The Cherokee County varsity football team faces off against Jackson in a neutral-site playoff game today at 11 a.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 AHSAA Football Playoffs for the 4A division. Both teams are eager to advance, promising an intense and action-packed showdown on the path to championship glory.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Alabama State Football Championship
Who: Cherokee County (AL) vs Jackson (AL)
When: Today, December 06, 2024
Bracket: AHSAA Super 7 Class 4A Championship
Time: 11 a.m.
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Jackson vs. Cherokee County

The stage is set for an exciting matchup between two powerhouse teams: Jackson and Cherokee County. With identical 13-1 records and impressive performances throughout the season, this game promises to be a battle of contrasting styles. Here’s an in-depth look at how the teams compare and what to expect.

Team Stats Overview

• Offense:
  • Jackson boasts an explosive offense, averaging 442.4 total yards per game, led by a potent passing attack with 238.0 passing yards per game. Their balance between the air and ground is a key factor in their success.
  • Cherokee County, on the other hand, excels in the rushing game, averaging 276.0 rushing yards per game, significantly outpacing Jackson in this category. Their run-first strategy has been the cornerstone of their offensive identity.
• Defense:
  • Both teams have strong defensive units. Cherokee County averages 80.6 tackles per game and 3.1 sacks per game, giving them an edge in pressuring opposing offenses.
  • Jackson’s defense has been solid as well, with 72.2 tackles per game and 1.9 sacks per game, though they’ll need to step up against Cherokee County’s dominant rushing attack.
• Scoring:
  • Jackson’s high-powered offense averages 43.7 points per game, while Cherokee County scores a respectable 34.9 points per game. Jackson’s ability to convert drives into points could be the difference-maker in this matchup.

Key Players to Watch

• Jackson:
  • Ezavier Crowell (#13): Crowell is a force in the rushing game, averaging 130.3 yards per game and 13.4 points per game, making him a constant threat to break big plays.
  • Landon Duckworth (#1): With 222.1 passing yards per game and 267.1 total yards per game, Duckworth orchestrates Jackson’s dynamic offense, excelling as both a passer and playmaker.
  • Laquon Whisenhunt (#2): On defense, Whisenhunt leads Jackson with 9.8 tackles per game, providing stability and leadership.
• Cherokee County:
  • Tae Diamond (#21): Diamond is the heartbeat of Cherokee County’s offense and defense, leading in rushing with 104.8 yards per game, contributing 10.6 points per game, and adding defensive firepower with 1.6 sacks per game.
  • Tristan Brown (#4): Brown anchors Cherokee County’s defense with 11.3 tackles per game, setting the tone for their physical play.
  • Ethan Glass (#16): Glass is a reliable target in the passing game, averaging 48.7 receiving yards per game, helping balance their offensive attack.

Record Breakdown

• Both teams boast identical 13-1 overall records and have been dominant in their respective leagues, with Jackson at 6-0 and Cherokee County at 7-0.
• In non-league play, Cherokee County holds a slight edge with a 2-1 record, compared to Jackson’s 3-1.
• Both teams have performed well at home and away, but Jackson remains undefeated in road games at 5-1, showcasing their resilience in tough environments.
• Both teams are unbeaten in the playoffs, with 4-0 postseason records, adding an extra layer of anticipation to this matchup.

Keys to Victory

• For Jackson:
  Jackson needs to capitalize on its explosive offense. Duckworth must maintain his precision in the passing game, while Crowell must find ways to exploit Cherokee County’s defensive front. Defensively, Jackson must contain Diamond and force Cherokee County to rely on their less-proven passing attack.
• For Cherokee County:
  Cherokee County’s success hinges on controlling the clock with their dominant rushing attack. They must keep Jackson’s offense off the field by sustaining long, methodical drives. Defensively, applying pressure on Duckworth and limiting big plays will be crucial.

What’s at Stake

This game is more than just a matchup of two talented teams. It’s a clash of styles: Jackson’s high-octane, balanced offense versus Cherokee County’s run-heavy, physical approach. The winner not only claims bragging rights but also solidifies their position as one of the top teams in the state.

Fans can expect a hard-fought, high-energy contest that will likely come down to which team can execute their game plan under pressure. Will Jackson’s dynamic offense prove too much to handle, or will Cherokee County’s relentless rushing attack and defensive grit prevail? The answer will unfold on the field.