1A Team of the Week: Cherokee Indians
#2 Richland Springs was on an 81-game district win streak heading into its highly anticipated home district showdown against #3 Cherokee on Friday. 
The matchup didn’t disappoint.
It was a tight game early in the fourth quarter as Richland Springs running back Braxton Ethridge scored on a one-yard run to cut the Cherokee lead to 54-47.
But after losing a tight contest to the Coyotes 84-81 last year, Cherokee and its quarterback Joel Valdez were not about to let another opportunity to defeat Richland Springs slip away.
Valdez completed touchdowns of 14 and three yards to Rode Ligon and Joey Bond and also added an 11-yard touchdown run as Cherokee closed the game on a 24-0 run to seal an impressive 78-47 victory.
Valdez finished with 177 yards and five touchdowns through the air and another 79 yards and two scores on the ground. Cherokee running back Gunner Baugh also was a key contributor with 150 rushing yards.
In addition to the game snapping Richland Springs’ long district win streak, the victory was also Cherokee’s first over the Coyotes since 2000.
With Cherokee establishing itself as a 1A Division I title contender, the Indians will look to stay unbeaten when they host Rochelle on Oct. 21 following their bye week this week.
Cherokee over Richland Springs, no doubt. pic.twitter.com/UX4jQlqfbO
— J2X (@J2X2017) October 8, 2022
Previous 1A Winners
Week One: Rankin
Week Two: Jayton
Week Three: Westbrook
Week Four: Follett
Week Five: Garden City
Week Six: Southland
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