Cartersville High School’s football team continues to be one of, if not the most consistent, programs in the state of Georgia—especially over the past five regular seasons. The Hurricanes have proven themselves with a historic consistency during this span and have added to the long list of accomplishments that Cartersville has achieved over its existence that includes 21 region titles and four state championships. Despite all the past successes, the team’s most amazing accolade is occurring right now during the 2020 season. Entering the year, Cartersville was tied with Camden County for the most consecutive regular season victories in state history at 58. The Canes surpassed that mark (which has stood since 2006) during their 42-0 Week 1 victory over Morrow and their 4-0 start has them carrying a historic 62-regular season game winning streak.
Cartersville’s last regular season loss came Sept. 5 of the 2014 season. The team followed that 27-26 loss to North Cobb by winning its next eight games on the 2014 slate and has posted five consecutive 10-0 regular season finishes—with an opportunity to keep it going this season.
This record-breaking streak has seen big names like Clemson Quarterback Trevor Lawrence contribute to it. During Lawrence’s’ sophomore and junior seasons, the five-star passer led the team to back-to-back undefeated seasons and state titles and the success has continued.
Cartersville head coach Conor Foster spoke about the regular season dominance that the team has been able to achieve since the streak began in 2014 and how the high expectations placed on the program has made them a more competitive unit.
“Well we’ve been blessed with tremendous talent, and we’ve also gotten a great amount of support from our coaching staff and the community,” said Foster. “All the guys we’ve had come through here have been a big part of how our team has performed over the years.”
The way this team has played over the last several seasons has caught the attention of so many people throughout the state and the country. Lawrence brought his own spotlight as the No. 1 recruit in his class and the his successor Tee Webb proved to be outstanding when he took the reins before continuing his career at Louisville. This season, Coach Foster has a quarterback in Stratton Tripp who’s led the team to a 4-0 record. Through these first four starts, Tripp has thrown seven touchdowns and only 1 interception. Coach Foster shared his insight on how his quarterbacks have been able to be so prepared to lead on Friday Nights.
“Well we’ve got to thank Quarterbacks Coach Michael Bail,” said Foster. “He’s coached those guys pretty well and I can tell you anyone who walks into that quarterbacks room comes out not only a better player, but a better man. Those guys learn not only leadership skills, but life skills as well, and he’s done a tremendous job coaching those young men.”
This Friday night is the Purple Hurricanes next opportunity to add to their record-breaking streak. Cartersville will make a 30-minute trip west to take on the Cherokee High Warriors—a team that Cartersville has beaten in each of the past two seasons. In 2019, they defeated the Warriors 28-7 and in 2018 the Warriors were defeated 28-10. When they meet on Friday, Cherokee will also be sporting a 4-0 record and the Class 7A program gotten off to a strong start as it looks to win its first region title since 2002 and compete in the state’s highest classification. Coach Foster spoke on why this seasons matchup will be different.
“They are a year older,” said Foster. “The last two times we’ve played them they were a young team but now they’re older and more experienced, and we’ve got our work cut out for us. They’re a more tough team this year and it will be a challenge.”
With both teams having an unbeaten record to start the year, Friday night’s game will be very interesting. Only one team will leave victorious and whether or not it will Cartersville or Cherokee remains to be seen. If Cherokee can do what no other team has done since 2014, it will provide them momentum heading into region play. If Cartersville can score the road victory, then the streak continues and so will conversations about the Canes being one the most impressive programs in the state.
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