The Cass Colonels (0-1) opened the 2022 season playing in the Corky Kell Classic. Cass opened up a lot of eyes but unfortunately fell to the Kennesaw Mountain Mustangs 26-25. Cass surely felt proud of its effort but left the game knowing it left points on the field.

The Corky Kell Classic is an annual series of high school football games played at the beginning of each GHSA football season and features many of the state’s top teams. The teams play to raise money for the Corky Kell Scholarship Fund.

The back-and-forth contest started with a Mustang score in the first quarter. Cass quickly answered as Devin Henderson scored on a 27-yard touchdown run, evening up the score. The Colonels grabbed their first lead of the game on the ensuing drive as Kintrell Whatley caught a pass from Henderson. Cass missed the extra point, which would loom large later in the game.

Kennesaw Mountain was able to score and regain the lead 14-13. A Cass miscue on a punt attempt resulted in a safety and a 3-point advantage. With time expiring in the first half, Henderson connected with Sacovie White for a 19-yard touchdown pass. Once again, however, the PAT attempt was botched and Cass was unable to capitalize.

Down 19-16 in the third quarter, Kennesaw Mountain scored to once again hold the advantage in the back-and-forth affair. Also, Cass wouldn’t go away. Mac Nelson scored to give Cass a 25-23 edge. Instead of attempting an extra point, Cass tried for a 2-point conversion, which failed. Those points given away would be costly.

Kennesaw kicked a field goal to gain a 1-point advantage. Even with the points left on the field, Cass had an opportunity to win the game. Unfortunately for the Colonels, They were unable to push the ball up the field and turned it over on downs. Cass can walk away feeling good, but also know that some execution cost them the game.

Cass won the runover battle as Kevin Henderson and Todd Gaddy had interceptions for the Colonels. It also was able to hold the Kennesaw Mountain offense in check for most of the game, while also showing that the Cass offensive attacked could sustain long, offensive possessions. All-in-all, it’s one game in the first week of the season. Cass will opened plenty of eyes Friday night and has nine more games to establish itself as a top team in the state.

Cass will host Rockmart next Friday at 7:30 PM. You can hear the game on Bartow Sports Zone by visiting bartowsportszone.com with pregame coverage beginning at 7:00 PM.