HS Football Scouting Reports for Week 3
September 3, 2020 at 2:16 a.m.
HS Football Scouting Reports for Week 3
By Anthony Anderson & Steve Krah-
When: Friday, 7 p.m., The Rock Pile, Plymouth.
Series (last 35 years): Plymouth, 18-17.
John Harrell’s prediction: Warsaw, 38-24.
Last meeting: Sept. 6, 2019, Plymouth 24-19.
Last time Warsaw won: Sept. 6, 2013, 20-19.
About Plymouth: Coach Jon Baron’s Rockies lost 31-0 to East Noble in Week 1 on Aug. 21 and 34-18 to Kokomo in Week 2 on Aug. 28. Both games were away from Plymouth … One of the Rockies’ scores against Kokomo was a 47-yard run out of shot gun formation by quarterback Jake Reichard, who finished with 17 carries and a game-high 151 rushing yards … Plymouth owns a six-game win streak against Warsaw.
About Warsaw: Coach Bart Curtis’ Tigers bested Huntington North 42-35 on the road in Week 1 on Aug. 21 and lost 41-21 to Michigan City at home in Week 2 on Aug. 28 … Colton Wampler (1-yard run), Patrick Zollinger (34-yard pass from Aaron Greene) and Julius Jones (77-yard run) scored touchdowns against the Wolves … In two outings, Greene (51 attempts for 352 yards and three TD’s), Jones (13 attempts for 184 yards and one TD) and Juan Antonio Jaramillo (31 attempts for 120 yards and two TD’s) are Warsaw’s top rushers … Jonney Burrito (13.5), Zachary Diecks (11.5) and German Flores-Ortega (9.5) are tops in total tackles.
Warsaw coach Bart Curtis:
On Plymouth — “Their scores are very deceiving because they have not possessed the football. They moved the ball against both Kokomo and East Noble … They have some serious weapons on offense … With every pass play called, there’s no guarantee the ball is every going to leave (Reichard’s hand). He’s dangerous running and throwing. He can make you miss. He’s a real good athlete and a competitor. They’ve got two serious playmakers in Reichard and (Slotback Ivan) Winkle … Plymouth is great at breaking tackles and changing direction.”
Pandemic — “We’re entering Game 3 and we’re still playing football. A lot of states aren’t. Some have only played one and some haven’t played anything in Indiana … We try to dress in shifts … We are vigilant in breaking our practices 14 minutes and then spreading out … Everything is sanitized. Our managers have done a tremendous job of trying to protect our kids.”
On Michigan City game — “We played with a great deal of effort and passion. We didn’t always play well … It was not the outcome we wanted.”
Northridge (1-0 overall, 0-0 NLC) at Wawasee (2-0, 0-0)
When: Friday, 7 p.m., Warrior Field, Syracuse.
Series (last 35 years): Wawasee, 20-17.
John Harrell’s prediction: Northridge, 42-3.
Last meeting: Sept. 6, 2019, Northridge 27-0.
Last time Wawasee won: Sept. 2, 2016, 21-20 (OT).
About Northridge: Coach Tom Wogomon’s Raiders did not get to play in Week 1 on Aug. 21 then blanked host South Bend St. Joseph 42-0 in Week 2 on Aug. 28 … Logan Hooley completed 4-of-9 passes for 100 yards, including a 67-yard touchdown pass to Breckin Judd, and ran 17 times for 120 yards with two TD’s against St. Joe … Wogomon was head coach at Wawasee for six seasons (2007-12) …. The Raiders have won the last five meetings with the Warriors … Key players for the Raiders include Hooley and two-way starters in wideout/defensive back Judd, running back/linebacker Dom Crowder, guard/nose tackle Ibrahim Khaoucha.
