High School Football Sectional Previews
October 23, 2019 at 11:16 p.m.
By Anthony Anderson & Steve Krah-
Tippecanoe Valley (6-3) vs. SB Washington (6-3)
When: Friday, 7 p.m, School Field, South Bend.
Series: First-ever meeting.
John Harrell’s.net's prediction: Washington, 21-20.
About Valley: In 45 years of football, the Vikings have never played a South Bend public school. … Friday’s contest is the WHME-TV game of the week. It will be shown on a tape-delay basis at 11 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. Saturday, as well as streamed live on Facebook. … Valley’s coming off a 21-7 loss to unbeaten Southwood that wrapped up the Three Rivers Conference title for the Class 1A No. 3-ranked Knights. … Friday marks the Vikings’ third game of the season on artificial turf, following 24-12 and 24-3 losses at Culver Academy and Maconaquah, respectively. … Dakota Gaff leads the Valley rushing attack with 674 yards, a 7.6 average and six touchdowns. Running back Jaydin Conley and quarterback Tanner Trippedi have combined for another 924 yards with a 5.2 average and 11 TDs. ... Jalen Potter has been decisively Trippedi’s favorite receiver, hauling in 30 of the Vikings’ 46 completed passes, and turning them into six scores and a 13.1 average. ... On defense, Potter has five interceptions and Harry Johnston three fumble recoveries to lead Valley to a 25-22 takeaway-giveaway edge. … If the Vikings win, they host Jimtown (5-4) or play at Garrett (3-6) in next week’s semifinals.
About Washington: The Panthers are in their first season under coach Todd Stammich. They finished 3-3 in the Northern Indiana Conference’s South Division to go with non-loop wins of 21-0 at Hammond (0-8), 14-7 at Kankakee Valley (4-5) and 26-13 over South Bend Adams (0-9). … Washington stands 3-1 at storied School Field, which features a second-year artificial surface and several other recent renovations. … The Panthers are almost all run all the time, averaging 254.1 yards on the ground and 5.7 per try to go with just two fumbles. Individually, Ta’Ron Bradshaw leads the way at 852 yards and eight TDs. His norm is 4.2. Big-play threats Kenyon Grant and Deonte Williams have combined for 965 yards, nine scores and 8.2 per attempt. … Through the air, Grant and fellow Washington QB Jason Tanner have been picked off a whopping eight times (four each) in just 35 attempts, against nine completions for 227 yards and four TDs. … If the Panthers win, they’ll be on the road next week regardless of opponent.
Valley coach Steve Moriarty:
On Washington — “They’re very talented and very big up front, which is something we’ll have to contend with, and they have a couple of very talented running backs who run really hard. Their record is the same as ours, and when you’ve been through their schedule and got a winning record like that, it’s impressive.”
On keys to victory — “For us, it’s not turn the ball over so many times. Really, not turn it over at all. We have got to secure the ball better, and then sustain our blocks against a very good defensive line. On both sides (of the ball), we’ll have to handle their size and physicality.”
On special variables — “Being the game of the week on channel 46, that adds some excitement, and School Field, what a long tradition there. To play there is an honor, and to play a bigger school (Washington is seventh among the 64 programs in 3A with an enrollment of 778, while Valley’s the second-smallest in 3A at 544), I think our kids are focused and excited about that opportunity and about the publicity of this week’s game.”
Class 4A, Sectional 19
Wawasee (2-7) at NorthWood (6-3)
When: Friday, 7 p.m., Andrews Field, Nappanee.
Series (last 35 years): NorthWood, 30-10.
Harrell’s prediction: NorthWood, 38-17.
Last meeting: Sept. 20, NorthWood won 40-10.
Last time Wawasee won: Sept. 19, 2014, 27-21.
About Wawasee: The Warriors won 28-23 at Goshen in the regular-season finale … The 28 points ties the season-high scored in a season-opening win against Lakeland … Wawasee leaders include Parker Young (104 carries 231 yards six TDs) and Levi Brown (49 carries for 194 yards) in rushing, Young (69-of-174 for 829 yards and four TDs) in passing and Ethan Garza (30 catches for 399 yards and three TDs) and Kameron Salazar (20 catches for 197 yards) in receiving … Nathan Larson (70) and Robert Schmucker (66) are among the top total tacklers … The Warriors have lost seven straight postseason games. The last wins in sectional play came in 2012 … Wawasee has has won two sectional crowns — the last in 2004.
