IHSAA 1A Sectional Championship Previews

<p>Today is the day! Indiana Sectional Championship football is back! It's time to crown some champions and highlight key players in the 1A matchup tonight.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Sectional 41: North Judson (7-4) @ Triton (9-3)</h2>   <p>North Judson will be on the road against Triton in the Sectional 41 title game. These two played back in September, and Triton won in dominating fashion 40-7. North Judson will look to win their 3rd straight, 16th total sectional titles, and Triton will look to win their 4th. Let's take a look at some key players in this matchup below.</p>   <p>North Judson shut out South Newton 42-0 in Round 2. North Judson is getting hot at the right time of the year. Their offense and defense were exceptional in Round 2. The run-heavy offense was led by [player_tooltip player_id='553151' first='Jesiah' last='McDaniel'] (Jr.) QB with 8 carries, 129 yards, and 3 TDs. [player_tooltip player_id='553107' first='Brock' last='Benson'] (Jr.) RB carried the ball 12 times for 82 yards and 1 TD. Both teams rely on the run, and North Judson's duo will look to dominate in this one. On defense, CJ Sanches (So.) DL was incredible in Round 2. The SOPHOMORE went on a tear in the backfield with 8 solos, 2 assists, 10 total, 8 TFLs, and 4.5 sacks! This young man will look to replicate that performance again today. North Judson is out for revenge and will attempt to take that sectional title home for the third straight year.</p>   <p>Triton won on the road in a shutout win against Culver County 56-0 in the second round. Triton will be looking to outrun their opponents and have another stifling defense performance today. Triton is led by their backfield duo of Jayden Overmyer (So.) and Vincent Prater (So.). Overmyer led the team in rushing in Round 2 with 10 carries, 121 yards, and 2 TDs. Vincent Prater had a productive day with 8 carries, 81 yards, and 2 TDs. Ground and pound is the name of the game for Triton, and they do it successfully with these two. Dante' Workman will be my impact player for Triton's defense in the sectional title game tonight. He had 4 solos, 3 assists, and 7 total in Round 2. Expect him to help stuff the run tonight. Triton looks to put their opponent's run to a stop tonight and continue their journey in the tournament.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Sectional 42: Park Tudor (11-0) @ North Vermillion (8-3)</h2>   <p>Undefeated Park Tudor will travel for the Sectional 42 championship game at North Vermillion. These two have not played this season or against each other in last season's playoffs. Park Tudor will seek to win their 4th sectional title, and North Vermillion will seek to win their 8th. Let's highlight the key players for both teams in this matchup.</p>   <p>Park Tudor picked up a second-round win against Clinton Central 48-6. Park Tudor remains unbeaten and looks to get better each week. [player_tooltip player_id='322440' first='DJ' last='Gordon'] (Sr.) QB was a dangerous man in the Round 2 win. He went 7/8 for 157 yards and 2 TDs through the air. On the ground, DJ carried the ball 7 times for 262 yards and 3 TDs! Cason Ritz (Sr.) WR had a great game on the receiving end with 4 receptions, 109 yards, and 1 TD. DJ and Cason will be tough to stop today and possibly all the way to Lucas Oil. Park Tudor's defense was solid in Round 2. The impact player to watch for in this matchup will be Nathan Harris (Jr.) LB. Harris ended up with 3 solos, 6 assists, 9 total, and 3 TFLs. Park Tudor is going into this one with confidence and will look to keep the streak alive tonight.</p>   <p>North Vermillion was home against Clinton Prairie in a shootout, 50-42. The offense was hot and abundant in the Round 2 win. Jerome White (Sr.) QB went 14/23 for 334 yards and 5 TDs. The senior QB threw it all of the yard and had 14 carries, 70 yards, and 1 TD. Cody Tyron (Sr.) WR was the main target in Round 2 with 6 receptions, 244 yards, and 4 TDs! These two have great chemistry heading into this matchup and will play a significant role in winning this game. Wyatt Walters (Sr.) LB will be my key player on North Vermillion's defense in the sectional title. The defense may have struggled, but I see the senior LB stepping up and having a big game. He had 9 tackles in Round 2. North Vermillion will look to clean up mistakes from Round 2 and end the streak of their opponent.