Local High School Previews For Week 6
September 22, 2021 at 11:48 p.m.
Warsaw (4-1, 3-0 Northern Lakes Conference) at Goshen (2-3, 0-3 NLC)
When: Friday, 7 p.m., Foreman Field, Goshen.
Series (last 35 years): Warsaw, 22-13.
John Harrell’s prediction: Warsaw, 35-14.
Last meeting: Sept. 25, 2020, Warsaw 41-28.
About Warsaw — Coach Bart Curtis’ Tigers beat visiting Northridge 36-3 in Week 5 … Sparked by Julius Jones’ 88-yard kickoff return for a touchdown to open the third quarter, Warsaw outscored the Raiders 27-0 in the second half … Led by German Flores-Ortega (22 carries for 153 yards and two TDs) and Jayce Sawyer (seven carries for 96 yards and one TD), the Tigers ran for 362 yards … The Tigers are receiving votes in the Indiana Football Coaches Association Class 6A poll this week … The Warsaw-Goshen series dates to 1922 with the RedHawks lading 34-31-2 all-time. The Tigers have taken the last 13 meetings.
About Goshen — Coach Kyle Park’s RedHawks lost 21-12 to visiting Concord in Week 5 … Quinn Bechtel threw TD passes of 32 and 18 yards to Brayden Hinkel in the fourth quarter … On the season, Bechtel (42-of-78 for 470 yards and six TDs) leads in passing, Roman Schrock (38 carries for 197 yards and four TDs) and Bechtel (52 carries for 187 yards) in rushing and Hinkel (19 catches for 234 yards) and Noah Alford (17 catches for 158 yards) in receiving.
Per Warsaw coach Bart Curtis
On Goshen — They Concord and NorthWood everything they wanted. I guarantee they’ll come out Friday and play extremely hard and extremely well … They are talented enough to give you fits in the passing game and they’re playing really well on defense … We need to play well from the jump and we need to prepare well … Their record is a little deceiving. We expect their best shot. They will certainly get ours.
On ‘The Rev’ — (Rev. Roy C. Blake Jr., former team chaplain who died Sept. 12 at 94) was a stalwart for three decades here at Warsaw … My first two years here he was at practice a lot. He took care of (game) officials for years … We wear “REV” in orange letters on our helmets (in tribute).
On Northridge game — We didn’t play crisp. A lot of that was them … We started the second half really well. (The kickoff return by Jones) was a huge turning point and sparked us a little bit (Note: It was the first kick return for a score by Warsaw since Eli Owen at Plymouth in Game 3 of the 2018 season).
Whitko (1-4 overall, 1-3 TRC) at Tippecanoe Valley (5-0, 3-0)
When: Friday, 7 p.m., Smith-Bibler Memorial Field.
Series: Valley leads 29-19.
Last meeting: Valley won 57-24, Sept. 25, 2020.
Last Whitko win: 44-20, Sept. 16, 2016.
John Harrell prediction: Valley, 52-0.
About Whitko: The Wildcats earned their first victory last week, downing winless North Miami 21-14. Whitko opened with an onside kick, recovered and turned that into a touchdown drive, went to the intermission at 7-7 and took a 21-7 lead through three quarters. Down 21-14 in the fourth, North Miami blocked a punt to gain possession near midfield and drove to about the 10, before the Cats stopped the Warriors on downs to secure the win. … QB Slater Graig stood out with 128 yards on 17 keepers and a rushing touchdown to go with a 35-yard TD pass to Austin Kreps — Whitko’s first aerial score of the year. … Junior Ethan Wonder and freshman Nate Schuler made the Cats’ first two interceptions of the season, while linebacker Tyler Veach continued to pile up tackles with 16 (11 solo), including a sack. Wyatt Slusher added 10 tackles, including eight solo. … On the season, Veach is tied for second in the state in total tackles with 71 and ranks fourth in solos at 48.
