Carter Ross (12) and Will Watkins (2) are emerging as the top receivng duo in the region for QB Khayel Sam Fong-Talia.
South Forsyth scored on its opening possession for the second game in a row, and never looked back, leading from whistle to horn in topping Cherokee High 28-14 Friday night in Canton. SOFO Sophomore quarterback Khayel Sam Fong-Talia had another monster gsme, throwing for two 40+ yard touchdows and running down the South sideline 78 yards for a third score. This gives Fong-Talia six TDs in the first two games, four through the air and two on the ground. Perhaps another player of the week award awaits?
Meanwhile, Carter Ross and Will Watkins continue to lead the explosive receiving core. Their success is forcing the safeties to drop into coverage, opening holes for Kingston Herrod and Fong-Talia in the running game.
The defense, meanwhile, intercepted Cherokee three times. One by Ethan Owens, who made plays all night, Landon Barber, his second on the season, and Hudson Rogers. Mixing that up with a couple three and outs was enough to prevent the Warriors from getting any rhythm offensively, and Roger’s pick was a shoestring grab in the end zone with under three minutes left that ended the Warriors final threat. It was another inspired performance by a squad led by some former NFL talent in coaches Kordell Stewart and Ian Scott. The last time the War Eagles opened a season 2-0 was 9 years ago under Jeff Arnette. HERE’S THE REPLAY! with Greg Golden and Todd Spencer on the call.
https://forsyth-sports-365.mixlr.com/recordinnight in Canton.gs/3197438
Photo credits once again go to Assistant Producer and Media Darling Brigitte Spencer. She was also amazing in helping get me and my wheels to the game, get in and out of their fine ride, and get into position over near the high jump area.
South takes the field Feiday night at the terrific new Tommy Baker Field in Canton.
Our field position was pretty good. The weather held up nicely and we got to watch Fong-Talia’s 78 yard touchdown gallop right up that sideline in front of us. We were also right there for Watkins short TD catch and Roger’s end zone pic. Ad Fong Talia’s first touchdown run right to this corner that was NEGATED BY A HOLDNG PENALTY.
SOFO Nation filled up the visitor’s side. THEY WERE LOUD and the band was HOT! You can hear their influence all through the podcast.
There was a ton of action, with both teams squandering opportunities. South Forsyth was called foe seven holds in the 2nd and 3rd quarters but the defense bailed them out almost every time.
Our next ame is another road trip to Canton and beyond. Allatoona High is in northern Cobb County. The school opened in 2008, and was one of 11 Cobb County High Schools ranked in the Top 100 Georgia High Schools by a recent take from US News and World Report.
The football team looks challenged though. They’ve opened 2026 at 0-2. They lost the opener to Harrison 42-7. They found a little more offense in week 2 vs Lassiter but dropped that one 52-14. This is one of the games South needs to and should win. Join Greg Golden and Todd Spencer and Doug Thomas on the call Friday at 7 from Allatoona High.
And don’t forget we’ll have a Coachers Corner visit with Head Coach James Thomson and Greg and Doug whomever Coach wants to bring with him that will drop Wednesday. Thanks in advance for tuning in. BTW A win would be the War Eagles’ third 3-0 start in six years. The 2024 team at 1-9 would end a Forsyth Coounty record playoff run at 11 straight seasons. Time to start another streak.