Good Hope Rallies to Defeat Cherokee County 28-26 in Class 4A Playoff Opener

GOOD HOPE, AL. – The 10th ranked Good Hope Raiders secured a dramatic second-half comeback to win their Class 4A first-round playoff game against the Cherokee County Warriors, 28-26, on Thursday night at James W. Shabel Stadium. After trailing at the half, the Raiders’ offense ignited, scoring 21 second-half points to advance to the second round of the AHSAA postseason.

The victory improves head coach Alan Scott’s Raiders to 9-2 on the season. For Cherokee County, who reached the Class 4A championship game in the previous three seasons, the loss wraps their 2025 campaign at 7-4.

The visitors from Centre struck first, capitalizing on a turnover on downs. A 55-yard run set up a one-yard touchdown, giving the Warriors a 7-0 lead.

Good Hope’s defense created an early opportunity when Ross Clark recovered a fumble. However, the drive stalled. The Raiders’ offense found its footing later in the half. After starting quarterback Parker Johnson left the game with an injury, backup Web Buchanan entered and made an immediate impact. Buchanan led a critical drive, converting a key fourth down with a 10-yard pass to Ayden Young. He then connected with Charlie Rutherford for a six-yard touchdown pass, tying the game at 7-7. The Warriors responded just before the half, scoring on a one-yard run to take a 13-7 lead into the locker room.

The Raiders opened the second half with a determined scoring drive. Strong runs from Mason Drake and Karson Hollis set up a one-yard touchdown run by Drake, giving Good Hope its first lead at 14-13. The lead was short-lived, as Cherokee County answered with a 28-yard touchdown pass to go ahead 19-14.

Good Hope struck back quickly. Buchanan found Rutherford for a 63-yard touchdown pass, putting the Raiders back on top, 20-19, late in the third quarter.

Early in the fourth, Clark recovered his second fumble of the game, giving the Raiders excellent field position. Drake capped the ensuing drive with another one-yard touchdown run. Buchanan then connected with Rutherford for the two-point conversion, extending the lead to 28-19 with just over four minutes remaining.

The Warriors mounted a late charge, scoring on a seven-yard run to cut the deficit to 28-26 with under a minute to play. However, their onside kick attempt failed to travel the required 10 yards, allowing the Good Hope Raiders to kneel and seal the playoff victory.

Buchanan was efficient for Good Hope, finishing 7-of-8 for 91 yards and two touchdowns. Drake led the ground attack with 110 rushing yards and two scores, while Rutherford was the top receiver with 10 catches for 130 yards and two touchdowns.

Next week, the Raiders will travel to Trinity to face the undefeated West Morgan Rebels (11-0) in the second round of the Class 4A postseason.