The Cherokee County (Centre, AL) varsity football team will face West Morgan (Trinity, AL) in a neutral-site playoff game today at 7 p.m. This exciting matchup is part of the 2024 AHSAA Football Playoffs in the 4A division, with both teams competing for a spot in the next round of the tournament.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Alabama State High School Football Playoff
Who: West Morgan vs Cherokee County
When: Friday, November 29, 2024
Bracket: 2024 AHSAA Football Playoffs – 4A
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: West Morgan vs. Cherokee County

The 2024 AHSAA Football Playoffs continue with an exciting 4A division matchup today at 7 p.m., as the undefeated West Morgan (Trinity, AL) takes on Cherokee County (Centre, AL) in a neutral-site game. Both teams have had impressive seasons, and the stakes are high as they battle for a spot in the next round of the tournament.

West Morgan – Undefeated and Dominant

West Morgan enters the playoff game with an impeccable 13-0 record, having gone a perfect 7-0 in their region. Their success this season has been built on both a high-powered offense and a solid defense. West Morgan has averaged 45.2 points per game, with their strongest offensive quarters coming in the second (18.3 points) and first (9.4 points). Their defense has allowed just 143 points on the season, demonstrating their ability to stifle opponents and create opportunities for their offense.

With a balanced and efficient team, West Morgan has been dominant in all facets of the game, and they are ready to continue their undefeated run in the postseason. Their scoring consistency, particularly in the early parts of the game, gives them a significant advantage going into this matchup.

Cherokee County – A Strong Contender

Cherokee County, with a 12-1 record, has also had an excellent season, finishing undefeated in region play (7-0). Their lone loss came earlier in the season, but they have since rebounded with solid wins, making them a serious contender. Cherokee County averages 36.0 points per game, with their most productive quarter coming in the third (10.5 points). Although their offense doesn’t put up numbers as high as West Morgan’s, they have been highly effective, especially in the middle of games.

Their defense has been equally impressive, allowing just 142 points over the course of the season, which will be crucial as they look to stop West Morgan’s potent offense. Cherokee County will need to capitalize on their ability to stay competitive in the second half, as their scoring tends to increase as games progress.

Key Comparisons:

• West Morgan:
  • Overall record: 13-0
  • Region record: 7-0
  • Home record: 6-0
  • Away record: 5-0
  • Neutral record: 2-0
  • Total points: 587
  • Points allowed: 143
  • Scoring average: 45.2 points per game
  • Strongest quarter: Second quarter (18.3 points)
• Cherokee County:
  • Overall record: 12-1
  • Region record: 7-0
  • Home record: 5-1
  • Away record: 5-0
  • Neutral record: 2-0
  • Total points: 468
  • Points allowed: 142
  • Scoring average: 36.0 points per game
  • Strongest quarter: Third quarter (10.5 points)

The highly anticipated matchup between West Morgan (13-0) and Cherokee County (12-1) is set to be a thrilling clash, with both teams boasting undefeated league records and impressive performances throughout the season. This showdown features two teams with similar strengths—strong rushing attacks, balanced offenses, and stout defenses. Let’s break down the stats and see what makes this matchup one to watch.

Offensive Breakdown: West Morgan vs. Cherokee County

West Morgan:

• Rushing Yards Per Game: 214.9
• Passing Yards Per Game: 145.8
• Receiving Yards Per Game: 143.7
• Total Yards Per Game: 360.7
• Points Per Game: 38.3

West Morgan’s offense is anchored by their powerful ground game, led by Macarri Johnson, who averages 107.5 rushing yards per game. They also have a balanced passing attack, with Titan Partlow at quarterback, averaging 144.8 passing yards per game. The team’s offense has been explosive, averaging 38.3 points per game, and they are capable of scoring from all areas of the field. Tyshon Tucker, a key receiver, provides a deep threat, with 47.3 receiving yards per game. West Morgan’s ability to control the clock with their running game, combined with their balanced attack, has made them one of the most dynamic offenses in the state.

