Outside the Huddle is breaking down every area regional matchup scheduled for this Friday.
First up is Class 1A and a battle of unbeatens as South Adams (11-0) travels to Southwood (12-0).
THREE STORYLINES
1. UNDEFEATED SHOWDOWN
Only two games in the state of Indiana this week see two undefeated teams facing off. This is one of them, with the other also being in 1A as a pair of 12-0 teams face off in South Putnam and Covenant Christian.
Neither of these squads have been tested with much regularity up to now. Just one of these teams’ combined 23 wins has been decided by single digits.
2. STRENGTH ON STRENGTH
These teams are two of the three best in 1A in terms of points allowed per game. Conversely, both rank in the top 7 in the class offensively.
So, what gives on Friday?
South Adams and Southwood share just one common opponent – Adams Central. The Starfires beat the Flying Jets by 20, while the Knights won 28-14 last week.
3. DEJA VU?
A season ago, South Adams entered the regional round undefeated and one of the favorites to capture the 1A state title.
It all came crashing down in a 19-7 loss to Adams Central that shocked many throughout the area.
Will the Starfires avoid a similar fate this Friday?
The third-ranked Knights are a better all-around team than Adams Central last year, with an intelligent coach in Dave Snyder who can put together game plans to take away a team’s strength (similar to what Adams Central coach Michael Mosser did a year ago).
FOUR PLAYERS TO WATCH
JAMES ARNOLD, SENIOR, SOUTH ADAMS
Arnold’s junior season ended with a whimper, a 13-of-36 effort against Adams Central last year with 180 yards, zero touchdowns and an INT.
Now a senior, Arnold is out to ensure that there is not a repeat of that in 2020.
Entering this week, Arnold is completing 71 percent of his passes on the season, has thrown for 2,727 yards and 36 TDs against five picks. Over his last five games, he has connected for 16 touchdowns and one INT.
If Arnold is able to get into a rhythm early, particularly downfield, Southwood may be in for a long night.
CARSON RICH, SENIOR, SOUTHWOOD
If the Knights are going to be able to slow down Arnold and the South Adams offense, they will need exceptional play in their pass defense.
That puts the focus on Rich, who lead Southwood with six interceptions. While an adept wide receiver with 13 scores, it will be his defense that could be the most important aspect of his game come Friday.
If Rich can make some plays in coverage, the Knights may have an answer for that exceptional SA air attack.
JACOB PLATTNER, SENIOR, SOUTH ADAMS
Southwood quarterback Alex Farr leads the Knights in not just passing yards, but rushing yards as well. That makes him a true dual-threat signal caller that South Adams must respect.
While Nick Miller gets a lot of the pub, the Starfires defense has several playmakers on the front seven. Plattner is one of them, having amassed 15 TFL and 1.5 sacks from his outside linebacker spot.
Farr is going to want to escape the pocket and make plays with his legs at time. Taking that away will be largely up to Plattner and his outside ‘backer mates.
ELIJAH SUTTON, SENIOR, RUNNING BACK
To take some of the pressure off of Farr, look for Sutton to be an option in the backfield in the run game.
Southwood used Sutton to great effectiveness last week, giving the Knights a change of pace back that rushed for 218 yards and three touchdowns against the Flying Jets.
South Adams will be wise to keep an eye on Sutton on the possibility of Southwood giving him some looks to keep the defense honest when defending Farr.
KEYS TO VICTORY – SOUTH ADAMS
1. STRIKE EARLY
As last year’s regional game unfolded and South Adams’ offense struggled to get any traction, the Starfires began to tighten up. That, coupled with increased confidence out of Adams Central, saw the pressure build throughout the second half for the favorites.
South Adams must avoid a repeat of that scenario. The Starfires are the more talented team in this matchup, but Southwood is good enough to knock off Coach Grant Moser’s squad if it is allowed to hang out.
2. CONTAIN ALEX FARR
With over 2,500 yards of total offense this season, Farr is the focal point of the Southwood offensive attack. As he goes, so do the Knights.
Being able to limit the freedom that Farr has will be integral as South Adams looks to shut down an offense averaging 38 points per game. Getting pressure and forcing Farr out of his comfort zone will pay dividends on the scoreboard.
KEYS TO VICTORY – SOUTHWOOD
1. PRESSURE
Eleven different players have notched at least one sack for Southwood this year, led by sophomore Morgan Lloyd and senior Logan Barley with three apiece.
While there is no dominant pass rusher for the Knights, they are able to get pressure from a variety of different positions on defense.
Couple that with the Knights’ 16 interceptions and Southwood has the potential to make things difficult.
2. DOWNFIELD COVERAGE
This game is going to come down to Southwood’s defense and its ability to contain the wealth of downfield threats for South Adams. The aforementioned 16 interceptions is proof that the Knights have the personnel that can make plays on the ball, but it has yet to face an offense like South Adams.
Where the Starfires excel is spreading out defenses that struggle to match up with all of their weaponry. Arnold is able to find a mismatch somewhere and attack it. Southwood must be able to contain those threats consistently.
PREDICTION
Blitz’s picks will be released on Thursday
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