Scouting the Chiefs
The Sequoyah Chiefs went on the road last week and put up big offensive numbers en route to their first season opening win since the 2021 season. The Chiefs were able to use an effective mix of running and passing as we have seen Sequoyah open up the offense a little more as their junior quarterback has gotten more comfortable with the offense. Last week, in the first half alone, Martin threw for 113 yards and 2-TDs. Make no mistake however, the Chiefs will still be focused on establishing the ground game with the likes of Will Rajecki, Taiwo Ogundele and Ean Marria. Each one of these backs bring their own unique attributes that will pose some problems for their opposition this week. Meanwhile, the Chiefs defense will need to be a little sharper this week against their county rivals. The 35 points Sequoyah surrendered was the most they've allowed in a victory since 2020.
Scouting the Warriors
The Cherokee Warriors go the Adam Holley era started off with a big win in a weather shortened game over county foe River Ridge last Friday. Senior quarterback Tanner Savasir looked sharp in just over a quarter and a half of play, completing 64% of his passes for 79 yards in a touchdown, while also showing off his scrambling ability as well, adding 62 yards on the ground to lead all rushers. The Warriors were also able to get backs Brandon Hamilton and Christian Irwin going early and often. For as much firepower as the Cherokee offense has, it was the ball control ground game that left the potent River Ridge offense with few opportunities to get into any rhythm. The Warriors rushed for 172 yards on 23 carries in just over a quarter and a half of game play.
Pundit's Pick
This is another fierce county rivalry game as Sequoyah has won the last two in the series and holds a 16-12 overall advantage. Expect for both teams to try to assert their dominance with the ground game. The Warriors will need to maintain discipline against Sequoyah’s running attack, while the Chiefs will need to find a way to bottle up Cherokee’s Christian Irwin and try to make the Warriors one-dimensional. We know it’s early in the season, but this could very well be the matchup between the two top teams in the county. We believe Cherokee’s team speed will be the difference this week, but they won’t run away with it. Warriors by 4.
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