Cherokee County Playoff Preview: Rematch Ready - Sequoyah Looks to Flip the Script on Visiting Coffee

Scouting the Chiefs

The Sequoyah Chiefs return to the postseason for the fifth straight year and have rewritten the school record book along the way. The Chiefs set new program marks with 426 points scored and an average of 42.6 points per game. Senior running back Will Rajecki has also become the school’s all-time leading rusher, now sitting at 3,567 career yards and counting.

This year’s offense is balanced and explosive, posting 172.2 passing yards and 212.8 rushing yards per contest. Quarterback Kolby Martin has thrown for 1,552 yards and 16 touchdowns while completing 64% of his passes. Rajecki leads the ground attack with 1,490 yards and 24 touchdowns and has added versatility in the passing game with 244 receiving yards and two more scores. Brooks Darling (29–543–3) and Jack Ripley (23–433–7) headline the receiving corps, while tight end Maddox Waller provides an additional threat with 12 catches for 182 yards and three touchdowns.

Sequoyah’s defense has been one of the best in Class 5A, allowing just 12.6 points per game with three shutouts. Drew Williams has been dominant with 117 total tackles, 74 solo stops, and 12 tackles for loss—all team highs. Michael Fountain (62 tackles, 9 TFL) and Hayden Poole (80 tackles) round out a strong linebacker unit. Fountain leads the team with seven sacks, while Williams adds four, and Poole and Noah Normile have three apiece. In the secondary, Darling leads with five interceptions and Benji Smith follows with two.

Scouting the Trojans

The Coffee Trojans return to Hickory Flat for the first time since their 2024 quarterfinal win over the Chiefs. Coffee enters the game having lost three of its last four, though each defeat came against Top-10 opponents in Class 5A. As usual, the Trojans rely heavily on their rushing attack, averaging 200 rushing yards per game.

The backfield duo of K.J. Debruce (859 yards, 11 TDs) and sophomore standout Bobby Reynolds (888 yards, 2 TDs) carries the load—though Debruce’s status is uncertain after missing the last two games. Reynolds has proven capable of leading the attack himself, averaging 6.2 yards per carry. Through the air, Trey Ross has taken most of the snaps, throwing for 517 yards and three touchdowns with five interceptions. Reynolds (246 yards) and Tresean Smith (226 yards, 3 TDs) lead the receiving unit, with Aareon Biggs contributing another 188 yards.

Defensively, Coffee allows 23.7 points per game. Junior safety Kadrein Wooten leads the team with 95 tackles and seven tackles for loss. The Trojans have generated 20 sacks, led by Tobias Butler and Jasiah McRae with four each.

Keys to Victory

Sequoyah Chiefs

1. Win Early Downs Against the Run: Coffee’s offense flows through its ground game. If Sequoyah can force 2nd-and-long and 3rd-and-long situations, the Trojans’ inconsistent passing game becomes vulnerable.

2. Keep Rajecki Rolling: When the Chiefs control tempo with Rajecki, everything else opens up—play action, perimeter routes, and manageable third downs.

3. Prevent Explosive Plays on Special Teams and Play-Action: Coffee doesn’t throw often, but their big plays usually come off surprises. Sequoyah needs discipline against trick looks and sudden shots downfield.

Coffee Trojans

1. Control the Clock With Reynolds (and Debruce if Healthy): Fewer possessions benefit Coffee. Long drives shorten the game and keep Sequoyah’s record-setting offense on the sideline.

2. Win the Line of Scrimmage Defensively: If Coffee can limit Rajecki to modest gains and force Sequoyah to rely on longer, methodical drives, the Trojans can stay within striking distance.

3. Avoid Turnovers and Protect the Football: Sequoyah thrives on short fields and quick-strike scoring. Coffee must play clean—no fumbles, no risky throws—to maximize their run-heavy approach.

Pundit's Pick

Both head coaches—Mike Coe (Coffee) and James Teter (Sequoyah)—will remind their teams that while this matchup has history, this season and this moment stand alone. Sequoyah’s offense gives the Chiefs the capability to pull away if they control the trenches. But if Coffee’s ground game gets rolling, Reynolds (and possibly Debruce) could turn this into a physical, punishing fight. We expect Sequoyah to hold serve at home.

Prediction: Sequoyah by 16.