Sequoyah’s Dominant Defense Faces Test Against Surging Pope

Scouting the Chiefs

The Sequoyah Chiefs continued to flex their muscle in region play last time out, holding Rome to just one touchdown. Through two region games, the Chiefs have outscored their opponents 105-7. On the season, Sequoyah is averaging 43.6 points per game.

It may come as a surprise to some, but the Chiefs are averaging more yards per game through the air (215.8) than on the ground (188.4).

Nolan Shakar has thrown for 973 yards and 10 touchdowns with just two interceptions on 93 pass attempts. Robert Van Alstyne (23 receptions, 323 yards, one touchdown) and Duke Sanders (13 receptions, 313 yards, six touchdowns) lead a group of nine Sequoyah receivers who have caught passes this season.

The ground game is led by Trace Washington, who has churned out 462 yards and seven touchdowns. Sophomore Kenneth Jones has also chipped in 127 yards.

Defensively, Sequoyah has been stingy once again, allowing just 12.8 points per game. The secondary has come up big with nine interceptions. Danny Palmese leads the way with three picks, while seven different defenders have intercepted a pass this season.

Drew Williams (42 total tackles, three tackles for loss, one sack) and Brady Streeter (37 total tackles, seven tackles for loss, one sack) continue to set the tone for the defense. Senior defensive end Carson Gantt leads the team with three sacks. As a team, Sequoyah has sacked opposing quarterbacks 11 times.

Scoutint the Greyhounds

The Pope Greyhounds have reeled off back-to-back wins and find themselves tied for first place early in region play. Pope has already surpassed its win total from a year ago and appears to be gaining momentum at the right time.

The Greyhounds are averaging 22.8 points per game and 354 yards per game of offense. Quarterback Hudson Marinkoleads the team with 541 passing yards and four touchdowns, while freshman Wyatt Shuck has also thrown for 225 yards and a touchdown in relief.

Luc McClendon has been the primary target for the Greyhounds, catching 14 passes for 454 yards and five touchdowns. Connor Oryan has also chipped in seven receptions for 135 yards to help pace the Pope receiving corps.

T

he ground game has been led by a combination of Marinko (415 yards, three touchdowns), Caleb Mardis (279 yards, two touchdowns) and workhorse Ivan Darden Jr., who leads the team with 61 carries and has rushed for 276 yards and three touchdowns.

Defensively, Josiah Moss paces the team with 46 total tackles, three tackles for loss and a sack. The Pope secondary has been active as well, intercepting five passes on the season. Shuck leads the team with two interceptions.

Keys to the Game

Sequoyah

• Continue to pressure Pope's quarterbacks and disrupt the passing game.

• Establish the run and keep the offense balanced.

• Take advantage of opportunities created by the defense.

• Avoid giving Pope extra possessions through turnovers.

Pope

• Establish the running game and control the clock.

• Limit Sequoyah's explosive plays.

• Win the turnover battle.

• Keep the Chiefs' offense off the field as much as possible.

Pundit's Pick

This Pope team has improved in every facet of the game from a season ago. We expect the Greyhounds to take a page out of Sequoyah’s book this week and utilize their ability to run the ball to help neutralize some of the Chiefs’ explosive offense. That approach could help, but we aren't sure it will be sustainable for four quarters. Pope will likely need to win the turnover battle to keep this one close. Sequoyah will be the most difficult team the Greyhounds have faced to date, and perhaps the most difficult they will face all season.

Expect the Chiefs' defense to continue its dominant ways this week and stymie Pope's resurgent offense. We like Sequoyah by five touchdowns.