The Marlboro Mustangs and Cherokee Chiefs will face off in the championship round of the 2023 NJSIAA South Jersey Group 5 Football Championships on Friday, November 10th, at 6pm ET in Marlton, New Jersey.
What it is: New Jersey High School Football
Matchup: Marlboro Mustangs vs. Cherokee Chiefs
Time: Friday Nov 10, 2023, 6pm ET
Game Type: Playoffs
Bracket: 2023 NJSIAA South Jersey Group 5 Football Championships
Round: Championship Round
Locations: Cherokee – Marlton, NJ
Live stream: Watch here
Both teams come into the game with identical 8-3 records. Marlboro is ranked 5th in the division and 49th in the state, while Cherokee is ranked 2nd in the division and 12th in the state.
The Mustangs have a balanced offense, averaging 18.8 points per game. They are led by senior quarterback Ryan Wright, who has thrown for over 1,500 yards and 15 touchdowns this season. Wright is also a threat on the ground, rushing for over 400 yards and 10 touchdowns. Marlboro also has a solid running game, led by senior running back Matt Cassidy.
The Chiefs have a high-powered offense, averaging 29.1 points per game. They are led by senior quarterback Micah Ford, who has thrown for over 2,000 yards and 25 touchdowns this season. Ford is also a threat on the ground, rushing for over 500 yards and 10 touchdowns. Cherokee also has a solid running game, led by senior running back Landyn Collins.
Both defenses are playing at a high level, with Marlboro allowing just 16.3 points per game and Cherokee allowing just 17.4 points per game.
This is sure to be a close game between two evenly matched teams. Marlboro will need to find a way to slow down the Chiefs’ passing game and force turnovers. Cherokee will need to protect the football and capitalize on their scoring opportunities.
This will be the first matchup between the two teams this season.
The game will be streamed live on the NFHS Network. To watch, you will need to create an account and subscribe to the service. Subscriptions are available on a monthly or annual basis.
You can watch the game on your smartphone, tablet, computer, or connected device. The NFHS Network app is available for download on the App Store and Google Play.
Both teams are evenly matched, but I am giving the edge to Cherokee due to their higher ranking. I predict that the Chiefs will win a close game, 28-24.