About Wawasee: Coach Jon Reutebuch’s Warriors followed by a 42-0 season-opening triumph at Lakeland on Aug. 21 with a 31-0 home victory against West Noble in Week 2 on Aug. 28 … Parker Young has completed 19-of-26 passes for 371 yards and seven touchdowns — three to Jacob Meek and two each to Kameron Salazar and Adam Beer — and also ran 22 times or 99 yards and three TD’s in while Dominic Blair had a team-best 15 total tackles in Wawasee’s two games.
Wawasee coach Jon Reutebuch:
On Northridge — They’re fundamentally sound and play hard just like a Tom Wogomon team would … They’re quick. They fly to the football. They’re physical … We have to equal (those three things) … Their kicker (Carter Stoltzfus) has a boom stick.
Defense — Keeping things simple. Kids are trusting their reads. Pursuit has been very good. Improved depth on our defensive line has allowed us to be fresh upfront. We’re almost two-platooned on the offensive and defensive line.
On West Noble game — It was a great performance by the defense. Offensively, we were able to get the job done though we still need to work on our running game. It was another solid performance by (Parker Young). Jacob Meek had a big game on both sides of the ball. Caleb Clevenger did a nice job on special teams.
Manchester (1-1 overall, 1-0 TRC) at Wabash (1-1, 0-0)
When: Friday, 7 p.m., Alumni Field.
Series: Wabash leads 24-18-1.
Last meeting: Manchester won 21-14, Sept. 6, 2019.
Last Wabash win: 30-27 in sectional first round, Oct. 20, 2017.
John Harrell’s prediction: Wabash, 21-17.
About Manchester: The Squires hit the road for the first time. … After opening with a 47-12 win over North Miami, Manchester was blanked 22-0 last week by Bluffton. … Sophomore quarterback Brock Casper, 10-of-14 throwing for 288 yards and four touchdowns in his debut, followed with 10-of-23 for 69 yards and two picks in Week 2. … Running back Braxton Ream has 288 yards on 65 carries over two games. Blake Pohler has 163 yards on eight catches and AJ Fortman a 38.8 average on six punts.
About Wabash: The Apaches will formally unveil their new turf and other Alumni Field renovations as they play their home opener and first TRC game of the season. … Wabash was able to plug in a new opponent, Monroe Central, when its Week 1 contest against Rochester was canceled. The Apaches lost 29-14 to the Golden Bears, committing five turnovers, but bounced back last week with a 14-0 shutout at Alexandria. … Wabash has started two QBs over those first two games. Senior Joe Leland completed 22-of-40 passes for 253 yards with three interceptions in Week 1, before freshman Izaak Wright hit 13-of-22 for 144 with no picks in Week 2. Leland’s expected back this week after he and senior wideout Jasper Walter (11 catches, 156 yards, one TD against Monroe) both missed the Bluffton game to attend a wedding. … Receiver Bryant Boggs has 12 catches for 135 yards for the Apaches. Junior defensive end Chad Wyatt’s been in on 19 tackles, including four for loss.
Manchester coach Alyx Brandewie:
On being shut out — “We had plenty of opportunities. We had the ball inside the 10 four times, but just couldn’t finish drives. I don’t think I put us in the best positions as a play caller, and I told the kids so. We all have to learn to finish. It’s our first year, so it’s about learning how to be consistent and finish. We didn’t, but you get in the film room on Saturday, talk about a lot of things and try to clean them up. We’ve had a couple good days of practice, and hopefully we’re closer to a team that finishes on Friday.”
On Wabash — “They’ll spread us out and try to hit us all over the place. They’ve especially got a couple receivers that are really good athletes, so they want to get them in space. We’ll have to play with composure and resiliency, because you can get in trouble pretty quick.”
On his players — “I’m proud of how they battled for four quarters. Down 20-nothing and they never stopped fighting. Not just the kids on the field, but our entire roster, we’ve got kids who will battle.”
Peru (2-0 overall, 1-0 TRC) at Tippecanoe Valley (1-1, 1-0)
When: Friday, 7 p.m., Smith-Bibler Memorial Field.
Series: Tied 2-2.
Last meeting: Valley won 32-18, Sept. 6, 2019.
