BOBBY JOE JOHNSON FIELD — Cherokee County took out a season's frustration Friday night, downing Hokes Bluff 36-14 on Senior Night.

Before the opening kickoff, seniors escorted their dapper parents before the home crowd. Later, balloons were released in honor of the Class of 2013. The black and yellow orbs of helium disappeared into the night sky, rising into a dark uncertainty.

Warriors coach Tripp Curry lauded the seniors' resiliency as they also prepare to fly out into the world.

“This has been one of the best group of seniors I've ever coached,” Curry said. “The other groups here have not quite went through the adversity this bunch has. For this bunch to come through and still win a ball game and still play as hard as they played tonight, I just cannot say enough about how proud I am of them.”

The adversity Curry referred to is indicated by the Warriors' 0-8 record coming into the last game of the season. Cherokee County's last winless season was in 1994.

Curry said senior leadership helped the team's cause this week.

“It was like we were 8-0 this week in practice,” Curry said. “I'm just tickled for our seniors for them to keep working like they did. We've been just right on the verge of winning ball games. We never quit.”

Curry continued: “Not only do we have good senior kids, we've got good parents. I know the record's not great, but I'm happy to be their coach. Ending on a game like this is really important for us.”

In the game itself the Warriors scored early and often. Four plays into the first drive, junior running back Ty Green took the snap from the Wildcat formation and rushed up the middle for a four-yard touchdown.

After holding the Eagles, the Warriors drove quickly, stretching their lead to 12-0. With 3:24 left in the first quarter, senior Jacob Whitmire hauled in a 40-yard touchdown pass to extend the lead.

The Warriors' next possession would also pay dividends. With a balanced attack, the Warriors trekked into the end zone again. Junior Wade Griffith snared Tanner Young's three-yard pass for the score. Junior Eric Burgess's kick stretched the lead to 19-0 with 8:36 left in the half.

Hokes Bluff rallied in the second half. Only last play of the quarter and on their subsequent possession, the Eagles notched touchdowns. Senior Matt Chisenhall's 30-yard run and 35-yard catch brought the visitors to with eight points with 6:44 remaining in the game.

But on the Warriors' next play from scrimmage, Green put the dagger in Hokes Bluff's green and silver heart. His 56-yard scamper and Burgess's subsequent extra point gave Cherokee County a 29-14 lead.