About NorthWood: Coach Nate Andrews’ Panthers bested visiting Plymouth 40-20 … NorthWood averages 33.3 points per game with six games of 34 points or more … The Panthers are led by Nate Newcomer (151 carries for 982 yards and 11 TDs), Jaden Miller (111 carries for 668 yards and nine TDs) and Ben Mestach (48 carries for 510 yards and eight TDs) in rushing, Newcomer (40-of-77 for 728 yards and nine TDs) in passing and Jason Borkholder (eight catches for 246 yards and three TDs) in receiving. Borkholder (62) and Mestach (61) pace the squad in total tackles … NorthWood has lost once in first round of the sectional since 1994 and that was in 2013.
Wawasee coach Jon Reutebuch:
On NorthWood — “We’re going to have to play very well to compete. It’s an opportunity for us. We have nothing lose and everything to gain. We’re going to give it our best shot … We’ve had better success because we’ve got guys back who were injured earlier in the season. We’re about as healthy as we’ve been since the first game.”
On Offense — “The last couple of weeks we’ve been having a better go at offense. If you follow our scores — Warsaw (a 42-18 loss), Elkhart Memorial (a 21-14 loss), Goshen — we’re putting up more points and sustaining more drives. We’re being a little more consistent and opportunistic. I’d like to think that’s part of process and we’re getting better at executing our offense.”
On Goshen — “We still have that ‘Warrior Grit’ we’ve been talking about all season. When things were kind of chaotic in that fourth quarter with a lot of penalty flags flying and Goshen charging down the field and trying to make a comeback — because they’re fighting for their first conference win — our kids did not get down. They fought hard to finish the win.”
Class 2A, Sectional 34
Manchester (3-6) at Bremen (2-7)
When: Friday, 7 p.m, Bunge Field.
Series: Bremen leads 12-1-2.
Last meeting: Bremen won 41-6, Oct. 28, 2016, in sectional semifinal.
Last Manchester win: 6-0, Sept. 20, 1974.
Harrell’s prediction: Bremen, 28-24.
About Manchester: The Squires got three touchdown passes from Devin Marcum to three receivers on the way to closing their regular season with a 27-23 win over Peru (4-5). Braxton Ream added a 22-yard TD run. … Manchester is seeking its second postseason victory in the last eight years, the most recent one coming in 2016. … If the Squires win, they’ll host LaVille (7-2) or visit Wabash (4-5) in next week’s semifinals.
About Bremen: The Lions — 11-3 with a regional title just a year ago — are on pace for their worst record since 2-8 in 1986. … Bremen’s wins are 27-6 at Triton (2-7) and 41-0 over winless South Bend Clay. More recently, the Lions narrowly lost to fellow NIC South member South Bend Washington (6-3), 28-25 in Week 7. … Bremen leaders through seven games included running backs Bryce Wogomon and Brady Ginter with a combined 849 yards, nine touchdowns and a 5.2 average per attempt; tight end Sam Huffman with 26 catches for 381 yards, two TDs and a 14.7 average; and QB Ethan Nunemaker at 55-of-105 passing with five scores against seven picks. … If the Lions win, they’ll be on the road next week regardless of opponent.
Manchester coach Greg Miller:
On last week — “Any time you get a win right before the playoffs, we’ll take it. It was a great win for our kids, a great win for our seniors on Senior Night. I thought we executed pretty well on both sides of the ball, and defensively, we played lights out in the second half. Peru got inside the red zone, but we came up with some big plays.”
On Bremen — “They play in a good conference, play some very good teams. The record’s deceiving. They have good players, have a heck of a history and have good guys over there that we know through coaching clinics. Any time you go over there, it feels like you’re not just playing a team, but a history and Coach (Don) Bunge.”
On moving on — “It all comes down to one game. You win or put your stuff away. We’re excited about building on last week and focused on the opportunity. We’ll have to play well and have everyone execute their responsibilities.”
Class 2A, Sectional 35
Whitko (0-9) at Prairie Heights (1-8)
When: Friday, 7 p.m, Cline Field. Series: Tied 1-1.
Last meeting: Prairie Heights won 28-22, Oct. 19, 2018, in sectional first round.
