AAAA

Bartow County

Cartersville 38, Bainbridge 7

How the game was won: The Purple Hurricanes advance to the state championship to set up a meeting with Buford, who ended their season a year ago in the semifinals, 27-3. Cartersville outgained Bainbridge 305-to-121 and allowed just 48 yards of offense in the second half.

Top Performers: Trevor Lawrence went 13-of-24 for 207 yards and three touchdowns. …Miller Forristall caught five passes for 90 yards and two touchdowns. …Tiamon Pennymon rushed nine times for 51 yards and one touchdown. …Kobie Whitfield picked off two passes and returned a punt 70 yards for a touchdown. ...Bainbridge was led by Dameon Pierce's 94 yards rushing. He also added a 95-yard kick return touchdown.

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Former Atlanta Journal-Constitution reporter Norman Arey died Oct. 11, 2025 at the age of 84. In addition to sports writing, Arey also co-wrote the popular "Peach Buzz" society column. (Courtesy of the Arey family)

Credit: Courtesy of the Arey family

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Corbin Spencer, right, field director of New Georgia Project and volunteer Rodney King, left, help Rueke Uyunwa register to vote. The influential group is shutting down after more than a decade. (Hyosub Shin/AJC 2017)

Credit: Hyosub Shin