Area High School Football Previews For Week 10
October 21, 2020 at 10:34 p.m.
By Anthony Anderson & Steve Krah-
at NorthWood (3-3)
Class 4A Sectional First Round
When: Friday, 7 p.m., Andrews Field, Nappanee.
Series (last 35 years): NorthWood, 30-10.
John Harrell’s prediction: NorthWood, 28-10.
Last meeting: Sept. 18, 2020, NorthWood 39-0.
Last time Wawasee won: Sept. 19, 2014, 27-21.
About Wawasee: Coach Jon Reutebuch’s Warriors defeated Goshen 37-21 Oct. 16 … Kameron Salazar’s interception return for a touchdown with 1:45 to play punctuated the Wawasee win. The Warriors led 23-7 at halftime. Wawasee finished with 179 yards passing and 105 rushing … Season leaders are Parker Young (96 carries for 247 yards and four touchdowns) and Nathan Larson (65 runs for 168 yards and one TD), Young (134-of-247 for 1,416 yards and 13 TD’s) in passing and Salazar (37 catches for 453 yards and two TD’s), Jacob Meek (28 receptions for 253 yards and four TD’s), Adam Beer (17 catches for 254 yards and three TD’s), Larson (17 receptions for 120 yards and one TD), Lucas Ringler (12 catches for 164 yards and one TD) and Zach Smith (12 receptions for 132 yards and two TD’s) in receiving … Pacing in total tackles are Dominic Blair (62), Salazar (57), Robert Schmucker (56), Mark Wiggs (40) and Larson (39) … Wawasee averages 17.0 points per game on offense and 24.5 on defense. The Warriors gain 64.6 yards rushing and 157.7 passing per contest … Dating back to 1973, Wawasee is 21-36 in the tournament — the last win coming in 2012.
About NorthWood: Coach Nate Andrews’ Panthers bested Warsaw 22-21 Oct. 16 … Season leaders are Kaden Lone (64 carries for 324 yards and four TD’s), Kyle Sellers (39 tries for 227 yards and two TD’s), Nate Newcomer (28 attempts for 226 yards and one TD) and Ethan Evers (24 totes for 203 yards and three TD’s) in rushing, Lone (17-of-26 for 238 yards and two TD’s) and Newcomer (18-of-29 for 218 yards and two TD’s) in passing and Sellers (nine catches for 177 yards and one TD) in receiving … Pacing in total tackles are Eddie Hildebrant (43), Evers (38), Joe Newcomer (34), Tanner Feenstra (29), Ben Fattorusso (29) and Joas Miller (29) … NorthWood averages 17.5 points per game on offense and 13.2 on defense. The Panthers gain 194.7 yards rushing and 85.0 passing per contest … Opponents’ record is a combined 31-20 (led by Warsaw 7-2, Northridge 6-2 and East Noble 6-3)… Dating back to 1974, NorthWood is 96-37 in the tournament — the last win coming in 2019. The only first-round sectional losses came in 1974 and 2013.
Per Wawasee coach Jon Reutebuch:
On NorthWood: It’s more about our passion and effort. If we come out with passion and effort we can compete with anybody … You can’t sleep on the (NorthWood) passing game, but what they really want to do is run the football. With that wing-T offense, it goes a lot of different directions. Like when you’re going against a flexbone team (like Warsaw or Mishawaka), you’ve got to be disciplined on what you’re doing and what your assignments are.
The slate to date: At the beginning of the season we were able to be balanced on offense. On defense, we kept things pretty simple. We had good passion and effort. That continued into the Northridge game (in Week 3) … The Concord game (in Week 4) wasn’t so bad … The first time we played NorthWood (in Week 5) is really the first time where we hit a rut in the season. We didn’t have the same kind of passion and effort. That’s something we’ve worked on and tried to overcome. You’ve got to have that. I saw that at the beginning of the Warsaw game (in Week 7) … Against Mishawaka (in Week 8), we were able to move the ball up and down the field, we just couldn’t put it in the end zone so we worked on that … In the Goshen game it all came together. That tells us the kids aren’t quitting. They’re working to improve … We like where we’re at going into the sectional.
Goshen game: Good performance in all three phases of the game for us. Offensively, we were able to rush for over 100 yards. I think that’s only the second time we’ve done it all season. That was helpful … Defensively. we pretty stout the whole game. We had a little letdown at the end of the third quarter and beginning of the fourth, but got it back together with a pick-six (by Salazar) and finished the game out strong … We prepared all week for them to pass the ball all over the place and we set up our defense for that.
