Defense Could Decide Denmark-Sequoyah Showdown

Scouting the Danes

The Denmark Danes bounced back from an opening-week loss to Sequoyah last season to finish 7-4 and earn a trip to the postseason. This year, the Danes return quarterback Evan Jones, who threw for 2,195 yards, 16 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions while completing 58.6% of his passes.

Jones, however, will have some major shoes to fill around him, as Denmark lost its top six receivers from a season ago to graduation. Look for Jacob Gjurich to step up and provide a reliable target for Jones as the new receiving corps develops.

London Ruckert will once again be one of the most important players on the field for Denmark. A standout on both sides of the ball, Ruckert is the team's leading returning rusher with 381 yards and two touchdowns. Defensively, he was nothing short of a one-man wrecking crew last season, recording 68 total tackles, 15 tackles for loss, a team-high 8.5 sacks, and two interceptions.

Scouting the Chiefs

The Sequoyah Chiefs are also looking for answers following the graduation of several key weapons from a team that broke the school's scoring record last season. Nolan Shakar will take over at quarterback after completing all seven of his passes for 84 yards in limited action last year.

At running back, Braden Wilbur returns after rushing for 79 yards and two touchdowns, while Joseph Lucente added 112 yards on the ground. Don't be surprised if newcomer Trace Washington also gets some carries.

Sequoyah's offensive line will be anchored by Old Dominion commit Brody Craig, now a three-year starter for the Chiefs. His experience will be especially important as Sequoyah breaks in a new quarterback and looks to establish its ground game.

Defensively, the Chiefs may have one of the best linebacker combinations in the area in Drew Williams and Trace Washington. Williams recorded an impressive 135 total tackles, 13 tackles for loss, and five sacks last season, while Washington added 51 tackles and two tackles for loss. Asa Goings returns in the secondary and will receive support from Danny Palmese, who joins the Chiefs for his senior season and has already proven to be a difference-maker at cornerback.

Leif Hanson also gives Sequoyah a weapon on special teams should this game come down to the wire. And history suggests that it very well could. The previous two meetings between these teams have been decided by a field goal.

Keys to the Game

Denmark

• Protect Evan Jones and give him time to develop chemistry with a new group of receivers.

• Find ways to get London Ruckert involved on both sides of the football.

• Establish enough of a running game to keep Sequoyah's aggressive defense from teeing off on Jones.

• Pressure Nolan Shakar while remaining disciplined against Sequoyah's rushing attack.

Sequoyah

• Let Drew Williams and Trace Washington create pressure and disrupt Jones early and often.

• Establish the ground game and avoid putting Shakar in difficult passing situations.

• Lean on the experience of Brody Craig and the offensive line to control the line of scrimmage.

• Take advantage of field position and special teams, where Leif Hanson could become a factor in a close game.

Pundit's Pick

Expect Sequoyah's defense to harass Jones early and often, while Ruckert will be equally busy trying to disrupt the Chiefs' offense. Although pressuring Shakar will be important, stopping the ground game will be the key to defeating any Sequoyah team coached by James Teter. We believe this one stays close through the first half, but Sequoyah eventually pulls away on the strength of its defense.

Prediction

Sequoyah Chiefs by 9.