Cherokee Bluff (8-0, 4-0) wants to stay unbeaten during the regular season for the first time since the program’s formation in 2018, when the Bears went 0-10.
The program has two games left in the regular season, and Friday, North Hall (6-2, 4-0) stands in the way.
It could be argued that Cherokee Bluff hasn’t been tested, having not played a ranked team this season. But the Bears are outscoring opponents 385-63 (the most in the class), which begs the question: Is this team under-appreciated?
The program has been on the rise since its formation. In its second season, Cherokee Bluff won its first game and finished 3-7. Last season, the Bears finished 10-2, winning a region title and their first playoff game (37-5 against LaFayette) before losing to Carver-Atlanta 23-21 in the second round.
Cherokee Bluff averages 260 rushing to 123 passing yards per game this season and is led by senior quarterback Sebastian Irons, who is 55-of-87 passing for 830 yards and 13 touchdowns. Senior running back Jayquan Smith has 107 carries for 1,161 yards and 16 touchdowns to lead a group of backs that has combined for 31 touchdowns. Senior Brayden Nance has seven rushing touchdowns, and Jaylon Carroll, Irons and Max Eubanks have two rushing touchdowns each.
Cherokee Bluff’s path to perfect has gone through Johnson-Gainesville (57-7), Chestatee (62-21), East Forsyth (59-0), Lakeside-DeKalb (56-0), Gilmer (40-6), West Hall (37-7), Lumpkin County (55-8) and Dawson County (21-14) last week.
Since entering region play, North Hall has beaten West Hall (38-14), White County (51-20), Lumpkin County (37-7) and Gilmer (47-6). Against then-unranked Hart County on Sept. 3, the Trojans narrowly lost 48-37 on the road. Two weeks later, Hart County climbed into the Top 10 at No. 10 and are now ranked ninth.
North Hall runs the ball. That’s nearly all it does.
Senior quarterback Bradford Puryear is 13-of-29 passing for 231 yards and one touchdown to lead an offense that averages 310 rushing yards and 29 passing yards per game. But he has 66 carries for 575 yards and eight touchdowns. Senior Kevin Rochester leads the run game with 130 carries for 1,101 yards and 14 touchdowns. Senior Austin Atha and sophomore Hunter Riley have three rushing touchdowns each; sophomore Ajay Jones has two rushing touchdowns, and junior Ethan Little has scored on one run.
Cherokee Bluff and North Hall have played three times. North Hall holds a 2-1 lead after a 60-6 victory in 2018 and a 42-14 victory in 2019. Cherokee Bluff won 41-24 last season and wants to even the series Friday.
Here are the Maxwell Projections for Week 11. For an updated look at the 3A region standings and important games on the horizon, you can see Tuesday’s blog here or follow the link to the PREP SCOREBOARD to keep up with the football on Friday night.
Class 3A top-10 schedule
1. (1) Cedar Grove (6-2) Friday vs. Douglass, 7:30 p.m. (5-3A Game)
2. (4) Appling County (8-0) Friday at Brantley County, 7:30 p.m. (1-3A Game)
3. (7) Monroe Area (8-0) Friday at Franklin County, 7:30 p.m. (8-3A Game)
4. (2) Oconee County (7-1) Friday at Stephens County, 7:30 p.m. (8-3A Game)
5. (5) Pierce County (6-2) Friday vs. Tattnall County, 7:30 p.m. (1-3A Game)
6. (6) Thomson (8-0) Off.
7. (NR) Carver-Atlanta (5-2) Friday vs. Greater Atlanta Christian, 7:30 p.m. (5-3A Game)
8. (3) Sandy Creek (7-1) Friday vs. Redan, 7:30 p.m. (5-3A Game)
9. (8) Hart County (7-1) Friday vs. East Jackson, 7:30 p.m. (8-3A Game)
10. (9) Rockmart (7-1) Friday at LaFayette, 7:30 p.m. (6-3A Game)
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