Warriors Eye Road Upset over Wildcats in Battle of Win-Hungry Teams

Scouting the Wildcats

The Wheeler Wildcats are searching for their first win of the season after falling to Paulding County last week. Through their first five games, the Wildcats are averaging 170.8 yards per game through the air and 159.2 yards on the ground.

Prior to last week’s game, Patrick McCullough had thrown for 821 yards and three touchdowns. Matthew Morris (21 receptions, 315 yards, one touchdown), London Vaughn (12 receptions, 74 yards) and Anthony Outlaw (12 receptions, 93 yards) have been among his primary targets in the passing game. Javon Mangum has paced the ground game with 453 yards and two touchdowns, while Semaj Wiles has added 201 yards and a score.

Defensively, Anthony Naylor leads the Wildcats with 28 total tackles through five games and has recorded a sack. Sophomore defensive back Charon Darby ranks second on the team with 22 tackles. Wheeler’s defense has recorded five sacks this season.

Scouting the Warriors

The Cherokee Warriors turned in one of their better offensive performances last week, highlighted by freshman quarterback James Cochran’s best outing of the season. Cochran threw for 182 yards and added a team-high 30 rushing yards on eight carries. On the season, he has thrown for 353 yards and a touchdown.

Dez Murphy leads the Warriors’ rushing attack with 181 yards and two touchdowns, while Micah Spear has contributed 170 yards. Cherokee has spread the workload around, with seven different backs carrying the ball at least 10 times this season.

Isaiah Gardner (19 receptions, 226 yards, one touchdown) and Josiah Bobb (16 receptions, 251 yards, one touchdown) lead the Warriors in receiving. Chris Turner and Adyn Jackson are tied for the team lead with two receiving touchdowns apiece, while 12 different players have caught passes this season.

Defensively, Trenton Barnett leads Cherokee with 58 total tackles, followed closely by Caleb Irwin with 56. Jaxson Hearn leads the team with seven tackles for loss and ranks third with 46 total tackles. Irwin and Mason Cox share the team lead with three sacks apiece. The Warriors have forced eight turnovers and recorded eight sacks this season.

Keys to the Game

Wheeler Wildcats

• Get Javon Mangum Going: Mangum’s 453 rushing yards make him one of Wheeler’s biggest weapon. The Wildcats need to establish him early to balance the offense.

• Elevate the Passing Game: Patrick McCullough and his receivers must produce more consistently to take pressure off the running game.

• Protect the Football: Wheeler cannot afford costly turnovers in a game likely to come down to the final possessions.

• Make Stops on Third Down: Anthony Naylor and the Wildcats’ defense need to get off the field and limit Cherokee’s offensive opportunities.

  
  

Cherokee Warriors

• Build on Cochran’s Progress: James Cochran needs to carry the confidence from his 182-yard passing performance into another productive outing.

• Establish the Ground Game: Dez Murphy, Micah Spear and Cherokee’s stable of backs must control the tempo and keep the offense balanced.

• Win the Turnover Battle: The Warriors have forced eight turnovers this season and need to create opportunities without giving the ball away themselves.

• Pressure McCullough: Jaxson Hearn, Trent Barnett and the Cherokee defense must disrupt Wheeler’s passing game and force the Wildcats into difficult situations.

Pundit's Pick

Both teams are in desperate need of a win. While their playoff hopes have all but disappeared, a victory would provide valuable momentum heading into the final stretch of the season and the offseason.

Cherokee appears to be finding some offensive rhythm after last week’s performance, but the Warriors must protect the football and establish the running game to find success. Freshman quarterback James Cochran will look to build on his progress while leaning on a balanced rushing attack.

Wheeler has experience at quarterback, but the Wildcats will need improved production from their passing game to complement Mangum and the ground attack. Defensively, both teams will look to force mistakes and capitalize on scoring opportunities in what could be a tightly contested matchup. We like the Warriors to pull off the road upset in a close game.

Prediction: Cherokee by 2.