Last Peru win: 33-14 in sectional opener, Oct. 20, 2017.
John Harrell’s prediction: Valley, 35-7.
About Peru: The Tigers, coming off a 49-14 win at Whitko, are seeking their first 3-0 start since 2013, and just their second such start in the last 37 years. … Peru has cranked out 672 rushing yards on 100 attempts over its first two games. Dakota Scarlett has 228 on 29 carries to go with three touchdowns, and junior quarterback Levi Strong 192 on 32 keepers with three TDs. He’s also thrown for 109 yards and a score against no picks. … Senior kicker Zach Johnson is 2-of-2 on field goals, with a long of 35, and 8-of-8 on extra points.
About Valley: Alex Craft ran for a pair of first-quarter touchdowns on his way to 146 yards across 18 carries as the Vikings won their TRC opener 18-10 last week at Northfield. Junior Jamasyn Virgil added 100 ground yards on just six tries to go with a TD reception. … Valley junior QB Branson McBrier is 12-of-25 throwing over his first two games for 108 yards with one TD and one pick. … Viking linebackers Johnny Gonsalez and Virgil have figured in 34 and 20 tackles, respectively, including a combined five for loss. … Valley junior running back Braden Shepherd missed the Northfield game with a shoulder injury suffered in the second half of the Vikings’ Week 1 loss to Culver Academy. Shepherd had run for 75 yards in the first half and caught three passes for 17 yards.
Valley coach Steve Moriarty:
On Shepherd — “He’s gonna be out for a little bit. Not sure how long, but he is out this week. We were glad to have Alex (Craft) back last week (after he was out Week 1). He and Jamasyn Virgil both did a great job. They’re both good tailback-slash-wings.”
On last week — “I think we had a few missed opportunities. Our defense was on the field a long time, so we need to make sure we’re not getting in situations where the other team is allowed to go for it on fourth down. We need to step up sooner to get our offense back on the field, but those option teams, that’s their goal, to minimize your possessions.”
On Peru — “Peru’s 2-and-0 and a very talented team. Their offense is very explosive, with a lot of different guys who can hurt you. I think our defense matches up well, but we can’t give up the big plays and we’ll have to take care of the ball again (after no turnovers last week).”
Whitko (1-1, 0-1 TRC) at Rochester (0-0, 0-0)
When: Friday, 7 p.m., Barnhart Field.
Series: Rochester leads 24-11.
Last meeting: Rochester won 21-7, Sept. 6, 2019.
Last Whitko win: 57-14, Sept. 9, 2016.
John Harrell’s prediction: Rochester, 23-10.
About Whitko: The Wildcats go on the road for the first time in 2020 following a 22-20 overtime win over Prairie Heights and a 49-14 loss to Peru. … Quarterback Ethan Schuh is 25-of-57 passing through two games for 440 yards with three TDs and one pick. Fellow junior Cade Berg has hauled in nine passes for 165 yards and a score to go with 93 rushing yards on 22 attempts and another TD. … Junior linebacker Tyler Veach has notched 14 solo tackles and a fumble recovery.
About Rochester: The Zebras, 4-7 last season, finally play their opening game following a multi-week, COVID-related shutdown of all Rochester High School athletic contests. … The Zebras’ starting quarterback, top three ground gainers, top two receivers and top tackler last fall were all seniors, as was cornerback Benjamin Barnes, who recorded six of his team’s nine interceptions.
Whitko coach Phil Jensen:
On last week — “We started well. We were (within) 21-14 at halftime, scored right before the half, had some momentum and used up most of the clock. We tried to make some adjustments at halftime, but we’re just not strong enough mentally yet to do a lot of that. They’re not students of the game quite in that way yet. We gave up some big plays and got tired a little bit. We didn’t quit, but it just got sloppy.”