About Valley: With a win, the Class 3A No. 9-ranked Vikings can match their 2007 club at 6-0 for the best start by the program in the last 34 years. … After having last Friday’s game against rival Rochester canceled mid-week due to health protocols at Rochester, Valley picked up a road contest at 1A No. 7 North Judson and beat the Bluejays 26-10. … Braden Shepherd dazzled with three touchdowns. He had two via runs during a 116-yard rushing night across 11 carries and the other on a screen pass that he turned into a 43-yard score. … On the season, Shepherd and Jamasyn Virgil own almost identical running numbers for the Vikings. Each has 41 carries, with Virgil’s good for 319 yards (7.8 average) and Shepherd’s for 317 (7.7). … Valley QB Branson McBrier is 32-of-46 for 545 yards and five TDs against no interceptions. … The Viking defense limited Judson to 113 yards from scrimmage and three points. Special teams allowed a 70-yard TD on a punt return. … There’s a four-way tie atop the Valley tackle-for-loss chart with Hunter Ehrenman, Dalton Alber, Karl Parker and Virgil each owning eight.
Whitko coach Chip Coldiron:
On last week: “It was my first win as a head coach, but the coolest thing was seeing our 40 kids jumping up and down like we’d won the Super Bowl. It was 0-and-4 versus 0-and-4, but it was cool to see them having a good time.”
On residual effects: “Our JV won Monday, so we went 2-for-2, and then our practice was very good (Tuesday). There have been a lot of good feelings off Friday. We just need to go out and play our butts off. We know they’re supposed to beat us by a lot of points, but there’s no pressure on us.”
On Valley: “Absolutely, on paper, they’re the best team we’re going to play in the regular season, but what I’ve told the kids is that’s why you play, because it’s not impossible. They have a lot of good upperclassmen and a lot of good backups. They have good numbers, good talent, good size, good schemes and good coaching.”
Valley coach Steve Moriarty:
On last week: “Finding out at 3:40 on a Wednesday who we’re going to be playing was a little different. Honestly, it was a little bit shocking that we were able to prepare as well as we did. They were undefeated and ranked and had played some good ball, but we came out really strong on defense. I was pleased with giving up 113 yards (from scrimmage), but return-wise, we gave up another 125 or so, so that’s something we need to work on.”
On Whitko: “They’re coming off a big victory for their program and have a nice, experienced player in Veach at tailback and linebacker. We can’t totally sell out on the run, because they have some play-action pass ability. We’re going to have to be focused, not get duped into thinking it’s just going to be a running game.”
On his team’s defense: “They’re just so aggressive. They fly to the ball. We haven’t had the swarming tackles around the ball that we’ve had this year. It’s a very disciplined defense at some points, but also one that just gets to it. We’re giving up 7.8 points per game and that’s No. 1 in the state for 3A (or larger) schools, so that makes you proud as a coach.”
Manchester (1-3 overall, 1-2 TRC) at Southwood (3-2, 3-1)
When: Friday, 7 p.m., Wagoner Field.
Series: Southwood leads 33-16.
Last meeting: Southwood won 54-13, Sept. 25, 2020.
Last Manchester win: 30-27, Sept. 28, 2012.
John Harrell’s prediction: Southwood, 28-24.
About Manchester: The Squires lost 35-12 to Northfield last week for their third straight defeat, those losses coming against teams that are a combined 11-2. The Norsemen led 21-0 at halftime. … Manchester fell despite receiver Seth Gaerte’s 10-reception, 97-yard performance that included a touchdown, pushing his season totals to 24, 360 and four. … Running back Braxton Ream has 373 yards on 59 carries for the Squires, junior quarterback Brock Casper is 50-of-101 throwing for 684 yards with eight TDs against three picks, and Dylan Stroud (44) and Dominic Lincoln (43) are pacing the defense in tackles. Junior linebacker Caden Miller has registered five of his team’s nine tackles for loss.
