Dalton Catamounts Suffer 48-16 Defeat to Cass in Crucial Region Match

The Dalton Catamounts faced a significant setback in their playoff aspirations, losing 48-16 to the No. 2-ranked Cass Colonels during a key region matchup on Friday night. This defeat leaves the Catamounts with a record of 2-7 overall and 2-3 in Region 7-4A, just as they prepare for their final regular-season game.

Despite the loss, Dalton remains in contention for the playoffs, thanks to Allatoona’s defeat against Hiram (34-21) on the same evening. With one game remaining, both Dalton and Allatoona share a similar region record, which intensifies the stakes for their upcoming matches.

Game Highlights and Performance Analysis

In a matchup that marked the sixteenth meeting between the two teams since 1984, Cass secured their fourth victory over Dalton, bringing the series total to 12 wins for the Catamounts. The last time Dalton triumphed over Cass was in 2023 when they won 35-13, paving their way to that year’s playoffs.

The game started with Cass demonstrating their offensive prowess early on. Senior quarterback Brodie McWhorter opened the scoring with a 1-yard rushing touchdown, complemented by a successful PAT from sophomore kicker Anthony Quijada, giving the Colonels a 7-0 lead. Dalton’s subsequent drive, led by sophomore quarterback Caine Woods, advanced to the Cass 21-yard line, but an incomplete pass resulted in a missed field goal attempt by junior kicker Edwin Chavarria.

As the first quarter progressed, McWhorter connected with senior wide receiver Elijah Slocum for an 8-yard touchdown pass, extending Cass’s lead to 13-0 after a blocked PAT attempt. Dalton finally got on the scoreboard in the second quarter with an impressive 80-yard touchdown reception by junior wide receiver Kamdon London. A retry on the PAT, following a personal foul against Cass, allowed Dalton to narrow the score to 13-7.

The first half concluded with Dalton’s sophomore kicker Brax Bennett successfully converting a 30-yard field goal, bringing the halftime score to 13-10 in favor of Cass.

Second Half Dominance by Cass

The second half saw Cass regain momentum quickly, as McWhorter scored another rushing touchdown, extending their lead to 20-10. Dalton’s next possession ended abruptly with an interception by Cass’s junior cornerback Tyson Beauford, which led to another touchdown pass from McWhorter to Slocum, this time for 45 yards, pushing the score to 27-10.

Dalton responded with a 40-yard touchdown reception by tight end London Cox, bringing the score to 27-16. However, Cass continued to dominate in the final quarter. Sophomore running back Kalil Charles contributed a 19-yard rushing touchdown, followed by an 86-yard run, further widening the gap to 48-16.

Woods showcased his skills despite the loss, completing 17 of 29 passes for a total of 259 yards and 41 rushing yards. He connected with senior wide receiver Nash Smith six times, accumulating 40 yards, while London led the team with 121 receiving yards on four catches.

In the current standings of Region 7-4A, Cass remains in second place, behind the undefeated Cartersville. Dalton and Allatoona sit tied for fourth, with each team holding a 2-3 region record. The next week will be crucial for both teams as they seek to secure a playoff spot. Allatoona will face Cass on October 24 at 19:30, while Dalton will take a bye before their final matchup against Woodland on Halloween night, October 31, at 19:30 in Cartersville.

The outcome of these games will ultimately determine the playoff landscape for the Catamounts and their rivals in the region.