Page 6 - 2008-09 Football State Finals Program

Tournament Preview

By RICH TORRES
VYPE High School Sports Magazine, Central Indiana
When the 36th Annual IHSAA State Tournament Series opened 37 days ago
with sectional play, 317 high school football teams from across 89 Indiana
counties shared one definitive goal.
With only 10 teams remaining, championship aspirations are destined to unfold as five class
champions will be crowned inside Indianapolis’ Lucas Oil Stadium during this weekend’s
IHSAA State Finals.
Among this year’s state contenders, three teams return for their second consecutive state
finals appearance. Three are first-time state finalists. Two enter as defending champions.
Another two carry undefeated records. And one will vie for a chance at history.
Let the games begin.

Friday, November 28, 2008
Class A Championship Class 2A Championship

Sheridan Blackhawks (13-1) vs. Indianapolis Cass Kings (13-1) vs.
Cardinal Ritter Raiders (14-0), 3:30 p.m. (ET) Heritage Christian Eagles (13-1), 7 p.m. (ET)
The defending champion Sheridan Blackhawks can re-write As one of three teams to return from the 2007 state finals
history with a victory over undefeated Indianapolis Cardinal (Sheridan, Carmel), state runner-up Heritage Christian
Ritter. Already equaling a state record by advancing to four clinched its second consecutive sectional, regional and
consecutive state championship games, one more title for semi-state in only its seventh season in the state tourna-
Sheridan will match them with Warren Central (2003-06) for ment. Cass makes its first state appearance. A win for ei-
most consecutive. ther team will establish a new school single-season record.
Fast Facts Fast Facts
• Today’s game marks the third meeting between • Before they defeated Jimtown, 28-7, in semi-state this
Sheridan and Ritter for the state championship with the season, Cass fell twice in the last four years (2005,
Blackhawks winning both games 6-0 in 1992 and 34-28 2007).
in overtime in 2006. • The school is seeking its fourth state title in school
• The Blackhawks are playing for their 24th consecu- history: Boys Basketball 2002-03 (2A), Softball 2005-06
tive state tournament win, which would propel them to (2A) and 2007-08 (2A).
second overall in state history behind Warren Central • The Kings defeated two top 10 teams during their tour-
(26). nament run, 53-27 over No. 6 Oak Hill for the sectional
• Ritter’s 14 wins established a new school single-season title and 28-7 over No. 7 Jimtown.
record. • No. 4 Cass will be the first ranked opponent Heritage
• Sheridan was the first school to win a state title in the Christian has faced this tournament.
RCA Dome in 1984 and could be the first at Lucas Oil • Heritage Christian opened the season 8-0 before falling
Stadium with a state-record 10th state championship. to Indianapolis Cardinal Ritter, 28-21, on Oct. 17, 2008.
• Sheridan coach Larry “Bud” Wright ranks second overall • The Eagles rank fourth among 2A teams in points
in coaching wins with a record of 351-145 (.708) in 44 scored per game, averaging 39.4.
years overall. Jasper’s Jerry Brewer holds the record at
368-105-2. Breakdown: (Cass) – The Kings’ offense thrives behind
RB Colton Zeck and QB Damon Foreman, which has led to
Breakdown: (Indianapolis Cardinal Ritter) - The Raiders a 36.21 points per game average. Cass has allowed 11.29
can score with the best of them, topping 40-plus points 10 points on average with DL Brady Tolle serving as a primary
times while averaging 39.4 points per game behind the trio contributor. (Heritage Christian) – The Eagles’ spread
of RB Isaiah Norwood, QB Ross Hendrickson and WR Ty- offense generated 577 points this season with QB Jackson
rone Walker. Their defense is averaging 10.6 points allowed Kirtley throwing 44 touchdown passes.
and has posted three shutouts this season. (Sheridan)
– The Blackhawks are led by the school’s all-time leading
rusher QB Nick Zachary, who has committed to Indiana
University. Zachary has 7,130 yards rushing in his career.
4 IHSAA - Pure Spirit. Pure Sport!

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