The Cartersville Purple Hurricanes (3-0) defeated the Creekside Seminoles on Friday night by a score of 17-14.

On a game that was featured on GPB, the Canes showed they belonged in any conversation concerning the best teams in the state. Creekside came to Weinman Stadium boasting wins over Grayson and Westlake. Cartersville was a heavy underdog coming into the game and gave the Seminoles fits for its entirety.

Cartersville scored first on a 15-yard touchdown from Jake Parker to Jacob Ray in the first quarter. The Canes were able to score the touchdown off a Creekside fumble.

The Canes held the 7-0 advantage but with 4:31 left in the half, the Seminoles found the end zone on a 70-yard pick six by Daiquan White. The Canes were able to block the PAT to hold a 7-6 advantage with 4:31 left in the second quarter. Cartersville had some turnover magic of their own, as they picked off Creekside deep in its on territory and took over on the opposition’s 8-yard line.

It appeared that the Canes had more magic as Jake Parker caught a reception off a trick play made famous by the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl 52 coined the “Philly Special,” but the call was overturned as Parker did not complete the catch before the ball touched the ground. The Canes settled for a 22-yard field goal from Jesus Gutierrez and took a 10-6 lead into the half.

The third quarter started franticly, as Cartersville forced a fumble on the opening kickoff and appeared to be on its way to adding on to its lead.

But the Creekside defense held strong and forced a 32-yard field, which sailed wide-right off the foot of Gutierrez.

Now it was the Seminoles turn to have some special teams magic, as Phillip Schiltz had his punt blocked and returned 20 yards for a touchdown. Creekside elected for a 2-point conversion instead of the PAT. The decision proved fruitful as the Seminoles held their first lead of the evening – a 14-10 advantage.

Cartersville and Creekside continued to trade possessions with each other as both defenses stymied the opposition’s attack. Late in the fourth quarter, Creekside appeared content to chew clock and limit Cartersville’s time late.

If there is anything that fans have learned about this program in recent years, it’s that you can never count them out.

Cartersville took over with just over two minutes left in the game and marched down the field and scored on a 21-yard reception from Parker to Schiltz. The blocked punts and interceptions were forgiven all throughout Cartersville with that play with two minutes left on the clock. After the PAT, Cartersville held a 17-14 lead against a team many thought superior to the Canes.

Creekside now was on the wrong side of time. With 1:56 left in the fourth quarter, the Seminoles ran out of time and fell to Cartersville – a thought that surprised many around the state.

Cartersville will host Cherokee next Friday night at Weinman Stadium with kickoff set for 7:30. You can hear the game on AM 1450, FM 100.3 WBHF and online via TuneIn Radio by searching for WBHF.