Warriors Collide: North Cobb Looks to Rebound Against Cherokee

Scouting the North Cobb Warriors

The North Cobb Warriors were stunned last week, falling to Marietta by a single point. The loss drops North Cobb into a tie for second place in the region, though they still hold the head-to-head tiebreaker over North Paulding after a 7-point win earlier this season.

Offensively, North Cobb has leaned heavily on its ground game, led by sophomore sensation Zach Belyeu, who’s rushed for 785 yards and 13 touchdowns. Senior Quevy Echols has added 416 yards and six scores to give the Warriors one of the most productive backfields in the region. Quarterback Teddy Jarrard has thrown for 1,162 yards and seven touchdowns, spreading the ball primarily to Micah Billingsley (36 receptions, 324 yards, 1 TD) and Sebastian Easley(20 receptions, 238 yards, 2 TDs).

The North Cobb offense averages 27 points per game, while the defense allows 22. Defensively, Jayden Harris leads the team with 43 total tackles and five tackles for loss, while Marcus Singleton and Trey Shaw anchor the secondary with four and two interceptions, respectively.

Scouting the Cherokee Warriors

The Cherokee Warriors, meanwhile, saw their playoff hopes take a hit last week after falling to Walton. Cherokee trailed by just four points at halftime before struggling offensively in the second half. The loss drops them to the bottom of the region standings, making this week’s contest a must-win if they want to stay in postseason contention.

Senior running back Brandon Hamilton continued his stellar season with another 100-yard performance—his seventh of the year. Hamilton has rushed for 1,117 yards and 10 touchdowns on the season, serving as the heart of Cherokee’s offense. Quarterback Zack Parker got the start last week and threw for 126 yards and a touchdown, connecting frequently with Jack Ruban, who returned to action and caught four passes for 96 yards and a score. On the season, Ruban has been outstanding with 45 receptions for 764 yards and seven touchdowns. Hamilton and Ruban are two of the states top leaders in thier respective categories.

Defensively, junior linebacker Trenton Barnett leads Cherokee with 67 total tackles and 40 solo stops, while Kayson Simmons adds 57 total and 37 solo tackles. Senior Jalion Trowers anchors the front with a team-high seven tackles for loss.

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Keys to the Game

North Cobb Warriors

• Control the trenches. The rushing duo of Belyeu and Echols should be able to wear down Cherokee’s front if the offensive line controls the tempo.

• Limit big plays. Cherokee’s passing game, especially with Ruban healthy, can change momentum quickly — North Cobb must prevent breakdowns in coverage.

• Start fast. After a letdown last week, an early lead could help the Warriors reassert control and avoid another upset.

  
  

Cherokee Warriors

• Ride the Hot Hand: Hamilton must continue his dominance on the ground to keep North Cobb’s offense off the field.

• Get Parker Comfortable: A quick passing game to Ruban and the receivers can loosen up North Cobb’s defense.

• Win on Third Down: Sustaining drives will keep the defense fresh late.

• Defensive Containment: Limit North Cobb’s explosive runs and tackle well in space.

Pundits Pick

This matchup is critical for both teams. North Cobb needs a win to stay in the hunt for a home playoff game, while Cherokee must win out and get some help to keep its sli, postseason hopes alive. Expect both squads to lean heavily on their ground attacks as they try to control the tempo. Both teams will fight with playoff stakes on the line, but North Cobb’s running game and depth up front should prove too much as the game wears on.

Prediction: North Cobb by 13