Warriors Look to Rebound as Raiders Defend Home Turf

Scouting the Raiders

The Walton Raiders find themselves in somewhat unfamiliar territory this season — locked in a three-way tie for fourth place in the region as they look to keep their playoff hopes alive. Walton has shown solid balance on offense, averaging 205.9 yards per game on the ground and 188.9 yards through the air, while scoring 25 points per game.

Sophomore quarterback Christion Peacock has impressed with 1,189 passing yards and 11 touchdowns, spreading the ball around efficiently. His top target, Jordan Peacock, has hauled in 35 passes for 471 yards and 3 touchdowns, while Noriega Thompson has been the offensive catalyst, rushing for 592 yards and 3 touchdowns, and adding another 256 yards and 3 scores as a receiver.

Defensively, the Raiders have struggled at times, allowing 31.5 points per game, but playmaking linebacker Noah Lavallee (99 total tackles, 57 solo) and ball-hawking defensive back M.J. Burnette (3 interceptions) continue to anchor the unit. Walton has forced 14 turnovers this season — an area they’ll need to continue capitalizing on.

Scouting the Warriors

The Cherokee Warriors were hampered by injuries last week and struggled to find their rhythm offensively without one of the state’s top receivers, Jack Rubin. The Warriors will need to get healthy quickly as they face a must-win road test at Walton.

Senior running back Brandon Hamilton has been the engine of the offense, surpassing the 1,000-yard mark (1,012 yards, 10 touchdowns) last week. Quarterback Sawyer Ray got the start in their most recent game, throwing for 120 yards, and has 388 passing yards with 2 touchdowns and 2 interceptions on the year. When healthy, Rubin (41 catches, 668 yards) is a matchup nightmare, while Gaylon Sanders has emerged as a steady secondary option (20 catches, 193 yards).

Cherokee’s offense has been balanced, averaging 192.7 rushing yards and 183.1 passing yards per game, but the defense has struggled to generate pressure and takeaways, with just 4 sacks and 7 turnovers forced this season.

Keys to the Game

Walton Raiders

• Control the Line of Scrimmage: The Raiders’ offensive line must open running lanes for Thompson and protect Peacock against a Cherokee front that needs disruption to compete.

• Defensive Discipline: Walton has to tighten up defensively, especially against Hamilton, who can take over games if not contained.

• Turnover Margin: Continue forcing takeaways — the Raiders have thrived when winning the turnover battle.

Cherokee Warriors

• Get Healthy, Stay Balanced: If Rubin returns, Cherokee regains its ability to stretch the field and open space for Hamilton underneath.

• Establish the Run Early: Hamilton’s success sets the tone. Sustained drives will keep Walton’s offense off the field.

• Pressure Peacock: Make the young quarterback uncomfortable — force quick throws and limit deep shots to Jordan Peacock.

Pundit's Pick

This matchup has major postseason implications, as a loss will put either team’s playoff aspirations in serious jeopardy. Expect a close contest throughout, but Walton’s offensive balance and ability to create turnovers might be just enough to pull off the win.

Prediction: Walton by 13