Throw the records out. Because they don’t matter.
Southmont has been nearly flawless in four wins this season, looking stronger each week, while Crawfordsville has shown steady improvement in four losses to open the season, even if the scoreboard hasn’t showed it.
Those things will carry very little weight into Friday night’s showdown between the two Montgomery County rivals at Southmont as the Mounties celebrate 50 years of sports at Southmont and welcome back the 1971 football team that went undefeated in the first year of the schools’ existence.
“Being a County rivalry, both teams will be ready to play,” Southmont coach Desson Hannum said. “I have no doubt that Crawfordsville will be ready and that they will be looking to play their best game of the season. Our focus has to be on playing a complete game and controlling what we can control.”
Crawfordsville has scored just 38 points against 156 given up in four games this season, 26 of which were scored in a week two loss at West Vigo.
“The goal this week is to play to our potential and leave it all on the field Friday night,” Crawfordsville coach Kurt Schlicher said.
Kaiden Underwood leads the Athenian passing attack with 269 yards and a pair of touchdowns, while Kaigen Fields has 114 rushing yards. Evan Chaney leads the Sagamore Conference with 43 total tackles.
The offensive output for the Athenians and Mounties have been a night and day difference. The Mounties are averaging 28.75 points per game, led by Sagamore Conference rushing leader Wyatt Woodall’s 412 rushing yards. Carson Chadd has added 188 on the ground and Nick Scott 246 yards and five touchdowns through the air.
“Southmont has been impressive on film with their ability to attack in many ways,” Schlicher said about the Mounties. “They have had success running football both inside and on the perimeter. Their passing game has always proven to be dangerous. Our goal defensively will be to try and eliminate the big plays which they are capable of making.”
Southmont’s defense has been just as impressive, allowing just 34 points, including a 13-0 shutout win over Seeger in week three.
“Our Defense has been key to our start this season,” Hannum said. “We have been strong vs the run up to this point during the season and our Pass Defense continues to improve. Another important has been our ability to create turnovers.”
