By DEREK BROWN

Press Special Writer

Weeks of sweat, soreness and training all led up to the opening game for Sequoyah. The Indians square off on the road against the Okemah Panthers tonight at 7:30.

The Indians have a lot to look forward to this season. Last year Sequoyah went undefeated in the regular season, but had its season ended in disappointment, losing in round one of the playoffs against Sperry.

Sequoyah’s regular season consisted of very large margins of victory and the closest being by 10 points against Fort Gibson.

For the first time ever, Sequoyah will step on the field as a Class 3A team. For the Indians, there are many new faces after graduating 25 seniors last year.

However, Sequoyah has some of their key players back and have the right tools for success.

“We’ve got a challenge ahead because they’ve got a big offensive-line,” Sequoyah coach Brent Scott.  “We’re trying to find a way to stop their offense. They’ve got a quarterback that’s a dual threat.”

Sequoyah will find out how great their players are Friday night.

Scott said to watch how great the SHS offensive-line is.

Sequoyah has marked Friday on their calendar and is thinking only of this game. They have practiced for weeks for this day — to come and are ready for the challenge. Sequoyah has been watching game tape and is trying to imitate some of their plays.

“It’s always difficult to simulate another teams plays,” Scott said. “We’ve got good practice players that can put the defense and offense together.”

The Indians hope to start the season off on a good note by defeating the Panthers. Although it will be difficult, Scott believes they are ready.

“Their a really good football team and that’s how we’re going to get better, is by playing good teams,” said Scott.

Area previews

Sequoyah at Okemah

When: Tonight at 7:30.

Where: Okemah.

Nicknames: Okemah Panthers; Sequoyah Indians

Records: Both teams are 0-0.

Rankings (in Associated Press poll): Sequoyah No. 4 in 3A; Okemah No. 17 in 2A.

Coaches: Okemah Coach Joe Turner, Sequoyah Coach Brent Scott

Players to Watch:

Sequoyah: Brayden Scott (QB), Zack Robinson (WR/DB). Derek Hammer (LB).

Okemah: Matt Tucker (QB/LB), Chris Boyd (TE/DT).  Jacob Shandy (OT/DE).



Eufaula at Keys

When: Tonight at 7:30.

Where: Keys High School in Park Hill.

Nicknames: Eufaula Ironheads; Keys Cougars.

Records: Both teams are 0-0.

Rankings: Neither team is ranked in Class 3A.

Coaches: Eufaula (Johnny Bohannon); Keys (Gary Willis).

Players to Watch:

Eufaula: Christian McIntosh (QB/LB), Jesse Gore (RB), Michael Sinohui (RB/LB), Willie Adams (WR).

Keys: Christian Daugherty (OL/LB), Cooper Hall (WR), Mat Norvell (LB).



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Derek Brown, Jeremy Combs

Press Special Writers