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Sectional 43: Carroll (11-0) @ Tri-Central (6-6)</h2>   <p>Tri-Central will host undefeated Carroll in the Sectional 43 championship game. The last time these two played, Carroll shut out Tri-Central 42-0. With a today, Carroll would claim their 8th sectional title, and Tri-Central would claim their 4th. Let's get into the matchup and identify key players on both sides.</p>   <p>In Round 2, Carroll was home against Caston and won with ease, 49-6. Carroll has been on a roll, and this offense is fun to watch. Luke Tanner (Jr.) QB and Griffin Viney (Sr.) WR are going to be the two impact players in this game. Luke Tanner has been accurate all season and makes incredible throws all game. I like his poise in the pocket and how he delivers the ball to his receivers where only they can make the catch. One of those wideouts is Griffin Viney. Griffin has been tremendous for Carroll, making insane catches all season. His long frame gives him the ability to go up and come down with any pass thrown his way. This duo will look to fire on all cylinders and come out on top tonight. Carroll looks to keep the streak going and take it all the way to the state finals.</p>   <p>Tri-Central picked up a second-round victory against West Central, 17-8. Tri-Central may have won in a tight one, but their rushing attack and defense were solid. Owen Tolle (So.) RB carried the rock 20 times for 139 yards and 1 TD. Owen was also all over the field on defense, getting 7 tackles on the night. Gatlin Hinkle (Sr.) RB had 10 carries for 98 yards in the win over West Central. Tri-Central will look to lean on these two on offense to pick up the win tonight. On defense, Aaron Hoback (Jr.) LB led the defense with 7 solos, 3 assists, and 10 total in the second round. Aaron will be up for the task tonight and make plays to help his team win. Tri-Central is the home underdog and will look to upset the favorites in front of the home crowd.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Sectional 44: Adams Central (11-0) @ Madison-Grant (8-3)</h2>   <p>Madison-Grant is home against undefeated Adams Central in the Sectional 44 championship game. These two did not play each other this season or in last season's playoffs. Adams Central will look to win its 24th sectional title, and Madison-Grant is looking to win its 3rd. Let's dive into the matchup and key players on both sides.</p>   <p>Adams Central beat Southwood 48-0 in the second round. Adams Central has been on an absolute tear this season. Aaron Hirschy (Jr.) RB has been a playmaker all season. The junior RB is a hard-nosed runner and is a great lead blocker for the Adams Central wishbone offense. [player_tooltip player_id='322401' first='Zachary' last='Wurm'] (Sr.) OL/DL is a beast in the trenches. He is a freak athlete with great power and strength. Wurm bullies anyone he is in front of and will be a problem in the trenches all night. [player_tooltip player_id='903090' first='Cameron' last='Fravel'] (So.) OL/DL is a great young, talented lineman for Adams Central. He has a great, powerful frame that has been tough to stop all year. This Adams Central team has some serious talent that could take them all the way this year.</p>   <p>In the second round, Madison-Grant was on the road and won 43-14 against North Miami. Madison-Grant may be the underdogs in this one, but they have the talent to make this a great game tonight. Andrew Stanley (Jr.) RB has been an incredible athlete for Maidson-Grant. He has excellent speed and does a great job making defenders miss in space. Andrew is a strong runner and rarely goes down on the first hit. Cole Stitt (Jr.) RB has been a stud for Madison-Grant. He is another back who is a strong runner who does an excellent job shedding off tackles and making big plays down the field. This game will be won on the ground, and Madison-Grant has two incredible RBs to get it done. Madison-Grant is excited to play in front of their home crowd and will look to win one for them tonight.