Longhorns Seek Redemption in Rematch With Chiefs

Scouting the Longhorns

The Kell Longhorns have reeled off five consecutive wins and find themselves atop the region standings. The Longhorns survived a valiant comeback attempt by the Rome Wolves last week, but they will face a much tougher test against a Sequoyah team that has been dominant on both sides of the ball.

Kell is averaging 36 points per game and has welcomed back its top running back, Moonie Gipson, who missed the early part of the season while recovering from an injury. His return should provide another dimension to an offense that has already been productive through the air.

Through his first five games, quarterback Boston Pierce has thrown for 1,262 yards and 13 touchdowns. His top target has been Brock Burrus, who has hauled in 20 receptions for 621 yards and six touchdowns. Donte Grant has also been a major contributor, totaling 520 all-purpose yards and five touchdowns.

Defensively, the Longhorns are allowing 22 points per game. They will need one of their best performances of the season to slow down a Sequoyah offense that has been nearly unstoppable.

Sequoyah Chiefs

The Sequoyah Chiefs picked up their second shutout of the season last week, blanking Pope 45-0. The Chiefs continue their torrid scoring pace, averaging 43.8 points per game, slightly ahead of their record-setting scoring average from the 2025 season.

Sequoyah is averaging 420 yards of offense per game, with quarterback Nolan Shakar leading the attack. Shakar has thrown for 1,085 yards and 12 touchdowns while distributing the ball to a talented group of receivers. Robert Van Alstyne (27 receptions, 434 yards, 3 touchdowns), Duke Sanders (17 receptions, 370 yards, 6 touchdowns), Joseph Lucente (5 receptions, 183 yards, 2 touchdowns) and Brody Bohannon (6 receptions, 127 yards, 1 touchdown) have all made significant contributions. On the ground, Trace Washington leads the way with 578 yards on 53 carries and 9 touchdowns.

The Chiefs have been just as impressive defensively, allowing only 10.6 points per game. Drew Williams, Brady Streeter, Bohannon and Danny Palmese have led the team in tackles. Cason Gant leads the team with three sacks, while Palmese has a team-high 3 interceptions. Sequoyah has picked off 9 passes this season, highlighting the strength of its secondary.

Keys to the Game

Kell

• Establish the ground game with Moonie Gipson and take pressure off Pierce.

• Protect Pierce against Sequoyah's pass rush and give him time to find Burrus and the other receivers.

• Avoid turnovers against a Chiefs secondary that has already intercepted nine passes.

• Force Shakar into uncomfortable situations and capitalize on any mistakes.

  
  

Sequoyah

• Continue spreading the ball around and take advantage of the depth in the receiving corps.

• Use Washington to keep the defense honest and create opportunities in the passing game.

• Disrupt Pierce's timing and prevent Kell's receivers from making explosive plays.

• Win the turnover battle and capitalize on scoring opportunities.

Pundit's Pick

Sequoyah has won the last two meetings between these teams and thoroughly embarrassed Kell last season. The Longhorns certainly have not forgotten that performance, and they will be eager to prove they can compete with the Chiefs. If Kell is going to earn some redemption, it will need to establish the ground game and find a way to keep Sequoyah's pass rush at bay. This matchup also features a compelling strength-on-strength battle, as the Chiefs' secondary will face what may be one of the best receiving groups in the region.

Meanwhile, Kell's defense must find a way to force Nolan Shakar into bad decisions. That has been easier said than done, as Sequoyah continues to score at a remarkable rate while protecting the football. We expect a physical, lower-scoring game than Sequoyah's recent outings, with both defenses making life difficult for the opposing offenses. In the end, the Chiefs find a way to escape with a dramatic finish.

Prediction: Sequoyah by 3