About Southwood: The Knights bounced back from their first TRC loss since 2017 — 20-13 to Northfield in Week 4 — by blanking winless Wabash 47-0 last week. … Southwood’s offense features dual-threat quarterback Morgan Lloyd (55 keepers, 570 yards and13 TDs on the ground; 608 yards and four TDs against two picks through the air), running back Isaiah Sutton (35 carries, 355 yards) and wideout Cole Winer (29 catches, 423 yards, four TDs). All three players are juniors, while the Knights’ top six tacklers are underclassmen as well. .. The closest of Southwood’s four wins against the Squires over the last four years has been by 33 points.
Manchester coach Alyx Brandewie:
On last week: “We came out with not quite as much juice as we needed, made some uncharacteristic mistakes early and dug ourselves a hole, and against a team like Northfield, it’s hard to get out of it. Probably the biggest positive was the way we played the back end of the third quarter and in the fourth quarter. It’s like our guys finally relaxed and had fun and played football. Hopefully, that bred some confidence going forward.”
On Southwood: “It’s really about their athletes. They have four or five kids who are really good athletes. If you don’t take account of where they’re lined up, they can hurt you at all times. They’ve got Lloyd and Sutton … and Winer is a go-to target, good hands, big, strong. It starts with those guys.”
On Seth Gaerte: “As good as he’s been on the field as a player, and he’s been outstanding, he’s been just as good in the locker room and as a leader. That’s the cool part, to see him mature and how he is with our younger guys. He needs (47) yards for 2,000 receiving (193 as a freshman, 463 as a sophomore and 937 as a junior to go with this season’s 360) and he scored his 20th career receiving touchdown last week.”
Triton (3-2, 2-1 Hoosier North Athletic Conference) at Pioneer (3-2, 2-1 HNAC)
When: Friday, 7 p.m., The Pit, Royal Center.
Series (last 35 years): Pioneer, 7-0.
John Harrell’s prediction: Pioneer, 28-17.
Last meeting: Sept. 25, 2020, Pioneer 48-6.
About Triton — Coach Rodney Younis’ Trojans won 35-24 at Culver in Week 5 … Anthony Schuh (18 rushes for 135 yards and one touchdown), Cole Shively (99 yards and three touchdowns passing), Cole Irvine (three receptions for 71 yards and three TDs) and Reilley Wood (eight runs for 19 yards and one TD) were offensive leaders … Shively (4.5 tackles and one interception), Amari Snyder (7 tackles and one fumble recovery) and Brayden Cunningham (10 tackles) shined on defense … On the season, Shively (22-of-55 for 223 yards and four TDs) leads in passing, Anthony Schuh (98 carries for 721 yards and six TDs), Shively (38 carries for 110 yards and one TD) and Trace Schuh (23 carries for 104 yards and one TD) in rushing and Irvine (five catches for 95 yards and three TDs) in receiving … Pacing in total tackles are Cunningham (52), Wood (41), Landon Lemler (38), Snyder (31) and Tyler Amsden (31).
About Pioneer — Coach Adam Berry’s Panthers beat visiting Hammond Central 46-19 in Week 5 … Pioneer’s Cayden Hill (2), Brock Robinson (2), Logan Smith (1) and Rhylahn Toloza (1) ran for TDs.
Per Triton coach Rodney Younis:
On Pioneer — They have such a solid program. It doesn’t matter when they graduate (players) they just reload … They’re on clicking on all cylinders. They have good team speed fly to ball.
Rushing defense — We have to make sure we’re rallying to the ball and not letting (the opponent) gain extra yardage. As long as we’re reading our keys we feel like we can be in the right plays … (Pioneer runs) a similar offense to what we run … Against Culver, they had big boys upfront (in a double-tight end T formation) with three backs in the back field and a lot of pulling (linemen) and fakes (to the running backs).
On Culver game — It was a good team win. Our offense played a good game. We were more balanced (between the run and pass). Defensively, we came up with some good turnovers in the second half that turned the game around for us.
