WATCH LIVE: FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6 AT 11:00 AM

Game Overview

Cherokee County is returning to the finals this year. In 2023, the Warriors lost to Montgomery Catholic (now a 5A team), and this year, they’ll face another high-powered offense: the Jackson Aggies. Both teams appear to be traveling on the same path this season. They opened with a loss and then reeled off 13 consecutive wins. This Friday, something will have to give.

Team Preview: Cherokee County Warriors

Cherokee County will need to establish the run game and achieve sustained drives to help keep the high-octane Jackson offense off the field.

The Warriors only throw the ball about 15% of the time. Sophomore Adam Griffith took over the starting job after the 3rd game of the season, and he threw for over 900 yards and 9 touchdowns. Ben Frampton pulled down 31 passes for 643 yards. The senior also had 8 touchdowns. Junior tight end Ben Mosley added another 260 yards and 3 touchdowns on 11 grabs.

The Warriors' bread and butter is the run game – and they excel at it. Seniors Tae Diamond and Tristan Brown joined junior Keshawn Woods to eat up over 3,300 yards while scoring 50 touchdowns between them. Brown also leads the Warriors defense from his middle linebacker position.

“Our guys play extremely hard,” Coach Jacob Kelly said. "They play together. We live to run the football. We fly around on defense and get after the ball.”

Team Preview: Jackson Aggies

Jackson is hoping to bring another blue map to South Alabama after the Aggie basketball team took home the 4A basketball title earlier this year.

The Jackson offense is lightning-quick. In their semi-final game, St. Michaels tied the game at 14-14, but within 30 seconds, Jackson held a 28-14 lead. 

Junior quarterback Landon Duckworth is the driver on offense. So far this season, Duckworth has thrown for over 3,100 yards and 34 touchdowns. He has also rushed for 631 yards and another 12 touchdowns. When Duckworth throws downfield, he has plenty of weapons to work with. Junior Keeyun Chapman is one of Duckworth’s favorite targets. Keeyun snagged 47 passes for 1,180 yards and 15 touchdowns.  Sophomore Ezavier Crowell, one of the top prospects in the class of ’27, rushed for over 1,800 yards and 28 touchdowns. He totaled 258 yards on 9 catches. Juniors Jamarrion Gordan and Isaiah Gladney teamed up for 25 receptions, 660 yards and 8 scores. Seniors Chris Payne and Omarion King combined for 1,300 yards and 9 scores. 

Final Thoughts

Two contrasting styles will be at play in this game. Cherokee County will try to grind it out on the ground. If they succeed, the Jackson offense is standing on the sidelines. If Jackson can successfully throw the ball, they will be in a position to win.

The real question is which offense will crack the opposing defense? If it’s Cherokee County, look for a low-scoring game. If it’s Jackson, they will light up the scoreboard.

RELATED: 2A PREVIEW: Reeltown vs. Tuscaloosa Academy, 6A PREVIEW: Parker vs. Saraland

APT's high school football previews give an overview of the Super 7 Championship teams. They include coach interviews, player stats and more. See all previews and view the full schedule here.