Warriors Aim to Secure Home Playoff Game Against Eagles

Scouting the Warriors

The North Cobb Warriors got back in the win column last week as they continue their push to secure a home playoff game in the postseason. The Warriors are averaging 30.1 points per game while allowing 22.3 on defense. In their most recent outing, North Cobb piled up 471 yards of total offense, including a season-high 317 yards through the air.

Quarterback Teddy Jarrad has thrown for 1,479 yards and 9 touchdowns this season, spreading the ball around to a talented receiving corps led by Micah Billingsley (41 receptions, 422 yards, 2 TDs) and Sebastian Easley (20 receptions, 238 yards, 2 TDs). On the ground, super sophomore Zach Belyeu has powered the offense with 901 yards and 16 touchdowns, while senior Quevy Echols has added 454 yards and 8 scores.

Defensively, the Warriors have generated steady pressure and turnovers, recording 11 sacks and forcing 18 takeaways, including 10 interceptions. Jayden Harris leads the defense with 52 total tackles (33 solo), while linebacker Jayden Hamlette has 28 total tackles and is tied for the team lead with 6 tackles for loss.

Scouting the Eagles

The Etowah Eagles had a tough night last week as Walton got the best of them. Despite the loss, the Eagles managed 303 total yards of offense. For the season, Etowah is averaging 166.2 passing yards and 162.2 rushing yards per game. Dual-threat quarterback Zeke Douglass continues to be the focal point of the offense, throwing for 1,496 yards and rushing for 747, accounting for 18 total touchdowns. His top target, Walker Hughes, leads the team with 31 catches for 662 yards and 2 scores.

Defensively, Etowah is allowing 33.1 points per game while scoring 24.7. Oliver Creigh anchors the defense with 68 total tackles, while Nate Truitt leads the team with 40 solo tackles. Drake Mason has been a force up front with 12 tackles for loss. The defense has forced 12 turnovers on the season.

Keys to Victory

North Cobb:

• Establish the Run Early: Continue to lean on Belyeu and Echols to wear down the Etowah front and set up play-action opportunities for Jarrad.

• Stay Aggressive on Defense: Pressure Douglass and force him into hurried throws; capitalize on turnovers like they’ve done all season.

• Keep Drives Clean: Avoid penalties and turnovers to maintain control of tempo and field position.

Etowah:

• Contain the Run: The Eagles must limit Belyeu’s production to stay competitive. Winning early downs will be critical.

• Spread the Field: Utilize Douglass’s dual-threat ability to keep North Cobb’s defense guessing and take shots downfield to Hughes.

• Win the Turnover Battle: Creating extra possessions could be the equalizer against a deeper Warriors team.

Pundit's Pick

Last week, the Eagles struggled to stop Walton’s rushing attack — and they’ll face a similar challenge this week as North Cobb brings one of the region’s top backfields into the matchup. North Cobb’s balanced offense and defensive playmaking prove too much for Etowah to handle.

Prediction: Warriors by 17.