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Sectional 45: Sheridan (8-3) @ Monroe Central (6-5)</h2>   <p>Sheridan will be on the road at Monroe Central for the Sectional 45 title game. Sheridan beat Monroe Central 42-26 in last season's playoffs. Sheridan is seeking their 21st sectional title, and Monroe Central is seeking their 3rd. Let's get into the matchup and highlight key players on both sides below.</p>   <p>Sheridan was home in the second round and won 54-6 against Tindley. Sheridan's offense is dangerous and will be a problem in this matchup. Owen Bell (Jr.) QB led the offense and went 5/6 for 115 yards and 2 TDs in Round 2. He connected with Trent Decraene (Sr.) WR four times for 102 yards and 2 TDs. This duo will be hard to stop in this matchup and during this tournament. [player_tooltip player_id='541912' first='Zach' last='Bales'] (Sr.) ATH has been crushing on both sides of the ball. On offense, he had 7 carries, 131 yards, and 3 TDs. On defense, Zach had 17 tackles and 1 TFL. [player_tooltip player_id='541912' first='Zach' last='Bales'] will be the guy to watch in this one. Sheridan has some firepower that may be tough to stop tonight and will look to pick up the sectional title win on the road.</p>   <p>Monroe Central beat Wes-Del 43-34 in the second round. Monroe Central is up for the challenge and will be ready to put on a show for the home crowd. Lane Wilson (Jr.) QB went 5/8 for 91 yards and 2 TDs. Monroe Central found a lot of success in Round 2 running the football. Wilson had 8 carries for 26 yards and 2 TDs. Ethan Hunt (So.) RB was the player of the game for Monroe. He had 17 carries for 128 yards. He will look to get into the endzone a few times this game. On defense, keep an eye out for Peyton Farmer (Jr.) DB. He showed up in the second round with 8 solos, 4 assists, 12 total, and 2 TFLs. Monroe Central has the talent to win this matchup and celebrate a sectional title win at home.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Sectional 46: North Decatur (8-3) @ Milan (8-3)</h2>   <p>North Decatur will be on the road in the Sectional 46 title game against Milan. In last season's playoffs, Milan lost to North Decatur 25-14. North Decatur will look to win their 6th sectional title, and Milan will look to win their 7th. It is time to highlight some impact players in this matchup.</p>   <p>North Decatur got a shutout second-round win against Edinburgh, 63-0. North Decatur fired on all cylinders in Round 2. Corbin Thackery (So.) RB had 6 rushes for 81 yards and 3 TDs. Look for Corbin to find the endzone multiple times tonight. Tyler Dean (So.) RB had 7 carries for 70 yards in Round 2. The rushing attack will be in full force tonight for North Decatur. On defense, Xander Jones (Jr.) DL will be my impact player for this matchup. He showed up in the second round with 2 solos, 4 assists, 6 total, and 3 TFLs. The defense dominated last Friday and will look to replicate that today. North Decatur is getting hot at the right time and will be fired up tonight for a win.</p>   <p>Milan got a home win 14-8 against Tri in Round 2. Milan was in a battle in Round 2 and will be ready to fight another tonight. Their offense was led by their (Sr.) RB Mason Green and (Jr.) RB Austin Green. Mason had 12 carries, 95 yards, and 2 TDs. Austin carried the ball 13 times for 80 yards. These two will be crucial for the success of Milan's offense today. The defense stood tall in Round 2 against Tri. Landon Stanley (Jr.) DL was a force in the second-round win. He ended up with 3 solos, 9 assists, 12 total, and 4 TFLs. Look for Landon to play a huge role in stopping North Decatur's offense tonight. Milan has home-field advantage and will have the crown behind them tonight.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Sectional 47: Indianapolis Lutheran (9-0) @ Covenant Christian (7-3)</h2>   <p>The Sectional 47 championship game will be played in Danville, and Covenant will be the home team against undefeated Lutheran. Indianapolis Lutheran is seeking their 10th sectional title, and Covenant Christian is seeking their 2nd. The last time these two played was last season's sectional title game; Lutheran won 56-0. Let's dive into the matchups and key players of the game.