Chiefs on alert as the dangerous Danes visit Skip Pope

Scouting the Chiefs

The Sequoyah Chiefs enter the 2025 season loaded with promise and poised for another deep postseason run. A year ago, the Chiefs lit up scoreboards, averaging a school-record 37 points per game on their way to the quarterfinals, where they fell in a shootout to Coffee High.

This fall, Sequoyah returns an arsenal of proven playmakers. Quarterback Kolby Martin, who threw for 2,392 yards and 24 touchdowns against just three interceptions on a sharp 64% completion rate, leads the charge. Running back Will Rajecki is back after a monster campaign that featured 1,541 rushing yards, 21 touchdowns on the ground, plus 38 catches for 578 yards and five more scores through the air. Receiver Bretton Darling is another dangerous weapon after hauling in 56 passes for 931 yards and 11 touchdowns.

But the real X-factor for the Chiefs could be up front. Tackles Brody Craig and Alex Brewer anchor one of the best offensive lines in the county, giving Sequoyah the size and stability to keep its high-powered attack rolling.

On defense, the Chiefs face a tougher challenge after graduating standouts Ean Marria and Taiwo Ogundele. Matthew Matz is expected to emerge as a disruptive force along the defensive front, while linebackers Drew Williams and Michael Fountain are primed for breakout seasons.

Scouting the Danes

The Denmark Danes enter the 2025 season aiming for a seventh straight trip to the postseason. In fact, Denmark has reached the playoffs in every year of the program’s existence—except for its inaugural season.

Last fall, the Danes averaged 23.5 points per game and return several key contributors. Running back Noah Laban, who racked up 988 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2024, will again be the focal point of the offense. He’ll be complemented by receiver Kam Jennings, the team’s second-leading pass catcher a year ago with 15 receptions for 389 yards and four scores. Up front, Jackson Wolford will anchor the offensive line as he helps pave the way for Denmark’s ground game.

Defensively, the Danes feature two major disruptors: linebacker Dalton Tallant and defensive end Evan James. Both players have the ability to wreak havoc in opposing backfields and will look to slow Sequoyah’s potent rushing attack on Friday night.

Special teams is another strength, with punter Jake Snyder—one of the best in Georgia—already committed to Memphis for next season.

Pundit's Pick

This game went down to the wire last year, and with plenty of offensive firepower on both sidelines, we don’t expect anything different this time around. While all eyes will be on Denmark’s Noah Laban and Kam Jennings, as well as Sequoyah’s Will Rajecki, Bretton Darling, and Kolby Martin, we believe the real battle will be decided in the trenches. Specifically, Sequoyah’s experienced offensive line against an equally talented Denmark defensive front.

Even with the Danes breaking in a new quarterback, they have enough weapons to keep the scoreboard busy. But at home—and with a little more experience on offense—we give Sequoyah the edge.

Prediction: Chiefs by 6.