lead. His 59-yard dash to the end zone gave Cedartown a 14-13 edge with 8:46 left in the quarter.
The Hurricanes answered immediately with a quick drive that gave them the lead for good.
On a third-and-eight play, Nate Russell connected with Brady Marchese for a 28-yard strike in the end zone. The PAT missed again, but Cartersville held a 19-14 lead with 7:53 remaining in the third quarter.
Both defenses locked in for the remainder of the night, although the Canes did get in position to miss a field goal attempt in the fourth quarter.
Cedartown’s penultimate possession ended with a turnover on downs with less than two minutes remaining. The Canes then used up most of the remaining clock but did have to punt back to the Bulldogs in the final seconds before holding on for the win. Russell was 7-for-14 passing for 142 yards and one touchdown. He threw one interception and added 65 rushing yards on nine carries. Marchese caught five passes for 132 yards and one touchdown. Jamauri Brice had two receptions for ten yards. Long contributed 77 yards rushing on 15 attempts and one touchdown.
The loss leaves fifth-ranked Cedartown at 8-1 on the season and 4-1 in Region 7-4A. The Bulldogs host Woodland on Friday to conclude the regular season slate.
Cartersville (9-0, 5-0) hosts Hiram (5-4, 4-1) on Friday. The Hornets routed Allatoona on Friday night, 52-7.
~~ Matt Santini contributed to this report.
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