Young Warriors, Knights Meet With First Win on the Line

River Ridge Knights

The Knights drew first blood last week, but couldn't find answers for Etowah’s powerful ground game in the loss. River Ridge will continue looking for cohesiveness in the running game as its young offensive line gains experience and continues to gel.

Andrew Rowe continues to prove himself as a reliable target for the Knights. Rowe was on the receiving end of a Hunter Lockerman touchdown pass last week and will once again be an important part of the River Ridge passing attack.

The Knights will also be looking for a much better performance from their run defense. River Ridge surrendered more than 300 rushing yards last week, and slowing down Cherokee’s ground game will be a major priority on Friday night.

Scouting the Warriors

The Cherokee Warriors will be on the road for the first time this season and are searching for their first victory. Dez Murphy recorded his second touchdown of the season last week and continues to pace the Warriors on the ground with 134 rushing yards.

Quarterback Zach Parker had a big day through the air, throwing for 182 yards and a touchdown. Parker completed passes to nine different receivers, but it appears he is developing a strong rapport with sophomore Aydn Jackson.Jackson leads the Warriors with five receptions for 61 yards and a touchdown. Isaiah Gardner and Chris Turner have also proven to be reliable targets in the passing game.

Defensively, Jaxson Hearn continues to impress. The junior leads the Warriors with 20 total tackles and six tackles for loss. Hearn has taken some of the pressure off Trenton Barnett, the Warriors' leading returning tackler.

Keys to the Game

River Ridge Knights

• Establish the ground game behind the young offensive line.

• Improve against the run after allowing more than 300 rushing yards last week.

• Take advantage of a young Cherokee secondary.

• Protect the football and give the offense extra opportunities.

Cherokee Warriors

• Establish Dez Murphy and the ground game early.

• Protect Zach Parker and allow him to utilize his multiple receiving options.

• Take advantage of River Ridge’s struggles against the run.

• Protect the football after turning it over five times in the first two games.

Pundit's Pick

Both of these teams are young at some critical positions, and there are still plenty of questions to be answered. For River Ridge, the biggest question is whether the Knights can establish the ground game. We’ll also be watching to see if the Knights can take advantage of a youthful Cherokee secondary and create some explosive plays through the air.

For Cherokee, the Warriors will have to continue establishing the run. Murphy appears to be a back who can become the bell cow of this offense, but the Warriors will also have to protect the football. Cherokee has turned the ball over five times through the first two games, and you can be sure that will be prominently featured in River Ridge’s scouting report.

We believe this one will be close once again, but we like the Warriors to finally break through and pick up their first win of the season.

Prediction: Cherokee by 4