Cherokee Bluff Preview

On Sept. 29, 2023, the Cedar Shoals Jaguars will face against the Cherokee Bluff Bears for the annual Homecoming Game. The Jaguars (2-3) are looking to continue a two-game win streak, while the Bears (1-4) are off to their worst start since 2019.

Cedar Shoals and Cherokee Bluff both scored three touchdowns in their first ever meeting last season. In the end, a missed extra point and a failed two point conversion from the Bears clinched a 21-19 Jaguar victory.  Led by Devin Hester and Kayden Scott, the offense racked up 352 yards, with Hester and Scott combining for 179 receiving yards.

This season, Cedar’s defense has been airtight, allowing a combined 13 points in their last two games. However, they were only able to muster up 24 offensive points in those two games, with a big reason being a lack of red zone efficiency. 

Cherokee Bluff has had major special teams struggles so far this season, with many crucial extra point attempts being missed or blocked. The worst of which was the bear’s blocked extra point in overtime against Madison County — the deciding factor in a 27-26 loss. 

Players to Watch:

Cedar Shoals

Junior running back Taiwan Green is a key player for Cedar’s offense. He leads the team in rushing yards and tallied 128 yards from 22 carries in the last game against East Hall. He also scored the only touchdown for the Jags in the 10-7 win. 

Senior wide receiver Devin Hester was one of the Jags’ most productive offensive players in last year’s meeting between Cedar Shoals and Cherokee Bluff. He received for 103 receiving yards and scored a touchdown to help lead the Jaguars to a 21-19 win.

Cherokee Bluff

Senior running back Conner Hulsey leads the Bears in rushing yards this season with 113 yards per game and has scored five touchdowns in the past four games.

Senior quarterback Asher Wilson has thrown for 230 yards with one passing touchdown so far this season, but has been a rushing threat, as he has rushed for 142 yards and 3 touchdowns.