Last Whitko win: 45-0, Oct. 23, 2015, in sectional first round.
Harrell’s prediction: Prairie Heights, 21-20.
About Whitko: The Wildcats are coming off their closest game of the season, a 26-14 loss to Wabash. … Whitko, trying to avoid a second winless record in three years, is one of 22 teams in Indiana entering this postseason without a victory. … Sophomores Isaiah Kyles and Ethan Schuh each excelled against the Apaches. Kyles rushed for 108 yards on 20 carries with a touchdown, and added three catches for 43 yards. Schuh completed 6-of-10 passes for 63 yards in addition to netting 78 yards on 19 keepers with a TD. … If the Wildcats win, they’ll host Bluffton (7-2) or visit Fairfield (4-5) in next week’s semifinals.
About Prairie Heights: The Panthers are trying to snap a seven-game skid, their lone win being 35-0 in Week 2 at Bronson (Mich.). Members of the Northeast Corner Conference, they’re 0-8 against Indiana teams, with averages of 7.6 points scored and 32.9 allowed. … Sophomore Luke Severe has taken over at QB during the last two weeks with Ethan Hoover shifting to more running and receiving duties. The two combined are just 72-of-156 through the air for 792 yards with four TDs and 10 picks. … Hoover, however, has rushed for 505 yards, a 5.0 average and six scores, while sophomore Sam Levitz is at 368 yards and a 5.0 average with three TDs. … Levitz also has 80 tackles, six of them for loss, on defense, while fellow DB Hoover has made three interceptions. … If the Panthers win, they’ll be on the road next week regardless of opponent.
Whitko coach Phil Jensen:
On last week — “We made a better effort for four quarters. We took a lead on the game’s opening drive (for at least the third time this season), so 7-nothing there. We got down 19-7, then got it to 19-14 with five minutes to go in the fourth quarter, but couldn’t stop them. Still, we did some things better.”
On this week — “It’s really simple. Who wants to play next week? You got 1-8 against 0-9, but it’s a new season, so who wants to win and keep playing? It’s easy to say you want to, but we gotta get on a bus, go an hour and a half up there and it’s going to be cold this time of year. We’ve got several starters out again — we had 24 guys in pads (Tuesday) — but it’s all about what happens with the guys we’ve got left.”
On Isaiah Kyles — “He stepped up, did a real nice job at tailback, also went out on a play and made a big catch to keep a drive going. He did a real good job, as did Ethan Schuh.”
Class 1A, Sectional 44
Northfield (5-4) at Triton (2-7)
When: Friday, 7 p.m., Triton High School, Bourbon.
Series (last 35 years): Northfield, 19-14.
Harrell’s prediction: Northfield, 31-21.
Last meeting: Aug. 29, 2014, Northfield, 49-20.
Last time Triton won: Aug. 28, 2009, 26-15.
About Northfield: Coach Brandon Baker’s Norse are coming off a 23-12 home win against North Miami … Northfield is guided by Jarret Shafer (94 carries for 570 yards and seven TDs) and Levi Fulkerson (116 carries for 560 yards and seven TDs) in rushing, Fulkerson (59-of-131 for 856 yards and nine TDs) in passing and Graydon Holmes (22 catches for 277 yards and six TDs) in receiving. Total tackles leaders are Holmes (92) and Seth Forsyth (80) … The Norse won its lone sectional title and went all the way to semistate in 2015 and have lost three straight postseason games since then.
About Triton: The Trojans were edged 23-20 at Winamac in Week 9 … Triton offensive leaders include rusher Hunter McIntyre, passer Connor Pitney and receiver D’Angelo Shumpert. Trenton Kreft and Koby Mast are among the top total tacklers … The Trojans have won three sectional titles, most recently last season.
Triton coach Rodney Younis:
On Northfield — “They run the option. They’ve got a big offense line and a really good quarterback that makes good decisions and can throw the football well, too … This is a solid team. Their defense looks very aggressive and disciplined. This is definitely going to be a tough match-up for us. We’re excited to be able to play it at home and see what happens.”
On health — “We’ve got a few nicks here and there. Chance Baxter (concussion) will be out.”
On Winamac — “Our kids fought hard. The offensive line probably did the best they’ve done all year. They’re starting to peak at the right time. Hopefully, we can continue to make those strides.”
