By Shannon Fagan, WEIS Sports Director
CENTRE – The Cherokee County Warriors picked up the football program’s 600th win against Class 4A, Region 6 rival Hokes Bluff Friday night with a 24-10 victory.
According to the Alabama High School Historical Society website, Cherokee County High School is now 600-439-30 in its football history, which dates back to 1920. The Warriors also improved their series record against Hokes Bluff to 48-20-4, including wins in the last two meetings.
Keyshawn Woods led the No. 7 Warriors (6-2, 4-1) on Friday with 314 yards on 34 carries with a touchdown. Adam Griffith completed 6-of-13 pass attempts for 103 yards and two touchdowns. Keshawn Thomas had a pair of catches for 47 yards and a score. Ben Moseley also had an 11-yard touchdown catch.
Hokes Bluff (4-3, 2-3) took an early 3-0 lead on James Cox’s 21-yard field goal in the first quarter. The Warriors responded with Griffith’s 11-yard touchdown pass to Moseley. Hugh Miller’s extra point provided Cherokee County a 7-3 advantage at the end of the opening quarter.
Thomas tallied the only touchdown in the second quarter on a 33-yard pass from Griffith. Miller’s PAT gave the Warriors a 14-3 edge at halftime.
After a scoreless third quarter, Miller connected on a 21-yard field goal to extend Cherokee County’s lead to 17-3, but the Eagles battled back.
Quarterback Bryce Whitaker ran in for a 1-yard touchdown late in fourth quarter. Cox’s extra point pulled Hokes Bluff within a touchdown at 17-10. The Eagles marched deep into Warrior territory late in the game, but failed to score.
Woods put the game away with a late 59-yard touchdown run. Miller connected on the extra point for the final.
Whitaker led the Eagles with 134 yards on 14 carries with a touchdown. He was also 4-of-12 passing for 34 yards. Brenton Hale had 63 yards on 18 carries for Hokes Bluff.
The Warrior win sets up a showdown at Alexandria next Friday night. Both teams are tied for second place in Region 6 with 4-1 records. Alexandria defeated Ashville 56-13 in other region action on Friday.
