On Friday, September 27, Cartersville celebrated homecoming with a 45-10 victory against Central Carroll. Cartersville faced injuries to star running back Marcus Gary and star defensive end Isaiah Chaney; however, they were still able to have success on both sides of the ball and secure the win.  

Cartersville and Central had rough starts on offense, as both teams fumbled on back to back possessions. Cartersville capitalized on great field position after Central’s fumble, and scored on a three-yard run by sophomore Harrison Allen.

The Canes’ defense stepped up and was able to stop Central’s powerful run game early. Central couldn’t make any big plays, only managing 2-6 yards per carry. During the first quarter, Central failed to convert on 4th and 14 in Cartersville territory. 

Central’s missed conversion eventually proved costly. Cartersville answered with a 10-yard touchdown run by sophomore Quante’ Jennings Jr. to make it a 14-0 lead. Later in the first half Cartersville scored on a 37-yard passing touchdown caught by senior Dadrian Dennis to extend their lead to 21-0

An interception by senior Sunni Moorehead in the second quarter put Cartersville in great field position to put more points on the scoreboard. The Canes took advantage and pushed the lead to 28-0 after a 1-yard touchdown run by Quante’ Jennings, Jr.

After a 12-yard touchdown reception by Trendon Horton and a 37-yard field goal by Oscar Hernandez, Cartersville went into halftime with a 38-0 lead and never looked back.

Central scored their only touchdown in the fourth quarter. Central’s starting quarterback,  Landon Schulenburg, threw a moonshot to receiver Omari Glenn, who outjumped the Canes’ defensive back to catch the 24-yard touchdown.

Although The Canes were scoring at a high rate, they weren’t throwing the ball deep. Cartersville utilized the running backs out of the backfield and screen passes to move the ball down the field, leading to two touchdowns.

Quante’ Jennings Jr. has proven to be a very good option at running back. Jennings Jr. has 142 rushing yards and 5 touchdowns for the season.

Carterville holds a 6-0 record and hopes to continue their undefeated streak next week against LaGrange.