THE INDIANA FOOTBALL DIGEST'S TOP GAMES – WEEK NINE
BY PAUL CONDRY AND MATT KOPSEA
ANDREAN (8-0) AT LOWELL (6-2)
GAME TIME: 7 pm CT, The Inferno (WTMK, 88.5 FM).
COACHES: Phil Mason, 52-19 in 6th year at Andrean, 85-56 in 13th year overall. Keith Kilmer, 22-16 in 4th year at Lowell.
LAST OUTING: Andrean beat Griffith, 56-21. Lowell beat Munster, 17-7.
VS. COMMON FOES: Andrean 5-0, Lowell 5-0.
OPPONENTS' RECORDS: Andrean 33-31, Lowell 32-32.
SERIES LAST 15 YEARS: Andrean, 10-5.
LAST MEETING: Andrean, 20-19, Oct. 12, 2012.
COACHES COMMENTS: "We have been playing pretty good defense, and we need that to continue. This is a game that you have to win first down and keep them in long yardage situations. On offense, we need to play up-tempo, make plays, and stay efficient with no mistakes. It will be a great atmosphere, physical with great respect from both programs." – Andrean coach Phil Mason.
"We are going to have to play some old school Red Devil Football. We need to control the clock by methodically moving the chains, win the special teams, and play great defense. Winning on third down will also be a key stat." – Lowell coach Keith Kilmer.
CARMEL (6-2) AT BEN DAVIS (6-2)
GAME TIME: 7 pm ET, Giants Stadium.
COACHES: Kevin Wright, 37-7 in 4th year at Carmel, 171-61 in 20th year overall. Mike Kirschner, 52-24 in 7th year at Ben Davis, 66-50 in 11th year overall.
LAST OUTING: Carmel beat Pike, 40-32. Ben Davis beat Lawrence North, 65-0.
VS. COMMON FOES: Carmel 5-1, Ben Davis 5-1.
OPPONENTS' RECORDS: Carmel 24-32, Ben Davis 24-32.
SERIES LAST 15 YEARS: Tied, 8-8.
LAST MEETING: Ben Davis, 13-7, Oct. 12, 2012.
COACHES COMMENTS: "Ben Davis is a tremendous football team who is playing their best football of the year right now. They are arguably the fastest most athletic team in the state and their kids play extremely hard. It is the same situation as last year in that we are both playing for a conference championship, except this time it's at their place. In order to win Friday, we must limit their big plays on offense. They have multiple guys who can score from any place on the field. Offensively, we have to play with tremendous focus and execute against a defense that's brings pressure over 75% of the time. Carmel-Ben Davis is a great rivalry and we look forward to a great game." – Carmel coach Kevin Wright.
"Just like us, Carmel has found their stride here of late coming off a big win over Pike. We are going to have to play focused football on defense since they run a two quarterback system. One is option oriented, the other is pass oriented, so this will be a major focus for us on defense. On offense, we are going to have to handle the pressure they bring. They are a very good tackling team, so we are going to have to keep them off-balance with formations and motion." – Ben Davis coach Mike Kirschner.
EVANSVILLE MATER DEI (8-0) AT EVANSVILLE REITZ (6-2)
GAME TIME: 7 pm CT, Reitz Bowl.
COACHES: Mike Goebel, 167-49 in 17th year at Evansville Mater Dei. Andy Hape, 6-2 in 1st year at Evansville Reitz.
LAST OUTING: Evansville Mater Dei beat Evansville Central, 49-28. Evansville Reitz beat Evansville Bosse, 38-27.
VS. COMMON FOES: Evansville Mater Dei 6-0, Evansville Reitz 5-1.
OPPONENTS' RECORDS: Evansville Mater Dei 21-34, Evansville Reitz 19-28.
SERIES LAST 15 YEARS: Evansville Reitz, 9-6.
LAST MEETING: Evansville Reitz, 42-35, Oct. 12, 2012.
