The Cartersville Purple Hurricanes (5-0, 1-0) won a hard fought game against the Cedartown Bulldogs Friday night to capture their first region and road win of the 2018 season.
Cartersville scored first with a 3-yard touchdown run from Harrison Allen, but Cedartown marched right down the field and scored on a 21-yard scamper from quarterback Taji Hudson to even up the score at seven apiece.
Cartersville’s defense had flashes of brilliance in the game, but also had moments where it looked suspect. None was more alarming for the unit than after a Tee Webb touchdown run, Taji Hudson again put six points on the board for the Bulldogs. What was alarming was Hudson’s maneuvering which ended with a 57-yard score. Cedartown missed the PAT, but the Canes were on upset alert.
Cartersville had a chance to extend its lead in the second quarter, but missed a field goal attempt and went into the half leading 14-13.
After a stalled drive by Cedartown, Cartersville’s offense took over, but the result wasn’t what the Canes had in mind. Webb threw an interception, which was returned 92 yards for a pick six and gave Cedartown a 20-14 lead. Cartersville’s offense was stymied in the second half. It finally got back on the board thanks to three big plays from Quante Jennings to give the Canes a 21-20 lead.
Both offenses had trouble moving and executing off the opposing defenses and the missed PAT by Cedartown would prove big as Cartersville would hold on for the one-point victory.
The Canes will look to continue their perfect season next week with a home, region game against Central-Carroll.