The Cartersville Purple Hurricanes (6-0, 2-0) earned another hard-fought region win on Friday night with a 16-14 victory over the Central-Carroll Lions.
Cartersville held just a 3-0 lead at the half, but might have left some points on the board. Oscar Hernandez connected for a field goal with 7:19 left in the first quarter, but Cartersville had two turnovers in the first half. Central-Carroll threw an interception on its opening drive, which led to the Cartersville field goal
In the third quarter, the Lions took their opening driving into the end zone after chewing 10:35 off the clock in the third quarter, capped by a Kashif Taylor 3-yard touchdown run. But Cartersville’s offense wouldn’t stay silent for very long. Tee Webb found Devontae Ross for a 73-yard screen pass for a touchdown to end the third quarter.
The Lions opening possession would stall in the fourth quarter and the Canes offense would look to extend the lead. With 7:32 left in the game, Jalen Thomas would cap the Cartersville drive with a touchdown run to extend the lead 16-7. But not much has been easy for Cartersville in 2019. The Lions showed their quick-strike ability as Taylor found Shane Brooks for a 70-yard touchdown pass with 6:53 left in the game.
The Cartersville offense had trouble moving the ball, but the defense was up to the task to make a play late. Amari Orr had an interception to seal the victory for Cartersville with 2:24 left in the game.
Cartersville will host Sandy Creek at 7:30 PM next Friday. You can hear the game on WBHF with pregame coverage beginning at 6:00.