Hornets visit Chiefs as Explosive Offenses Set to Collide in Quarterfinal Thriller

Scouting the Chiefs

The Sequoyah Chiefs are back in the quarterfinals for the second consecutive season and for the fourth time in school history. Their return comes after a hard-fought victory over Newnan, a contest that was competitive early before the Chiefs surged ahead in the fourth quarter. Will Rajecki delivered another dominant performance, rushing for 137 yards and 3 touchdowns, while quarterback Kolby Martin continued his precision passing, completing 86% of his throws for 195 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Sequoyah’s defense made its presence felt early, with Brooks Darling intercepting a pass on Newnan’s opening drive and Asa Goings adding another late to halt a potential Cougar rally. This season, the Chiefs enter the quarterfinals averaging 42 points per game while allowing just 14 points per game. Their offense is as balanced as any in the state, producing 205 rushing yards per game and 195 passing yards per game.

Rajecki’s historic season has now reached 1,792 rushing yards and 29 touchdowns, while Martin has thrown for 1,874 yards and 19 touchdowns with only 2 interceptions in 180 attempts. Darling leads the receiving corps with 41 receptions for 692 yards, and Jack Ripley has emerged as a big play receiver with 8 receiving scores on 30 catches for 486 yards. Rajecki has also chipped in 275 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns, while tight end Maddox Waller has contributed 17 receptions for 251 yards and 4 scores.

Defensively, Drew Williams continues to anchor the unit with a team-high 129 total tackles, including 85 solo tackles, along with 8 sacks and 10 tackles for loss. Michael Fountain has added 79 tackles, a team-best 13 tackles for loss, and 7 sacks, while Hayden Poole contributes 94 tackles, 6 tackles for loss, and 3 sacks. Darling leads the secondary with 6 interceptions and 12 pass breakups. As a unit, Sequoyah has notched 30 sacks and forced 18 turnovers.

Scouting the Hornets

Roswell, meanwhile, wasted little time seizing control of its second-round matchup, jumping ahead early and cruising to a comfortable win over Clarke Central. Quarterback Trey Smith was exceptional, completing 12 of 14 passes for 137 yards and 3 touchdowns, while also rushing for 53 yards on seven carries. Running back Nick Peal added another big day with 106 yards and a touchdown.

On the season, Smith has been one of the most dynamic dual-threat quarterbacks in the state, throwing for 2,451 yards and 23 touchdowns while rushing for 1,026 yards and 20 touchdowns. Peal leads the team with 1,256 rushing yards and 19 touchdowns. In the passing game, Wills Campbell tops the Hornets with 65 receptions for 1,106 yards and 10 touchdowns, followed by Dre Cousey with 51 catches for 702 yards and 5 scores. Tight end Sean Smith adds 4 touchdowns on 15 receptions for 172 yards, while Peal and Chase Shaffer have combined for 464 receiving yards and 4 touchdowns.

Roswell’s offense is averaging 218.8 passing yards, 247.4 rushing yards, and 44.5 points per game, while the defense allows 20.8 points per game. Linebacker Brody Duffy has been a force all season, compiling 118 tackles, 8.5 sacks, and 19.5 tackles for loss. Tyler Pressnall adds 67 tackles and 12 tackles for loss, while Ian Foust leads the secondary with 3 interceptions. As a group, Roswell has registered 39.5 sacks and forced 10 turnovers.

Both teams possess explosive offensive units, but Roswell may be the most dynamic attack Sequoyah has faced this year.

Keys to the Game

Sequoyah Chiefs – Keys to Victory

1. Control the Clock with Rajecki: Sustained drives keep Trey Smith and the Roswell offense on the sideline.

2. Tackle in Space: Roswell thrives on explosive plays; Sequoyah cannot allow short gains to turn into breakaways.

3. Pressure Trey Smith Early: Disrupting Smith’s rhythm—especially his designed QB runs—can stall Roswell’s offense.

4. Win the Line of Scrimmage: Matthew Matz and Noah Normile must create push inside to contain Peal and collapse Smith’s pocket.

5. Special Teams Execution: Field position and kicking may decide the game; Sequoyah must capitalize here.

   
   

Roswell Hornets – Keys to Victory

1. Limit Rajecki’s Big Plays: No team has stopped him, but containing him to modest gains changes everything.

2. Force Martin into Tough Throws: With just two interceptions all year, Roswell must pressure him into mistakes.

3. Let Trey Smith Be Trey Smith: Designed QB runs and improvisation put constant stress on Sequoyah’s linebackers.

4. Spread Sequoyah Out: Utilize Campbell, Cousey, and tight end Sean Smith to create mismatches in coverage.

5. Special Teams Advantage: Vorosmarty has shown he can hit the big kick; Roswell needs to win this phase.

Pundit's Pick

For the Chiefs, slowing the Hornets begins with tackling well in space and pressuring Smith early. Defensive linemen Mathew Matz and Noah Normile will play key roles in controlling the line of scrimmage.For Roswell, the focus will be on finding an answer for Rajecki, something no defense has accomplished all season. With two high-powered offenses on display, this matchup has the potential to resemble Sequoyah’s high-scoring 2024 quarterfinal. Special teams may ultimately decide the outcome. Roswell kicker Balant Vorosmarty has already delivered a game-winner this season, while Sequoyah counts on Leif Hansen in clutch moments.

The scoreboard operator will be busy in Hickory Flat on Friday night, but in the end, we give the slight edge to the Hornets, Roswell by 3.