COACHES COMMENTS: "Usually the Evansville city title and the SIAC championship are not determined until the final game of the regular season. This year is no different. Mater Dei is undefeated and Reitz has one loss in the conference (to Castle) and has won five straight games to remain undefeated in the city. The winner of this game wins city and at least a share of the conference. It has been that kind of year and both teams are playing well. Reitz is very well-coached by Andy Hape and has a very strong defense. They will make it difficult for Mater Dei to move the ball, and the zone option offense of Reitz has improved tremendously. We will have to be very careful in protecting the ball on offense and attempt to limit the big play potential of Reitz on defense. Of course, we must play tough mentally and physically against the talented Panthers. We are expecting a huge crowd at the Reitz Bowl." – Evansville Mater Dei coach Mike Goebel.
"Mater Dei is a very big and physical team that plays sound, fundamental football. We are going to have to be able to control the line of scrimmage offensively and contain all the offensive weapons they have. I look for a great battle this Friday from both teams." – Evansville Reitz coach Andy Hape.
FORT WAYNE WAYNE (6-2) AT FORT WAYNE SNIDER (6-2)
GAME TIME: 7:00 pm ET, Saturday, Spuller Stadium.
COACHES: Robert Brown, 9-20 in 3rd year at Fort Wayne Wayne. Kurt Tippmann, 48-14 in 5th year at Fort Wayne Snider.
LAST OUTING: Fort Wayne Wayne beat Fort Wayne Northrop, 28-0. Fort Wayne Snider beat Fort Wayne Dwenger, 38-35.
VS. COMMON FOES: Fort Wayne Wayne 4-2, Fort Wayne Snider 5-1.
OPPONENTS' RECORDS: Fort Wayne Wayne 26-38, Fort Wayne Snider 29-35.
SERIES LAST 15 YEARS: Fort Wayne Snider, 15-1.
LAST MEETING: Fort Wayne Snider, 45-9, sectional, Oct. 26, 2012.
COACHES COMMENTS: "For us to beat Snider, we'll have to tackle well and play sound football. They won't beat themselves, so we're going to have to take the fight to them and beat them. They'll be ready to go and they won't give it to us. We're going to have to take it." – F.W. Wayne coach Robert Brown.
"Wayne is very athletic and big up front. We will have to do a good job blocking their down guys. They have caused many turnovers, so we will have to take good care of the ball on offense. They have good special teams also. We need to limit their big plays and not allow momentum changing plays in the kicking game." – F.W. Snider coach Kurt Tippmann.
GIBSON SOUTHERN (8-0) AT SOUTHRIDGE (7-1)
GAME TIME: 7:30 pm ET, Raider Field.
COACHES: Nick Hart, 19-3 in 2nd year at Gibson Southern. Scott Buening, 7-1 in 1st year at Southridge, 19-29 in 5th year overall.
LAST OUTING: Gibson Southern beat Tell City, 35-14. Southridge beat Pike Central, 55-10.
VS. COMMON FOES: Gibson Southern 6-0, Southridge 6-0.
OPPONENTS' RECORDS: Gibson Southern 24-40, Southridge 25-39.
SERIES LAST 15 YEARS: Southridge, 13-2.
LAST MEETING: Southridge, 35-21, Oct. 12, 2012.
PREDICTION: Gibson Southern, 35-31.
COACHES COMMENTS: "Southridge runs the Wing-T as well as anyone. To win, we must play disciplined assignment oriented football, but still have to maintain the aggressiveness and physicality that has made us successful thus far." – Gibson Southern coach Nick Hart.
"It is neat to have our conference championship come down to the final week of the season. Gibson Southern is a tremendous football team and is well-coached. To beat Gibson Southern, we will have to finish drives offensively with points and try and slow them down somehow offensively. They have scored a ton of points this season, and they are very balanced both in regards to their run and pass and who runs it and catches it, which make is very difficult to defend them." – Southridge coach Scott Buening.