Plymouth (0-5, 0-3 Northern Lakes Conference) at Wawasee (0-5, 0-3 NLC)
When: Friday, 7 p.m., Warrior Stadium, Syracuse.
Series (last 35 years): Plymouth, 24-16.
John Harrell’s prediction: Plymouth, 35-21.
Last meeting: Sept. 25, 2020, Plymouth 37-12.
About Plymouth — Coach John Barron’s Rockies lost 42-0 at Mishawaka in Week 5 … Plymouth allowed 254 total yards (220 rushing) and gained 69 (45 in the air) against Mishawaka while losing three fumbles … The Rockies are led by Lennon Creighbaum (31-of-61 for 443 yards and three touchdowns) in passing, Kwintin Heiny (95 carries for 316 yards and two TDs) in rushing and Michael Sheely (six catches for 110 yards and one TD) and Devante Garcia (nine catches for 99 yards) in receiving … Guiding in total tackles are Garcia (33) and Caden Hooley (32).
About Wawasee — Coach Jon Reutebuch’s Warriors lost 44-14 at NorthWood in Week 5 … Wawasee quarterback Lucas Ringler rushed for 102 yards and two TDs and passed for 59 yards … Ringler, who was started at slot receiver, spelled Jaxon Brown near the end of the first half.
Per Wawasee coach Jon Reutebuch:
On Plymouth — Plymouth is a team a lot like us. They’re searching for some answers. It should be a good football game …They probably pass more out of it than most flexbone teams do … (Garcia) jumps out on film to us. He’s their Mr. Everything. They want to get him on the perimeter … It’s a Jon Barron-coached team and an NLC team. We’e going to have to play to win.
Homecoming — It’s no different than any other week. We warn the kids about getting distracted. You want to win on Friday night in front of all the people coming to see you play.
On NorthWood game — Once again we went into that game shortened. We had three new lineman and two new (defensive backs). This is nothing new for us. It’ll be nice when we get our full team back — whenever that is … The kids played hard. We started out the game well. We recovered a fumbled punt and had a flash sweep pass that went for big yardage and had a first down at the six and came away with no points.
Warsaw (4-1, 3-0 Northern Lakes Conference) at Goshen (2-3, 0-3 NLC)
When: Friday, 7 p.m., Foreman Field, Goshen.
Series (last 35 years): Warsaw, 22-13.
John Harrell’s prediction: Warsaw, 35-14.
Last meeting: Sept. 25, 2020, Warsaw 41-28.
About Warsaw — Coach Bart Curtis’ Tigers beat visiting Northridge 36-3 in Week 5 … Sparked by Julius Jones’ 88-yard kickoff return for a touchdown to open the third quarter, Warsaw outscored the Raiders 27-0 in the second half … Led by German Flores-Ortega (22 carries for 153 yards and two TDs) and Jayce Sawyer (seven carries for 96 yards and one TD), the Tigers ran for 362 yards … The Tigers are receiving votes in the Indiana Football Coaches Association Class 6A poll this week … The Warsaw-Goshen series dates to 1922 with the RedHawks lading 34-31-2 all-time. The Tigers have taken the last 13 meetings.
About Goshen — Coach Kyle Park’s RedHawks lost 21-12 to visiting Concord in Week 5 … Quinn Bechtel threw TD passes of 32 and 18 yards to Brayden Hinkel in the fourth quarter … On the season, Bechtel (42-of-78 for 470 yards and six TDs) leads in passing, Roman Schrock (38 carries for 197 yards and four TDs) and Bechtel (52 carries for 187 yards) in rushing and Hinkel (19 catches for 234 yards) and Noah Alford (17 catches for 158 yards) in receiving.
Per Warsaw coach Bart Curtis
On Goshen — They Concord and NorthWood everything they wanted. I guarantee they’ll come out Friday and play extremely hard and extremely well … They are talented enough to give you fits in the passing game and they’re playing really well on defense … We need to play well from the jump and we need to prepare well … Their record is a little deceiving. We expect their best shot. They will certainly get ours.
