Cherokee Looks to Keep Momentum Rolling while Lambert Hunts for First Win

Scouting the Warriors

The Cherokee Warriors picked up a big win last week, traveling to Cobb County and toppling the Pope Greyhounds and earn freshman quarterback Zack Parker his first career victory as a starter. Parker was 8 of 15 for 178 yards and 2 touchdowns, showing poise in the pocket despite his youth. Senior Jack Rubin led the receiving corps, hauling in 5 passes for 108 yards and a touchdown, while the Warriors’ ground game was unstoppable. Brandon Hamilton rushed for 204 yards and 2 scores, and Tory Hearn added 76 yards and 2 touchdowns, pacing the Warriors’ run-heavy attack. Cherokee is averaging 119.7 passing yards and 184.7 rushing yards per game. Hamilton leads the team with 351 rushing yards and 3 TDs, while Rubin has established himself as a reliable weapon with 11 catches for 173 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Defensively, Cherokee bounced back nicely last week, allowing just 23 points. Trenton Barnett leads the team with 18 total tackles, followed by Zion Bobb (15 tackles) and Kayson Simmons (14 tackles), anchoring a defense ready to challenge Lambert’s passing attack.

Scouting the Longhorns

The Lambert Longhorns had a bye last week but will look to pick up their first win of the season before entering region play. Senior quarterback Ethan Daughtery, who threw for over 2,100 yards last year, has already passed for 250 yards and 3 touchdowns this season. Junior quarterback Patrick Roach has also seen some time under center. The Longhorns’ receiving corps, led by Matt Franatovich, Lukas Gonzales, and Nathaniel Fernandez, has combined for 16 catches, 247 yards, and 3 touchdowns. Lambert is averaging 16.5 points per game, while allowing 28.5 points per game on defense.

Pundit's Pick

This matchup comes down to Cherokee’s ground game versus Lambert’s passing attack. Expect the Warriors to feed Hamilton and Hearn early and often, wearing down the Longhorns’ front seven, while also dialling up blitzes to keep Daughtery off balance. If Lambert can connect in the passing game, however, they may have the final say in a tight contest. We anticipate closely contested battle, but the Longhorns’ air attack edges out the Warriors in the end.

Prediction: Lambert by 6.