Week 3 of the 2025 high school football season features an interstate non-conference clash as Cherokee (NC) travels to face Choctaw Central (Philadelphia, MS) on Friday, September 5, 2025, at 7:00 PM. Both teams enter the contest at 1-1 overall, looking to build momentum and establish consistency early in the season.
Game Details
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Matchup: Cherokee Braves (NC) @ Choctaw Central Warriors (MS)
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Date & Time: Friday, September 5, 2025 – 7:00 PM
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Location: Choctaw Central High School, Philadelphia, MS
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Live Coverage: Follow live scores on MaxPreps
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Cherokee Braves
Cherokee has opened the season at 1-1, showing offensive balance with a strong passing game under QB Dawson Panther. Ranked #8,421 nationally and #257 in North Carolina, the Braves average 376 total yards per game, with Kingston Welch leading the ground attack and Javin Garcia emerging as a dangerous receiving weapon. Their defense will look to improve after allowing 43 points across two games.
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2025 Record: 1-1
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National Rank: #8,421
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State Rank (NC): #257
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Key to Win: Lean on the passing attack while tightening coverage against Choctaw Central’s playmakers.
Main Squad:
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#9 Dawson Panther – QB
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#21 Kingston Welch – RB
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#11 Javin Garcia – WR
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#25 Charlie Swayney – LB
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#3 Adrian Smith – WR/DB
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#5 Bryson James – DB
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#44 Logan White – DL
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#2 Mason Reed – WR
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#50 Ethan Wolfe – OL/DL
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#14 Caleb Bird – DB/WR
Choctaw Central Warriors
The Warriors are also 1-1 overall, ranked #7,716 nationally and #193 in Mississippi. Despite being outscored 54-40 so far, Choctaw Central is looking to use home-field advantage to grab a signature win. While their statistical leaders have yet to stand out on paper, their physicality and balanced roster could present matchup problems for Cherokee.
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2025 Record: 1-1
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National Rank: #7,716
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State Rank (MS): #193
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Division Rank: #34
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Key to Win: Establish the run game early and control the pace against Cherokee’s high-powered passing attack.
Main Squad:
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#2 Malik Johnson – QB
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#5 Aaron Brown – RB
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#7 Jordan Wallace – WR
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#12 KJ Carter – WR/DB
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#15 Xavier Moore – LB
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#20 Darius Thomas – RB/DB
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#52 Elijah Harris – OL/DL
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#54 Caleb Jones – DL
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#8 Chris Taylor – WR/DB
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#30 Jalen Peters – LB
Rankings & Records
| Team | National Rank | State Rank | Overall Record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cherokee | 8,421 | 257 (NC) | 1-1 |
| Choctaw Central | 7,716 | 193 (MS) | 1-1 |
Abu Sayem is a sports enthusiast and writer who enjoys sharing stories about high school athletics. He is passionate about celebrating the teamwork, dedication, and spirit of young athletes.
