Cherokee Looks to put Red Hot Marietta Team on Ice in the Warriors last game at Historic Tommy Baker Field

Scouting the Warriors

The Cherokee Warriors were competitive last week but couldn’t keep pace with North Cobb in the second half. Despite the loss, senior running back Brandon Hamilton continued his impressive season, rushing for yet another 100-yard game. Hamilton has now eclipsed the century mark eight times this season, piling up 1,255 yards and 12 touchdownson the year.

Quarterback Zack Parker has been productive through the air, throwing for 1,140 yards and 9 touchdowns, while senior receiver Jack Ruban has emerged as one of the top pass catchers in the state with 48 receptions for 791 yards and 8 touchdowns. The Warriors’ offense is averaging 23.8 points per game.

Defensively, Trenton Barnett leads the unit with 77 total tackles (45 solo) and 3 tackles for loss, while Kayson Simmons adds 65 total tackles (40 solo) and 4 tackles for loss. Jalion Trowers has been disruptive up front with a team-high 9 tackles for loss and 2 sacks. The Warriors have forced 8 turnovers this season.

Scouting the Blue Devils

The Marietta Blue Devils are on a roll, winning four straight games, including a stunning upset of North Cobb in their last outing. The win vaulted Marietta to the top of the region standings, and the Blue Devils can clinch their first region title in 20 years with victories in their final two games.

Marietta’s balanced offense is averaging 165.1 passing yards and 129.6 rushing yards per game. Junior quarterback Jayden Whiteside has thrown for 1,311 yards and 14 touchdowns, spreading the ball around to a talented receiving corps featuring Semaj Anderson (26 receptions, 374 yards, 5 TDs), Isaac Copeland (22 receptions, 284 yards, 2 TDs), and Elijah Green (17 receptions, 339 yards, 6 TDs).

Defensively, Alec Huf leads the team with 67 total tackles, while Jamine Solomon has a team-high 33 solo stops. Merrick Ham has been a difference-maker up front, recording 10 tackles for loss and 6 sacks. The Blue Devils are averaging 26.8 points per game while allowing 26.2 on defense and have forced 7 turnovers this season.

Keys to Victory

Cherokee:

• Feed Hamilton: Establish the run early to control tempo and keep the Marietta offense off the field.

• Win on Third Down: Sustaining drives will be critical to avoid putting too much pressure on the defense.

• Create Turnovers: The Warriors must force takeaways to generate extra possessions and swing momentum.

  
  

Marietta:

• Start Fast: Take the home crowd out of the game and build an early lead to put Cherokee on its heels.

• Contain Hamilton: Limiting Cherokee’s star running back is the top priority.

• Protect Whiteside: Keep the pocket clean to allow the passing game to stay in rhythm.

Pundit's Pick

Cherokee has the offensive weapons to make things interesting, especially with Hamilton’s ability to control the clock and keep Marietta’s offense on the sideline. However, the Blue Devils have found their stride and will look to keep momentum going toward a potential region crown. Cherokee’s offense will move the ball behind Hamilton, but Marietta’s balance and recent momentum give them the edge.

Prediction: : Marietta by 17.