Cartersville hosting Week 2 against Rockmart

This could go really well for Rockmart, or really bad.

Friday night brings the next big challenge for the Jackets to overcome before they enter a busy Region 7-AA schedule: The Purple Hurricanes, who are one of the top teams in Northwest Georgia over the past decades and have a reputation of leaving teams behind on the scoreboard over four quarters as they jet ahead toward another playoff run.

After a Week 1 loss to Cedartown, Rockmart might have something to prove and might just have a chance to shock the world – and the Canes – into reminding everyone that the Jackets leave teams stung when they come to play.

Cartersville comes into this one after a 40-0 victory over Columbia on their home turf, the stormy weather impacting the area having no effect at all on dampening the strength of Canes offense or defense last week.

The Canes gave three different quarterbacks the ball during this one: Junior starter Nate Russell attended to most of the duties under center on the night, going 11-14 for 154 yards and two touchdowns, but gave up an interception. Freshman Harris Turner and sophomore Dixon Lindsey both went 2-3 on the night in passing attempts. Turner grabbed 24 yards, and Lindsey netted 2 on the night in field appearances.

Much of the work was completed on the ground as senior Baylon Long was joined by Russell on the run, Tyon Coe and Tripp Chatmon in scores on the ground. Jamauri Brice and A. Taylor-Wilson both notched touchdown receptions on the day as well.

The 333-yard performance for Cartersville puts them on the right path toward their goal of dominating 7-4A and the classification as a whole after moving down from 5A last year, where they took a region title and a trip deep into the playoffs.

Rockmart? This is the toughest test of the season ahead.

The Jackets are going to have to put up a fight on this one – and it’ll take more than Senior Nate Davis on both sides of the ball to get it done. Rockmart will need to establish a passing game and target Tristan Anderson to avoid being rolled by a stout Canes defense on the rush.

They’ll also need to put out some trickery from the playbook to overcome the odds on this one.

Rockmart travels to Cartersville for the 7:30 p.m. kickoff.

Check back for coverage from the game when it becomes available.