Cherokee High School (Tenn.) named an Army National Guard The Next Greatest Generation Team of the Year

The Cherokee High School (Tenn.) football team has been recognized as an Army National Guard Next Greatest Generation Team of the Year, honoring the program’s response to the impact of Hurricane Helene, as well as additional adversity in the fall.

While Cherokee itself did not have to deal with the worst of the Helene, that was not the case for many of its neighbors, including West Greene Middle School in Greene County. When left without water or a place to practice due to extreme flooding, it was Cherokee High that stepped up and offered their facilities for West Greene.

The year was unfortunately not without tragedy for Cherokee as well, however. During a Sept. 13 game against conference foe Elizabethton, the Chiefs’ head coach, Joshua Hensley, received the devastating news that his father had passed away. He was forced to leave the game in the second half as Cherokee lost 41-13.

Despite the loss that night, Cherokee’s resilient group rallied and proceeded to win four straight conference games and earned its first playoff berth since 2019.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by On3 Recruits (@on3recruits)

Athletic Director Andrew Morgan praised his program’s ability to set wins and losses aside in the fight for bettering their community and being there for one another during trying times.

“Getting this recognition was a wonderful testament to our staff and team members. In competition, we get so caught up in wins, losses and competing. During tough times, being able to step back and help a group of your peers who are on the same path of goals and expectations as our own, it’s a great example of how important sports are and what it can do for communities,” Morgan said. “It compliments a great group of young men and coaches respecting and understanding the importance of service and our community is extremely proud of them!”

The Chiefs finished the 2024 season with a 7-3 record as one of the top teams in the 4A Class in Tennessee.