NEW PALESTINE (8-0) AT MOUNT VERNON (FORTVILLE) (7-1)
GAME TIME: 7:30 pm ET, Mount Vernon (Fortville) Field.
COACHES: Kyle Ralph, 8-0 in 1st year at New Palestine. Doug Armstrong, 23-8 in 3rd year at Mount Vernon (Fortville), 75-64 in 13th year overall.
LAST OUTING: New Palestine beat Greenfield-Central, 51-7. Mount Vernon (Fortville) beat Delta, 23-20.
VS. COMMON FOES: New Palestine 5-0, Mount Vernon (Fortville) 4-1.
OPPONENTS' RECORDS: New Palestine 34-30, Mount Vernon (Fortville) 25-39.
SERIES LAST 15 YEARS: New Palestine, 11-8.
LAST MEETING: Mount Vernon (Fortville), 40-21, sectional, Oct. 19, 2012.
COACHES COMMENTS: "We need to match their physical style of football and stop their dynamic rushing attack. Offensively, we need to continue to focus on the details and get better every week. We need to let our playmakers make plays in open space." – New Palestine coach Kyle Ralph.
NORTH CENTRAL (FARMERSBURG) (7-1) AT LINTON-STOCKTON (8-0)
GAME TIME: 7pm ET, Roy Williams Field.
COACHES: Travis Nolting, 23-6 in 3rd year at North Central (Farmersburg). Brian Oliver, 8-0 in 1st year at Linton-Stockton.
LAST OUTING: North Central (Farmersburg) beat Wood Memorial, 62-20. Linton-Stockton beat Sheridan, 26-7.
VS. COMMON FOES: North Central (Farmersburg) 4-0, Linton-Stockton 4-0.
OPPONENTS' RECORDS: North Central (Farmersburg) 25-39, Linton-Stockton 25-39.
SERIES LAST 15 YEARS: Linton-Stockton, 13-0.
LAST MEETING: Linton-Stockton, 68-0, Oct. 13, 2012.
COACHES COMMENTS: "In order for us to beat Linton on Friday night, we MUST play to the top of our game. We have the team to get the job done if we can control the line of scrimmage with our lines and get (running backs) Chase VanSchoyck and Dillon Bailey rolling." – North Central coach Travis Nolting.
"We have to play great defense to be able to slow down (running back Chase) VanSchoyck. This is going to be a great test before the playoffs." – Linton-Stockton coach Brian Oliver.
PENN (8-0) AT MISHAWAKA (6-2)
GAME TIME: 7 pm ET, Steele Stadium (WGCS, 91.1 FM; WTRC. 95.3 FM).
COACHES: Cory Yeoman, 114-25 in 11th year at Penn. Bart Curtis, 54-18 in 6th year at Mishawaka, 165-85 in 23rd year overall.
LAST OUTING: Penn beat South Bend Riley, 21-11. Mishawaka beat Mishawaka Marian, 28-14.
VS. COMMON FOES: Penn 4-0, Mishawaka 3-1.
OPPONENTS' RECORDS: Penn 26-38, Mishawaka 30-34.
SERIES LAST 15 YEARS: Penn, 17-4.
LAST MEETING: Penn, 21-7, Aug. 24, 2012.
COACHES COMMENTS: "We need to play great assignment defense and move the chains on offense." – Penn coach Cory Yeoman.
"We can't run three plays and punt five times in the first half. We can't lose their runners because (quarterback Zach) Oakley and their running backs will slice us. We can't give Penn more offensive possessions than they have earned. We MUST end EVERY possession with a KICK (PAT, FG, or PUNT)." – Mishawaka coach Bart Curtis.
WARSAW (6-2) AT CONCORD (6-2)
GAME TIME: 7:30 pm ET, Jake Field (WLEG 102.7 FM).