Cherokee County:

• Rushing Yards Per Game: 256.2
• Passing Yards Per Game: 80.5
• Receiving Yards Per Game: 81.6
• Total Yards Per Game: 336.8
• Points Per Game: 33.5

Cherokee County has been dominant on the ground, averaging 256.2 rushing yards per game, led by Tae Diamond, who is a dual threat, rushing for 101 yards per game. However, their passing game is more modest, with Adam Griffith at quarterback, averaging just 80.5 passing yards per game. Despite the lower passing numbers, Cherokee County’s rushing attack is efficient and effective, setting up their offense to control the tempo of the game. The team has scored 33.5 points per game, with Ben Frampton and Diamond contributing as key offensive playmakers. Cherokee County’s offensive line has done an excellent job of opening up running lanes, making them a formidable opponent in the trenches.

Key Players: West Morgan vs. Cherokee County

West Morgan:

• Macarri Johnson: As the team’s leading rusher with 107.5 yards per game, Johnson is the focal point of West Morgan’s ground game. His ability to break tackles and gain tough yards will be critical in keeping Cherokee County’s defense on its heels.
• Titan Partlow: Partlow has been efficient through the air, passing for 144.8 yards per game. His ability to keep the defense honest with timely passes will help open up running lanes for Johnson.
• Tyshon Tucker: Tucker is a key receiving threat for West Morgan, racking up 47.3 receiving yards per game. His ability to make big plays down the field will provide a valuable weapon for the offense.
• Ty Jones: On defense, Jones is a leader with 8.2 tackles per game. His ability to stop the run and help in pass coverage will be crucial in containing Cherokee County’s ground attack.

Cherokee County:

• Tae Diamond: Diamond has been a standout for Cherokee County, not only rushing for 101 yards per game but also contributing as a receiver. His dual-threat ability makes him one of the most dangerous playmakers on the field.
• Adam Griffith: Griffith may not have gaudy passing numbers, but he’s been effective in managing the game and making key throws when necessary. His ability to stay calm under pressure will be important in this high-stakes matchup.
• Ben Frampton: Frampton is the team’s top receiver with 51.8 yards per game. While Cherokee County relies heavily on the run, Frampton’s ability to make plays in the air will be essential in keeping the defense honest.
• Tristan Brown: On defense, Brown has been a key contributor, averaging 11.5 tackles per game. His ability to disrupt plays and bring pressure will be important in slowing down West Morgan’s dynamic offense.

Record Breakdown

West Morgan:

• Overall Record: 13-0
• League Record: 7-0
• Non-League Record: 3-0
• Home Record: 6-0
• Away Record: 5-0
• Playoff Record: 3-0
• In-State Record: 13-0

West Morgan has been perfect all season, with a flawless 13-0 record. They have dominated in all phases of the game, with a particularly strong showing on the road (5-0) and at home (6-0). Their playoff performance has been just as impressive, remaining undefeated with a 3-0 playoff record.

Cherokee County:

• Overall Record: 12-1
• League Record: 7-0
• Non-League Record: 2-1
• Home Record: 5-1
• Away Record: 5-0
• Playoff Record: 3-0
• In-State Record: 12-1

Cherokee County has also had a stellar season, with a 12-1 record. They are coming off an impressive playoff run and will look to continue that momentum in this matchup. Their lone loss came early in the season, but they have been near-perfect since, particularly strong on the road with a 5-0 away record.

Common Opponents

Both West Morgan and Cherokee County have faced common opponents such as Brooks, Central, and Anniston. Both teams were undefeated in these matchups, with West Morgan defeating Brooks 42-10, Central 52-26, and Anniston 50-20. Similarly, Cherokee County defeated Brooks 21-14, Central 41-14, and Anniston 14-0. These results show that both teams are capable of handling strong competition, but West Morgan has been more dominant in their victories, scoring high and keeping opponents at bay.

Conclusion

This matchup between West Morgan and Cherokee County will be a battle of two high-powered offenses, with West Morgan’s balanced attack looking to counter Cherokee County’s dominant rushing game. West Morgan has a more diversified offense, capable of hurting teams both on the ground and through the air, while Cherokee County will look to wear down the defense with their powerful running game led by Tae Diamond.

Defensively, West Morgan will need to control the line of scrimmage and limit the big plays from Cherokee County’s running game. Meanwhile, Cherokee County will have to find ways to slow down Macarri Johnson and force Titan Partlow to beat them with his arm. Both teams have been nearly perfect all season, and this game promises to be a hard-fought, exciting contest.

The team that can execute their game plan most effectively—whether it’s establishing the run, making key stops on defense, or exploiting mismatches in the passing game—will have the edge in this crucial playoff showdown. Fans can expect a hard-hitting, fast-paced game with plenty of fireworks on both sides.