Clash of Styles: Chiefs’ Power Run Meets Cougars’ Aerial Firepower” in Round Two Playoff Tilt

Scouting the Chiefs

The Sequoyah Chiefs have advanced to the second round for the third straight season, and they did it in convincing fashion. Sequoyah avenged last year’s quarterfinal loss to Coffee with a 17-point win, despite being “held” to 31 points—11 below their regular-season average. Star running back Will Rajecki carried the load as usual, piling up 161 yards and two scores. Quarterback Kolby Martin didn’t have to throw often, but was his typical efficient self, completing 11 of 14 passes for 126 yards and a touchdown to Holden Campbell, while also rushing for 70 yards.

For the season, Sequoyah is averaging 41.5 points per game. Rajecki has climbed to 1,655 rushing yards and 26 touchdowns, while Martin has completed 66% of his passes for 1,679 yards and 17 touchdowns with just two interceptions. Brooks Darling leads the receiving corps (34 catches, 576 yards, 3 TDs), with Jack Ripley (450 yards, 7 TDs) and Rajecki (275 receiving yards, 2 TDs) adding major production. Tight end Maddox Waller also provides a steady presence with 212 yards and 3 scores.

The Chiefs’ defense delivered in the second half last week, pitching a shutout against Coffee. Sequoyah is allowing just 12.7 points per game, led by tackling machine Drew Williams (125 tackles, 80 solo, 10 TFLs, 8 sacks). Hayden Poole, Carson Bahry, Asa Goings, and Michael Fountain headline a unit that has produced 22 sacks and 20 turnovers.

Scouting the Cougars

The Newnan Cougars are also back in the second round for the second straight year under head coach Chip Walker, who has revitalized the program after a championship-filled run at Sandy Creek. Newnan is averaging 38.6 points per game, powered by a balanced attack that produces 224.8 passing yards and 141.1 rushing yards per game.

Quarterback Brodie Campbell has thrown for 2,352 yards and 23 touchdowns, completing 66% of his passes. His top targets have been Jaylen Britt (89 receptions, 843 yards, 11 TDs) and John Mathews (827 yards, 7 TDs), part of a deep group of 12 different receivers with catches this season. On the ground, Kameron Davis leads with 614 yards and 13 scores, while Shawn Grier adds 460 yards and 6 TDs.

Defensively, Newnan allows 22.7 points per game, led by senior linebacker Rodney Colton Jr. (57 tackles, 10 TFLs, 4 sacks, 2 INTs). Josiah Smith adds 52 tackles and a team-high 28 solo stops. In the secondary, Jamarion Brewer and T.J. Gates have combined for seven interceptions. Special teams standout Quint Johnson averages 42.6 yards per punt and is 11-of-14 on field goals with a long of 45. Newnan has defeated four playoff teams this season, including last week’s first-round opponent.

Keys to Victory

Sequoyah Chiefs

1. Control the Clock With the Run Game: Lean on Will Rajecki and Kolby Martin’s legs to win time of possession, limit Newnan’s offensive opportunities, and wear down the Cougars’ front seven.

2. Win Early Downs: Staying ahead of schedule keeps the entire playbook open and prevents Newnan from forcing Sequoyah into obvious passing situations where their pass rush can attack.

3. Limit Explosive Pass Plays: Newnan’s receivers Britt and Mathews are among the best duos in 5A. Sequoyah’s secondary must avoid giving up chunk plays and make Newnan earn every yard.

4. Create Pressure With the Front Seven: Williams and company have been disruptive all year. Forcing Campbell off his spot or into rushed throws could lead to turnovers.

5. Stay Disciplined on Special Teams: Newnan’s kicker/punter Quint Johnson can flip field position. Sequoyah needs clean returns and no mistakes that hand the Cougars short fields.

Newnan Cougars

1. Start Fast Through the Air: Attack Sequoyah vertically early to test the Chiefs’ secondary and open up space for Davis and Grier in the run game later.

2. Protect Brodie Campbell: Sequoyah brings pressure from multiple spots. Keeping Campbell clean maximizes their biggest advantage—the passing game.

3. Contain Rajecki Between the Tackles: If the Cougars can limit Sequoyah’s downhill run game, they can force Martin into obvious passing downs and dictate tempo.

4. Win Red Zone Situations: Sequoyah stiffens defensively inside the 20. Newnan must finish drives with touchdowns, not field goals, to keep pace with the Chiefs’ offense.

5. Leverage Special Teams Edge: With Johnson’s strong leg, Newnan can gain hidden yardage. Pinning Sequoyah deep or stealing points from long range could swing momentum.

Pundit's Pick

This will be the Cougars’ first-ever playoff meeting with any Cherokee County program. Historically, Newnan is 2–4 all-time vs. Cherokee County teams, with both wins coming against the long-defunct Canton High in the mid-1950s. This matchup features contrasting strengths—Sequoyah’s punishing ground game versus Newnan’s explosive passing attack. The Cougars’ front seven will be tasked with containing Rajecki, while Sequoyah’s secondary faces one of the top receiver duos in Class 5A. We believe Sequoyah’s run game and second-half defense will once again take control after halftime. The Chiefs get enough stops to slow Newnan’s firepower.

Prediction: Sequoyah by 8.