Outside the Huddle is breaking down every area regional matchup scheduled for this Friday.
We continue in Class 4A as Marion (9-3) travels to Kendallville to take on East Noble (9-3).
THREE STORYLINES
1. IMPRESSIVE DUBS
Both of these squads enter the regional round coming off big victories over very good opponents.
East Noble was able to get revenge on Leo for a regular-season blowout loss by shutting out the Lions 10-0 last Friday.
Meanwhile, Marion tore through a Delta defense that gave up a season-high in points as the Giants prevailed 38-21.
Which team keeps the momentum going into the regional round?
2. BACK ON TRACK
After a three-game losing streak in mid-season, East Noble has captured six straight victories while not allowing more than 13 points in any game over that time.
Now healthier and more confident, the Knights look locked in when it counts – the postseason.
3. RUNNING MEN
Marion has reached this point in the playoffs due to its running game, an aspect of the offense that has amassed over 3,000 yards and 36 touchdowns.
Last week, East Noble shut down a powerful running attack against Leo. However, the Giants will strike on the ground in a different way, looking to cut around the edge and break big plays with its speedsters.
It will be up to the Knights’ defense to limit those plays.
FOUR PLAYERS TO WATCH
KHALID STAMPS, SENIOR, MARION
The leading rusher for the Giants has close to 1,400 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns on the season. But the last three weeks in particular he has been exceptional.
Stamps has rushed for 538 yards and seven touchdowns thus far in the postseason – going for at least 155 yards in each game.
He is the No. 1 priority for East Noble’s defense.
ROWAN ZOLMAN, JUNIOR, EAST NOBLE
Despite missing four games due to injury in the regular season, Zolman leads the Knights in receiving yards (484) and touchdowns (10). He has also secured nine INTs, which ranks him among the state’s best in the category.
Zolman is always in the right position at his safety spot, he is fast enough to keep up with receivers and physical enough to shake off a block close to the line of scrimmage.
He is a game changer on both sides of the football.
JOHNNY DAVIS, SENIOR, MARION
As fierce of an edge rusher as East Noble will face all season long, Davis is a load at 6-foot-3 and 240 pounds. His quick feet and superb hand work allows him to avoid blocks altogether at times, and quickly shrug off efforts to hold him back at other times.
Davis has 19.5 TFL and 14 sacks to go along with his 45 tackles. He is a disruptive force that the Knights must respect.
KAINON CARICO, JUNIOR, EAST NOBLE
The junior returned from injury last week and promptly scored the lone touchdown of the game against Leo, a fitting return.
Carico feasts on being a thorn in the side of opposing offenses. His finishing ability is unrivaled and his confidence is high.
As Marion looks to establish the run, Carico will be front and center in trying to stop it.
KEYS TO VICTORY – MARION
1. ESTABLISH THE RUN
Without a competent running game, the Giants do not have a chance to win this game.
Getting Stamps and fellow back Malachi Silmon going will be of upmost importance to Marion coach James Bell. If Marion can put East Noble’s defense back on its heels and light up the scoreboard, this can be a game in which it steals on the road.
2. PRESSURE COLE SCHUPBACH
East Noble quarterback Cole Schupbach has been a cool customer behind center in place of the injured Dalton Stinson, but his completion percentage is just 47 percent and he has had four passes picked off.
With the athletic defensive backs, particularly corners, that Marion employs, getting the jump on some passes for turnovers would be big.
KEYS TO VICTORY – EAST NOBLE
1. DO WHAT IT DOES
Seriously, there isn’t much East Noble needs to prioritize here, other than perhaps slowing down the run game. When comparing these two teams, if the Knights play the way they have been for the last 6-7 weeks, Coach Luke Amstutz’s team will advance.
It doesn’t need to get fancy, just tough, aggressive defense and a steady offense.
2. ROWAN ZOLMAN
I mean seriously, the kid can do it all. East Noble has thrived since the junior returned to the lineup. He has posted multiple touchdown receptions and turnovers over the last several games.
Just let Rowan be Rowan, and the Knights will be just fine.
PREDICTION
Blitz’s picks will be released on Thursday.
Be the first to comment