As the season progresses, one of the most intriguing matchups features the Brooks Lions facing off against the Cherokee County Warriors. Both teams have shown impressive performances throughout the year, with Brooks entering the game with a 10-2 overall record, and Cherokee County boasting an 11-1 record. This clash promises to be a thrilling encounter as both teams bring their strengths to the field.

Team Performance Comparison

• Rushing Attack: Cherokee County has been dominant on the ground, averaging 277.6 rushing yards per game, a remarkable figure that underscores their physical style of play. Their star player, #21 Tae Diamond, leads the charge with 101.0 rushing yards per game. On the other hand, Brooks is no slouch, averaging 229.7 rushing yards per game, with #6 Garrett Burrough leading the team with 108.7 yards per game. Both teams will likely lean heavily on their rushing offenses, making this an exciting matchup of ground games.
• Passing Attack: While Cherokee County relies primarily on their run game, Brooks has shown a more balanced offensive approach. The Lions average 148.0 passing yards per game, with #6 Garrett Burrough also contributing in the air, recording 142.8 passing yards per game. Cherokee County, in contrast, averages just 87.3 passing yards per game, relying on short, efficient passes when needed. Brooks’ ability to mix it up with the pass could give them an advantage in keeping Cherokee County’s defense off balance.
• Total Yards Per Game: Brooks averages 377.7 total yards per game, thanks to their solid rushing attack and efficient passing game. Cherokee County, while slightly behind at 364.8 total yards per game, has proven that their high-powered rushing attack is capable of sustaining long drives and controlling the clock.
• Defensive Performance: Cherokee County has the edge in tackles per game, averaging 81.5 compared to Brooks’ 66.4. Their defense, led by #4 Tristan Brown (11.5 tackles per game), is aggressive and disciplined, making it tough for opponents to sustain drives. Brooks’ defense, while effective, will need to contain Cherokee County’s potent rushing attack and create turnovers to stay competitive.

Key Individual Players

• Garrett Burrough (Brooks): As the leader of the offense, #6 Garrett Burrough is the key player for Brooks. Not only does he contribute significantly in the rushing game (108.7 yards per game), but his passing ability (142.8 yards per game) makes him a dual-threat. Burrough will need to be at his best, both running the ball and orchestrating the passing game, if Brooks is to come out on top.
• Tae Diamond (Cherokee County): The standout player for Cherokee County is #21 Tae Diamond. With 101.0 rushing yards per game, Diamond is a workhorse who can wear down opposing defenses. His ability to break tackles and extend runs will be crucial in controlling the clock and maintaining offensive balance for the Warriors.
• Tristan Brown (Cherokee County): On the defensive side, #4 Tristan Brown is the player to watch. With 11.5 tackles per game, Brown is a playmaker who can stop the run and make tackles in space. His leadership on defense will be key in limiting Brooks’ offensive attack.

Record Breakdown

• Overall Records: Brooks enters the game with a 10-2 record, while Cherokee County is 11-1. Cherokee County’s lone loss came in a non-league matchup, but they have been dominant in both league play and the postseason, having secured a perfect 7-0 record in league play. Brooks, with a 6-2 league record, will need to show they can compete with the top-tier teams in their league.
• Head-to-Head Records: Both teams have played against common opponents, and while Brooks is 1-1 in these matchups, Cherokee County has a perfect 2-0 record against the same teams. The most notable result is Cherokee County’s dominant 41-14 win over Central, compared to Brooks’ narrow 28-24 loss to the same team. This suggests that Cherokee County may have an edge in their overall game execution.
• Home and Away Performance: Brooks has a solid 4-0 record at home and will be playing on their home turf, which could provide an advantage. Cherokee County is no stranger to road games, having posted a 5-2 record away from home. Their ability to win on the road, including impressive victories over Alexandria, makes them a formidable opponent in any setting.

Conclusion

This matchup between Brooks and Cherokee County promises to be an exciting and competitive game, with both teams bringing strong rushing attacks, solid defenses, and dynamic playmakers. Cherokee County’s ability to control the clock with their running game, coupled with their strong defensive play, gives them a slight edge going into the game. However, Brooks’ balanced offense, led by the dual-threat quarterback Garrett Burrough, could cause problems for Cherokee County’s defense if they can find success in both the run and pass games.

With both teams boasting high-scoring offenses and aggressive defenses, fans can expect a fast-paced and hard-hitting game that could go down to the wire.