The Cartersville Purple Hurricanes won their opening round matchup against the Centennial Knights 40-0.
Cartersville did most of its damage in the first half. On its second drive Khristian Lando scored and converted a 2-point conversion to give Cartersville an early 8-0. On the Canes next scoring drive Jamauri Brice scored on a 48-yard touchdown reception throw by Nate Russell. Cartersville then recovered a fumble on the kickoff and scored three plays later on a 1-yard score by Russell.
Centennial struggled in the contest to put together drives against the stingy Cartersville defense. On a second quarter drive, the ball got past the Knights’ quarterback, who kicked it out of the end zone for a safety.
Ryan Johnson capped the first quarter scoring with a field goal, as Cartersville took a 27-0 lead into the half.
The third quarter was played at a quick pace but Cartersville got on the scoreboard again as Brady Marchese scored on another 48-yard touchdown pass by Russell. Ja’caiden Leonard added a late touchdown run in the fourth quarter to put the finishing touch on the game.
Cartersville will host the second round next week and will play the winner of Chapel Hill and Eastside. Kickoff will be set for 7:30 Friday night. You can hear all of the action on WBHF with pregame coverage beginning at 6:00 live from Scott’s Walk Up Barbeque.