SB Washington (3-6)
at Tippecanoe Valley (6-3)
Class 3A Sectional First Round
When: Friday, 7 p.m., Smith-Bibler Memorial Field.
Series: Valley leads 1-0.
Last meeting: Valley won 19-14, Oct. 25, 2019, 3A sectional first round.
John Harrell’s prediction: Valley, 31-21.
About Washington: The surging Panthers have won three of their last five — each victory coming on the road — after starting the season 0-4. … In a 35-13 win last week at Glenn that spoiled the Falcons’ chances of sharing a Northern Indiana Conference divisional title, Washington sophomore QB Jeremy Johnson fired two touchdown passes and rushed for 137 yards on 13 keepers. Ty’shaun Grundy added 113 yards on 13 carries. … On the season, Grundy and Marshawn Lottie have combined for 1,143 yards on 225 rushes with nine TDs. Johnson has completed 37-of-82 passes for 642 yards with nine TDs against seven picks. ... The Panthers and Valley will be meeting for the second straight year, in the same round, after never having faced off before that. … Washington is seeking its first postseason win since 2015. If the Panthers get it, they would be at home for the semifinals regardless of opponent.
About Valley: The Vikings are dealing with a slew of key injuries. Linebacker Johnny Gonsalez, decisively Valley’s leading tackler, suffered a leg injury late in last week’s 32-8 conference-deciding loss at Southwood and was questionable to play Friday as of Tuesday afternoon. Starting safety Wade Jones also went out against the Knights and is not expected to play this week. The Vikings already lost two-way regular Hunter Eherenman for the season in Week 8 due to a broken leg. He was pacing the team in takeaways. Starting left guard Ben Bowser has missed the last two games with a shoulder injury, but could be back Friday. Tailback Braden Shepherd, out since Week 2, remains doubtful. … Jamasyn Virgil leads Valley in rushing at 705 yards on 92 carries with six touchdowns. Quarterback Branson McBrier is 56-of-103 throwing for 1,049 yards with 14 TDs against four picks. Receiver Rex Kirchenstien is closing on 500 receiving yards to go with five scores. … The Vikings will be hosting a South Bend public school for the first time ever. Last year’s win over the Panthers came on the road. … With a win, Valley would also get to host a semifinal matchup against No. 2-ranked Marian (7-0), but would head to Lakeland (2-7) if the Lakers pull a shocker at Marian.
Valley coach Steve Moriarty:
On players’ response to injuries — “I think they’re staying pretty positive. They’re focusing on this week’s game, which we need to do. Washington’s record is not indicative. Their competition’s a lot stiffer than most teams with them playing (in the NIC). They’re big and talented. Hopefully, we’ll have some of our guys back.”
On Washington — “They run the ball awfully well and they’re running the same offense for the second year in a row. They had a very successful season last year and then lost like 22 seniors, so it’s taken some time to fill the void, but here at the end of the year, they’ve gotten much better. They beat Glenn, and Glenn’s a team that beat Jimtown. We’ll really have to play well up front.”
Wabash (5-4)
at Manchester (2-7)
Class 2A Sectional First Round
When: Friday, 7 p.m, Burk Field.
Series: Wabash leads 25-18-1.
Last meeting: Wabash won 44-29, Sept. 4, 2020.
Last Manchester win: 21-14, Sept. 6, 2019.
John Harrell’s prediction: Wabash, 31-24.
About Wabash: Apache quarterback Joe Leland completed 16-of-24 passes for 282 yards with four touchdowns against one interception during his team’s 44-29 win over the host Squires in Week 3. … On the season, Leland is 118-of-185 throwing (63.8%) for 1,789 yards (223.6 per game) with 15 TDs against 10 picks over eight contests. Leading target Bryant Boggs has 61 catches for 892 yards and 10 touchdowns. … Junior defensive end Chad Wyatt has racked up 20 tackles for loss, including six sacks. … With a win, Wabash would head home for the sectional semifinals regardless of opponent.
