Braves Travel To Eastern Randolph For Round 2 Thanks To Blowout Victory Over Carver

Cherokee Defeats Carver 25-8 in First Round of Playoffs

In a thrilling first-round playoff game, the Cherokee Braves emerged victorious over the Carver Jackets with a 25-8 final score, securing their spot in the next round of the playoffs. Carver received the ball first and had an initial hope of positive plays, including a rush by Antonio Samuels for a first yard gain and a quarterback keeper by Cyncere Goff for another first down. However, the Jackets’ offense was disrupted early, with Cherokee’s defense forcing a fumble that was recovered by the Braves.

The Cherokee offense began their first drive with a 1st-down pass to Javan Garcia, but a strip fumble on a quarterback rush set them back, as Carver’s Ronnie Crawford recovered the ball. Despite regaining possession, Carver’s offense stalled again as Cherokee’s defense held firm. With a 4th-down rush attempt failing, Carver turned the ball over on downs.

Cherokee’s next drive saw a short pass to Luke Smith on 3rd down that was incomplete, forcing them to punt. Carver returned the punt to Cherokee’s 27-yard line, but their drive quickly fell apart with a fumble recovered back by the Jackets, which was followed by another punt.

The game’s first big scoring play came late in the first half. After a strong defensive stand, Cherokee capitalized on a passing connection between quarterback Jonathon Saylor and Luke Smith, who broke free for an 80-yard touchdown reception. The Braves’ attempt at a 2-point conversion was no good, but they took an early 6-0 lead.

Carver responded by starting a drive at Cherokee’s 40-yard line, thanks to solid field position. A first-down rush by Samuels moved Carver into scoring range, but on a critical 4th-and-10, a pass attempt fell incomplete, turning the ball back over to the Braves.

Cherokee’s offense moved the ball effectively with a first-down rush by Brandon Santiago and a pass to Luke Smith for another first down. However, a missed 3rd-down pass attempt forced another punt for the Braves.

Carver’s struggles continued as they fumbled again, with Cherokee recovering the ball. The Braves then took advantage of the turnover, moving the ball downfield and eventually scoring on a rushing touchdown by Brandon Santiago. The 2-point conversion attempt was no good, but Cherokee extended their lead to 12-0.

Carver’s offense finally answered with a drive that began with a first-down rush by Quinton Stone and a penalty that set them up at the Cherokee 11-yard line. Samuels then powered through the defense for a rushing touchdown, and the Jackets converted the 2-point try to cut the deficit to 12-8.

Both teams came out of halftime with intense defensive efforts. Cherokee’s defense was key in limiting Carver’s offense, including a sack and a big tackle for loss by the Brave’s defense. On offense, Cherokee was able to move the ball but faced multiple setbacks, including a sack by Carver’s Isaiah Screen and a failed 4th-and-15 rush attempt.

Carver had a 3-and-out and punted back to Cherokee, but the Braves couldn’t capitalize on their next possession, as a pass to Smith on 4th-and-5 was incomplete.

Carver’s next drive saw a promising start with a big rush by Samuels, but the Jackets’ passing game faltered as a pass from quarterback Goff was intercepted by Brandon Santiago, giving the Braves another big starting opportunity. 

Cherokee took full advantage. On a gutsy play, the Braves executed a fake punt, with Jonathon Saylor taking the snap and rushing for a first down. A few plays later, Santiago found the end zone again, rushing for a touchdown and converting the extra point. With the score now at 19-8, Cherokee appeared to have all but sealed the game.

Carver made one final attempt to rally, starting their drive deep in their own territory at the 9-yard line with just under 5 minutes remaining. The Jackets were able to string together a couple of first-down passes, but a crucial 4th-and-23 attempt fell incomplete, turning the ball over on downs.

Cherokee then took over, running down the clock with solid rushing plays by Santiago. A key 4th-and-3 conversion on a rush by Santiago kept the drive alive, and with just over a minute left, Santiago capped off a stellar performance with a 1-yard rushing touchdown. The Braves’ extra point was good, pushing the score to 25-8.

With the lead now at 25-8 and time running out, the game was called with one minute remaining, as Cherokee’s defense had effectively sealed the win. The Braves emerged victorious in their first playoff matchup, showing resilience and discipline on both sides of the ball.