Etowah heads to East Cobb on Friday with hopes of an upset over Sprayberry

Scouting the Eagles

The Etowah Eagles ushered in the Brett Vavra era with a thrilling overtime win last Friday night, knocking off their neighborhood rival in dramatic fashion. Etowah scored on defense, on the ground, and through the air to seal the victory. Quarterback Zeke Douglass was impressive, completing 13-of-23 passes for 209 yards and two touchdowns, while adding 76 rushing yards and another score. Walker Hughes led the team in receiving with 5 receptions for 76 yards and also scored the game-clinching touchdown run in overtime.

Linebacker Drake Mason jump-started the Eagles with a pick-six; it was one of two intereceptions recorded by Etowah's defense last Friday night. Oliver Creigh and Reggie Bruell led the Eagles in total tackles with 15 and 13 respectively. Etowah’s 31 points in regulation surpassed any offensive output from last season as they look to establish themselves as a contender in Cherokee County.

Scouting the Jackets

Waiting for Etowah in Week 2 are the Sprayberry Yellow Jackets, fresh off a 48–6 rout of Alexander. Sprayberry presents a stiff challenge, boasting one of the best secondaries Etowah will face all season. Cornerback Jorden Edmunds (Alabama commit) and safety Kealan Jones (Georgia commit) will test Etowah's Douglass in the secondary, while all-region defensive lineman Gabe Clark anchors the front. The Jackets allowed just 17.2 points per game last season and appear poised to match that stinginess again.

Offensively, Sprayberry is led by dual-threat quarterback Jaden Duckett, who threw two first-half touchdown passes to Kobe Lewis in last week’s win. Duckett’s quick feet and ability to extend plays make him one of the toughest quarterbacks Etowah will face all year, outside of North Cobb’s Teddy Girard. Duckett is a dual threat quarterback who’s nifty footwork often leaves defensive coordinators flummoxed and opposing defenders floundering in his wake.

Pundit's Pick

For Etowah, the defensive focus will be simple but difficult: pressure Duckett and, more importantly, get him on the ground. The Eagles already have momentum after their season-opening win, but they’ll need another big performance from Douglass — and from Hughes — to pull off the upset. The ultimate X-factor? Coach Vavra’s familiarity with Sprayberry’s personnel after leading the Jackets to a region title in 2024. Even with that edge, Sprayberry’s speed and balance may be too much to overcome.

Prediction: Sprayberry by two touchdowns.