On the Sidelines - 2009

ON THE SIDELINES
A high school football blog written by High School Friday Night host Derek Schultz.  E-mail any comments/questions to derek@XL950.com. 

FRIDAY, AUGUST 28

Deduct a letter grade

With all the craziness of the football season that is here (high school), looming (college), and rapidly approaching (NFL), I sincerely apologize for being a week late to the party.  (Side note: judging from the old school grading system of -5 points per day late, I’d be down from an A to a D at this point)

So what did I miss?  Well, Cathedral made a big statement with a 7-3 win at Carmel, avenging last year’s come-from-ahead 28-21 loss.  Western Boone shocked 1A #1 Sheridan with a dominating 28-8 win, making it consecutive losses for the Blackhawks for the first time since 2003.  Hamilton Southeastern edged rival Avon 7-6 to solidify their status as Hoosier Crossroads favorite.  Finally, Ben Davis, Warren Central, Ritter, and Chatard all flexed their collective muscle.

But, Week 1 was relatively light as far as big-time battles go.  If the opening week was the appetizer, then Week 2 is the main course.  For the contenders, there are plenty of statements to make tonight:

SIDELINES’ GAMES OF THE WEEK

4A #1 Cathedral (1-0) at 5A #1 Warren Central (1-0)

What do you need to say about this game?  The two programs have combined for 13 State titles – over half of which have come in the last decade.  If Cathedral is able to win at Carmel and at Warren in back-to-back weeks, then they might as well cancel the 4A State playoffs and just hand the trophy to the Irish.  Cathedral is really, really good but I have to believe that Warren is just too strong at home. 

Sidelines pick: Warren Central 21, Cathedral 13

5A #7 Pike (1-0) at 5A #2 Center Grove (1-0)

Dyjuan Lewis was a one-man show in the Red Devils’ 21-7 opening win over North Central, scoring on a 92-yard kickoff return and a 96-yard touchdown reception.  However, Pike will need a team effort to knock off the defending 5A State Champs, especially on their home field.  Eric Moore’s Trojans were gutted by graduation, but are playing with a chip on their shoulder.

Sidelines pick:Center Grove 24, Pike 17

5A #5 Hamilton Southeastern (1-0) at Fishers (1-0)

Who would’ve though that when Rick Wimmer started the Fishers program in 2006 that this rivalry game would already be one of Central Indy’s best?  The Tigers came within a touchdown of knocking off the Royals last year on their homefield.  The Fishers defense, which returns nine starters, should have their hands full with HSE senior tailback Matt Ripp who is one of the top backs in the entire state.  Expect the Mudsock to be another slugfest.

Sidelines pick:Hamilton Southeastern 17, Fishers 16

Franklin Central (1-0) at 4A #7 Roncalli (1-0)

Here is Franklin Central’s chance to prove that 2008 was nothing more than a fluke down year.  A lot of people are high on the Flashes, but they were sluggish in a one-point opening week win over a so-so Decatur Central team.  Meanwhile, Roncalli has won just eight games over the past two years (gasp!), but impressed in the victory over Southport and are considered by some to be a darkhorse in 4A. 

Sidelines pick:Roncalli 31, Franklin Central 14

Around the State

5A #3 Ben Davis (1-0) at 5A #10 Penn (1-0) – renewing one of the great football rivalries in all of Indiana.

2A #2 Southridge (1-0) at 4A #4 Jasper (1-0) – don't less the two-class gap fool you... The last three meetings between these rivals have been decided by 6, 3, 6 (in overtime) points.

5A #9 Columbus East (1-0) at 5A #8 Columbus North – the battle of Columbus is always fun, and there’s no reason not to expect more fireworks this time around.

On tap for tonight's High School Friday Night pre-game show: Fishers head coach Rick Wimmer and Pike head coach Derek Moyers.