Friday Night Lights is back, and whether the players and coaches are ready or not, all four area teams will strap on their helmets and be at full speed against real opponents on Friday night.
Here are some keys, facts, and players to watch for in each of the games.
Fountain Central at Southmont
Keys to the game
For Southmont to come away with their first win over the Mustangs since 2015, they are going to have to get their play-makers in open space. The Mounties strength is team speed, and not size up front. Get out of the backfield and into the perimeter, and it will be a long night for Fountain Central’s defense.
If the Mustangs want to continue their dominance over Southmont, they will have to win the turnover battle and win in the red zone. Force a fumble or two and get the ball in Southmont territory, and Fountain Central will be in the driver’s seat to a victory.
Players to watch
All eyes in this one will be on the two sophomore quarterbacks. Seth Martin for Fountain Central, and Trent Jones for Southmont.
Also look out for Cameron Giles on both side of the ball for the Mounties, and Fountain Central offensive lineman Jake Smith (if he plays, has been injured).
Facts
Fountain Central and Southmont first met on the gridiron in 1971 with the Mounties winning 41-0. The last win for Southmont was a 21-20 home win in 2015, while the Mustangs have an 8-2 record over the last 10 meetings. The most points scored in a game came from Fountain Central in a 60-21 win in 2014. Southmont owns the overall series record at 19-18, but the home team is just 18-19 overall.
Greencastle at Crawfordsville
Keys to the game
For Crawfordsville to pull out a win over Greencastle, the Athenians will have to keep the game low scoring, and find ways to capitalize on the Tiger Cubs mistakes. Last season the final was 9-0, and just 10-0 in Greencastle’s favor the season before. Following the scrimmage it appears one of Crawfordsville’s weaknesses is red zone defense. If they can force a few turnovers early in the Tiger Cub’s possessions, and score off them, they should have a great chance at a win.
Players to watch
Cale McCarty returns as the top offensive weapon for the Athenians. Two more offensive names to look for from the home team will be where receivers Andrew Martin and Kaigen Fields fall into the mix. Senior quarterback Brayden Baxter will be the key to the Tiger Cubs offense.
Facts
Crawfordsville owns a 21-6 series record over the Tiger Cubs, winning 20 of the first 22 meetings. Greencastle has won the last three meetings. One thing weighing in the Athenian’s favor is they hold a 13-2 home record against the Tiger Cubs.
North Putnam at North Montgomery
Keys to the game
Both North Putnam and North Montgomery return a lot of offensive firepower. However, the Cougars proved themselves last year with an 8-4 record and averaged almost 25 points per contest, while the Chargers were 4-7 overall, and averaged 22.5 points per game, including two shutouts. The Chargers have a strength up front on both ends of the ball. They will need to slow the pace of the game down, and take what the Cougars defense gives them. Force a turnover or two, and they’ll be headed toward a season opening victory.
Players to watch
The Chargers return Jaron Bradford at qaurterback. Look for his game development to pay dividends in year two, and look out for senior Drew Webster on both sides of the ball to be a difference maker. Aidan Baker returns as the top rusher for the Cougars, and will be their go-to-guy in their offense.
Facts
North Montgomery and North Putnam have met just 12 times, with the Chargers winning nine of the contests. A total of six of their meetings have come in the playoffs. The Chargers won the first eight games of the series, while the Cougars have won three of the last four. Overall, the Chargers own a 5-2 record at home.
Facts courtesy of Barry Lewis.
