Eagles Look to Regain Momentum in Region Clash with Cherokee

Scouting the Eagles

The Etowah Eagles were ambushed last week on the road at Marietta and will have to rebound quickly as region play continues. Last Friday, it was tough sledding for the Eagles, but they still managed 164 yards on the ground and 126 yards through the air. On the season, Etowah is averaging 347.2 total yards of offense and 26.2 points per game. Junior quarterback Zeke Douglass continues to be the catalyst for the Eagles’ attack, throwing for 834 yards, rushing for 387 yards, and accounting for 11 total touchdowns so far. Expect junior Mike Goins to be featured in an effort to jump-start the ground game; he posted a breakout performance two weeks ago but was held in check against Marietta.

Defensively, Etowah is allowing 32.4 points per game, with last week’s 43 points the most they’ve surrendered all season. Oliver Creigh continues to lead the defense with 45 total tackles, while Cooper Hendrix leads the team in sacks with 5. Etowah has sacked opposing quarterbacks 7 times and has forced 4 turnovers

Scouting the Warriors

The Cherokee Warriors were off last week and will look for their first region win and second road win of the year. After a slow start, Cherokee’s offense has found its stride behind senior running back Brandon Hamilton and freshman quarterback Zack Parker. Hamilton has rushed for 743 yards and 7 touchdowns, averaging an eye-popping 9.1 yards per carry. He is the Class 6A rushing leader heading into this week.

Parker, since taking over at quarterback, has thrown for 822 yards and 7 touchdowns while completing just under 60% of his passes. Senior receiver Jack Rubin has been Parker’s go-to target with 35 receptions for 520 yards and 5 touchdowns. Gaylon Sanders (11 catches, 156 yards, 1 touchdown) and King Belin (9 catches, 103 yards) give the Warriors additional depth in the passing game. Ruban is second in Class 6A in receiving.

Defensively, Trenton Barnett, Kayson Simmons, and Brooks Adams pace the unit with 49, 43, and 39 tackles, respectively. The Warriors have sacked opposing quarterbacks 4 times and have forced 5 turnovers.

🔑 Keys to Victory

Etowah Eagles

• Establish the run early. Mike Goins needs touches to help balance the offense and take pressure off Zeke Douglass.

• Get Douglass in rhythm. Quick passes, designed runs, and tempo can help the dual-threat QB settle in and create chunk plays.

• Limit big plays. Cherokee has multiple weapons; Etowah’s secondary and linebackers must keep everything in front and tackle well.

• Pressure Parker. Cooper Hendrix and the defensive front have to collapse the pocket to disrupt the freshman QB’s timing.

  
  

Cherokee Warriors

• Feed Brandon Hamilton. The senior RB is averaging over nine yards a carry; establishing him keeps Etowah’s defense honest.

• Protect Parker. Give the freshman QB time to find Rubin, Sanders, and Belin and stretch the field vertically.

• Contain Douglass. Assign a spy or mix blitz packages to keep the junior QB from escaping and making plays with his legs.

• Win special teams and field position. In a high-scoring matchup, hidden yards in the kicking and return game could be decisive.

Pundit's Pick

This one has the makings of a barn burner — it may come down to which team has the ball last. With Cherokee’s offense surging, we like the Warriors to break through this week.

Prediction: Cherokee by 5.