They walk out of the locker room and glance around at the 71,000 seats surrounding the field. They look up 305 feet and see retired Falcons jerseys and title banners. Fans and classmates pile in to watch the biggest flag football game of the year. They strap on their flags, tie their cleats, and are ready to play in the biggest game of their lives.  

The Lady Chiefs flag football team is headed to Mercedes Benz Stadium on Dec. 18th at 3:00 p.m. to face off against Locust Grove in the playoffs for the trophy. The Chiefs finished with a 6-1 record for the inaugural season for flag football at Sequoyah.  

The Chiefs beat Cherokee in the county championship 7-0 in the last game of the regular season on a last second play to advance to the playoffs at Mercedes Benz Stadium. The playoffs consist of an 8-team bracket, and the Chiefs are the fourth seed.  

Senior cornerback Zoe Carnes knows there will be lots of pressure playing in a game like this, but she feels like the team can overcome any obstacles thrown at them.  

“I’m sure we will be a little nervous in the beginning, but we have practiced getting focused and trusting each other during games,” Carnes said. “There is always pressure to win when playing a sport, which I think just makes us want to win even more.” 

Carnes is grateful to be able to play at one of the biggest stadiums in the United States and will cherish this moment for the rest of her life.  

“The opportunity to play at the Mercedes Benz Stadium is something my team and I will never forget,” Carnes said. “The experience is definitely a once in a lifetime opportunity. No one on our team has ever been involved in a sport that has given them this opportunity.  We are so excited to play and represent our school and all the other female athletes in our county.”  

Come out and support the Lady Chiefs this Wednesday at 3:00 p.m. at Mercedes Benz Stadium. There will be a spirit bus leaving at 1:30 that costs $5, but admission at the game is free.