Outside the Huddle is breaking down every area regional matchup scheduled for this Friday.
We continue in Class 3A as Concordia Lutheran (6-5) hits the road to take on Bishop Chatard (10-1).
THREE STORYLINES
1. GETTIN’ REAL
Last year, Concordia Lutheran advanced to the regional round in Class 3A and ran into the buzz saw known as Bishop Chatard.
The result was a 56-28 loss to the eventual state champions.
This year, the matchup is renewed, with Chatard once again the favorite to win a state title.
Can the Cadets find a way to match up with the best the class has to offer?
2. GET DEFENSIVE
Concordia has arguably its best defensive performance of the season last week in the 24-0 shutout of Norwell, holding a team that had been averaging over 35 points per contest scoreless in a sectional championship victory.
But Bishop Chatard is a different offensive animal. Carter St. John presents a lot of problems at the quarterback spot. He began the year throwing 12 touchdowns in the first five games, and hasn’t slowed down much since.
3. DEVA JU?
Way back in 2015, Bishop Chatard won the state championship with a victory over West Lafayette at Lucas Oil Stadium.
One year later, it was Concordia holding the big trophy aloft with a state crown.
Now, we love how history could repeat itself. After all, which team won state last year? Bishop Chatard.
Cadets, you’re up.
FOUR PLAYERS TO WATCH
CARTER ST. JOHN, JUNIOR, BISHOP CHATARD
Watching film on the junior QB, what stands out is his vision of the field and decision making with the zone read. He is quick to take off downfield, but he is also incredibly quick on dissecting a defense pre- and post-snap, reacting quickly and making a play.
He is a threat on every snap in a variety of ways.
AMIR DREW, SENIOR, CONCORDIA LUTHERAN
When this season ends, we will truly be able to step back and appreciate what Drew did on the field for four years with the Cadets.
But for now, the senior running back still has work to do in helping Concordia attempt to knock off the top-ranked team in Class 3A.
Drew is a bruiser who can carry the offensive load when things are humming for the offense. He seemingly never tires and is difficult to bring down without multiple defenders. He is averaging 5.1 yards per carry on the season and carried the ball 28 times in each of the past two games.
MATTHEW COONS, SENIOR, BISHOP CHATARD
As if St. John wasn’t trouble enough, Coons excels off the zone read when he gets the hand-off, and he isn’t too shabby out of the backfield in the passing game either.
The problem for Concordia is that it has to deal with two very good rushers in Coons and St. John. Coons can scoot and break a big play before the linebackers even have time to react. That can’t happen much on Friday.
SAM HUDSON, JUNIOR, CONCORDIA LUTHERAN
With so much firepower for Bishop Chatard offensively, Hudson at linebacker will be one of the key personnel on the field for the Cadets.
With 81 tackles, 13.5 TFL and six sacks to his credit, Hudson has proven he can handle his own against the best the SAC has to offer.
Can he continue to do so against Chatard?
KEYS TO VICTORY – CONCORDIA LUTHERAN
1. DEFENSIVE TOUGHNESS
Bishop Chatard is averaging over 32 points per game, and similar to Concordia Lutheran plays up in class in the regular season in the Circle City Conference.
For the Cadets to pull the upset on Friday, it has to play as well as it did last week, plus a significant amount. Bishop Chatard is loaded offensively, with Thomas Coleman on the outside a real problem in coverage, added into the equation with the likes of St. John and Coons.
Concordia must be disruptive up front and has to avoid being beaten for chunk plays.
2. SCORE POINTS
Obvious? Yes. But let’s explain.
This isn’t a game that Concordia is going to win if it scores less than 20 points. The Trojans are too good offensively to buy in to the Cadets completely shutting down that unit.
That brings the Cadets offense to the forefront. Concordia limped to the finish line of the regular season with sub-par scoring efforts against Carroll and North Side, but seemed to rebound with 24-point outputs against both Oak Hill and Norwell.
But neither of the postseason foes are up to Bishop Chatard’s caliber. In short, the Cadets must exceed expectations on offense to have a shot.
KEYS TO VICTORY – BISHOP CHATARD
1. OFFENSIVE PRESSURE
Bishop Chatard loves to put defenses on their heels and keep them guessing as to which big-play player is going to beat them for a big play.
Between St. John, Coons and Coleman, the Trojans have a playmaker at each skill position that is one of the best at his craft that the Cadets will face all year.
Coach Rob Doyle will want to put the Cadets away early. Big pressure is the way to do it.
2. FLUSTER DAVIS
Brandon Davis has thrown eight interceptions for the Cadets this season, with three coming in the last two weeks. While he has also amassed 2,400 yards and 21 touchdowns through the air, the amount of turnovers are a concern.
With Chatard expected to be able to get pressure on the senior quarterback and look to fluster him, Davis could be forced into some errors that can be turned into points.
Look for the Trojans to push that agenda on Friday, especially when they try to establish themselves early on as the favorite in 3A.
PREDICTION
Blitz’s picks will be released on Thursday.
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