On Friday’s situation — “(Whitko playing its third game and Rochester its first is) really weird. We can go off last year’s tape, but they’ve got some different people and will do some different things. They have the advantage in that they’ve been able to scout us, and we have an advantage in that we’ve played a couple games. We’ve played game speed. You can do all the running and shouting you want, but until you’ve experienced game speed, it’s not the same. Now, they’re also going to be really excited and hungry to play, and I’m happy for them that they finally get to do that. That’s what we’re all trying to do.”
On injuries — “(Cameron Sapp’s) still out with the concussion, but he’s the only one out (as of Wednesday). We’re pretty good to go.”
Triton (1-0, 0-0 HNAC) at Caston (1-1, 0-1)
When: Friday, 7 p.m., Comet Crater, Fulton.
Series (last 35 years): Triton, 15-10.
John Harrell’s prediction: Triton, 31-21.
Last meeting: Sept. 6, 2019, Triton 41-0.
Last time Caston won: Aug. 19, 2016, 6-0.
About Triton: Coach Rodney Younis’ Trojans were idle in Week 2 on Aug. 28 after beating South Central (Union Mills) 23-20 to open the season Aug. 21. Cole Shively’s 30-yard field goal with 1:23 to play made the difference … Hunter McIntyre rushed 16 times for a team-best 106 yards … Lucas Cabrera led in total tackles with nine … Because of the number of positive COVID-19 cases at LaVille, Triton did not play the Lancers Aug. 28 … The Trojans have won four straight against the Comets.
About Caston: Coach Will Porter’s Comets beat West Central 38-6 in Week 1 on Aug. 21 and lost to North Judson 50-8 in Week 2 on Aug. 28 … Samuel Smith has 30 carries for 251 yards and four touchdowns in Caston’s two contests.
Per Younis:
On Caston — “Caston is a much-improved team. They have a new coach and they are running a triple-option offense. We’re definitely going to have to play assignment football. It’s about reading our keys.”
Youth movement — Cole Shively at quarterback and Anthony Schu running back and linebacker have a bright future ahead of them. They stepped up (against South Central) and adjusted to varsity play right away.
On South Central game — “Our offensive line did a great job of creating holes for our running backs. When Cole had to throw, he had plenty of time. Our defense, overall, played a great game.”
When: Friday, 7 p.m., The Rock Pile, Plymouth.
Series (last 35 years): Plymouth, 18-17.
John Harrell’s prediction: Warsaw, 38-24.
Last meeting: Sept. 6, 2019, Plymouth 24-19.
Last time Warsaw won: Sept. 6, 2013, 20-19.
About Plymouth: Coach Jon Baron’s Rockies lost 31-0 to East Noble in Week 1 on Aug. 21 and 34-18 to Kokomo in Week 2 on Aug. 28. Both games were away from Plymouth … One of the Rockies’ scores against Kokomo was a 47-yard run out of shot gun formation by quarterback Jake Reichard, who finished with 17 carries and a game-high 151 rushing yards … Plymouth owns a six-game win streak against Warsaw.
About Warsaw: Coach Bart Curtis’ Tigers bested Huntington North 42-35 on the road in Week 1 on Aug. 21 and lost 41-21 to Michigan City at home in Week 2 on Aug. 28 … Colton Wampler (1-yard run), Patrick Zollinger (34-yard pass from Aaron Greene) and Julius Jones (77-yard run) scored touchdowns against the Wolves … In two outings, Greene (51 attempts for 352 yards and three TD’s), Jones (13 attempts for 184 yards and one TD) and Juan Antonio Jaramillo (31 attempts for 120 yards and two TD’s) are Warsaw’s top rushers … Jonney Burrito (13.5), Zachary Diecks (11.5) and German Flores-Ortega (9.5) are tops in total tackles.
Warsaw coach Bart Curtis:
On Plymouth — “Their scores are very deceiving because they have not possessed the football. They moved the ball against both Kokomo and East Noble … They have some serious weapons on offense … With every pass play called, there’s no guarantee the ball is every going to leave (Reichard’s hand). He’s dangerous running and throwing. He can make you miss. He’s a real good athlete and a competitor. They’ve got two serious playmakers in Reichard and (Slotback Ivan) Winkle … Plymouth is great at breaking tackles and changing direction.”
