Sequoyah rushing attack powers past Colonels

Class 6A Sequoyah’s run game proved to be too much for the Cass Colonels Friday night as the visiting Chiefs pulled away in the second half for a 37-23 win at Cochran Stadium.

Sequoyah, combining an efficient wing-T attack with a mixture of between the tackles Power-I plays, rolled up 295 rushing yards on 46 attempts in the non-region victory.

Left Photo: Ian Lowe bursts through the middle for a 30-yard touchdown run early in the second quarter to narrow Sequoyah's lead to 14-10. Right Photo: The Cass defense brings down Sequoyah's Jackson Hancock.

Chiefs’ junior quarterback, Matthew Traynor, ran for three touchdowns to lead the visitors’ scoring. He had short keepers from 1- and 2-yards out to go with an impressive 30-yard scramble play late in the first half that helped Sequoyah regain the lead at the intermission, 21-16. He finished the night with 56 rushing yards.

Jackson Hancock, who ran for 129 yards in the first half, gave the Chiefs a 7-0 lead with an 11-yard run to cap an opening eight play, 50-yard drive and Javon Salazar scored on a 7-yard run that was set up by an interception and return by Hancock.

Cass kicker Juan Parajito booted a 35-yard field goal on the Colonels’ first possession to make the score 7-3. After Sequoyah took a 14-3 advantage, Cass scored on back-to-back possessions in the second quarter to take a 16-14 lead.

Ian Lowe knifed through the middle of the Sequoyah defense for a 30-yard touchdown run that made the score 14-10 and capped a five-play, 52-yard drive for the Colonels. Then on their next possession, Cass’ Karmanie Evans found the end zone on a 6-yard run. A holding penalty on the ensuing extra point attempt however, pushed a second attempt further back that was missed.

Two touchdowns and a safety gave the Chiefs a 37-16 lead with 10:02 left in the game.

Four minutes later, Cass quarterback Devin Henderson connected with Tino Jones for a 20-yard touchdown but it would be the final Colonels’ score with just over seven minutes left in the game.

Henderson finished the night 12-for-19 passing for 153 yards. He threw for one touchdown and was picked off twice. The sophomore signal caller also rushed for 72 yards. Sacovie White caught five passes for 61 yards and Evans contributed 41 yards rushing on 12 attempts.

Sequoyah (2-1) will have a bye week prior to opening region play against Johns Creek.

Cass (1-2) will try to snap a two-game skid next Friday when they travel to Temple in another non-region matchup.