Warriors Look to Bounce Back Against Dynamic South Forsyth Squad

Scouting the Warriors

The Cherokee Warriors got off to a fast start last Friday night but could not sustain the momentum as Lassiter spoiled the opening night of the new Tommy Baker Field. The Warriors were snake-bitten by some key injuries and could not really overcome Lassiter’s air assault. Dez Murphy (12 carries, 79 yards) looked strong at running back early, but a key injury along Cherokee’s offensive line limited the Warriors’ ability to run the football for much of the rest of the night.

It’s a quick turnaround for the Warriors as they prepare to face a highly touted passer in South Forsyth’s Khayel Sam Fong-Talia. Cherokee has to find a way to get pressure on the quarterback defensively. The Warriors forced only two punts last Friday and will have to find a way to get off the field against a South Forsyth offense that can put points on the board.

Junior linebacker Jaxson Hearn may have earned himself more playing time after an impressive opening-night performance. Hearn tallied 11 total tackles, including three tackles for loss, and could be one of the players to watch on the defensive side of the ball. Meanwhile, on offense, quarterback Zack Parker will need one of his young receivers to step up and make plays in the vertical passing attack. If Cherokee can establish some balance offensively, it could help take some pressure off the young quarterback.

Scouting the War Eagles

The South Forsyth War Eagles got a late touchdown pass from quarterback Khayel Sam Fong-Talia to help lift them to a win over Duluth last Friday. The War Eagles’ offense will likely center around Fong-Talia, a transfer from South Carolina who is ranked as one of the top players in the Class of 2029.

Fong-Talia passed for 252 yards in the victory, with most of the damage coming through the air. Carter Ross (5 receptions, 101 yards) was the primary target for South Forsyth, and we can expect the War Eagles to challenge Cherokee’s young secondary throughout the night.

Fong-Talia also showcased his passing ability and mobility, rushing for a team-high 101 yards. His ability to make plays with both his arm and his legs will put significant pressure on the Cherokee defense.

Defensively, the War Eagles forced an interception and recorded one sack against Duluth last week. Gabe Spencer led the way with nine total tackles, and we suspect getting pressure on Cherokee quarterback Zack Parker will be another point of emphasis this week.

Keys to the Game

Cherokee

• Get pressure on Fong-Talia: Cherokee cannot allow the South Forsyth quarterback to sit comfortably in the pocket.

• Find a way to run the football: The Warriors need to establish enough of a ground game to keep the War Eagles defense honest.

• Young receivers must step up: Parker will need his young receiving corps to make plays down the field.

• Get off the field: Cherokee forced only two punts last week and will need to create more defensive stops.

South Forsyth

• Let Fong-Talia make plays: The talented quarterback gives South Forsyth a major advantage with both his arm and his legs.

• Attack the secondary: The War Eagles should test Cherokee’s young defensive backs early and often.

• Contain Murphy: South Forsyth needs to limit Cherokee’s ability to establish the run with Dez Murphy.

• Create pressure: The War Eagles will look to make life difficult for Zack Parker and force Cherokee into difficult situations.

Pundit's Pick

The Cherokee Warriors will have to have a short memory and grow up quickly. While South Forsyth is still settling in with its new quarterback, it is imperative that the Warriors get pressure on the War Eagles passer. Meanwhile, offensively, Cherokee must find a way to run the football enough to keep the South Forsyth defense honest. We expect the Warriors will find the end zone a few more times this week, but we like the War Eagles to take down the Warriors.

Prediction: South Forsyth by 10