On ‘The Rev’ — (Rev. Roy C. Blake Jr., former team chaplain who died Sept. 12 at 94) was a stalwart for three decades here at Warsaw … My first two years here he was at practice a lot. He took care of (game) officials for years … We wear “REV” in orange letters on our helmets (in tribute).
On Northridge game — We didn’t play crisp. A lot of that was them … We started the second half really well. (The kickoff return by Jones) was a huge turning point and sparked us a little bit (Note: It was the first kick return for a score by Warsaw since Eli Owen at Plymouth in Game 3 of the 2018 season).
Whitko (1-4 overall, 1-3 TRC) at Tippecanoe Valley (5-0, 3-0)
When: Friday, 7 p.m., Smith-Bibler Memorial Field.
Series: Valley leads 29-19.
Last meeting: Valley won 57-24, Sept. 25, 2020.
Last Whitko win: 44-20, Sept. 16, 2016.
John Harrell prediction: Valley, 52-0.
About Whitko: The Wildcats earned their first victory last week, downing winless North Miami 21-14. Whitko opened with an onside kick, recovered and turned that into a touchdown drive, went to the intermission at 7-7 and took a 21-7 lead through three quarters. Down 21-14 in the fourth, North Miami blocked a punt to gain possession near midfield and drove to about the 10, before the Cats stopped the Warriors on downs to secure the win. … QB Slater Graig stood out with 128 yards on 17 keepers and a rushing touchdown to go with a 35-yard TD pass to Austin Kreps — Whitko’s first aerial score of the year. … Junior Ethan Wonder and freshman Nate Schuler made the Cats’ first two interceptions of the season, while linebacker Tyler Veach continued to pile up tackles with 16 (11 solo), including a sack. Wyatt Slusher added 10 tackles, including eight solo. … On the season, Veach is tied for second in the state in total tackles with 71 and ranks fourth in solos at 48.
About Valley: With a win, the Class 3A No. 9-ranked Vikings can match their 2007 club at 6-0 for the best start by the program in the last 34 years. … After having last Friday’s game against rival Rochester canceled mid-week due to health protocols at Rochester, Valley picked up a road contest at 1A No. 7 North Judson and beat the Bluejays 26-10. … Braden Shepherd dazzled with three touchdowns. He had two via runs during a 116-yard rushing night across 11 carries and the other on a screen pass that he turned into a 43-yard score. … On the season, Shepherd and Jamasyn Virgil own almost identical running numbers for the Vikings. Each has 41 carries, with Virgil’s good for 319 yards (7.8 average) and Shepherd’s for 317 (7.7). … Valley QB Branson McBrier is 32-of-46 for 545 yards and five TDs against no interceptions. … The Viking defense limited Judson to 113 yards from scrimmage and three points. Special teams allowed a 70-yard TD on a punt return. … There’s a four-way tie atop the Valley tackle-for-loss chart with Hunter Ehrenman, Dalton Alber, Karl Parker and Virgil each owning eight.
Whitko coach Chip Coldiron:
On last week: “It was my first win as a head coach, but the coolest thing was seeing our 40 kids jumping up and down like we’d won the Super Bowl. It was 0-and-4 versus 0-and-4, but it was cool to see them having a good time.”
On residual effects: “Our JV won Monday, so we went 2-for-2, and then our practice was very good (Tuesday). There have been a lot of good feelings off Friday. We just need to go out and play our butts off. We know they’re supposed to beat us by a lot of points, but there’s no pressure on us.”
On Valley: “Absolutely, on paper, they’re the best team we’re going to play in the regular season, but what I’ve told the kids is that’s why you play, because it’s not impossible. They have a lot of good upperclassmen and a lot of good backups. They have good numbers, good talent, good size, good schemes and good coaching.”
Valley coach Steve Moriarty:
On last week: “Finding out at 3:40 on a Wednesday who we’re going to be playing was a little different. Honestly, it was a little bit shocking that we were able to prepare as well as we did. They were undefeated and ranked and had played some good ball, but we came out really strong on defense. I was pleased with giving up 113 yards (from scrimmage), but return-wise, we gave up another 125 or so, so that’s something we need to work on.”