Tippecanoe Valley (6-3) vs. SB Washington (6-3)
When: Friday, 7 p.m, School Field, South Bend.
Series: First-ever meeting.
John Harrell’s.net's prediction: Washington, 21-20.
About Valley: In 45 years of football, the Vikings have never played a South Bend public school. … Friday’s contest is the WHME-TV game of the week. It will be shown on a tape-delay basis at 11 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. Saturday, as well as streamed live on Facebook. … Valley’s coming off a 21-7 loss to unbeaten Southwood that wrapped up the Three Rivers Conference title for the Class 1A No. 3-ranked Knights. … Friday marks the Vikings’ third game of the season on artificial turf, following 24-12 and 24-3 losses at Culver Academy and Maconaquah, respectively. … Dakota Gaff leads the Valley rushing attack with 674 yards, a 7.6 average and six touchdowns. Running back Jaydin Conley and quarterback Tanner Trippedi have combined for another 924 yards with a 5.2 average and 11 TDs. ... Jalen Potter has been decisively Trippedi’s favorite receiver, hauling in 30 of the Vikings’ 46 completed passes, and turning them into six scores and a 13.1 average. ... On defense, Potter has five interceptions and Harry Johnston three fumble recoveries to lead Valley to a 25-22 takeaway-giveaway edge. … If the Vikings win, they host Jimtown (5-4) or play at Garrett (3-6) in next week’s semifinals.
About Washington: The Panthers are in their first season under coach Todd Stammich. They finished 3-3 in the Northern Indiana Conference’s South Division to go with non-loop wins of 21-0 at Hammond (0-8), 14-7 at Kankakee Valley (4-5) and 26-13 over South Bend Adams (0-9). … Washington stands 3-1 at storied School Field, which features a second-year artificial surface and several other recent renovations. … The Panthers are almost all run all the time, averaging 254.1 yards on the ground and 5.7 per try to go with just two fumbles. Individually, Ta’Ron Bradshaw leads the way at 852 yards and eight TDs. His norm is 4.2. Big-play threats Kenyon Grant and Deonte Williams have combined for 965 yards, nine scores and 8.2 per attempt. … Through the air, Grant and fellow Washington QB Jason Tanner have been picked off a whopping eight times (four each) in just 35 attempts, against nine completions for 227 yards and four TDs. … If the Panthers win, they’ll be on the road next week regardless of opponent.
Valley coach Steve Moriarty:
On Washington — “They’re very talented and very big up front, which is something we’ll have to contend with, and they have a couple of very talented running backs who run really hard. Their record is the same as ours, and when you’ve been through their schedule and got a winning record like that, it’s impressive.”
On keys to victory — “For us, it’s not turn the ball over so many times. Really, not turn it over at all. We have got to secure the ball better, and then sustain our blocks against a very good defensive line. On both sides (of the ball), we’ll have to handle their size and physicality.”
On special variables — “Being the game of the week on channel 46, that adds some excitement, and School Field, what a long tradition there. To play there is an honor, and to play a bigger school (Washington is seventh among the 64 programs in 3A with an enrollment of 778, while Valley’s the second-smallest in 3A at 544), I think our kids are focused and excited about that opportunity and about the publicity of this week’s game.”
Class 4A, Sectional 19
Wawasee (2-7) at NorthWood (6-3)
When: Friday, 7 p.m., Andrews Field, Nappanee.
Series (last 35 years): NorthWood, 30-10.
Harrell’s prediction: NorthWood, 38-17.
Last meeting: Sept. 20, NorthWood won 40-10.
Last time Wawasee won: Sept. 19, 2014, 27-21.
About Wawasee: The Warriors won 28-23 at Goshen in the regular-season finale … The 28 points ties the season-high scored in a season-opening win against Lakeland … Wawasee leaders include Parker Young (104 carries 231 yards six TDs) and Levi Brown (49 carries for 194 yards) in rushing, Young (69-of-174 for 829 yards and four TDs) in passing and Ethan Garza (30 catches for 399 yards and three TDs) and Kameron Salazar (20 catches for 197 yards) in receiving … Nathan Larson (70) and Robert Schmucker (66) are among the top total tacklers … The Warriors have lost seven straight postseason games. The last wins in sectional play came in 2012 … Wawasee has has won two sectional crowns — the last in 2004.
