River Ridge Shocks Top-10 Sequoyah, Ends County Dominance with Rivalry Win

Friday night in Cherokee County featured a heated Region 6-5A matchup between the Sequoyah Chiefs and River Ridge Knights. The game carried plenty of weight — Sequoyah came in undefeated, favored by more than 25 points, and riding a 15-game winning streak over county opponents dating back to 2022. But in one of the season’s biggest surprises, River Ridge stunned the Chiefs in an instant classic.

The Chiefs struck first when kicker Leif Hansen drilled a 23-yard field goal to put Sequoyah ahead 3-0 with 8:59 left in the opening quarter. But River Ridge responded immediately. On their first offensive play, Camden Cox broke free for an 80-yard touchdown run, giving the Knights a 7-3 lead. Just minutes later, the defense made its mark as Andrew Rowe returned an interception for a touchdown, extending the advantage to 14-3 with 6:38 left in the quarter. Hansen added a 49-yard field goal late in the first, but River Ridge led 14-6 after one.

In the second quarter, Cox struck again with another rushing touchdown, stretching the Knights’ lead to 21-6. Sequoyah clawed back before halftime, as quarterback Kolby Martin connected with Will Rajecki on a 24-yard touchdown pass. Rajecki also powered in the two-point conversion, pulling the Chiefs within 21-14 with just 11 seconds left in the half. The Knights carried that lead into the break.

The Chiefs tied the game midway through the third quarter when Holden Campbell scored on a 1-yard plunge, evening things at 21-21 with 5:46 remaining in the quarter. Neither side scored again before the end of the third, setting up a dramatic finish.

In the fourth quarter, it was Cox once more who delivered the decisive blow. The River Ridge running back found the end zone for his third rushing touchdown of the night, putting the Knights ahead 28-21 with 9:50 left. Sequoyah had chances late, but the Knights’ defense held firm, closing out a historic win.

The final score was River Ridge 28, Sequoyah 21. The victory snapped Sequoyah’s 15-game winning streak against Cherokee County opponents and handed the Chiefs their first loss of the season. For the Knights, it was a statement win that shook up the Region 6-5A race and etched itself into county rivalry lore.