Pre-season Power Poll #11

#11 – Cherokee County Warriors

Head Coach: Tripp Curry [8th Year]

2007 Record: 5-5 [Missed Post-season]

Key Dates in ’08 – Piedmont – Week 1, Alexandria – Week 2, Cleburne County – Week 5, St. Clair County – Week 6.

Star to Watch – Coty Blanchard – QB – Junior

The only team in the 2008 Power Poll that missed out on the post-season in 2007, Cherokee County should see substantial improvement throughout the upcoming season.

A few factors will play into the Warriors improvement; teams leaving Region 6, the maturation of an outstanding quarterback and the coaching staff adapting to recent departures.

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Last season the Warriors finished fifth in Class 4A Region 6 behind Saks, Guntersville, Alexandria and Boaz. Three of those teams have left the region this year. Saks headed south, meanwhile Boaz moved to 5A and Guntersville went further north. The absence of these teams will make life a little easier for Centre.

Coty Blanchard was virtually unknown entering the ’07 schedule. A sophomore at the time, Blanchard possessed a great amount of raw talent but didn’t have the experience to back it up. His inexperience, along with the lack of a physical front line, led to roller-coaster ride. After beginning the year 3-1 they were soundly defeated by Cleburne County and never recovered, losing 4 of their last 6 contests.

This season Blanchard will have the luxury of seeing the same five jerseys in front of him when he drops back to pass. Every offensive lineman returns from last year.

They have a couple playmakers returning as well. D.J Fyffe and Gabriel Chambers are both speedsters looking to get into the open field. If Jacob Morgan, the younger brother of former Cherokee County quarterback Zach, can stay with the team, Curry believes he could be a huge asset to the team.

As far as defense is concerned, Caleb Crane [Junior], a 4A All-State Honorable Mention selection at linebacker, returns to bolster what should be a much improved unit. Curry, who has made a name for himself as one of the best defensive coaches in this part of the state, seems dedicated to improve on the team’s performance last year which gave up more than 22 points per game.

The defense’s lack of production is where the coaching departures come into play. Last year Curry had to adjust to the loss of offensive coordinator James Blanchard [Coty’s uncle], who took a job at Piedmont following the team’s state title game run in ’06. No longer able to solely concentrate on defense, Curry had his hand in more of the offensive game-plan, resulting in a leaner defensive effort. With one year under his belt, expect Curry to utilize his time better and correct that side of the ball.

Two names will have a great deal of importance on defense. Sophomore’s Hudson Grimes and Matt Hill will be expected to contribute on an otherwise inexperienced defensive front.

2008 Schedule:

8/29 – Piedmont [A]

9/5 – Alexandria [H]

9/12 – Hokes Bluff [A]

9/19 – Oneonta [H]

9/26 – Cleburne County [H]

10/3 – St. Clair County [H]

10/10 – Jacksonville [A]

10/17 – Locust Fork [H]

10/24 – Ashville [A]

10/31 – Scottsboro [A]