COACHES: Phil Jensen, 82-62 in 14th year at Warsaw, 111-74 in 18th year overall. Tim Dawson, 172-106 in 25th year at Concord.
LAST OUTING: Warsaw beat NorthWood, 28-7. Concord beat Northridge, 35-7.
VS. COMMON FOES: Warsaw 5-1, Concord 5-1.
OPPONENTS' RECORDS: Warsaw 31-33, Concord 28-36.
SERIES LAST 15 YEARS: Concord, 8-7.
LAST MEETING: Concord, 34-9, Oct. 12, 2012.
COACHES COMMENTS: "For the Tigers to be successful, we have to accept the challenge of going on the road to face the dominate program in our conference for the last 10 years. We have to 'Win' the third phase of football, special teams. We have to limit the big plays by Concord's offense. We have to get first downs, get to the fourth quarter as fast as we can, and figure out a way to WIN IT!" – Warsaw coach Phil Jensen.
"The key is we know they are going to pound us with the running game. That is no secret! They will try and control our touches on offense! We must force them into second down and long situations. We have an opportunity to do something never been done in our football program, which is win four NLC (Northern Lakes Conference) championships!!!! If our players cannot get excited about that, then I do not know what else can motivate them! It will take a 48-minute effort! Game On!" - Concord coach Tim Dawson.
WEST LAFAYETTE (8-0) AT LAFAYETTE CENTRAL CATHOLIC (7-1)
GAME TIME: 7 pm ET, LaRocca Field.
COACHES: Shane Fry, 8-0 in 1st year at West Lafayette. Kevin O'Shea, 75-4 in 6th year at Lafayette Central Catholic, 175-67 in 21st year overall.
LAST OUTING: West Lafayette beat Seeger, 47-16. Lafayette Central Catholic beat Rensselaer Central, 28-27.
VS. COMMON FOES: West Lafayette 5-0, Lafayette Central Catholic 5-0.
OPPONENTS' RECORDS: West Lafayette 34-30, Lafayette Central Catholic 30-34.
SERIES LAST 15 YEARS: Lafayette Central Catholic, 4-1.
LAST MEETING: Lafayette Central Catholic, 24-14, Oct. 12, 2012.
COACHES COMMENTS: "Our offense needs to be able to consistently move the ball against a great Central Catholic defense and avoid turnovers. Our defense has to limit their big plays." – West Lafayette coach Shane Fry.
"To defeat West Lafayette, we'll need to play a near perfect game. We'll need to control the ball and limit our turnovers. They are an explosive offensive team, so we need to limit their offensive possessions." – Lafayette Central Catholic coach Kevin O'Shea.
HONORABLE MENTION GAMES
CENTER GROVE (7-1) AT CINCINNATI LASALLE (OHIO) (3-4)
GAME TIME: 7:30 pm ET, Cincinnati LaSalle (Ohio) Field.
COACHES: Eric Moore, 135-50 in 15th year at Center Grove, 183-55 in 19th year overall. Nate Moore, 3-4 in 1st season at Cincinnati LaSalle.
LAST OUTING: Center Grove beat North Central (Indianapolis), 41-14. Cincinnati LaSalle lost to St. Xavier, 24-16.
OPPONENTS' RECORDS: Center Grove 31-33.
SERIES LAST 15 YEARS: No meetings.
CHURUBUSCO (7-1) AT LAKELAND (6-2)
GAME TIME: 7 pm ET, Lakeland Field.
COACHES: Paul Sade, 7-1 in 1st year at Churubusco. Keith Thompson, 56-33 in 9th year at Lakeland.
LAST OUTING: Churubusco lost to Fairfield, 35-14. Lakeland lost to Fort Wayne Concordia, 35-3.
VS. COMMON FOES: Churubusco 6-1, Lakeland 6-1.
OPPONENTS' RECORDS: Churubusco 28-36, Lakeland 28-36.
SERIES LAST 15 YEARS: Churubusco, 6-2.
