Dalton has best offensive performance but falls in region opener to state-ranked Cartersville

Published 10:45 pm Friday, September 13, 2024

Playing against the second-ranked team in Class 4A to start Region 7-4A play, Dalton moved the ball well but couldn’t keep up on the scoreboard with Cartersville in a 43-13 loss.

Dalton freshman quarterback Caine Woods ran and passed for more than 100 yards and scored a touchdown both ways too, but the Catamounts (0-5, 0-1 Region 7-4A) fell to Cartersville (5-0, 1-0 Region 7-4A) to start region play.

Dalton’s defense had the powerful offense of Cartersville held to 13 points as the clock ticked under a minute left in the first half, but two quick scores pushed the Cartersville lead higher at half. A touchdown pass with 42 seconds left followed by a field goal as time expired made it 23-0 at halftime.

“The defense really played lights out,” Dalton coach Kit Carpenter said in a radio interview after the game. “It took us a little bit to get the offense going.”

Cartersville shook loose for two more touchdowns in the third before Dalton got on the board. An 83-yard touchdown pass from Woods to Kamdon London late in the third made the score 39-7 after three quarters.

An interception return for a touchdown in the third put Cartersville up 43-7, and Woods got in for a 3-yard touchdown late in the game.

Woods finished with 106 rushing yards on 15 carries and 178 passing yards while hitting 15 of his 28 attempts. London led the Catamounts in receiving with 102 yards.

Dalton totaled 306 offensive yards, putting together its best offensive output of the year against the best team the Catamounts have faced thus far.

“Once we can put together a full game, we’re excited for what we can do,” Carpenter said.

Dalton stays on the road next week for its fourth consecutive game away from Harmon Field.

Dalton travels to Allatoona Friday at 7:30 p.m.