The Cartersville Purple Hurricanes 2019 playoff run came to an end on Friday night following a thrilling 31-28 win by Woodward Academy.
Cartersville scored on its opening drive, though it came with its own theatrics. Tee Webb recovered a Devonte Ross fumble and on the next play threw a 63-yard touchdown to Ross. After the War Eagle offense was stymied, Cartersville added to its early lead with a 9-yard touchdown run by Quante Jennings, which gave the Canes a 14-0 lead with 2:49 left in the first quarter.
Woodward would finally get on the board with 3:29 left in the first half on a 53-yard reception for Jacorrei Turner from Mike Wright. Woodward had a chance to tie the game before the half, but Amarai Orr would add a 35-yard pick-six to his resume and give Cartersville a 21-7 lead.
In the second half, Woodward made adjustments and outscored Cartersville 24-7. The War Eagles scored on their opening drive on a Mike Wright scramble to cut the lead to seven, but the Canes were able to answer right back on a 35-yard reception from Sam Phillips. Woodward was then able to score 17 unanswered points and grabbed the final score with just over a minute left in regulation.
Cartersville had all three timeouts remaining, but on the Woodward 41-yard line fell short on converting a fourth down, which would turn the ball over to the War Eagles and end a majestic season for Hurricanes.
Cartersville finishes with a 12-1 record on the season under first-year head coach Conor Foster.