CINCINNATI ST. XAVIER (OHIO) (4-3) AT WARREN CENTRAL (5-3)
GAME TIME: 7 pm ET, Warren Central Field.
COACHES: Steve Specht, 77-21 in 9th year at Cincinnati St. Xavier. Jayson West, 5-3 in 1st year at Warren Central, 57-15 in 6th year overall.
LAST OUTING: Cincinnati St. Xavier beat Cincinnati LaSalle, 24-16. Warren Central beat Lawrence Central, 28-7.
OPPONENTS' RECORDS: Warren Central 31-33.
SERIES LAST 15 YEARS: No meetings.
CORYDON CENTRAL (6-2) AT BROWNSTOWN CENTRAL (8-0)
GAME TIME: 7 pm ET, Blevins Stadium.
COACHES: Darin Ward, 60-25 in 8th year at Corydon Central. Reed May, 204-41 in 21st year at Brownstown Central.
LAST OUTING: Corydon Central beat Salem, 20-14. Brownstown Central beat Silver Creek, 49-13.
VS. COMMON FOES: Corydon Central 5-1, Brownstown Central 6-0.
OPPONENTS' RECORDS: Corydon Central 30-34, Brownstown Central 19-45.
SERIES LAST 15 YEARS: Brownstown Central, 14-2.
LAST MEETING: Brownstown Central, 20-0, Oct. 12, 2012.
CULVER ACADEMY (5-3) AT FAIRFIELD (7-1)
GAME TIME: 7:30 pm ET, Fairfield Field.
COACHES: Andy Dorrel, 91-79 in 16th year at Culver Academy. Bob Miller, 79-49 in 12th year at Fairfield.
LAST OUTING: Culver Academy beat Boone Grove, 24-17. Fairfield beat Churubusco, 35-14.
VS. COMMON FOES: Culver Academy 0-1, Fairfield 1-0.
OPPONENTS' RECORDS: Culver Academy 39-17, Fairfield 29-35.
SERIES LAST 15 YEARS: Culver Academy, 7-3.
LAST MEETING: Culver Academy, 40-24, Oct. 12, 2012.
FLOYD CENTRAL (6-2) AT NEW ALBANY (6-2)
GAME TIME: 7 pm ET, Buerk Field.
COACHES: Brian Glesing, 43-32 in 7th year at Floyd Central, 83-62 in 13th year overall. Charlie Fields, 12-16 in 3rd year at New Albany.
LAST OUTING: Floyd Central beat Jennings County, 54-30. New Albany beat Seymour, 56-29.
VS. COMMON FOES: Floyd Central 6-1, New Albany 6-1.
OPPONENTS' RECORDS: Floyd Central 24-32, New Albany 29-35.
SERIES LAST 15 YEARS: Floyd Central, 10-8.
LAST MEETING: New Albany, 28-27, overtime, Oct. 12, 2012.
FOUNTAIN CENTRAL (7-1) AT ROCKVILLE (6-2)
GAME TIME: 7 pm ET, Rockville Field.
COACHES: Brian Moore, 15-3 in 2nd year at Fountain Central, 166-36 in 18th year overall. Herb King, 91-45 in 12th year at Rockville, 149-101 in 23rd year overall.
LAST OUTING: Fountain Central lost to North Vermillion, 42-35. Rockville beat Riverton Parke, 62-0.
VS. COMMON FOES: Fountain Central 5-1, Rockville 5-1.
OPPONENTS' RECORDS: Fountain Central 23-41, Rockville 28-36.
SERIES LAST 15 YEARS: Fountain Central, 14-7.
LAST MEETING: Fountain Central, 55-27, Oct. 12, 2012.
HOMESTEAD (5-3) AT NEW HAVEN (7-1)
GAME TIME: 7 pm ET, John Young Field.
COACHES: Chad Zolman, 85-23 in 10th year at Homestead. Jim Rowland, 76-68 in 13th year at New Haven.
