North Montgomery will be playing in the sectional championship game for the first time since 2014. The Chargers will face 2A No. 1 Lafayette Central Catholic on Friday at Charger Field.
Central Catholic (10-0) have played in 10 straight sectional championship games and have won five in a row.
Due to the IHSAA Success Factor, the Knights have moved up to the 2A class this season making them one of the smallest schools in 2A. However, there are only 2A through 4A teams on their schedule.
The Chargers (5-6) moved from 3A to 2A this season and are one of the largest 2A schools in the state.
North Montgomery Coach Josh Thompson realizes his team is in for a battle against a Knights team that has one of the best football traditions in Indiana, but says his team will be ready for the challenge.
“Central Catholic is a balanced team on offense,” Thompson said. “We are going to have to stop the big plays and force turnovers. We have to finish our drives in the end zone.”
Central Catholic average 38.2 points per game. Their offense has amassed 2,541 yards in the passing game and 1,494 yards rushing . The Knights’ senior quarterback Bobby Metzger is a three-year starter and has completed 67% of his passes for 246 yards per game and has recorded 28 touchdowns through the air. His main target has been senior Hudson Gutwein who averages 78.3 yards per contest. Junior running back Mason Meister averages 93 yards per game and has scored 14 touchdowns.
North Montgomery will counter with junior quarterback Jack Warren. The first-year quarterback seems to have improved every game and has led the Charger offense though the air and rushing the ball.
Senior wide receiver Kelby Harwood is the number one target for Warren. Harwood has hauled in 13 touchdowns on the season.
Charger sophomore Dakota Glasson’s role has increased the past few games. The speedster has given the Chargers another option to run and receive the football. Glasson has also proven to be a threat as a punt and kickoff returner.
Defensively the Chargers are led by Glasson who leads the team in tackles. Harwood and Warren along with senior lineman Andy Vesilji are key to the Chargers stopping the Knight offense.
Thompson said returning to a championship game is good, but his team wants more.
“We don’t want to be content playing for a sectional championship,” Thompson said. “We want to prepare for success and that will come from working through the process.”
Friday’s kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.
Tickets will be available at the gate and can only be purchased with a card. No cash will be accepted.
Other area Friday games:
• 5A Kokomo at Lafayette Jefferson
• 4A Huntington North at Lebanon
• 3A Guerin Catholic at Tri-West
• 3A Maconaquah at West Lafayette
• 2A Linton at Greencastle
• 1A South Putnam at Riverton Park
• 1A Cloverdale at Sheridan
