The Snider Panthers return to the state championship game for the first time since 2015 looking for their third-ever 5A title.
The foe? A Decatur Central squad looking to secure its first crown in school history.
What kind of battle awaits in primetime on Friday night?
Let’s break it down.
THREE STORYLINES
1. STRENGTH ON STRENGTH
Snider’s defense has been exceptional throughout this season, but especially during the playoff run. Last week, the Panthers shut down a big and skilled Merrillville offense, not allowing a point and effectively taking away a rushing attack that was so good all year.
Another challenge awaits on Friday night. Decatur Central averages over 255 yards on the ground per game and close to 400 yards of total offense. Are the Panthers, who allow under 100 yards rushing, up for one more challenge this season?
2. TWO-HEADED RUSHING ATTACK
Uriah Buchanan has been the bell cow back all season long for Snider, rushing for 1,763 yards and 26 touchdowns. But a new threat has emerged of late in dual-threat quarterback Ke’ron Billingsley.
That threat behind center was on display the last two games, with Billingsley leading the team in carries against Mishawaka and breaking out for some key runs against Merrillville.
Billingsley is not overly big at 5-foot-9 and 165 pounds, so the Panthers have been strategic on when they build run packages for the senior. But with the season at its apex, Snider has brought Billingsley more into a role to use his legs.
The key is for Billingsley to not take big hits with his diminutive size. So far, so good.
3. HEAVY WEAPONRY
Decatur Central is loaded for bear with a multitude of dudes on offense who can hurt you. N’Po Dodo is a ferocious runner responsible for 1,130 yards and eight scores. KC Berry is a “complementary” back that has run for almost 1,000 yards. Bo Polston is dangerous inside and outside the pocket and wideout Chris Richmond (37 receptions, 600 yards, seven TDs) may be the most talented receiver on either side.
The Hawks have averaged 33 points per game in the playoffs. Can they continue to have success against arguably the best defense they have seen all year?
FOUR PLAYERS TO WATCH
RB Uriah Buchanan, senior, Snider
It’s impossible to talk about guys to keep an eye on without mentioning Buchanan. He is backbone of the Snider offensive attack. His physicality is impressive as he never shies away from contact. He can put a shoulder down to grind out a few yards or get to the perimeter, turn the corner and head upfield.
He has averaged 18 carries per game this year and gains 7.5 yards per touch. He sets the tone for the Panthers.
LB/FB Halbert Aguirre, senior, Decatur Central
Talk about a tough dude. Aguirre is the Hawks’ leading tackler (148 of them) from his middle linebacker spot and also sees action on offense at fullback, a lead blocker in the spread offense.
Aguirre is impressive in diagnosing plays, always having his head up with eyes to the backfield while on defense. He is a sure tackler who isn’t afraid to lower his shoulder on either side of the ball.
DE Adam Blakey, junior, Snider
There may not be a player on the Snider roster that has improved more since Week 1 than Blakey.
That’s not to say that Blakey wasn’t a good player to begin with, but his ability to impact the game has risen immeasurably. He was largely unstoppable on the edge last week against Merrillville, disrupting plays in the backfield time and again.
The defensive line sets the tone for a defense, and Blakey is a big part of it.
QB Bo Polston, sophomore, Decatur Central
Polston has been good this year, accounting for over 2,000 yards of total offense. He has thrown for 19 scores and rushed for six, showcasing his ability to make plays with his arm or his legs.
But this is the state championship. The biggest stage of the year. Polston has thrown nine interceptions this season and will be facing an opportunistic defense. He must play well.
KEY TO VICTORY – SNIDER
Force turnovers
The Panthers are an astounding plus-23 in turnover margin this season – which includes 26 interceptions.
From the defensive front with Blakey and Will Kelso to linebacker Lukas Rohrbacher and playmakers in on the back end such as Brandon Logan and Jamarion Kolagbodi, the Panthers are laden with guys who can force miscues.
Decatur Central cannot afford to lose the turnover battle by two or more to have a shot.
KEY TO VICTORY – DECATUR CENTRAL
Limit the run
We mentioned it earlier how good Snider is on the ground – over 200 yards per game. Decatur Central starts five seniors in its base 3-4 defense. Every single one of them must be exceptional to try and make the Panthers throw.
It’s not to say that Snider CAN’T pass, but making the Panthers one-dimensional will take away their primary offensive strength.
The Hawks defense has not necessarily been a shut-down defensive unit against the run, allowing 126 yards per contest. But it must find a way on Friday night.
BLITZ’S PICK
There’s a lot to like here for Snider. Decatur Central is good but it isn’t a dominant force. The Panthers will want to set the tone with impactful plays on defense and rushing the ball. The Hawks have not shown that they can lock down a truly elite running attack like the Panthers can employ.
That said, this is far from a cake walk. Decatur Central has some serious talent on the offensive side. It has big, physical linemen on both sides. But Snider dealt with a lot of the same things against Merrillville and shut the Pirates out. A sophomore starting quarterback against this defense? Oof.
If Snider enters this game as locked in as it was in semistate, this one may not end up being close.
BLITZ SAYS SNIDER BY 9.
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