Sticking to
the plan
All business for Cougars
New Prairie quarterback Zach Blackwood (7) will lead the Cougars against Culver Military. Tribune Photo/JOE KLINE
MATT KOPSEA
Tribune Staff Writer
NEW CARLISLE -- It's been business as usual this week for the New Prairie football team.
"We didn't do anything different this Monday that we haven't done the previous 11 Mondays," said New Prairie coach Bart Curtis following practice. "The same holds true for the rest of the week. We've got our routine down and we plan on sticking to it right down to the very end."
Just like 10 of the previous 11 Friday night's, No. 5 New Prairie (10-1) hopes to celebrating once again tonight when it plays host to Culver Military (9-2) for the Class 3-A Sectional 19 title at Amzie Miller Field at 8 p.m. EST.
The winner advances to play either No. 3 Norwell (11-0) or Fort Wayne Concordia (6-5) in next week's regional finale.
It has been a banner year indeed for the Cougars, who have rolled up 3,848 yards rushing and 400 points."Our offensive line has carried us," said New Prairie quarterback Zach Blackwood. "They've done everything possible to help make our (running backs) job that much easier."
The same can be said for the Eagles as they enter the contest with 3,052 yards on the ground, good for 299 points.
"If you look at both teams, we're almost mirror images of each other," Curtis said. "Although they run more of a spread option type of offense, they use their personnel in the same fashion we do."
While the Cougars have gotten a lot of production out of Blackwood (1,087 yards rushing), CMA has depended on running back Neven Fingerhut (1,237 rushing).
"Blackwood is clearly the most valuable player on their team and makes the offense seemingly unstoppable," said CMA coach Andy Dorrel. "He certainly has command of his teammates and their option attack is one of the most sophisticated offenses we have faced this season."
In addition to being quite effective offensively, both teams have made
things happen with their defenses as well.
While New Prairie defensive back Cody Williamson has come up with five
interceptions and a fumble recovery, Eagles' defensive lineman Trevor
Grywatch has made life tough for opponents with 15 tackles for losses and
nine quarterback sacks.
"New Prairie plays with great determination on defense and will
certainly challenge our offense," Dorrel added. "In order to
keep their offense in check, we've got to force them to make mistakes.
"I expect the outcome of this game will be determined by which
defense can force turnovers and which offense can execute with the highest
efficiency."
Curtis has just about the same take on things.
"They're a tough, physical team with a lot of weapons both
offensively and defensively," Curtis said. "This means we've got
to come out strong and be ready to fight hard for 48 minutes.
"The team that comes out on top Friday night will be the one that can
run the ball, catch the ball, block, and tackle better."