Scouting the Warriors
The Cherokee Warriors begin their season in search of their 6th consecutive playoff bid. The Warriors return plenty of offensive fire power including second year starter Tanner Savasir (165/272, 1,606 yards, 15-TDs). Savasir will have reliable targets in Pops Jameson, Wyatt Tash, Jace Jones and Gracen Sexton. The quartet combined for 111 receptions, 1,121 yards and 9-TDs. Defensively the Warriors will lean on the experience defensive line anchored by all-region selections J.D.Burn and Javon Hobson. Chase Montgomery figures to factor in as well as Montgomery is the team's leading returning tackler.
Scouting the Purple Hurricanes
The Cartersville Purple Hurricanes will look to continue their success as they start their quest for 11 consecutive playoff appearances. Cartersville will be replacing a lot of star power from last season as they look for answers at the quarterback and the running back position. We expect Khristian Lando (449 yards, 8-TDs in 2022) to get the bulk of the reps at running back. The Canes do return their top receiver from a year ago, Jamauri Brice (47 receptions, 850 yards, 6-TDs in 2022). The Canes will also have the luxury of two highly rated lineman to anchor the line of scrimmage in All-State preseason selection Malachi Toliver and Luke Surrett.
The Skinny
Weinman Stadium is a tough place to play. Here are the intriguing questions we have this week: 1. Will the Warriors secondary be able to contain Jamauri Brice? 2. Can Cherokee establish their ground game against a historically stingy Cartersville defense? 3. How will Cherokee's defensive line neutralize Cartersville's offensive line. We believe this one will be much closer than last season's matchup, especially with Cherokee's experience at quarterback, but we like the Canes by 6.
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