By Emily Horos
Cherokee Tribune Sports Writer
On opposite ends of close decisions last week, Sequoyah and Pebblebrook will meet Friday more for bragging rights than playoff spots.
Sequoyah (4-5, 4-4 Region 5AAAA) sits in a three-way tie with Alexander and Lithia Springs for fifth place in the region standings and have been eliminated from the state playoff hunt, while Pebblebrook (6-3, 6-2) has secured the third spot, just behind East Paulding and Douglas County.
Both the Pebblebook and Sequoyah offenses average just over 25 points per game, while the defenses have held opponents to an average of 13.8 points and 16.1 points, respectively.
All this means is the regular season finale will likely be a good one for the fans.
Sid Maxwell, head coach at Sequoyah, is hoping to see his team end things on a high note - which could mean knocking the Falcons off their five-game winning streak.
"We are just trying to go out and play hard for our seniors who worked for it all year and make the dedication to get out and play for all 48 minutes," Maxwell said. "As a team, we have had some close losses. We are just going to try to play like we have in the last few weeks, but have just come up a little bit short."
Last week, Sequoyah nearly reached its goal, but lost to undefeated No. 4 East Paulding in the final seconds of the game, 17-14, when the defense gave up a 40-yard touchdown pass.
This week, the Chiefs' defense will have to target a pair of skillful seniors in running back Jevontae Jefferson and quarterback Andre Sherrer, who combined for more than 200 yards of offense last week.
The Sequoyah offense will have its own challenges against an experienced Falcon defense that forced three fumbles and blocked an extra point for a win over Cherokee last Friday.
Junior linebacker Michael Peeples will create several problems for the Chiefs' senior quarterback Nathan Grummer and sophomore running back Kirk Medas.
In addition to half dozen underclassmen that usually start for the Chiefs, the team's long-time head coach expects to play three freshmen for the second week in a row.
"Sometimes, that is just how the ball bounces with personnel and skill guys who just happen to be sophomores and freshmen who are defending the pass or running with it.
"We just make sure that these guys are prepared as well as we can prepare any of them and control what we can control."
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