Cheeks sacked West Hall quarterback Shunquez Stephens three times and recovered a fumble en route to the Vikings’ (1-9, 1-4 Region 7B-AAA) 34-28 win against the Spartans (0-9, 0-4) on Friday in Gainesville.

The win puts an end to East Hall’s 14-game losing streak and is its first defeat of the Spartans since 2006.

“It just felt good to finally get (a win) knowing that we worked so hard all year,” said Cheeks. “All I could do was just smile and just dance around.”

The game was tied 28-28 late in the fourth quarter when Cheeks recovered a fumble that allowed the Vikings to put together a game-winning drive.

“The pressure that Chaz created to cause that fumble is really what did it for us,” said East Hall coach Bryan Gray. “He is being the dominant defensive end I always knew he could be.”

“At the time I wasn’t even thinking too much about it. I just saw the ball on the ground and I just hopped on it,” said Cheeks of the recovery.

East Hall took the lead off a 10-yard touchdown by freshman Austin Mahaffey and West Hall got the ball back with 2:32 left to play in the game.

The Spartans got to the 20, but were unable to capitalize as the Vikings’ defense forced a turnover on downs to end the contest.

“I played hard. It was a team effort really,” Cheeks said. “I had Sterling (Bailey) on the other side helping me out.”

“The win validates all the hard work the kids are putting in,” said Gray. “Chaz did an exceptional job. I thought it was another outstanding night.”

East Hall plays host to Pickens at 7:30 p.m. Friday in the final game of the season for both teams.