The Cartersville Purple Hurricanes (4-0) took down the Calhoun Yellow Jackets 35-13 on Friday night.
Both defenses held strong in the first quarter, but it was Calhoun’s defense that broke first in the second. A long pass from Nate Russell to A’darrian Taylor-Wilson set up Jacaiden Leonard for a 28-yard touchdown run, giving Cartersville the lead. Calhoun’s troubles deepened when they muffed the ensuing kickoff, with Brayden Logan recovering the ball for the Canes in Calhoun territory. Baylon Long kept the momentum going, converting a third-and-long and later scoring on a 14-yard run to make it 14-0.
As the first half closed, Calhoun managed to get on the board with a 39-yard field goal.
Cartersville’s defense forced Calhoun to punt on the opening drive of the third quarter, and the Canes took advantage, with Russell finishing the drive with a 9-yard touchdown run. Calhoun responded with another field goal, but Cartersville quickly regained control. Russell connected with Brady Marchese for a 90-yard touchdown pass, stretching the lead further.
Calhoun answered with a 31-yard touchdown pass, cutting the deficit to 28-13, but the Yellow Jackets couldn’t sustain drives as the Canes drained the clock. With two minutes left, Andrew Purdy sealed the game with a 1-yard quarterback sneak.
Cartersville will host the Dalton Catamounts next Friday at Weinman Stadium at 7:30 p.m., with pregame coverage on WBHF starting at 6:00 p.m.