Sequoyah road slate continues at East Hamilton

East Hamilton's loss came to Heritage (Ga.) in Ringgold. Juandrick Bullard has moved under center after working as a running back in the past.

“They have a really athletic quarterback and some guys that can get the ball on offense. Defensively, they fly around and out-athlete a lot of people because that is what they have,” Vestal said. “They are very well coached. (Grant) Reynolds does a very good job with those guys and they are a very good football team.”

Lake Clark suffered a torn meniscus and ACL in preseason, prompting the change.

“He is a big kid and a good runner. I think the kid they had back there from preseason and last year was more of a pocket passer and able to do a lot more with his arm, not to say that (Bullard) can’t,” Vestal said. “Realistically, I would say they are going to throw the ball still and try to hit the screen game and deep ball. They are not as much of a progression team as they would be.”

Points have not been a hard issue to come across for the Ooltewah school. The Hurricanes picked up 51 in Week 1 against the Ooltewah Owls and then 38 last week at East Ridge — both shutout victories.

“They run about two sets of guys (at receiver),” Vestal said. “They can run about seven or eight players over there. They have a couple of guys that are really long and can go get the ball.

“One thing that has really stood out to me is their kicker. Their kicker — if he wants you to return it you can return it but, other than that, he is going to put it out the back of the end zone.”

Senior wideout David Cole has picked up an offer from West Point, per his personal Twitter page.

East Hamilton’s defense has allowed only 24 points on the season. For comparison, Sequoyah has allowed 104.

“They are going to play in coverage and they are going to let you catch the ball underneath to tackle you,” Vestal said. “That is the goal to make you short, short, short and when you try to go deep they will be back there ready for it.”

Kireese Willis intercepted a pass returned for a touchdown in last week’s region opener against the Pioneers.

East Hamilton has shut out Sequoyah the past two seasons in a row.

“We have to focus on making sure that what we are running is us. We aren’t trying to go make more plays than we can, what we are doing is to make sure that we are blocking well, we are catching the ball well and that we are protecting the ball,” Vestal said. “When it comes to our run game, we need to lock onto blocks and move the ball. Passing game — be smart with the ball and get it out of your hands.”

Sequoyah is looking to build depth on the offense after last week’s loss. Maddux Jones is expected to get more targets at receiver while Adam Lawson may see an increased role.

“To be honest with you, what we are going to do is make more depth. We are going to make it to where guys go in and get baptized by fire,” Vestal said. “Some of the younger guys are going to have to get reps in because they help us for one. Maddux Jones is a kid who is going to have to go in and get more reps for us. We are going to use him quite a bit this week and for the remainder of the year.”

Friday night is Sequoyah’s second of four consecutive road games — all in region play.

“It is a long season and guys are starting to get beat up a little bit,” Vestal said. “We are in region play right now, so we are going to start hunting for wins. East Hamilton is no exception, we are going down anticipating to win the game.”