Staff Reports

ROME, Ga. – The Cherokee County Warriors were able to make enough big plays on a rainy Friday night for football at Model High School in Rome, Ga., to take a 20-0 season-opening victory in the first-ever meeting between the two schools.

The Warrior defense came up with the first big play of the night with 10:18 remaining in the first quarter. The Blue Devils tried a little offensive trickery on a reverse, which was fumbled and recovered by junior defensive back Alex Johnson. Johnson returned the fumble 15 yards for a touchdown. Will Frampton’s extra point gave the Warriors a 7-0 lead.

Cherokee County (1-0) scored again right before halftime on junior running back Jacob Cornejo’s 20-yard touchdown run with 40 seconds to go in the second quarter. Frampton’s point after made it 14-0 Warriors heading into the locker room.

Cornejo came up big again with 4:41 in the third quarter, this time through the air. Senior quarterback Cade Hopper connected with him on a 60-yard scoring strike. The extra point was no good, keeping the score at 20-0.

The Warrior defense was to preserve the shutout in the fourth for the final.

Cornejo led the Warrior ground game with 88 yards on 18 carries with a score. He also caught a pair of passes for 66 yards and a touchdown.

Hopper was 4-of-4 passing for 99 yards and a touchdown.

Cherokee County hosts Piedmont on Friday.