LAST OUTING: Homestead lost to Norwell, 28-26. New Haven lost to East Noble, 30-6.
VS. COMMON FOES: Homestead 3-3, New Haven 5-1.
OPPONENTS' RECORDS: Homestead 29-35, New Haven 32-32.
SERIES LAST 15 YEARS: Homestead, 14-1.
LAST MEETING: Homestead, 24-13, Oct. 12, 2012.
INDIANAPOLIS CATHEDRAL (4-4) AT CINCINNATI MOELLER (OHIO) (7-0)
GAME TIME: 7:30 pm ET, Cincinnati Moeller (Ohio) Field.
COACHES: Rick Streiff, 184-56 in 19th year at Indianapolis Cathedral, 205-88 in 24th year overall. John Rodenberg, 32-11 in 5th season at Cincinnati Moeller.
LAST OUTING: Indianapolis Cathedral beat Indianapolis Tech, 23-14. Cincinnati Moeller bear Cincinnati Elder, 35-14.
OPPONENTS' RECORDS: Indianapolis Cathedral 30-18.
SERIES LAST 15 YEARS: Indianapolis Cathedral, 3-2.
LAST MEETING: Cincinnati Moeller (Ohio), 48-13, Oct. 12, 2012.
INDIANAPOLIS RITTER (6-2) AT SHENANDOAH (7-1)
GAME TIME: 7 pm ET, Shenandoah Field.
COACHES: Ty Hunt, 86-16 in 8th year at Indianapolis Ritter. Scott Widner, 54-12 in 6th year at Shenandoah, 54-22 in 7th year overall.
LAST OUTING: Indianapolis Ritter beat Indianapolis Scecina, 21-14. Shenandoah lost to Eastern Hancock, 68-19.
VS. COMMON FOES: Indianapolis Ritter 1-0, Shenandoah 1-0.
OPPONENTS' RECORDS: Indianapolis Ritter 40-24, Shenandoah 30-34.
SERIES LAST 15 YEARS: Indianapolis Ritter, 2-0.
LAST MEETING: Indianapolis Ritter, 49-7, regional, Nov. 9, 2012.
INDIANAPOLIS SCECINA (6-2) AT INDIANAPOLIS LUTHERAN (5-3)
GAME TIME: 7 pm ET, Indianapolis Lutheran Field.
COACHES: Ott Hurrle, 147-110 in 22nd year at Indianapolis Scecina, 148-119 in 24th year overall. Dave Pasch, 35-28 in 6th year at Indianapolis Lutheran, 100-85 in 17th year overall.
LAST OUTING: Indianapolis Scecina lost to Indianapolis Ritter, 21-14. Indianapolis Lutheran lost to Speedway, 48-21.
VS. COMMON FOES: Indianapolis Scecina 5-1, Indianapolis Lutheran 3-3.
OPPONENTS' RECORDS: Indianapolis Scecina 33-31, Indianapolis Lutheran 29-35.
SERIES LAST 15 YEARS: Indianapolis Scecina, 3-2.
LAST MEETING: Indianapolis Scecina, 49-20, Oct. 13, 2012.
TRITON CENTRAL (6-2) AT SPEEDWAY (6-2)
GAME TIME: 7 pm ET, Johnson Field.
COACHES: Tim Able, 6-2 in 1st year at Triton Central, 131-100 in 21st year overall. Denny Pelley, 194-80 in 24th year at Speedway, 288-132 in 39th year overall.
LAST OUTING: Triton Central beat Beech Grove, 49-27. Speedway beat Indianapolis Lutheran, 48-21.
VS. COMMON FOES: Triton Central 5-2, Speedway 5-2.
OPPONENTS' RECORDS: Triton Central 29-35, Speedway 30-34.
SERIES LAST 15 YEARS: Tied, 1-1.
LAST MEETING: Triton Central, 62-41, Oct. 12, 2012.