About Manchester: Squire star running back Braxton Ream will not play due to entering a 14-day quarantine last weekend related to COVID-19 contact tracing. He was the lone player on the team affected as of Tuesday evening. … Blake Pohler, Manchester’s No. 2 receiver, will also be out after being injured last week and entering concussion protocol. … Sophomore QB Brock Casper is 103-of-205 throwing for 1,540 yards with 14 touchdowns and 12 picks. Junior receiver Seth Gaerte has turned his 40 receptions into 815 yards and nine TDs. … Senior linebacker Peyton Addair has made eight sacks, while sophomore Dylan Stroud pushed his team-leading tackle total to 105 with a whopping 24 (eight solos, 16 assists) last week. … The Squires are seeking their first postseason win since 2016. If they get it, they’d visit Bremen (7-2) or host Rochester (0-7) in next week’s sectional semifinals.
Manchester coach Alyx Brandewie:
On Ream — “How do you convince a 16-year-old kid that his world’s not ending because he can’t play? It’s not, of course, but it’s a really tough deal for him. … Another student tested positive and Braxton ended up in quarantine because he sits next to him in class. It’s kind of crazy, but he’s the only one from the football team on that list.”
On the Wabash rematch — “Our kids, our program, are excited for the opportunity. It’s a county rival and we played a competitive, back-and-forth football game with them last time. I know their school’s kind of dealt with some COVID issues of their own in the last week or so. I don’t know how much, if any, it will impact their football program, but I do know their volleyball program was knocked out of the sectional because of it. These are tough times for a lot of schools and kids. No doubt, it makes you very grateful for the opportunity when you can play.”
Whitko (4-5)
at FW Luers (3-6)
Class 2A Sectional First Round
When: Friday, 7 p.m., Luers Field.
Series: Luers leads 4-1.
Last meeting: Luers won 33-7, Oct. 20, 2006, 2A sectional first round.
Last Whitko win: 26-7, Nov. 21, 1986, 2A semistate.
John Harrell prediction: Luers, 45-21.
About Whitko: Ironically, the most lopsided loss in Whitko history (93-7 in 1973 during the Wildcats’ first year as a program) and the second-most consequential win (26-7 in the 1986 semistate on the Wildcats’ way to capturing the state title) have both come against Luers. … Whitko junior Cade Berg has rushed for 525 yards and six TDs on 100 carries, all team-pacing figures, and is also the top tackler with 68. … Junior QB Ethan Schuh is 88-of-177 throwing for 1,491 yards with 12 TDs and 12 picks. … The Wildcats are seeking their first postseason win since 2016. If they get it, they’ll host No. 10 Fairfield (8-0) or visit Central Noble (4-5) for the sectional semis.
About Luers: The Knights have hosted Whitko just once, that being the aforementioned 93-7 Luers win in ’73. … Junior QB Carson Clark is 138-of-251 passing for 1,805 yards with 15 TDs against 10 picks. Junior running back Sir Hale has 655 yards on 97 carries and six touchdowns, and junior wideout Brody Glenn 37 catches for 587 yards and five scores. … Luers has faced three Class 6A opponents this season, and five other schools that are 5A or 4A (going 3-2 in those games). … The Knights have won 26 straight sectional openers. If they extend that streak Friday, they’ll be on the road next week.
Whitko coach Phil Jensen:
On preparation — “It’s kind of a weird week because we’re on fall break, but the kids seem excited. I’ve never questioned the whole year that they care. Sometimes it’s just a question of whether they know how to care, but they’ve been working. Their buddies are off the whole week, and we’re asking them to come practice football. That’s a tough environment, especially at a smaller school, but they’ve been practicing, watching film, doing what they need to do.”
On going to Luers — “It all depends on how my kids react. I go back a long way, took really good Churubusco teams to Luers 30 years ago, and have had teams that played Homestead and Snider teams. (Fort Wayne’s) a different breed of football, a different style. They love to be physical and want to intimidate you. I’ve had teams that stood up to it and teams that didn’t. It’s all about how you react. If you stand up and deal with it and play hard, you’ve got a chance. If you don’t, it’ll be like sharks in the water.”
Churubusco (4-3)
at Triton (5-3)
Class A Sectional First Round
When: Friday, 7 p.m., Triton High School, Bourbon.
Series (last 35 years): Churubusco, 1-0.
John Harrell’s prediction: Churubusco, 24-17.
Last meeting: Nov. 9, 2007, Churubusco 28-14 (regional).
