RUTLEDGE — Hayden Hook rushed for 142 yards, Cherokee converted its first seven possessions into touchdowns and the Chiefs walloped Region 1-4A football foe Grainger 41-0 on Friday night. Fletcher coaxed three TDs from his 11 carries. He accounted for both second-quarter scores, making it a 27-0 game.
The Chiefs (4-2, 2-2 region), who dominated both sides of the line, opened the contest by recovering an onside kick on their 45-yard line. That led to Landon Jeffers’ 8-yard TD pass to Rowe Fletcher. In the final seconds of the first quarter, Lofton Hayes scampered to the end zone from 12 yards away.
A 35-yard punt return by Fletcher combined with a half-the-distance penalty gave Cherokee a first-and-goal early in the third period. One play later, Sammy Augusta hauled in an 8-yard scoring toss from Jeffers. The last scoring drive came two plays after the Grizzlies (3-4, 1-3) lost a fumble.
It was Hook taking his only second-half carry 24 yards to paydirt, then Adam Fridman booted his sixth extra point in seven attempts. Jeffers totaled 163 yards of offense, going 7-of-9 passing for 107 yards (2 TDs) and gaining 56 on six rushes. Jaydan Gonzalez had 56 yards on two receptions, Augusta caught three balls for 31 yards and Cherokee outgained Grainger 389-182 in total offense.
Grainger’s chief offensive threat, Ashton Taylor, was limited to 58 yards on 18 carries. JONESVILLE — Will Rollins ran for a 21-yard, fourth-quarter touchdown that eventually won the game for Rye Cove. .