</p>   <p>Lutheran is coming off a road win in Round 2 against South Putnam, 21-14. Lutheran are the reigning 1A state champs and continue to look like they could go back-to-back. The offense is led by [player_tooltip player_id='553015' first='Jackson' last='Willis'] (Jr.) QB. He is one of the best QBs in the state in his class. He has not lost a game since being the starting QB. He is athletic, accurate, and overall a fun player to watch. [player_tooltip player_id='693248' first='Dylan' last='Duncan'] (Sr.) OL/DL is a fun player to watch. He makes plays on both sides of the ball. He is gritty, powerful, and one of the hardest-working players on the field. LJ Ward (Jr.) WR/DB is a freak athlete. On defense, he flies around the field, batting down passes or high-pointing the ball and coming down with the catch. On offense, he will flat-out outrun the defense and is usually making people miss in space. Lutheran has a complete team to take them far in this season's playoffs.</p>   <p>Covenant Christian won on the road against Riverton Parke 37-18 in the second round. Covenant Christian continues to impress people and will be ready for today's challenge. My key players for this game are the same three from last week's matchup. [player_tooltip player_id='206060' first='Connor' last='Cruz'] (So.) QB is getting better each week and delivering the ball with great accuracy. His poise has been tremendous, and he has not been startled by the pressure. The guys making it easy for him are senior WRs Landen Ross and [player_tooltip player_id='541893' first='Luke' last='Munoz']. These seasoned vets have been catching anything in their sights and helping their sophomore QB. These two are dangerous in the throw game and will be vital for this offense's success. Covenant Christian will be ready to go in this one and will give it all they got tonight.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Sectional 48: Springs Valley (10-1) @ Providence (11-0)</h2>   <p>Providence will be the host for the Sectional 48 championship game against Springs Valley. Providence beat Springs Valley 29-0 in last season's playoffs. Springs Valley will attempt to win their 5th sectional title, and Providence will attempt to win their 9th. Let's get into the matchup and impact players for the game.</p>   <p>Springs Valley beat West Washington in a beatdown, 24-0, in the second round. Springs Valley's rushing attack is a tough one to handle. The attack is led by Konner Chase (Sr.) RB and Larron Childers (Sr.) RB. Konner had 21 carries, 196 yards, and 1 TD. Larron had 15 rushes for 151 yards and 2 TDs. These two continue to dominate on the ground and are one of the best rushing duos in the tournament. The defense was led by [player_tooltip player_id='1330954' first='Kayce' last='Jones'] (Jr.) DL. He ended up with 1 solo, 12 assists, 13 total, and 1 TFL in the second-round win. Look for Kayce to dominate in the trenches and cause problems. Springs Valley will attempt to run over their opponents and win on the road tonight.</p>   <p>Providence won big in Round 2, 62-37, against North Daviess. Providence continues to be a dominant force on both sides of the ball. In Round 2, Carter Lannan (Sr.) QB went 6/12 for 86 yards and 2 TDs. Look for Carter to have a big game in the air and help his team to a victory. [player_tooltip player_id='285859' first='Thomas' last='Lynch'] (Sr.) RB led the rushing attack. He had 10 carries, 103 yards, and 1 TD in the second-round win. Thomas will look to carry that performance over into tonight's matchup. The defense continues to be carried by [player_tooltip player_id='735672' first='Griffin' last='Tucker'] (Jr.) DL. This young man plays like a madman and continues to win his matchups across from him. In Round 2, he had 7 solos, 2 TFLs, and 1 sack. Providence is taking it one game at a time and looks like a team that will be tough to take down.</p>

Today is the day! Indiana Sectional Championship football is back! It's time to crown some champions and highlight key players in the 1A matchup tonight.