About Churubusco: Coach Paul Sade’s Eagles lost 24-6 to Fairfield Oct. 16 … Season leaders are Wyatt Marks (95 carries for 655 yards and nine TD’s) and Nick Nondorf Nondorf (36 attempts for 265 yards and three TD’s) in rushing, Riley Buroff (47-of-65 for 615 yards and seven TD’s) in passing and Nondorf (15 catches for 317 yards and four TD’s) and Brayten Gordon (seven receptions for 149 yards and one TD) in receiving … Pacing in total tackles are Hunter Bianski (65 with 3.5 sacks), Cullen Blake (54), Kaleb Oliver (48) and Nondorf (47) … Churubusco averages 23.4 points per game on offense and 15.6 on defense. The Eagles gain 184.4 yards rushing and 91.3 passing per contest … Churubusco scored 158 points in four wins (39.5 per game) and six in three losses (2.0) … Two of the Eagles’ three defeats (Columbia City and Eastside) came on the road … Dating back to 1983, Churubusco is 39-36 in the tournament — the last win coming in 2018.
About Triton: Coach Rodney Younis’ Trojans lost 10-9 to Winamac Oct. 16 … A failed 2-point run attempt following a TD run by Triton’s Trace Schuh with 1:07 to play made the difference. Schuh rushed for 108 yards, Cole Shively completed four passes for 69 and Lucas Cabrera caught three for 69 for the Trojans. Triton dominated in total plays (57 to 40), total offense (225 to 128) the time of possession (29:37 to 18:23) … The Trojans averages 16.3 points per game on offense and 23.9 on defense … Triton is 1-3 at home. Opponents’ record is a combined 40-30 (led by Pioneer 8-1, Bremen 7-2 and North Judson 7-2) … Dating back to 1985, Triton is 22-35 in the tournament — the last win coming in 2018.
Per Triton coach Rodney Younis:
On Churubusco: They’re a solid program. They do things the right way over there. Defensively, they’re very aggressive. They will fly around the ball. Offensively, they do a variety but mostly in their wing-T out of shotgun. We’ll definitely have to be disciplined and read our keys.
Path to the playoffs: We’ve had a really strong schedule this year. We feel that has really help prepare us for the tournament. Our sectional — I believe — is the strongest 1A sectional out there.
Winamac game: It was a hard-fought game on both sides. It was just one of those defensive battles … We called a timeout (after the late TD) and went for the win … It just didn’t work out, but overall it was a great battle.
at NorthWood (3-3)
Class 4A Sectional First Round
When: Friday, 7 p.m., Andrews Field, Nappanee.
Series (last 35 years): NorthWood, 30-10.
John Harrell’s prediction: NorthWood, 28-10.
Last meeting: Sept. 18, 2020, NorthWood 39-0.
Last time Wawasee won: Sept. 19, 2014, 27-21.
About Wawasee: Coach Jon Reutebuch’s Warriors defeated Goshen 37-21 Oct. 16 … Kameron Salazar’s interception return for a touchdown with 1:45 to play punctuated the Wawasee win. The Warriors led 23-7 at halftime. Wawasee finished with 179 yards passing and 105 rushing … Season leaders are Parker Young (96 carries for 247 yards and four touchdowns) and Nathan Larson (65 runs for 168 yards and one TD), Young (134-of-247 for 1,416 yards and 13 TD’s) in passing and Salazar (37 catches for 453 yards and two TD’s), Jacob Meek (28 receptions for 253 yards and four TD’s), Adam Beer (17 catches for 254 yards and three TD’s), Larson (17 receptions for 120 yards and one TD), Lucas Ringler (12 catches for 164 yards and one TD) and Zach Smith (12 receptions for 132 yards and two TD’s) in receiving … Pacing in total tackles are Dominic Blair (62), Salazar (57), Robert Schmucker (56), Mark Wiggs (40) and Larson (39) … Wawasee averages 17.0 points per game on offense and 24.5 on defense. The Warriors gain 64.6 yards rushing and 157.7 passing per contest … Dating back to 1973, Wawasee is 21-36 in the tournament — the last win coming in 2012.