Pandemic — “We’re entering Game 3 and we’re still playing football. A lot of states aren’t. Some have only played one and some haven’t played anything in Indiana … We try to dress in shifts … We are vigilant in breaking our practices 14 minutes and then spreading out … Everything is sanitized. Our managers have done a tremendous job of trying to protect our kids.”
On Michigan City game — “We played with a great deal of effort and passion. We didn’t always play well … It was not the outcome we wanted.”
Northridge (1-0 overall, 0-0 NLC) at Wawasee (2-0, 0-0)
When: Friday, 7 p.m., Warrior Field, Syracuse.
Series (last 35 years): Wawasee, 20-17.
John Harrell’s prediction: Northridge, 42-3.
Last meeting: Sept. 6, 2019, Northridge 27-0.
Last time Wawasee won: Sept. 2, 2016, 21-20 (OT).
About Northridge: Coach Tom Wogomon’s Raiders did not get to play in Week 1 on Aug. 21 then blanked host South Bend St. Joseph 42-0 in Week 2 on Aug. 28 … Logan Hooley completed 4-of-9 passes for 100 yards, including a 67-yard touchdown pass to Breckin Judd, and ran 17 times for 120 yards with two TD’s against St. Joe … Wogomon was head coach at Wawasee for six seasons (2007-12) …. The Raiders have won the last five meetings with the Warriors … Key players for the Raiders include Hooley and two-way starters in wideout/defensive back Judd, running back/linebacker Dom Crowder, guard/nose tackle Ibrahim Khaoucha.
About Wawasee: Coach Jon Reutebuch’s Warriors followed by a 42-0 season-opening triumph at Lakeland on Aug. 21 with a 31-0 home victory against West Noble in Week 2 on Aug. 28 … Parker Young has completed 19-of-26 passes for 371 yards and seven touchdowns — three to Jacob Meek and two each to Kameron Salazar and Adam Beer — and also ran 22 times or 99 yards and three TD’s in while Dominic Blair had a team-best 15 total tackles in Wawasee’s two games.
Wawasee coach Jon Reutebuch:
On Northridge — They’re fundamentally sound and play hard just like a Tom Wogomon team would … They’re quick. They fly to the football. They’re physical … We have to equal (those three things) … Their kicker (Carter Stoltzfus) has a boom stick.
Defense — Keeping things simple. Kids are trusting their reads. Pursuit has been very good. Improved depth on our defensive line has allowed us to be fresh upfront. We’re almost two-platooned on the offensive and defensive line.
On West Noble game — It was a great performance by the defense. Offensively, we were able to get the job done though we still need to work on our running game. It was another solid performance by (Parker Young). Jacob Meek had a big game on both sides of the ball. Caleb Clevenger did a nice job on special teams.
Manchester (1-1 overall, 1-0 TRC) at Wabash (1-1, 0-0)
When: Friday, 7 p.m., Alumni Field.
Series: Wabash leads 24-18-1.
Last meeting: Manchester won 21-14, Sept. 6, 2019.
Last Wabash win: 30-27 in sectional first round, Oct. 20, 2017.
John Harrell’s prediction: Wabash, 21-17.
About Manchester: The Squires hit the road for the first time. … After opening with a 47-12 win over North Miami, Manchester was blanked 22-0 last week by Bluffton. … Sophomore quarterback Brock Casper, 10-of-14 throwing for 288 yards and four touchdowns in his debut, followed with 10-of-23 for 69 yards and two picks in Week 2. … Running back Braxton Ream has 288 yards on 65 carries over two games. Blake Pohler has 163 yards on eight catches and AJ Fortman a 38.8 average on six punts.
