Outside the Huddle is breaking down every area regional matchup scheduled for this Friday.
We continue in Class 2A as Bishop Luers (6-6) hits the road to take on Tipton (9-2).
THREE STORYLINES
1. BEAST SLAYER
For the first time in five years, Eastbrook is not the foe in the 2A regional in this portion of the state. That is because Tipton toppled the Panthers in sectional play, dropping a 56-spot on the perennial state title contenders.
What does that mean for Bishop Luers? Well, it should immediately command respect, particularly when you are able to beat a team like Eastbrook by close to 20 points.
2. CC ON A ROLL
Carson Clark has thrown 16 touchdowns without an interception over his last five games.
So is it a coincidence that Bishop Luers is 4-1 over that span? Nope, not at all.
No defense in Sectional 35 was able to slow down the junior quarterback. Can Tipton?
3. BUT SO IS EDWARDS
Not to be outdone, Tipton quarterback Sam Edwards has been nothing short of exceptional as well. Since throwing a pair of interceptions in Week 1 against Elwood, the senior has thrown 18 TD passes without a pick. He has also completed 67 percent of his passes.
While Edwards has the ability to scramble, he is most comfortable getting the ball downfield. That plays into the hands of Bishop Luers, which had trouble containing the run prowess of Eastside’s Laban Davis last week.
FOUR PLAYERS TO WATCH
BRODY GLENN, JUNIOR, BISHOP LUERS
Despite missing a few games earlier this season due to injury, Glenn is just 18 yards from the 1,000-yard mark for receiving.
Arguably his two biggest games have been his most recent, as he has hauled in 11 catches for 317 yards and seven touchdowns against Fairfield and Eastside.
Glenn has the potential to blow the top off the defense on every play, making him the top target of Clark.
ELI CARTER, SOPHOMORE, TIPTON
The leading rusher for the Blue Devils is closing in on 1,000 yards with 16 touchdowns to go along with it. At 5-foot-9 and 160 pounds, he isn’t physically imposing, but he is really strong at hitting the hole fast and is deceptively quick in the open field.
The Knights have struggled containing offenses, having allowed over 34 points per game.
KRASHAUN MENSON, JUNIOR, BISHOP LUERS
In the absence of Sir Hale, Menson has emerged as one of the top two-way players for the Knights.
Menson leads the team in INTs with five, and his energy is infectious on both sides of the line of scrimmage.
Offensively, the junior gets lost with attention on Glenn, Ramon Anderson and Nick Thompson, but he is dangerous when left on his own, evidenced by a touchdown reception last week.
COLIN STAPLETON, SENIOR, TIPTON
The leader of the Blue Devils defense has had quite the last two games at middle linebacker.
A 12-tackle effort last week against Lapel was impressive, but it was nothing compared to the 26(!) tackles the senior had the week prior against Eastbrook.
All told, the linebacker has 113 tackles on the season. He doesn’t have a massive frame, but he has a knack for being around the ball.
KEYS TO VICTORY – BISHOP LUERS
1. EXTEND THE FIELD
The Knights have been able to attack defense that could not keep up with them on the outside each of the past two weeks. Each time, it was Brody Glenn able to stretch the defense, hauling in seven touchdowns.
Tipton is susceptible to the same. The question is if the Blue Devils have the personnel to win the battles downfield. Bishop Luers needs to present that challenge from the outset.
2. BEND BUT DON’T BREAK
Bishop Luers has struggled defensively, that much is clear. However, the Knights have been able to come up with big plays in key spots on that side of the football.
For the year, the Knights have forced 20 turnovers. If Bishop Luers can win the turnover battle, it can afford to give up yardage as long as it does not consistently lead to points.
KEYS TO VICTORY – TIPTON
1. PRESSURE CARSON CLARK
For the most part, neither Fairfield or Eastside was able to get much pressure on Luers QB Carson Clark. A hurry here or a take-down there isn’t going to cut it. Add in Clark’s scrambling ability and it can be tough to contain the junior.
But Tipton has to find a way. It cannot allow Clark to sit in the pocket, go through his progressions and pick the defense apart. That will lead to a loss.
2. RIDE EDWARDS
Edwards has been exceptional when it comes to protecting the football for Tipton, having not thrown a pick since Week 1. He was near perfect against Lapel, completing 17-of-19 for 177 yards and two scores.
If this games becomes a shootout, the Blue Devils have the senior leader at the most important position on the field to make the right decisions and the correct reads to find receivers in space. Use that advantage and Tipton has a shot.
PREDICTION
Blitz’s picks will be released on Thursday
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