About NorthWood: Coach Nate Andrews’ Panthers bested Warsaw 22-21 Oct. 16 … Season leaders are Kaden Lone (64 carries for 324 yards and four TD’s), Kyle Sellers (39 tries for 227 yards and two TD’s), Nate Newcomer (28 attempts for 226 yards and one TD) and Ethan Evers (24 totes for 203 yards and three TD’s) in rushing, Lone (17-of-26 for 238 yards and two TD’s) and Newcomer (18-of-29 for 218 yards and two TD’s) in passing and Sellers (nine catches for 177 yards and one TD) in receiving … Pacing in total tackles are Eddie Hildebrant (43), Evers (38), Joe Newcomer (34), Tanner Feenstra (29), Ben Fattorusso (29) and Joas Miller (29) … NorthWood averages 17.5 points per game on offense and 13.2 on defense. The Panthers gain 194.7 yards rushing and 85.0 passing per contest … Opponents’ record is a combined 31-20 (led by Warsaw 7-2, Northridge 6-2 and East Noble 6-3)… Dating back to 1974, NorthWood is 96-37 in the tournament — the last win coming in 2019. The only first-round sectional losses came in 1974 and 2013.
Per Wawasee coach Jon Reutebuch:
On NorthWood: It’s more about our passion and effort. If we come out with passion and effort we can compete with anybody … You can’t sleep on the (NorthWood) passing game, but what they really want to do is run the football. With that wing-T offense, it goes a lot of different directions. Like when you’re going against a flexbone team (like Warsaw or Mishawaka), you’ve got to be disciplined on what you’re doing and what your assignments are.
The slate to date: At the beginning of the season we were able to be balanced on offense. On defense, we kept things pretty simple. We had good passion and effort. That continued into the Northridge game (in Week 3) … The Concord game (in Week 4) wasn’t so bad … The first time we played NorthWood (in Week 5) is really the first time where we hit a rut in the season. We didn’t have the same kind of passion and effort. That’s something we’ve worked on and tried to overcome. You’ve got to have that. I saw that at the beginning of the Warsaw game (in Week 7) … Against Mishawaka (in Week 8), we were able to move the ball up and down the field, we just couldn’t put it in the end zone so we worked on that … In the Goshen game it all came together. That tells us the kids aren’t quitting. They’re working to improve … We like where we’re at going into the sectional.
Goshen game: Good performance in all three phases of the game for us. Offensively, we were able to rush for over 100 yards. I think that’s only the second time we’ve done it all season. That was helpful … Defensively. we pretty stout the whole game. We had a little letdown at the end of the third quarter and beginning of the fourth, but got it back together with a pick-six (by Salazar) and finished the game out strong … We prepared all week for them to pass the ball all over the place and we set up our defense for that.
SB Washington (3-6)
at Tippecanoe Valley (6-3)
Class 3A Sectional First Round
When: Friday, 7 p.m., Smith-Bibler Memorial Field.
Series: Valley leads 1-0.
Last meeting: Valley won 19-14, Oct. 25, 2019, 3A sectional first round.
John Harrell’s prediction: Valley, 31-21.
About Washington: The surging Panthers have won three of their last five — each victory coming on the road — after starting the season 0-4. … In a 35-13 win last week at Glenn that spoiled the Falcons’ chances of sharing a Northern Indiana Conference divisional title, Washington sophomore QB Jeremy Johnson fired two touchdown passes and rushed for 137 yards on 13 keepers. Ty’shaun Grundy added 113 yards on 13 carries. … On the season, Grundy and Marshawn Lottie have combined for 1,143 yards on 225 rushes with nine TDs. Johnson has completed 37-of-82 passes for 642 yards with nine TDs against seven picks. ... The Panthers and Valley will be meeting for the second straight year, in the same round, after never having faced off before that. … Washington is seeking its first postseason win since 2015. If the Panthers get it, they would be at home for the semifinals regardless of opponent.
About Valley: The Vikings are dealing with a slew of key injuries. Linebacker Johnny Gonsalez, decisively Valley’s leading tackler, suffered a leg injury late in last week’s 32-8 conference-deciding loss at Southwood and was questionable to play Friday as of Tuesday afternoon. Starting safety Wade Jones also went out against the Knights and is not expected to play this week. The Vikings already lost two-way regular Hunter Eherenman for the season in Week 8 due to a broken leg. He was pacing the team in takeaways. Starting left guard Ben Bowser has missed the last two games with a shoulder injury, but could be back Friday. Tailback Braden Shepherd, out since Week 2, remains doubtful. … Jamasyn Virgil leads Valley in rushing at 705 yards on 92 carries with six touchdowns. Quarterback Branson McBrier is 56-of-103 throwing for 1,049 yards with 14 TDs against four picks. Receiver Rex Kirchenstien is closing on 500 receiving yards to go with five scores. … The Vikings will be hosting a South Bend public school for the first time ever. Last year’s win over the Panthers came on the road. … With a win, Valley would also get to host a semifinal matchup against No. 2-ranked Marian (7-0), but would head to Lakeland (2-7) if the Lakers pull a shocker at Marian.
