Scouting the Chiefs
The Sequoyah Chiefs advanced to the quarter final round for the third time in school history. The Chiefs also matched their school record for wins in a season with the win last week. Against Woodward, the Chiefs went all in on the ground game, which has historically been their bread and butter. As we have mentioned in the past, Sequoyah jumped out to a fast start and were able to overcome a sluggish 3rd quarter as they put away Woodward Academy on the strength of their defense and the ground game. Ean Marria was perhaps the star of the night as he scored 3 touchdowns (2 rushing, 1 receiving), two tackles for loss and an interception that helped ice the game for the Chiefs. Sequoyah is averaging 206.3 yards per game on the ground and 168.8 yards per game through the air. Ean Marria has scored 6 rushing TDs, 2 receiving TDs, rushed for 478 yards, caught 13 passes for 216 yards and that’s just on offense. The Swiss Army knife has also recorded 18 tackles for loss and leads the team in sacks with 8 and has caused and recovered two fumbles this season. Sequoyah is averaging 36 points per game and allowing 21.8. The Chiefs enter Friday’s contest winners of their last 7 games. They have won their two playoff games by a a combined 25 points. If the game is close, we must note that kicker Caleb McClure nailed a 49 yard field goal in the first round of the playoffs.
Scouting the Trojans
The Coffee Trojans are the defending Class 5A State Champs. This season, the Trojans have relied exclusively on the ground game as they are averaging 229.5 yards per game rushing while averaging just 80.7 passing yards per game. Coffee had little trouble with their first two playoff opponents as they have won the first two rounds by a an average of 27.5 points. Coffee trailed Brunswick for only a few moments last week, as they answered Brunswick’s long touchdown with a kickoff return for a touchdown, and the rout was on from there. The Trojans have used a combination of backs this season, led by Tyrese Woodgett (1,485 yards, 19-TDs) and Kentavius "K.J."Debruce (591 yards, 2-TDs). While Coffee won’t rely heavily on the air attack, Woodgett leads the team with 13 receptions, while sophomore Tresean Smith has caught 12 passes for 288 yards and a team leading 4 receiving TDs. The Trojans are averaging 29 points per game. Defensively, Coffee is allowing 14.1 points per game. Chris Reed is the team leader with 107 total tackles, 30 tackles for loss and a team leading 8 sacks. Jyarius Carter is another ball hawking linebacker, who has recorded 73 total tackles. The Trojans have sacked opposing quarterbacks 34 times and have forced 18 turnovers.
Pundit's Pick
Both of these teams are battle tested. Most of this Sequoyah roster has been in at least 5 post season appearances. Meanwhile, Coffee returns quite a few contributors from last year’s state championship team. For Sequoyah to win this ball game, they will have to find a way to slow down this aggressive attacking Coffee defense. Meanwhile the Chiefs defense will have to bottle up this prolific ground game. Last week, Coffee tallied 471 yards on the ground. If that happens this week, it could mean a long night for the Chiefs Defense. Meanwhile, Coffee will have to contend with the several formations and alignments that the Sequoyah offense will throw at them. The Coffee defense will have to trust their keys. Eye discipline will be paramount for the Trojans, as Sequoyah will give them plenty of eye candy. Coffee’s offense could have a long night if they are not able to run the ball against Sequoyah. In Sequoyah’s only loss of the season, they were out gained on the ground. We believe the winner of this game will win the battle on the ground. One of the things we have yet to mention is team speed; and Coffee has it at every position. That speed may just be the undoing of Sequoyah this week. We like Coffee by 6.
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