On Whitko: “They’re coming off a big victory for their program and have a nice, experienced player in Veach at tailback and linebacker. We can’t totally sell out on the run, because they have some play-action pass ability. We’re going to have to be focused, not get duped into thinking it’s just going to be a running game.”
On his team’s defense: “They’re just so aggressive. They fly to the ball. We haven’t had the swarming tackles around the ball that we’ve had this year. It’s a very disciplined defense at some points, but also one that just gets to it. We’re giving up 7.8 points per game and that’s No. 1 in the state for 3A (or larger) schools, so that makes you proud as a coach.”
Manchester (1-3 overall, 1-2 TRC) at Southwood (3-2, 3-1)
When: Friday, 7 p.m., Wagoner Field.
Series: Southwood leads 33-16.
Last meeting: Southwood won 54-13, Sept. 25, 2020.
Last Manchester win: 30-27, Sept. 28, 2012.
John Harrell’s prediction: Southwood, 28-24.
About Manchester: The Squires lost 35-12 to Northfield last week for their third straight defeat, those losses coming against teams that are a combined 11-2. The Norsemen led 21-0 at halftime. … Manchester fell despite receiver Seth Gaerte’s 10-reception, 97-yard performance that included a touchdown, pushing his season totals to 24, 360 and four. … Running back Braxton Ream has 373 yards on 59 carries for the Squires, junior quarterback Brock Casper is 50-of-101 throwing for 684 yards with eight TDs against three picks, and Dylan Stroud (44) and Dominic Lincoln (43) are pacing the defense in tackles. Junior linebacker Caden Miller has registered five of his team’s nine tackles for loss.
About Southwood: The Knights bounced back from their first TRC loss since 2017 — 20-13 to Northfield in Week 4 — by blanking winless Wabash 47-0 last week. … Southwood’s offense features dual-threat quarterback Morgan Lloyd (55 keepers, 570 yards and13 TDs on the ground; 608 yards and four TDs against two picks through the air), running back Isaiah Sutton (35 carries, 355 yards) and wideout Cole Winer (29 catches, 423 yards, four TDs). All three players are juniors, while the Knights’ top six tacklers are underclassmen as well. .. The closest of Southwood’s four wins against the Squires over the last four years has been by 33 points.
Manchester coach Alyx Brandewie:
On last week: “We came out with not quite as much juice as we needed, made some uncharacteristic mistakes early and dug ourselves a hole, and against a team like Northfield, it’s hard to get out of it. Probably the biggest positive was the way we played the back end of the third quarter and in the fourth quarter. It’s like our guys finally relaxed and had fun and played football. Hopefully, that bred some confidence going forward.”
On Southwood: “It’s really about their athletes. They have four or five kids who are really good athletes. If you don’t take account of where they’re lined up, they can hurt you at all times. They’ve got Lloyd and Sutton … and Winer is a go-to target, good hands, big, strong. It starts with those guys.”
On Seth Gaerte: “As good as he’s been on the field as a player, and he’s been outstanding, he’s been just as good in the locker room and as a leader. That’s the cool part, to see him mature and how he is with our younger guys. He needs (47) yards for 2,000 receiving (193 as a freshman, 463 as a sophomore and 937 as a junior to go with this season’s 360) and he scored his 20th career receiving touchdown last week.”
Triton (3-2, 2-1 Hoosier North Athletic Conference) at Pioneer (3-2, 2-1 HNAC)
When: Friday, 7 p.m., The Pit, Royal Center.
Series (last 35 years): Pioneer, 7-0.
John Harrell’s prediction: Pioneer, 28-17.
Last meeting: Sept. 25, 2020, Pioneer 48-6.