Valley coach Steve Moriarty:
On players’ response to injuries — “I think they’re staying pretty positive. They’re focusing on this week’s game, which we need to do. Washington’s record is not indicative. Their competition’s a lot stiffer than most teams with them playing (in the NIC). They’re big and talented. Hopefully, we’ll have some of our guys back.”
On Washington — “They run the ball awfully well and they’re running the same offense for the second year in a row. They had a very successful season last year and then lost like 22 seniors, so it’s taken some time to fill the void, but here at the end of the year, they’ve gotten much better. They beat Glenn, and Glenn’s a team that beat Jimtown. We’ll really have to play well up front.”
Wabash (5-4)
at Manchester (2-7)
Class 2A Sectional First Round
When: Friday, 7 p.m, Burk Field.
Series: Wabash leads 25-18-1.
Last meeting: Wabash won 44-29, Sept. 4, 2020.
Last Manchester win: 21-14, Sept. 6, 2019.
John Harrell’s prediction: Wabash, 31-24.
About Wabash: Apache quarterback Joe Leland completed 16-of-24 passes for 282 yards with four touchdowns against one interception during his team’s 44-29 win over the host Squires in Week 3. … On the season, Leland is 118-of-185 throwing (63.8%) for 1,789 yards (223.6 per game) with 15 TDs against 10 picks over eight contests. Leading target Bryant Boggs has 61 catches for 892 yards and 10 touchdowns. … Junior defensive end Chad Wyatt has racked up 20 tackles for loss, including six sacks. … With a win, Wabash would head home for the sectional semifinals regardless of opponent.
About Manchester: Squire star running back Braxton Ream will not play due to entering a 14-day quarantine last weekend related to COVID-19 contact tracing. He was the lone player on the team affected as of Tuesday evening. … Blake Pohler, Manchester’s No. 2 receiver, will also be out after being injured last week and entering concussion protocol. … Sophomore QB Brock Casper is 103-of-205 throwing for 1,540 yards with 14 touchdowns and 12 picks. Junior receiver Seth Gaerte has turned his 40 receptions into 815 yards and nine TDs. … Senior linebacker Peyton Addair has made eight sacks, while sophomore Dylan Stroud pushed his team-leading tackle total to 105 with a whopping 24 (eight solos, 16 assists) last week. … The Squires are seeking their first postseason win since 2016. If they get it, they’d visit Bremen (7-2) or host Rochester (0-7) in next week’s sectional semifinals.
Manchester coach Alyx Brandewie:
On Ream — “How do you convince a 16-year-old kid that his world’s not ending because he can’t play? It’s not, of course, but it’s a really tough deal for him. … Another student tested positive and Braxton ended up in quarantine because he sits next to him in class. It’s kind of crazy, but he’s the only one from the football team on that list.”
On the Wabash rematch — “Our kids, our program, are excited for the opportunity. It’s a county rival and we played a competitive, back-and-forth football game with them last time. I know their school’s kind of dealt with some COVID issues of their own in the last week or so. I don’t know how much, if any, it will impact their football program, but I do know their volleyball program was knocked out of the sectional because of it. These are tough times for a lot of schools and kids. No doubt, it makes you very grateful for the opportunity when you can play.”
Whitko (4-5)
at FW Luers (3-6)
Class 2A Sectional First Round
When: Friday, 7 p.m., Luers Field.
Series: Luers leads 4-1.
Last meeting: Luers won 33-7, Oct. 20, 2006, 2A sectional first round.
Last Whitko win: 26-7, Nov. 21, 1986, 2A semistate.
John Harrell prediction: Luers, 45-21.
About Whitko: Ironically, the most lopsided loss in Whitko history (93-7 in 1973 during the Wildcats’ first year as a program) and the second-most consequential win (26-7 in the 1986 semistate on the Wildcats’ way to capturing the state title) have both come against Luers. … Whitko junior Cade Berg has rushed for 525 yards and six TDs on 100 carries, all team-pacing figures, and is also the top tackler with 68. … Junior QB Ethan Schuh is 88-of-177 throwing for 1,491 yards with 12 TDs and 12 picks. … The Wildcats are seeking their first postseason win since 2016. If they get it, they’ll host No. 10 Fairfield (8-0) or visit Central Noble (4-5) for the sectional semis.
