Sequoyah will look to bounce back from a tough loss to cross-town rival Cherokee on Friday night when they take on 1-4 Alexander in Douglasville.

The Chiefs suffered a tough 35-28 defeat to the undefeated Warriors last week as they lost for the first time since an opening-week defeat to Etowah. Although it was disappointing to lose a rivalry game, Sequoyah head coach Sid Maxwell was pleased with his team's effort.

"I thought we got better from the week before and that is what we are trying to accomplish," said Maxwell. "We just have to get more fundamentally sound for this week and get some of our younger guys ready to play."

Sequoyah (3-2, 3-1 Region 5AAAA) will take on an Alexander team that has been largely inconsistent all year long - especially on offense. The Cougars (1-4, 1-3) have had trouble moving the ball in the first half of games and it has forced them to play catch-up in the second half. Alexander is averaging just 8.6 points per game and, as a result, its defensive unit has been on the field far too often.

The Cougars are going to need strong offensive efforts from senior running back Jarrod Wallace and junior quarterback Colton Harris if they are going to challenge a tough Sequoyah defense that has two shutouts thus far this season. If the Alexander offense can't get going early, it could be a long night for the Cougars and head coach Kenny Palmer.

"Our offense isn't helping out our defense right now," said Palmer. "We are inexperienced and young but we have got to get more consistent and execute better on the offensive side of the ball."

The Sequoyah offense has been largely successful for most of the season thus far. The Chiefs are averaging almost 35 points per game in their last four contests, including a 46-point outburst against Woodland in Week 4. If the Chiefs can get out to a quick start against Alexander, they could put the game away early and keep the pressure off in the second half.

"We are looking to get more leverage along the offensive line than we did last week," said Maxwell. "If we can get our reads a little bit faster I think we can be very successful on offense."

While the Chiefs are coming off a tough loss in a rivalry game, Maxwell doesn't expect it to have an affect on their play tonight against a tough and hungry Alexander squad.

"I think our approach as a coaching staff keeps them focused on the next opponent," said Maxwell. "If we take care of us during the week then the outcome will take care of itself on the field."

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