Run-Heavy Rivals Collide: Knights Look to Slow Down Rajecki and the Chiefs

Scouting the Knights

The Knights got back to their roots last Friday, pounding out 220 rushing yards while attempting only five passes—yet still amassing 378 total yards of offense. Senior QB Hunter Lockerman maximized his limited throws, completing four of five for 158 yards and two touchdowns. On the season, Lockerman has been efficient with 751 yards, 5 TDs and just one interception on 76 attempts.

The rushing tandem of Micah Pugh (108 yards, 1 TD last week) and Camden Cox (63 yards, 1 TD) anchors a ground game averaging over 140 yards per contest. Sam Vincent (15 catches, 190 yards, 1 TD) is Lockerman’s steady target, while Arden Redmond provides the explosive plays—nine catches for 249 yards and three scores (27.7 yards per reception).

Defensively, River Ridge has been stingy, allowing just 14 points per game. Linebackers Matthew Burdette (50 tackles) and Wyatt McCarty (51 tackles) lead the charge, while Harris Deriso paces the Knights with nine tackles for loss and five sacks. In the secondary, Andrew Rowe (3 INT) and Sam Vincent (2 INT) have been ballhawks.

Scouting the Chiefs

The Chiefs are fresh off a school-record 63-point performance against Sprayberry. Senior RB Will Rajecki set a new program mark with seven touchdowns and rushed for 250 yards on 27 carries. On the season, Rajecki is among the state leaders with 898 yards and 16 touchdowns.

Quarterback Kolby Martin adds balance, completing 63.5% of his passes for 681 yards, 6 TDs and no interceptions. Jack Ripley has emerged as Martin’s go-to target (12 catches, 252 yards, 5 TDs), while Rajecki and Brooks Darlinghave combined for 18 receptions and 306 yards.

Defensively, the “Wrecking Crew” has allowed just 9.4 points per game and only three touchdowns over its last 18 quarters. Carson Bahry (37 tackles), Drew Williams (35) and Michael Fountain (28) lead the tean in total tackles, while Williams and Noah Normile have combined for 13 tackles for loss. The Chiefs have forced 14 turnovers—nine via interceptions—with Darling (3) and Benji Smith (2) anchoring the secondary.

🔑 Keys to the Game

River Ridge Knights

• Establish the Run Early: Keep feeding Pugh and Cox to control tempo, shorten the game, and keep Sequoyah’s offense on the sideline.

• Play-Action Shots: With Sequoyah keying on the run, Lockerman has to hit a few big throws off play action to loosen the box.

• Limit Explosives: Rajecki can break games open — run fits and tackling fundamentals are a must.

• Win Third Down: Convert manageable third downs on offense and get Sequoyah off the field defensively to avoid fatigue.

• Protect the Ball: The Chiefs thrive on takeaways (14 forced). No turnovers = a chance to pull the upset.

Sequoyah Chiefs

• Contain the Duo: Pugh and Cox are the most complete backfield they’ve faced — linebackers must fit and tackle consistently.

• Ride Rajecki: Keep giving your workhorse RB touches to wear down the Knights defense and set up Martin’s passing.

• Start Fast: Don’t let River Ridge hang around; early scores can force the Knights to abandon their ground game.

• Spread the Ball: Continue mixing in multiple receivers to prevent River Ridge from loading the box.

• Keep Winning Turnovers: Maintain your opportunistic style in the secondary to flip field position and momentum.

  
  

Pundits Pick

River Ridge is capable of an ambush, but Sequoyah’s balance on offense and its opportunistic defense give the Chiefs the edge. Expect a slow start but too much Rajecki and too much Wrecking Crew down the stretch.

Prediction: Sequoyah by 16.