High school football: Cherokee Bluff trying to get back above .500 in Region 8-4A against talented East Forsyth

This week, the duty is somewhat bit more durable with a matchup in opposition to second-year East Forsyth (4-1, 2-1) at Half-Mile Stadium, which within the Forsyth County portion of Gainesville. 

“I’ve a ton of respect for coach (Brian) Allison and what their program is doing at East Forsyth,” stated Jones, who was an offensive lineman at Furman College, whereas Allison was its defensive position coach within the Nineteen Nineties. “The largest factor that jumps off the movie about (East Forsyth) is that they haven’t any obvious weaknesses.”

For the Broncos, the quantity that jumps off the web page is the 24 factors its defensive has allowed all season. 

Nevertheless, Cherokee Bluff’s coach believes his still-young, however rapidly-maturing protection is up for the problem. 

For the Bears, Connor Griffin, a sophomore center linebacker, is main the best way with 66 tackles this season. 

As a part of that, he recorded 16 stops within the 21-19 loss to Cedar Shoals on Sept. 29 at Yonah Area. 

His largest play, in keeping with Jones, was a touchdown-saving cease of a display screen cross close to the objective line.

“Connor’s obtained a knack for making performs and has nice imaginative and prescient,” Jones stated. 

Griffin additionally had 16 stops in opposition to Madison County, a 20-19 win for the Bears within the area opener.

Additionally for Cherokee Bluff, Carter Daum has actually stood out, having registered 59 tackles thus far within the season.

“Because the season goes additionally, whenever you’re younger, you’ll see enchancment,” Jones stated. “(Defensive coordinator) Chris Griffin and his workers have achieved an incredible job. Because the yr has gone on, our guys performed extra disciplined and with nice effort.”

Defensively, Cherokee Bluff can be tasked with stopping a highly-efficient and balanced Broncos offense. 

East Forsyth is led by quarterback Brock Szakacz, who’s thrown for 454 yards and a pair of scores. Its operating sport is anchored by senior Brandon Peoples, who stands at 643 yards and 6 touchdowns. 

Cherokee Bluff has discovered success transferring the ball, primarily behind a pair of operating backs Perry Haynes (397 yards, 4 touchdowns) and Jaylon Carroll (319 yards, three touchdowns), and quarterback Asher Wilson who’s at 900 yards via the air in 2022. 

Nevertheless, to achieve success, the Bears must minimize down on the turnovers. 

Final week, 4 turnovers proved to be the distinction in shedding the second consecutive area contest by two factors. 

And with No. 2 North Oconee (5-0, 3-0) nonetheless on its schedule, the Bears can’t afford any extra area losses, in the event that they need to management their very own future for the playoffs. 

Friday’s video games

Cherokee Bluff at East Forsyth

East Corridor at Walnut Grove

Flowery Department at Winder-Barrow

Lakeview Academy vs. North Georgia Christian

North Corridor vs. Madison County

Riverside Army vs. George Walton Academy

Lanier Christian at King’s Academy

BYE: Chestatee, Gainesville, Johnson, West Corridor