Chiefs aim to get back on track in Hickory Flat as the Trojans come calling

Scoutint the Warriors

The Sequoyah Chiefs return home after a much-needed bye week, looking to shake off a tough loss and re-establish themselves in the thick of the region playoff race. Sitting in a crowded battle for second place, Sequoyah has leaned on one of the state’s most productive running backs in Will Rajecki, who has already piled up 999 yards and 16 touchdowns on the ground. The Chiefs’ ground game has been made even more effective thanks to the steady play of offensive tackles Brody Craig and Alex Brewer, who set the tone at the line of scrimmage.

Quarterback Kolby Martin has been efficient, completing 62% of his passes for 883 yards, 7 touchdowns, and just one interception. He’s spread the ball around to ten different receivers, but Jack Ripley (306 yards, 5 TDs) and Brooks Darling (210 yards) have been his primary targets.

Defensively, Sequoyah has shown a knack for creating havoc, forcing 15 turnovers on the season. Linebacker Drew Williams leads the unit with 52 tackles and 8 tackles for loss, while Hayden Poole (45 tackles), Noah Normile (7 TFLs), and pass rushers Michael Fountain and Michael White (3 sacks apiece) anchor a disciplined defense.

Scouting the Trojans

Lassiter, has been trending upward offensively. The Trojans notched their first region win last time out and are averaging an impressive 36.6 points per game. Quarterback Mitch Seaman has been the spark, throwing for 1,129 yards and 11 touchdowns with just one interception, while also leading the team in rushing with 324 yards and 5 scores. Freshman Drew McGee and junior Caden Bloom provide balance in the backfield, combining for over 500 yards and 10 touchdowns.

In the passing game, Seaman’s go-to target has been Collins Price, who has reeled in 37 receptions for 645 yards and 8 touchdowns, averaging 17.4 yards per catch. Complementary options Dalton Price and Ben Kitzrow add depth, giving the Trojans multiple weapons to stress defenses.

On defense, Lassiter has been less consistent, allowing 22.6 points per game while generating just 4 turnovers and 4 sacks. Reid Ashmore and Chase Jones share the team lead with 18 tackles apiece.

Keys to the Game

Sequoyah Chiefs:

• Lean on the run game: Feed Rajecki early and often to control the clock and wear down Lassiter’s defense.

• Win the trenches: Craig and Brewer must pave the way against Lassiter’s front to keep Sequoyah ahead of the chains.

• Limit Seaman’s impact: Containing the dual-threat quarterback is priority one for Sequoyah’s defense.

Lassiter Trojans:

• Start fast: Put Sequoyah in an early hole and force them away from their run-heavy approach.

• Protect Seaman: Keep Sequoyah’s linebackers from creating pressure and disrupting timing.

• Generate turnovers: With Sequoyah’s ball-control style, Lassiter needs an extra possession or two to swing momentum.

Pundit's Pick

This matchup features contrasting styles: Sequoyah’s physical ground attack against Lassiter’s wide-open passing game. If Rajecki can control the tempo and Sequoyah’s defense limits explosive plays from Seaman and Price, the Chiefs should protect their home field. But if Lassiter forces an up-tempo shootout, the Trojans could keep things interesting.

Prediction: Sequoyah by 21