About Triton — Coach Rodney Younis’ Trojans won 35-24 at Culver in Week 5 … Anthony Schuh (18 rushes for 135 yards and one touchdown), Cole Shively (99 yards and three touchdowns passing), Cole Irvine (three receptions for 71 yards and three TDs) and Reilley Wood (eight runs for 19 yards and one TD) were offensive leaders … Shively (4.5 tackles and one interception), Amari Snyder (7 tackles and one fumble recovery) and Brayden Cunningham (10 tackles) shined on defense … On the season, Shively (22-of-55 for 223 yards and four TDs) leads in passing, Anthony Schuh (98 carries for 721 yards and six TDs), Shively (38 carries for 110 yards and one TD) and Trace Schuh (23 carries for 104 yards and one TD) in rushing and Irvine (five catches for 95 yards and three TDs) in receiving … Pacing in total tackles are Cunningham (52), Wood (41), Landon Lemler (38), Snyder (31) and Tyler Amsden (31).
About Pioneer — Coach Adam Berry’s Panthers beat visiting Hammond Central 46-19 in Week 5 … Pioneer’s Cayden Hill (2), Brock Robinson (2), Logan Smith (1) and Rhylahn Toloza (1) ran for TDs.
Per Triton coach Rodney Younis:
On Pioneer — They have such a solid program. It doesn’t matter when they graduate (players) they just reload … They’re on clicking on all cylinders. They have good team speed fly to ball.
Rushing defense — We have to make sure we’re rallying to the ball and not letting (the opponent) gain extra yardage. As long as we’re reading our keys we feel like we can be in the right plays … (Pioneer runs) a similar offense to what we run … Against Culver, they had big boys upfront (in a double-tight end T formation) with three backs in the back field and a lot of pulling (linemen) and fakes (to the running backs).
On Culver game — It was a good team win. Our offense played a good game. We were more balanced (between the run and pass). Defensively, we came up with some good turnovers in the second half that turned the game around for us.
Plymouth (0-5, 0-3 Northern Lakes Conference) at Wawasee (0-5, 0-3 NLC)
When: Friday, 7 p.m., Warrior Stadium, Syracuse.
Series (last 35 years): Plymouth, 24-16.
John Harrell’s prediction: Plymouth, 35-21.
Last meeting: Sept. 25, 2020, Plymouth 37-12.
About Plymouth — Coach John Barron’s Rockies lost 42-0 at Mishawaka in Week 5 … Plymouth allowed 254 total yards (220 rushing) and gained 69 (45 in the air) against Mishawaka while losing three fumbles … The Rockies are led by Lennon Creighbaum (31-of-61 for 443 yards and three touchdowns) in passing, Kwintin Heiny (95 carries for 316 yards and two TDs) in rushing and Michael Sheely (six catches for 110 yards and one TD) and Devante Garcia (nine catches for 99 yards) in receiving … Guiding in total tackles are Garcia (33) and Caden Hooley (32).
About Wawasee — Coach Jon Reutebuch’s Warriors lost 44-14 at NorthWood in Week 5 … Wawasee quarterback Lucas Ringler rushed for 102 yards and two TDs and passed for 59 yards … Ringler, who was started at slot receiver, spelled Jaxon Brown near the end of the first half.
Per Wawasee coach Jon Reutebuch:
On Plymouth — Plymouth is a team a lot like us. They’re searching for some answers. It should be a good football game …They probably pass more out of it than most flexbone teams do … (Garcia) jumps out on film to us. He’s their Mr. Everything. They want to get him on the perimeter … It’s a Jon Barron-coached team and an NLC team. We’e going to have to play to win.
Homecoming — It’s no different than any other week. We warn the kids about getting distracted. You want to win on Friday night in front of all the people coming to see you play.
On NorthWood game — Once again we went into that game shortened. We had three new lineman and two new (defensive backs). This is nothing new for us. It’ll be nice when we get our full team back — whenever that is … The kids played hard. We started out the game well. We recovered a fumbled punt and had a flash sweep pass that went for big yardage and had a first down at the six and came away with no points.