The Cass Colonels (3-1, 2-0) were a six-point underdog to the visiting Hiram Hornets (2-2, 0-2), but pulled off the upset for a 14-12 victory.

Cass, a team that many expect to challenge for a spot in the 5-A playoffs, improved its chances and resume, as it relied heavily on its defense. Derrick Maxwell was the offensive performer of the game as he scored two rushing touchdowns. Hiram was stifled by the Cass offense early in the game, as it was limited to just 75 yards in the first half; 52 of which came on one drive, which resulted in a missed field goal.

Cass led 7-0 at the half and had 151 yards, 14 of which were from the air. The Colonels offense was not very efficient, as it had several turnovers in the first half, which included an interception, a fumbled punt and a turnover on downs.

After Maxwell scored his second rushing touchdown, Hiram began to strike back. Hornets running back Marcel Murray had an 83-yard touchdown run, but Hiram missed the extra point. Following a seven-yard touchdown run from Nathan Presnell, Hiram was set to tie the game with a 2-point conversion. Cass’ Colby Williams was having none of it, however, as he knocked away a pass in the endzone to preserve the Cass lead of 14-12 with 3:50 to go in the fourth quarter. The theatrics were not over there, however.

Hiram jumped offsides on a third down play by the Colonels and it appeared that Cass would be able to run out the clock. The Colonels offense then allowed a turnover and, following a pass completion, the Hornets had the ball at the 50 with 19 seconds left in the game. Hiram would not convert and Cass would remain undefeated in region play.

Cass will have a tough draw as it will play Kell at home for a 7:30 kickoff. The Longhorns improved to 4-1 on the season and 2-0 in region play with a 35-7 victory over Paulding County Friday night. Kell was ranked 40th in the state by MaxPreps entering Friday’s contest. You can hear the Colonels take on the Longhorns at 7:30 next week for the Johnny’s New York Style Pizza Bartow County Game of the Week by visiting bartowsportszone.com.