About NorthWood: Coach Nate Andrews’ Panthers bested visiting Plymouth 40-20 … NorthWood averages 33.3 points per game with six games of 34 points or more … The Panthers are led by Nate Newcomer (151 carries for 982 yards and 11 TDs), Jaden Miller (111 carries for 668 yards and nine TDs) and Ben Mestach (48 carries for 510 yards and eight TDs) in rushing, Newcomer (40-of-77 for 728 yards and nine TDs) in passing and Jason Borkholder (eight catches for 246 yards and three TDs) in receiving. Borkholder (62) and Mestach (61) pace the squad in total tackles … NorthWood has lost once in first round of the sectional since 1994 and that was in 2013.
Wawasee coach Jon Reutebuch:
On NorthWood — “We’re going to have to play very well to compete. It’s an opportunity for us. We have nothing lose and everything to gain. We’re going to give it our best shot … We’ve had better success because we’ve got guys back who were injured earlier in the season. We’re about as healthy as we’ve been since the first game.”
On Offense — “The last couple of weeks we’ve been having a better go at offense. If you follow our scores — Warsaw (a 42-18 loss), Elkhart Memorial (a 21-14 loss), Goshen — we’re putting up more points and sustaining more drives. We’re being a little more consistent and opportunistic. I’d like to think that’s part of process and we’re getting better at executing our offense.”
On Goshen — “We still have that ‘Warrior Grit’ we’ve been talking about all season. When things were kind of chaotic in that fourth quarter with a lot of penalty flags flying and Goshen charging down the field and trying to make a comeback — because they’re fighting for their first conference win — our kids did not get down. They fought hard to finish the win.”
Class 2A, Sectional 34
Manchester (3-6) at Bremen (2-7)
When: Friday, 7 p.m, Bunge Field.
Series: Bremen leads 12-1-2.
Last meeting: Bremen won 41-6, Oct. 28, 2016, in sectional semifinal.
Last Manchester win: 6-0, Sept. 20, 1974.
Harrell’s prediction: Bremen, 28-24.
About Manchester: The Squires got three touchdown passes from Devin Marcum to three receivers on the way to closing their regular season with a 27-23 win over Peru (4-5). Braxton Ream added a 22-yard TD run. … Manchester is seeking its second postseason victory in the last eight years, the most recent one coming in 2016. … If the Squires win, they’ll host LaVille (7-2) or visit Wabash (4-5) in next week’s semifinals.
About Bremen: The Lions — 11-3 with a regional title just a year ago — are on pace for their worst record since 2-8 in 1986. … Bremen’s wins are 27-6 at Triton (2-7) and 41-0 over winless South Bend Clay. More recently, the Lions narrowly lost to fellow NIC South member South Bend Washington (6-3), 28-25 in Week 7. … Bremen leaders through seven games included running backs Bryce Wogomon and Brady Ginter with a combined 849 yards, nine touchdowns and a 5.2 average per attempt; tight end Sam Huffman with 26 catches for 381 yards, two TDs and a 14.7 average; and QB Ethan Nunemaker at 55-of-105 passing with five scores against seven picks. … If the Lions win, they’ll be on the road next week regardless of opponent.
Manchester coach Greg Miller:
On last week — “Any time you get a win right before the playoffs, we’ll take it. It was a great win for our kids, a great win for our seniors on Senior Night. I thought we executed pretty well on both sides of the ball, and defensively, we played lights out in the second half. Peru got inside the red zone, but we came up with some big plays.”
On Bremen — “They play in a good conference, play some very good teams. The record’s deceiving. They have good players, have a heck of a history and have good guys over there that we know through coaching clinics. Any time you go over there, it feels like you’re not just playing a team, but a history and Coach (Don) Bunge.”
On moving on — “It all comes down to one game. You win or put your stuff away. We’re excited about building on last week and focused on the opportunity. We’ll have to play well and have everyone execute their responsibilities.”
Class 2A, Sectional 35
Whitko (0-9) at Prairie Heights (1-8)
When: Friday, 7 p.m, Cline Field. Series: Tied 1-1.
Last meeting: Prairie Heights won 28-22, Oct. 19, 2018, in sectional first round.
