Photos Andy Calvert - L-R: #8 BRYNEN WILKINS-WR #12 JAKE PARKER-QB #58 SHADRE HURST-OT
Cartersville Hurricanes
2020 RECORD: 12-2, overall (4-0, REGION 7-AAAAA)
HEAD COACH: Conor Foster, 24-3 in 2 seasons as Cartersville Head Coach
ALL TIME RECORD: 1052 games 694 – 328 – 30 (67%)
TOTAL SEASONS: 108 FIRST SEASON: 1909 ALL STATE PLAYERS: 104
REGION CHAMPIONSHIPS: 21 (2019 LAST)
STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS: 4 (2016 LAST)
2020 REVIEW
Cartersville went up an A in GHSA classifications to 5A and maintained the same level of success, being a region force and advancing deep into the playoffs, to the Class 5A state title game. Unfortunately, they ran into an opponent that was a buzzsaw of determination and the ‘Canes finished as runners-up.
2021 PREVIEW
Cartersville doesn’t typically rebuild, they reload, and in 2021 that won’t change.
OFFENSE
After the graduation of not one, but two senior quarterbacks who combined for 24 passing touchdowns and over 2,700 passing yards, in comes senior Jake Parker. The new starter did play in 5 games last year but nothing significant. It’s now his show to run in his final high school season.
The running back situation is similar, as the top three-yard gainers last year were seniors. Look for the bulk of the carries this season to come from senior Amari White, junior Malachi Jeffries, and sophomore Khristian Lando.
At receiver, seniors Brynen Wilkins, Kyler Johnson, Jaqualyn Mayhall, and Jaylon Benham are expected to make catches and plays for the Hurricanes. Junior Collin Fletcher will also see the ball come his way this season.
Seniors Shadre Hurst, Jacob Evans, Gordon Elzey, and junior Jonathan Cline will be instrumental at the offensive line of scrimmage for the Hurricanes.
DEFENSE
Senior linebacker Tate Smith, the leading returning tackler from last season, is back to lead the Cartersville defense in the 2021 season. Senior defensive ends Ben Robinson and Nasir Grandberry will be expected to pressure and contain opposing quarterbacks. Junior Myles Forristall and Pearse Mullinax will join Tate at linebacker.
The Hurricanes have a lot of skilled players vying for the starting spots in the defensive backfield this season.
LASTING THOUGHTS
At most schools, a state runner-up finish would be huge; for Cartersville, however, it’s not. Look for the ‘Canes to fight to seize the region and state championships this season.
2021 GAMES OF SIGNIFICANCE
- 9/17/2021 vs Cherokee
The Warriors ended Cartersville’s state-record 62 game winning streak in the regular season, and the Hurricanes will want to avenge that 12-14 loss with a victory on their home field.
- 10/1/2021 vs Cass
County Rivalry Game that’s normally not close, but an improving Cass could make for a better game. Cartersville won 58-0 last year.
- 10/15/2021 @ Blessed Trinity
The Hurricanes had to cancel this game due to COVID-19 quarantines. That decision essentially gave the Titans the Region title.
- 10/22/2021 @ Woodland
County Rivalry Game that’s normally not close. Cartersville won 47-0 last year.
- 10/29/2021 vs Calhoun
Region game and budding rivalry. The Hurricanes won 31-14 last year.