About Luers: The Knights have hosted Whitko just once, that being the aforementioned 93-7 Luers win in ’73. … Junior QB Carson Clark is 138-of-251 passing for 1,805 yards with 15 TDs against 10 picks. Junior running back Sir Hale has 655 yards on 97 carries and six touchdowns, and junior wideout Brody Glenn 37 catches for 587 yards and five scores. … Luers has faced three Class 6A opponents this season, and five other schools that are 5A or 4A (going 3-2 in those games). … The Knights have won 26 straight sectional openers. If they extend that streak Friday, they’ll be on the road next week.
Whitko coach Phil Jensen:
On preparation — “It’s kind of a weird week because we’re on fall break, but the kids seem excited. I’ve never questioned the whole year that they care. Sometimes it’s just a question of whether they know how to care, but they’ve been working. Their buddies are off the whole week, and we’re asking them to come practice football. That’s a tough environment, especially at a smaller school, but they’ve been practicing, watching film, doing what they need to do.”
On going to Luers — “It all depends on how my kids react. I go back a long way, took really good Churubusco teams to Luers 30 years ago, and have had teams that played Homestead and Snider teams. (Fort Wayne’s) a different breed of football, a different style. They love to be physical and want to intimidate you. I’ve had teams that stood up to it and teams that didn’t. It’s all about how you react. If you stand up and deal with it and play hard, you’ve got a chance. If you don’t, it’ll be like sharks in the water.”
Churubusco (4-3)
at Triton (5-3)
Class A Sectional First Round
When: Friday, 7 p.m., Triton High School, Bourbon.
Series (last 35 years): Churubusco, 1-0.
John Harrell’s prediction: Churubusco, 24-17.
Last meeting: Nov. 9, 2007, Churubusco 28-14 (regional).
About Churubusco: Coach Paul Sade’s Eagles lost 24-6 to Fairfield Oct. 16 … Season leaders are Wyatt Marks (95 carries for 655 yards and nine TD’s) and Nick Nondorf Nondorf (36 attempts for 265 yards and three TD’s) in rushing, Riley Buroff (47-of-65 for 615 yards and seven TD’s) in passing and Nondorf (15 catches for 317 yards and four TD’s) and Brayten Gordon (seven receptions for 149 yards and one TD) in receiving … Pacing in total tackles are Hunter Bianski (65 with 3.5 sacks), Cullen Blake (54), Kaleb Oliver (48) and Nondorf (47) … Churubusco averages 23.4 points per game on offense and 15.6 on defense. The Eagles gain 184.4 yards rushing and 91.3 passing per contest … Churubusco scored 158 points in four wins (39.5 per game) and six in three losses (2.0) … Two of the Eagles’ three defeats (Columbia City and Eastside) came on the road … Dating back to 1983, Churubusco is 39-36 in the tournament — the last win coming in 2018.
About Triton: Coach Rodney Younis’ Trojans lost 10-9 to Winamac Oct. 16 … A failed 2-point run attempt following a TD run by Triton’s Trace Schuh with 1:07 to play made the difference. Schuh rushed for 108 yards, Cole Shively completed four passes for 69 and Lucas Cabrera caught three for 69 for the Trojans. Triton dominated in total plays (57 to 40), total offense (225 to 128) the time of possession (29:37 to 18:23) … The Trojans averages 16.3 points per game on offense and 23.9 on defense … Triton is 1-3 at home. Opponents’ record is a combined 40-30 (led by Pioneer 8-1, Bremen 7-2 and North Judson 7-2) … Dating back to 1985, Triton is 22-35 in the tournament — the last win coming in 2018.
Per Triton coach Rodney Younis:
On Churubusco: They’re a solid program. They do things the right way over there. Defensively, they’re very aggressive. They will fly around the ball. Offensively, they do a variety but mostly in their wing-T out of shotgun. We’ll definitely have to be disciplined and read our keys.
Path to the playoffs: We’ve had a really strong schedule this year. We feel that has really help prepare us for the tournament. Our sectional — I believe — is the strongest 1A sectional out there.
Winamac game: It was a hard-fought game on both sides. It was just one of those defensive battles … We called a timeout (after the late TD) and went for the win … It just didn’t work out, but overall it was a great battle.
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