Winter decided to set up camp friday night at Tommy Baker field, but couldn't keep a loud crowd from showing up for an important region battle between two teams fighting for a playoff spot. Cherokee entered the game with a purpose and dressed in all black for a black out and walked away with a hard fought 34 - 29 win on senior night.
The game started and both teams exchanged a couple scores in the first quarter. In the second quarter Roswell broke it open with a couple scores on a 51 yard run and a 22 yard pass for two scores and at halftime Roswell was leading 19 - 7.
Halftime came and as most of the crowd was bundled up or hit the concession stands for something warm to drink, both teams bands played their full programs. Cherokee's Band of Warriors also had a competition Saturday in the cold again and received superior ratings, a tremendous achievement.
The Second half opened up with Cherokee coming out hot and on a 22 yard pass from Junior QB Spencer Ashley (#4) to Junior WR Andrew Harris (#10) to make the score Roswell 19 - Cherokee 14 with 11:30 left in the third quarter. Roswell capped off the quarter with a 29 yard touchdown run with just under 4 minutes left in the third quarter to take a 26 - 14 lead into the 4th quarter.
The final quarter started with the defense holding Roswell on a drive and allowing only a 37 yard field goal, pushing the lead to 15.
The Defense, who had found themselves several times walking onto the field and into difficult field positions issues that were not of their doing but never backing away from those challenges. The Defense had a solid game and several players had big nights beyond the usual suspects of Brandon Hrouda (7) and Michael Bean (34). Landon Monroe (1) seemed to be in the backfield all night and in key situations, Griffin Moon (3) and Devon Mercer (17) both had solid nights as well.
It was at this moment that after a roller coaster evening of highs and lows for the offense that they kicked it into a higher gear.
Behind good blocking, hard running and accurate passes the offense began a controlled but frantic attack. Sophomore RB Brittain Brown (28) dove across the goal line on an 8 yard run to bring Cherokee to within 8 points at 29-21. After a Roswell punt, Cherokee put another drive together from a determined and focused offense that led to a 13 yard touchdown pass from Ashley to senior WR Blace Brown (8). A failed 2 point conversion had Roswell left clinging to a 29 - 27 lead with 3 minutes left in the game.
Roswell got the ball but the Warriors defense held strong and forced a punt with a little over a minute left, Cherokee took the ball with the opportunity to take the lead.
Short passes and timely runs got the ball downfield with a handful of seconds left. Then with Coach Shaw in a spot to try for a field goal from the 9 yard line or take another shot, went for one more play and watched as did a pensive crowd as Ashley (4) tossed a beautifully placed football where only one player could catch it and WR Harris (10) did not disappoint as he caught the 9 yard toss in the back corner of the end zone with :05 seconds left on the clock. Cherokee took the lead 34 - 29 and the rest is History.
For the third time this year the student section emptied onto the field after being allowed to enter the field and celebrated an Epic comeback on a Senior night that they will not forget.
It was and has been a pleasure to watch Cherokee fans fill the stands of Tommy Baker all year long and with two games left there is a legit shot at making the playoffs for the first time in 6 years. The focus turns immediately to next week's tilt against Milton at Milton's house. There needs to be a HUGE road trip planned to head to Milton and cheer on the Warriors.
Cherokee (5-3, 3-2) vs Milton (6-2, 3-2) friday night Nov. 1.
For more photos of firday nights game click on www.ruffhousephotography.com and click on Featured Galleries. Also, see the photos on ruffhouse photography facebook page.