About Wabash: The Apaches will formally unveil their new turf and other Alumni Field renovations as they play their home opener and first TRC game of the season. … Wabash was able to plug in a new opponent, Monroe Central, when its Week 1 contest against Rochester was canceled. The Apaches lost 29-14 to the Golden Bears, committing five turnovers, but bounced back last week with a 14-0 shutout at Alexandria. … Wabash has started two QBs over those first two games. Senior Joe Leland completed 22-of-40 passes for 253 yards with three interceptions in Week 1, before freshman Izaak Wright hit 13-of-22 for 144 with no picks in Week 2. Leland’s expected back this week after he and senior wideout Jasper Walter (11 catches, 156 yards, one TD against Monroe) both missed the Bluffton game to attend a wedding. … Receiver Bryant Boggs has 12 catches for 135 yards for the Apaches. Junior defensive end Chad Wyatt’s been in on 19 tackles, including four for loss.
Manchester coach Alyx Brandewie:
On being shut out — “We had plenty of opportunities. We had the ball inside the 10 four times, but just couldn’t finish drives. I don’t think I put us in the best positions as a play caller, and I told the kids so. We all have to learn to finish. It’s our first year, so it’s about learning how to be consistent and finish. We didn’t, but you get in the film room on Saturday, talk about a lot of things and try to clean them up. We’ve had a couple good days of practice, and hopefully we’re closer to a team that finishes on Friday.”
On Wabash — “They’ll spread us out and try to hit us all over the place. They’ve especially got a couple receivers that are really good athletes, so they want to get them in space. We’ll have to play with composure and resiliency, because you can get in trouble pretty quick.”
On his players — “I’m proud of how they battled for four quarters. Down 20-nothing and they never stopped fighting. Not just the kids on the field, but our entire roster, we’ve got kids who will battle.”
Peru (2-0 overall, 1-0 TRC) at Tippecanoe Valley (1-1, 1-0)
When: Friday, 7 p.m., Smith-Bibler Memorial Field.
Series: Tied 2-2.
Last meeting: Valley won 32-18, Sept. 6, 2019.
Last Peru win: 33-14 in sectional opener, Oct. 20, 2017.
John Harrell’s prediction: Valley, 35-7.
About Peru: The Tigers, coming off a 49-14 win at Whitko, are seeking their first 3-0 start since 2013, and just their second such start in the last 37 years. … Peru has cranked out 672 rushing yards on 100 attempts over its first two games. Dakota Scarlett has 228 on 29 carries to go with three touchdowns, and junior quarterback Levi Strong 192 on 32 keepers with three TDs. He’s also thrown for 109 yards and a score against no picks. … Senior kicker Zach Johnson is 2-of-2 on field goals, with a long of 35, and 8-of-8 on extra points.
About Valley: Alex Craft ran for a pair of first-quarter touchdowns on his way to 146 yards across 18 carries as the Vikings won their TRC opener 18-10 last week at Northfield. Junior Jamasyn Virgil added 100 ground yards on just six tries to go with a TD reception. … Valley junior QB Branson McBrier is 12-of-25 throwing over his first two games for 108 yards with one TD and one pick. … Viking linebackers Johnny Gonsalez and Virgil have figured in 34 and 20 tackles, respectively, including a combined five for loss. … Valley junior running back Braden Shepherd missed the Northfield game with a shoulder injury suffered in the second half of the Vikings’ Week 1 loss to Culver Academy. Shepherd had run for 75 yards in the first half and caught three passes for 17 yards.
Valley coach Steve Moriarty:
On Shepherd — “He’s gonna be out for a little bit. Not sure how long, but he is out this week. We were glad to have Alex (Craft) back last week (after he was out Week 1). He and Jamasyn Virgil both did a great job. They’re both good tailback-slash-wings.”
On last week — “I think we had a few missed opportunities. Our defense was on the field a long time, so we need to make sure we’re not getting in situations where the other team is allowed to go for it on fourth down. We need to step up sooner to get our offense back on the field, but those option teams, that’s their goal, to minimize your possessions.”
