Warriors Looks to Rebound at Home Against Wildcats

Scouting the Warriors

The Cherokee Warriors enter this week facing a major challenge after losing both of their quarterbacks to injury last Friday night. Starter Zack Parker, who has thrown for 886 yards and 7 touchdowns this season, left the game with an apparent injury, while backup Sawyer Ray has also missed time. That left leading wide receiver Jack Ruban under center in emergency duty to close things out. The Warriors have been one of the more balanced teams in the region, averaging 193.7 passing yards and 204.3 rushing yards per game. If neither Parker nor Ray can go this week, the workload will likely fall even more heavily on star running back Brandon Hamilton, who has been outstanding this season. Hamilton rushed for 146 yards and two scores last week, marking his fifth 100-yard rushing performance of the season, and now sits at 889 yards and 9 touchdowns on the year.

In the passing game, Ruban has been Cherokee’s go-to target all season with 41 receptions for 668 yards and 6 touchdowns. Wideout Gaylon Sanders has come on strong in recent weeks as a secondary weapon, adding 13 catches for 157 yards.

Defensively, the Warriors are led by linebacker duo Trenton Barnett (61 tackles) and Kayson Simmons (57 tackles). However, the defense has had trouble keeping opponents in check, giving up 43.5 points per game with only four sacks and six takeaways through seven games.

Scouting the Wildcats

The Wheeler Wildcats come into this matchup hungry to snap a three-game losing streak. Offensively, Wheeler mirrors Cherokee in balance, averaging 174.3 passing yards and 180.8 rushing yards per game. Junior quarterback Patrick McCullough has been steady, throwing for 893 yards and 10 touchdowns. His top targets include Brock Adams (17 catches, 356 yards, 3 TDs) and Matthew Morris (13 catches, 290 yards, 5 TDs), while running back Greg Kendrick is the engine of the offense. Kendrick has racked up 793 rushing yards and 5 touchdowns while also contributing 16 receptions for 192 yards out of the backfield, making him one of the most dangerous dual-threat players in the region.

Defensively, Wheeler has struggled much like Cherokee, giving up 39.3 points per game. Linebacker Bolt Odutola (40 tackles, 6.5 TFL) and Jajid Alleyne (41 tackles) have been bright spots, but the Wildcats have only forced three turnovers all season. If Wheeler can get timely stops, their offense has the playmakers to win a shootout.

Keys to the Game

For Cherokee:

• Quarterback Health: The biggest factor—if Parker or Ray can play, Cherokee’s passing game opens up. If not, the Warriors will need Ruban to manage snaps and Hamilton to shoulder a huge load.

• Ride Hamilton: The senior back has carried this team most of the season and will likely be the safest option against a shaky Wheeler defense.

• Defensive Discipline: Cherokee must tackle well and avoid giving up explosive plays to Kendrick and the Wheeler receivers.

For Wheeler:

• Control the Line: Giving Kendrick running lanes early could wear down Cherokee’s defense and open up play-action for McCullough.

• Force Cherokee to Throw: If Parker and Ray are limited, Wheeler needs to stack the box against Hamilton and make Ruban or Sanders beat them through the air.

• Red-Zone Defense: Both teams will move the ball—Wheeler must tighten inside the 20 and force field goal attempts.

Pundit's Pick

Both teams feature playmakers on offense but have had trouble stopping the opposition, setting the stage for a high-scoring battle. If Cherokee has either Parker or Ray available, their passing attack should be strong enough to complement Hamilton’s running game. If not, expect an even heavier ground emphasis. Wheeler will look to ride Kendrick and exploit Cherokee’s defense, but home-field advantage and Hamilton’s consistency give the Warriors the narrowest of edges.

Prediction: Cherokee by 1