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: Houston Academy vs Mars Hill Bible
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 2024 AHSAA Football Playoffs for the 4A division bring a thrilling clash between two powerhouse teams, Jackson and Cherokee County. Both squads enter the game with identical 13-1 records and perfect region play, setting the stage for an intense and closely contested showdown.

Jackson: A Dominant Force

Ranked 16th in Alabama and holding the top spot in Class 4A, Jackson has been a dominant team throughout the season. Their overall win percentage of .929 and flawless 6-0 region record underline their consistency and strength. The team has demonstrated exceptional scoring ability, amassing 630 points while conceding only 182, giving them a scoring average of 45 points per game.

Jackson’s explosive starts have been a defining feature, averaging an impressive 17.8 points in the first quarter alone. However, their scoring slows considerably in the fourth quarter, where they average just 1.8 points. To secure victory, Jackson will need to maintain their offensive momentum throughout the game and capitalize on their early-game strength.

Cherokee County: Balanced and Resilient

Cherokee County, ranked 44th in Alabama and second in Class 4A, matches Jackson with a 13-1 record and an unbeaten region record (7-0). They have outscored opponents 503-161, showcasing their strong offense and sturdy defense. Averaging 35.9 points per game, Cherokee County has proven their ability to perform consistently across all quarters.

While Cherokee County’s scoring is not as front-loaded as Jackson’s, their balanced approach across all four quarters—averaging 7.0 points in both the first and second quarters and peaking at 10.5 in the third—reflects their adaptability and endurance. Their defense, which has allowed fewer points than Jackson’s, could play a crucial role in this matchup.

Head-to-Head Comparison

Both teams boast identical win percentages (.929) and flawless region records, but their playing styles differ. Jackson relies on early-game domination to build a lead, while Cherokee County’s balanced performance gives them strength across all quarters. The game may come down to whether Cherokee County’s defense can withstand Jackson’s explosive starts and whether Jackson can maintain their offensive output against a resilient opponent.

What to Watch For

Key to Jackson’s success will be capitalizing on their early scoring opportunities and avoiding a slowdown in the later stages of the game. Cherokee County, on the other hand, must weather Jackson’s initial burst and leverage their defensive discipline to keep the game within reach. The ability to control the tempo and execute in critical moments will likely determine the winner.

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.

Conclusion

As two evenly matched teams face off in the 4A playoffs, this game promises to deliver high-intensity action and drama. With Jackson’s offensive firepower and Cherokee County’s balanced resilience, fans can expect a captivating battle with a spot in the next round at stake. The stage is set for a memorable playoff clash.