Final Home Opener for Historic Tommy Baker Field as Warriors Host Rival Chiefs

The Cherokee Warriors return to Tommy Baker Field on Friday night in search of their first win of the season — and they’ll face no easy task against county rival Sequoyah. The matchup carries added significance as it marks the final home opener at Historic Tommy Baker Field and comes as Sequoyah’s James Teter looks to become the all-time winningest coach in both Sequoyah and Cherokee County history.

Scouting the Warriors

Cherokee leaned heavily on senior running back Brandon Hamilton in its opener, giving him 30 carries for 110 yards and a touchdown while also using him as a pass catcher out of the backfield. First-year starting quarterback Sawyer Ray looked sharp, completing 85 percent of his passes for 135 yards and a touchdown and adding 60 rushing yards with another score. Freshman Zack Parker also saw limited snaps, and six different Warriors caught passes, led by Jack Rubin, King Belin and Asa West, who combined for 10 receptions and 118 yards. Cherokee’s offensive line, anchored by Nation Farmer and Dorian Stewart, will need to control the line of scrimmage to stay ahead of schedule against an aggressive Sequoyah front.

Defensively, the Warriors’ front seven should be well prepared for the ground game after facing River Ridge’s Micah Pugh last week, but this week’s challenge may be even greater. Sequoyah running back Will Rajecki was impressive in his efforts last week.

Scouting the Chiefs

Up front, Sequoyah boasts a veteran offensive line led by Alex Brewer and Brody Craig, giving the Chiefs a chance to wear down opponents as the game progresses. Will Rajecki picked up were he left off last season, rushing for 190 yards on 18 carries, catching 4 passes for 80 yards, tossing a pass for 40 yards and scoring twice. Quarterback Kolby Martin threw for 138 yards and rushed for 56 yards, including the game wining TD.

Sequoyah’s defense settled in after early struggles against Denmark’s passing game. The Chiefs held the Danes scoreless after making halftime adjustments and forced a big turnover which the Chiefs offense cashed into the game winner. Linebacker Drew Williams has emerged as a player to watch at linebacker and will be key in helping containing Hamilton and tracking Ray’s scrambling ability. Williams recorded a team high 16 total tackles including a sack. Sequouyah;s defense forced two turnovers in the victory.

Pundit's Pick

This matchup also features one four of the best tackles in Cherokee County, with Alex Brewer and Brody Craig for Sequoyah and their counterparts Nation Farmer and Dorian Stewart . The game will likely come down to which side controls the line and forces the opposing quarterback into predictable situations.

Both teams are expected to load the box defensively. Sequoyah relies on the experience at the skill positions and Rajecki’s versatility to power the offenseothe ground. If Cherokee can stay on schedule and avoid obvious passing downs, they’ll have a chance to hang around late. But Sequoyah’s experience and proven playmakers could be the difference down the stretch.

With bragging rights on the line and major storylines for both sidelines, Friday’s matchup should be physical and tightly contested. Cherokee won’t let the Chiefs pull away easily, but Sequoyah’s veteran core looks poised to spoil the Warriors’ home opener.

Prediction: Sequoyah by 9.