Scouting the War Eagles
The Woodward Academy War Eagles continue their quest to return to the state title game as they finished as runner up last season. The Ware Eagles had to come from behind last week and score a touchdown in the waning moments of the game to avoid the upset. Woodward has won 3 straight region titles and 8 consecutive games entering this week. The War Eagles have done most of their damage through the air as they are averaging 205 yards per game passing and 58.6 yards per game on the ground. Quarterback Landon Walker has thrown for 2,143 yards and 23-TD-s. His top receivers this year have been Josiah Abdullah, (36 receptions, 685 yards, 9 - TDs) and Jerome Bettis, Jr. (31 receptions, 567 yards, 7 - TDs). Walker also leads the team on the ground with 378 yards and 8-TDs. Defensively, Elijah Lyles and Tyree Myrick lead the team in total tackles. The Woodward defense has forced 15 turnovers and sacked opposing quarterbacks 16 times. The War Eagles are averaging 29.8 points per game and allowing 15.8 points per game.
Scouting the Chiefs
The Sequoyah Chiefs advanced to the second round of the playoffs for the second consecutive season and now go on the road to face another strong passing attack. The Chiefs once again got out to a fast start last week and finished strong against heavily favored Gainesville. Perhaps the best player on the field last week was junior running back Will Rajecki who rushed for 209 yards and 4-TDs. He also threw a TD pass in the victory. Sequoyah is averaging 204.8 yards per game on the ground and 177.2 yards per game through the air. The aforementioned Rajecki has rushed for 1,281 yards and 19-TDs this season, while senior Ean Marria has chipped in 442 yards on the ground. Junior quarterback Kolby Martin has thrown for 1,859 yards and 18-TDs. Brooks Darling leads the team with 40 receptions for 636 yards and 9-TDs. The Chiefs are averaging 36 points per game. Defensively, they are allowing 22 points per game. Senior linebacker Taiwo Ogundele leads the team with 90 total tackles, including 15 tackles for loss. Ean Marria leads the team with 16 tackles for loss and also leads the team with 7 sacks. The Chiefs have forced 21 turnovers on the season, including 10 interceptions.
Pundit's Pick
Woodward certainly had their biggest scare of the season since reeling off 7 straight victories before the playoffs. This is an experienced team that is primed for another deep run. Perhaps the biggest question mark is whether or not Woodward can run the football to keep Sequoyah’s defense off balance. If the War Eagles can’t slow down the Sequoyah pass rush, it might be a long night and Sequoyah’s defense could put the whole state on notice. Conversely, Sequoyah, will likely rely on the ground game again to power their offense. This game should be another classic. We are pretty sure that Sequoyah has Woodward’s full attention this week. One thing to note, the game time temperatures will be hovering around 45 degrees…Could those cooler temperatures impact Woodward’s passing attack? Maybe early, but we like the War Eagles at home, based on their experience. Woodward Academy by 6.
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