Surging Chiefs Bring High-Powered Attack to Barron Stadium

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Scouting the Wolves

The Rome Wolves will return home to Barron Stadium on Friday night as the Wolves look to pick up their first win of the season. Rome struggled to sustain drives against Creekview last week. The Wolves did show some explosiveness on offense, as freshman quarterback Zaiden Winston connected on a long touchdown strike to give Rome a lead late in the first half.

The defense also came up big, thwarting a drive with a red-zone interception early in the third quarter. Rome had some success running the football last week but could never find a rhythm and string together big plays. On the season, Rome is averaging 9.3 points per game while allowing 37.6.

Scouting the Chiefs

The Sequoyah Chiefs are coming off a big win over the River Ridge Knights. The Chiefs recorded their first shutout victory of the season and the largest margin of victory in school history. Sequoyah has racked up 265 yards per game on the ground and 190 yards per game through the air. Quarterback Nolan Shakar has thrown for 781 yards and eight touchdowns. His top receivers this season have been Robert Van Alstyne (17 receptions, 236 yards, 1 TD) and Duke Sanders (9 receptions, 255 yards, 3 TDs).

Meanwhile, Trace Washington leads the ground game with 408 yards on 38 carries and four touchdowns. The Chiefs are averaging 44 points per game while allowing just 14.3. Defensively, Sequoyah is led by Drew Williams (43 tackles, 2 sacks, 5 TFLs), Brady Streeter (44 tackles, 2 sacks, 8 TFLs) and Danny Palmese (29 tackles, 3 INTs). Cason Gant has recorded a team-high three sacks. Sequoyah has sacked opposing quarterbacks 11 times and forced eight turnovers.

Keys to the Game

Rome

Establish the run: Rome needs to find consistency on the ground and keep the Chiefs' defense from teeing off on the passing game.
Protect the football: Sequoyah has forced eight turnovers, making ball security a major priority.
Create explosive plays: The Wolves will need big plays from Zaiden Winston and the offense to keep pace.
Get off the field: Rome's defense must find a way to limit Sequoyah's high-powered offense and create extra possessions.

Sequoyah

Start fast: The Chiefs should look to build on last week's offensive performance and put pressure on Rome early.
Continue forcing turnovers: Sequoyah's defense has already created eight takeaways and can change the game with another strong performance.
Control the line of scrimmage: Winning up front will allow the Chiefs to establish their ground game and put Rome in difficult situations.
Don't overlook the Wolves: Rome has shown flashes of explosiveness, so Sequoyah must avoid giving the Wolves opportunities to hang around.

Pundit's Pick

The Chiefs look to be back on track after last week's win. However, this Rome team will still have plenty of talent and athleticism. We expect the Chiefs to open up the game early and put pressure on the Wolves. Rome will have to take care of the football, as the Chiefs' ball-hawking defense has already forced eight turnovers. Rome will also have to run the football effectively if it is going to pull off the upset, and that's easier said than done against a Sequoyah defense that has been playing well. We like the Chiefs to roll.

Prediction: Sequoyah by 31