"I think we went through a little growth spurt early, from where they started in August to where they are now. ... We felt like we had pretty good skill people all around. We felt we'd be able to score on people if the offensive line improved, and it did," Colonels freshman coach Greg Scott said.
After the Wolves scored to get within six points with two minutes remaining, Cass' Micah Barron recovered the ensuing onside kick.
The Colonels, however, turned the ball over, giving Rome a chance to steal the win.
Cedric Jett's interception with 28 seconds left wound up preserving the win for Cass.
Scott said the Colonels, who finished 3-0 in freshman games, had more than 300 yards of total offense against the Wolves.
Quarterback Brandon Etheridge had a hand in three touchdowns, including TD passes to Justin Reed and Kelin Wells.
Reed and Wells each added a two-point conversion -- by air for Reed and by land for Wells.
On defense, Cass got a sack from Brody Dothard, and Etheridge recovered a fumble.
The Colonels took a 20-14 halftime lead and held on for the win in the fourth quarter.
That final quarter began with a 98-yard scoring drive for Cass, who believed it could win throughout the year.
"They bought into the idea that if they kept working hard and doing what we told 'em to do ... then good things would happen for them and it did," Scott said.
"A great job by the freshman coaching staff, believing in the kids all yearlong," he added.