The Sequoyah girls soccer program has traditionally been the best in Cherokee County, winning county titles like a string of pearls —- one after the other.

But the boys weren't expected to be in the position they have found themselves in.

Sequoyah was 5-1 last year when current George Washington University player Daniel Huey tore his ACL. From there, the Chiefs went 1-8-3 against a formidable lineup of Region 6-AAAAA teams like defending state champion Walton.

So it is somewhat surprising that the Chiefs entered this week's Class AAAA tournament with an unblemished 18-0 record. They join the girls, who finished 17-1 overall and 10-1 in the region, as region champions.

"We had a lot of experience playing in probably the toughest region in the state last year," said Chiefs coach Randy Smith. "Going through that kind of tough competition with a younger team prepared us for anything this year. That experience helped us a lot, and we returned a lot of top players."

One big addition was also a key.

Sam Muza was already an accomplished soccer player, but his success was at the club level; he only played basketball for the Chiefs. Muza has established himself at the head of the Sequoyah soccer class of 2007.

"Sam has been just amazing," said Smith. "The thing that amazes me most is that not only is he our scoring leader, but he is far and away our assist leader. He does distribute the ball, and that comes from his point-guard mentality in basketball."

Muza's 25 goals and 13 assists lead the team by far. No one else on the team has more than four assists, and Jamie Bunch is the only other goal scorer in double digits. But balance has been evident. Twelve players have scored goals for the Chiefs this year, another stat Smith credits to Muza.

"If you try to play him tight, he can beat you with his speed, and he can create for others if you play him loose," Smith said. "He is the complete package. He combines speed, tenacity and technique."

Bunch has 16 goals, while junior captain and midfielder Will Schweigert has nine goals and five assists.

"They have jelled so well as a team this year," Smith said. "There are no prima donnas, and they are all focused on doing whatever it takes to win. It has been a special year where you get a few great players complemented by a few role players with no egos or complaining. It has been a complete team."

Jeremy Smith took over in goal last year. Sequoyah has allowed just 14 goals in 18 games, and only eight of those goals have come against the first team.

"Jeremy had to face the Waltons and the Wheelers and the Roswells last year," Smith said. "It gave him a lot of confidence, and he really has no fear against anyone that he would have to face."

Coming out of Region 5-AAAA, the Chiefs were in a region with no real soccer powers. Because of that, many are unsure that Sequoyah is the real deal. The state playoffs are the Chiefs' chance to answer their critics.

"They are tired of hearing that they haven't played anybody," Smith said of his team. "They are really looking forward to the state playoffs because they want to prove to themselves and everyone else that they belong up there. It remains to be seen if they do belong with the Marists and the St. Piuses of the world, but we are anxious to be tested."