Eagles Looks to Keep Rolling as Warriors Seek a Bounce-Back Win
Scouting the Eagles
The Etowah Eagles got back on track last week as they pulled away from Paulding County in the second half. The Eagles racked up 352 yards of offense in the victory. On the season, Etowah is averaging 131.8 yards per game through the air and 189.3 yards per game on the ground.
Perhaps the most impressive statistic from last week's game was the efficiency of senior quarterback Zeke Douglass, who completed 11 of 16 passes for 218 yards and a touchdown. Douglass has completed 36 of 67 passes for 527 yards and four touchdowns on the season. Walker Hughes continues to lead the Eagles' receiving corps with a team-high 18 receptions for 213 yards and a touchdown.
The Eagles' ground game has gotten a boost this season from Kingston Ceaser (35 carries, 270 yards, 6 TDs), Jayden Christopher (25 carries, 135 yards) and Tristian Alston (11 carries, 75 yards). Those three backs have complemented the dual-threat Douglass, who has also rushed for 262 yards and six touchdowns. Defensively, Shamarion McClaurin (34 tackles, 2 TFLs, 2 sacks), Ben Gebhardt (22 tackles) and Donovyn Pollard (14 tackles, 3 TFLs, 2.5 sacks) are among the statistical leaders for Etowah.
Scouting the Warriors
The Cherokee Warriors will look to get back in the win column after Marietta got the best of them last week. The Warriors were only able to muster 146 yards against a stout Marietta defense. On the season, Cherokee is averaging 162.5 yards per game through the air and 95 yards per game on the ground. Quarterback Zack Parker has thrown for 618 yards and four touchdowns. His top receivers have been Isaiah Gardner (12 receptions, 133 yards, 1 TD), Josiah Bobb (11 receptions, 179 yards, 1 TD) and Chris Turner (6 receptions, 131 yards, 2 TDs).
Meanwhile, Micah Spear has been the workhorse with a team-high 38 carries for 98 yards, while Dez Murphy leads the team with 141 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Tory Hearn has chipped in 51 yards. Defensively, Trent Barnett continues to lead the Warriors with 36 total tackles, while linebacker Caleb Irwin has tallied 30 tackles and two tackles for loss. Jackson Hearn has 30 total tackles, including a team-high seven tackles for loss. The Warriors have recorded five sacks this season.
Keys to the Game
Etowah
Establish the ground game: Ceaser and Christopher need to give Etowah a consistent presence on the ground.
Continue efficient quarterback play: Douglass was excellent last week, and another efficient performance would put the Eagles in a good position.
Protect the football: Avoid giving Cherokee extra possessions in what could be a competitive game.
Win the battle up front: Etowah needs to hold its own against a Cherokee front that could have a size advantage.
Cherokee
Win the trenches: The Warriors need to take advantage of their size along the line of scrimmage and establish the run.
Get the offense back on track: After being held to 146 yards last week, Cherokee needs more production from its offense.
Protect Zack Parker: Give the quarterback time to find Gardner, Bobb and Turner downfield.
Limit Etowah's rushing attack: Keeping Ceaser and Christopher in check will force the Eagles to rely more heavily on Douglass.
Pundit's Pick
The Etowah Eagles got back on track last week, and with the game back at home, we can expect them to continue leaning on Kingston Ceaser and Jayden Christopher to complement Zeke Douglass. Meanwhile, Cherokee may have an advantage along the line of scrimmage against a smaller Etowah front. If the Warriors can push the Eagles around and establish the ground game, they can keep this game close. Zack Parker will also have to take care of the football for the Warriors to have a chance. We believe Etowah is a little more proven on offense, and the Eagles will ride that advantage to victory.
Prediction: Etowah by 11
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