Last Whitko win: 45-0, Oct. 23, 2015, in sectional first round.
Harrell’s prediction: Prairie Heights, 21-20.
About Whitko: The Wildcats are coming off their closest game of the season, a 26-14 loss to Wabash. … Whitko, trying to avoid a second winless record in three years, is one of 22 teams in Indiana entering this postseason without a victory. … Sophomores Isaiah Kyles and Ethan Schuh each excelled against the Apaches. Kyles rushed for 108 yards on 20 carries with a touchdown, and added three catches for 43 yards. Schuh completed 6-of-10 passes for 63 yards in addition to netting 78 yards on 19 keepers with a TD. … If the Wildcats win, they’ll host Bluffton (7-2) or visit Fairfield (4-5) in next week’s semifinals.
About Prairie Heights: The Panthers are trying to snap a seven-game skid, their lone win being 35-0 in Week 2 at Bronson (Mich.). Members of the Northeast Corner Conference, they’re 0-8 against Indiana teams, with averages of 7.6 points scored and 32.9 allowed. … Sophomore Luke Severe has taken over at QB during the last two weeks with Ethan Hoover shifting to more running and receiving duties. The two combined are just 72-of-156 through the air for 792 yards with four TDs and 10 picks. … Hoover, however, has rushed for 505 yards, a 5.0 average and six scores, while sophomore Sam Levitz is at 368 yards and a 5.0 average with three TDs. … Levitz also has 80 tackles, six of them for loss, on defense, while fellow DB Hoover has made three interceptions. … If the Panthers win, they’ll be on the road next week regardless of opponent.
Whitko coach Phil Jensen:
On last week — “We made a better effort for four quarters. We took a lead on the game’s opening drive (for at least the third time this season), so 7-nothing there. We got down 19-7, then got it to 19-14 with five minutes to go in the fourth quarter, but couldn’t stop them. Still, we did some things better.”
On this week — “It’s really simple. Who wants to play next week? You got 1-8 against 0-9, but it’s a new season, so who wants to win and keep playing? It’s easy to say you want to, but we gotta get on a bus, go an hour and a half up there and it’s going to be cold this time of year. We’ve got several starters out again — we had 24 guys in pads (Tuesday) — but it’s all about what happens with the guys we’ve got left.”
On Isaiah Kyles — “He stepped up, did a real nice job at tailback, also went out on a play and made a big catch to keep a drive going. He did a real good job, as did Ethan Schuh.”
Class 1A, Sectional 44
Northfield (5-4) at Triton (2-7)
When: Friday, 7 p.m., Triton High School, Bourbon.
Series (last 35 years): Northfield, 19-14.
Harrell’s prediction: Northfield, 31-21.
Last meeting: Aug. 29, 2014, Northfield, 49-20.
Last time Triton won: Aug. 28, 2009, 26-15.
About Northfield: Coach Brandon Baker’s Norse are coming off a 23-12 home win against North Miami … Northfield is guided by Jarret Shafer (94 carries for 570 yards and seven TDs) and Levi Fulkerson (116 carries for 560 yards and seven TDs) in rushing, Fulkerson (59-of-131 for 856 yards and nine TDs) in passing and Graydon Holmes (22 catches for 277 yards and six TDs) in receiving. Total tackles leaders are Holmes (92) and Seth Forsyth (80) … The Norse won its lone sectional title and went all the way to semistate in 2015 and have lost three straight postseason games since then.
About Triton: The Trojans were edged 23-20 at Winamac in Week 9 … Triton offensive leaders include rusher Hunter McIntyre, passer Connor Pitney and receiver D’Angelo Shumpert. Trenton Kreft and Koby Mast are among the top total tacklers … The Trojans have won three sectional titles, most recently last season.
Triton coach Rodney Younis:
On Northfield — “They run the option. They’ve got a big offense line and a really good quarterback that makes good decisions and can throw the football well, too … This is a solid team. Their defense looks very aggressive and disciplined. This is definitely going to be a tough match-up for us. We’re excited to be able to play it at home and see what happens.”
On health — “We’ve got a few nicks here and there. Chance Baxter (concussion) will be out.”
On Winamac — “Our kids fought hard. The offensive line probably did the best they’ve done all year. They’re starting to peak at the right time. Hopefully, we can continue to make those strides.”
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