Warriors, Patriots Look to Close Season on a Winning Note

Scouting the Patriots

The Paulding County Patriots look to snap a two-game losing streak this week as they attempt to close out their season with a win. The Patriots are averaging 16.8 points per game, generating 142.1 yards per game through the air and 97.1 yards per game on the ground.

Will McGee has thrown for 1,048 yards and eight touchdowns this season. Jaytavious Whatley (30 receptions, 634 yards, 5 touchdowns) and Maximus Gerhard (22 receptions, 274 yards, 2 touchdowns) lead the Patriots' receiving corps. Jereith Graham has been the workhorse in the Paulding County backfield, carrying the ball 80 times for 311 yards and two touchdowns. Ladale Williams and Christian McCrary have also contributed, combining for 387 yards and three touchdowns.

Defensively, the Patriots are allowing 27.8 points per game. Zayden Cooks leads the unit with 26 total tackles and two tackles for loss. Sophomores Asher Quibell and Khalil Hill have combined for 40 total tackles and three sacks. Paulding County has forced nine turnovers this season while recording four sacks.

Scouting the Warriros

The Cherokee Warriors will wrap up their regular season looking to finish on a positive note and earn their second win in the last three games. The Warriors are averaging 15.5 points per game, with 137.2 yards per game through the airand 91.4 yards per game on the ground.

Freshman quarterback James Cochran has thrown for 584 yards and three touchdowns in six games this season. Josiah Bobb (25 receptions, 398 yards, 2 touchdowns) and Zay Gardner (20 receptions, 234 yards, 1 touchdown)lead the Warriors' receiving corps. Meanwhile, Chris Turner and Aryn Jackson have combined for 23 receptions, 347 yards and six touchdowns.

Cherokee's defense is allowing 33.8 points per game this season. Trenton Barnett and Caleb Irwin continue to lead the Warriors with 67 total tackles apiece, while Jaxson Hearn and Brendyn Dufor have added 54 and 39 tackles, respectively. Hearn also leads the team with nine tackles for loss, while Irwin and Mason Cox pace the defense with three sacks each. Meanwhile, Chris Turner leads the Warriors with two interceptions.

Keys to the Game

Paulding County

• Establish the running game: Jereith Graham, Ladale Williams and Christian McCrary need to keep the Patriots balanced offensively and take pressure off Will McGee.

• Protect the football: With 9 turnovers forced by the defense, Paulding County needs to avoid giving Cherokee extra possessions.

• Win on the defensive front: Asher Quibell and Khalil Hill need to disrupt the Cherokee offense and make life difficult for freshman quarterback James Cochran.

• Limit Cherokee's playmakers: Keep Josiah Bobb ) and Chris Turner from creating explosive plays through the air.

Cherokee

• Control the line of scrimmage: The Warriors need to establish their ground game, averaging 91.4 rushing yards per game, and keep the Paulding County defense from dictating the tempo.

• Help the freshman quarterback: James Cochran needs a strong supporting effort from the running game and his receiving corps.

• Create defensive pressure: Jaxson Hearn, Caleb Irwin and Mason Cox need to make plays up front and force Paulding County into difficult situations.

• Win the turnover battle: The Warriors need to take advantage of opportunities to create turnovers while protecting the football offensively.

Pundit's Pick

While both teams have been eliminated from playoff contention, this matchup has the makings of a competitive ballgame. Statistically, these two teams mirror one another in terms of offensive production, and the recipe for success will likely be the same for both:

We believe the team that finishes with the most rushing yards will come away with the victory. Expect a back-and-forth contest, but we're giving the edge to the Patriots on their home field.

Prediction: Paulding County by 3.