On Peru — “Peru’s 2-and-0 and a very talented team. Their offense is very explosive, with a lot of different guys who can hurt you. I think our defense matches up well, but we can’t give up the big plays and we’ll have to take care of the ball again (after no turnovers last week).”
Whitko (1-1, 0-1 TRC) at Rochester (0-0, 0-0)
When: Friday, 7 p.m., Barnhart Field.
Series: Rochester leads 24-11.
Last meeting: Rochester won 21-7, Sept. 6, 2019.
Last Whitko win: 57-14, Sept. 9, 2016.
John Harrell’s prediction: Rochester, 23-10.
About Whitko: The Wildcats go on the road for the first time in 2020 following a 22-20 overtime win over Prairie Heights and a 49-14 loss to Peru. … Quarterback Ethan Schuh is 25-of-57 passing through two games for 440 yards with three TDs and one pick. Fellow junior Cade Berg has hauled in nine passes for 165 yards and a score to go with 93 rushing yards on 22 attempts and another TD. … Junior linebacker Tyler Veach has notched 14 solo tackles and a fumble recovery.
About Rochester: The Zebras, 4-7 last season, finally play their opening game following a multi-week, COVID-related shutdown of all Rochester High School athletic contests. … The Zebras’ starting quarterback, top three ground gainers, top two receivers and top tackler last fall were all seniors, as was cornerback Benjamin Barnes, who recorded six of his team’s nine interceptions.
Whitko coach Phil Jensen:
On last week — “We started well. We were (within) 21-14 at halftime, scored right before the half, had some momentum and used up most of the clock. We tried to make some adjustments at halftime, but we’re just not strong enough mentally yet to do a lot of that. They’re not students of the game quite in that way yet. We gave up some big plays and got tired a little bit. We didn’t quit, but it just got sloppy.”
On Friday’s situation — “(Whitko playing its third game and Rochester its first is) really weird. We can go off last year’s tape, but they’ve got some different people and will do some different things. They have the advantage in that they’ve been able to scout us, and we have an advantage in that we’ve played a couple games. We’ve played game speed. You can do all the running and shouting you want, but until you’ve experienced game speed, it’s not the same. Now, they’re also going to be really excited and hungry to play, and I’m happy for them that they finally get to do that. That’s what we’re all trying to do.”
On injuries — “(Cameron Sapp’s) still out with the concussion, but he’s the only one out (as of Wednesday). We’re pretty good to go.”
Triton (1-0, 0-0 HNAC) at Caston (1-1, 0-1)
When: Friday, 7 p.m., Comet Crater, Fulton.
Series (last 35 years): Triton, 15-10.
John Harrell’s prediction: Triton, 31-21.
Last meeting: Sept. 6, 2019, Triton 41-0.
Last time Caston won: Aug. 19, 2016, 6-0.
About Triton: Coach Rodney Younis’ Trojans were idle in Week 2 on Aug. 28 after beating South Central (Union Mills) 23-20 to open the season Aug. 21. Cole Shively’s 30-yard field goal with 1:23 to play made the difference … Hunter McIntyre rushed 16 times for a team-best 106 yards … Lucas Cabrera led in total tackles with nine … Because of the number of positive COVID-19 cases at LaVille, Triton did not play the Lancers Aug. 28 … The Trojans have won four straight against the Comets.
About Caston: Coach Will Porter’s Comets beat West Central 38-6 in Week 1 on Aug. 21 and lost to North Judson 50-8 in Week 2 on Aug. 28 … Samuel Smith has 30 carries for 251 yards and four touchdowns in Caston’s two contests.
Per Younis:
On Caston — “Caston is a much-improved team. They have a new coach and they are running a triple-option offense. We’re definitely going to have to play assignment football. It’s about reading our keys.”
Youth movement — Cole Shively at quarterback and Anthony Schu running back and linebacker have a bright future ahead of them. They stepped up (against South Central) and adjusted to varsity play right away.
On South Central game — “Our offensive line did a great job of creating holes for our running backs. When Cole had to throw, he had plenty of time. Our defense, overall, played a great game.”
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