Bishop Luers returns to the state finals for the 17th time as the Knights will take on North Posey on Saturday morning in the Class 2A state championship game.
While the Knights are seeking title No. 12, North Posey is in the title game for just the second time ever and first since 2005 when it lost 35-7 to Jimtown.
Let’s break down the matchup.
THREE STORYLINES
1. TURNING IT AROUND
After two blowout losses to NE8 foes to begin the season, Bishop Luers clearly did not look like a team that could reach the pinnacle of 2A this season. Yet the Knights took the lessons learned against East Noble and New Haven to help get the season pointed in the right direction. Coach Kyle Lindsay’s team won six straight games following the 0-2 start, dropping the regular-season finale 10-7 to Homestead but still claiming a share of the SAC championship.
Many within the program believed that this could happen, but outside was a different story.
The Knights have proven many people wrong with this run.
2. CLOSING OUT CLOSE GAMES
One aspect of this season that has been particularly impressive for Bishop Luers is its ability to win close games. The Knights enter the showdown with North Posey with a 5-1 record in games decided by one score or less, the only defeat in that three-point loss to Homestead in Week 9.
Meanwhile, North Posey is 1-1 in games decided by 10 or less, which is indicative of how dominant the Vikings have been through the Pocket Athletic Conference and the postseason.
However, if this game is close late, you like the fact that the Knights have proven time and again it can execute in big moments.
3. STRENGTH v. STRENGTH
North Posey has rushed for 3,709 yards this season, with a trio of guys at or above 1,000 yards rushing – led by Jed Galvin (155 attempts, 1,276 yards, 26 TDs).
After being demoralized in Week 1 by East Noble, which pounded the ball on the ground time and again down the field against the Bishop Luers defense in a 45-7 rout, the Knights have done an impressive job of stiffening its defensive front. Coach Lindsay’s squad enters this showdown allowing an average of 126 yards rushing per game.
What gives on Saturday morning?
FOUR PLAYERS TO WATCH
QB Kohen McKenzie, senior, Bishop Luers
McKenzie has had his issues with accuracy this season, but there is no discounting the fact that he has been good when needed for the Knights.
The senior has thrown for 1,845 yards and 20 touchdowns, not overly mind-blowing numbers – yet it is when McKenzie has been effective that has been such an asset.
Last week, he completed just seven passes against LCC, but they went for over 175 yards in a 28-7 rout.
The run game is Bishop Luers’ bread and butter, but McKenzie and his receivers keep defenses honest.
LB Zach Blaylock, senior, North Posey
If there is a single player to circle on the Vikings defense, it is Blaylock. He lines up at inside linebacker, but Coach Waylon Schenk uses him in a variety of ways. He leads North Posey in tackles for loss with 15, sacks with five and has also forced a pair of fumbles. Not to mention the fact he has over 100 total tackles.
Bishop Luers must account for Blaylock and not allow him to roam free.
DB Isaac Zay, senior, Bishop Luers
The do-it-all player for the Knights. His position is listed as defensive back, primarily at safety, but he moves around wherever the defense needs him. At 6-foot-3, 214 pounds, Zay is a punishing defender who finishes his tackles and loves contact. Seemingly on the edge of sanity on every play, Zay is a playmaker all over the field.
QB Liam Stone, senior, North Posey
A thousand-yard rusher and a thousand-yard passer, Stone has the skill set to affect the game in multiple ways. North Posey’s Spread-T offense is a difficult one to prepare for and play against, especially when a quarterback of Stone’s talent is running the show.
He doesn’t throw a lot – just 95 pass attempts on the season- but he completes enough of those to be respected when he fades back to pass.
And running the ball? He has 1,001 yards and 20 touchdowns. Respect it.
KEY TO VICTORY – BISHOP LUERS
BE DISCIPLINED ON DEFENSE
The Spread-T is a difficult offensive scheme to prepare for. Bishop Luers has had to defend a lot of run-heavy offenses in recent weeks, but the misdirection and fakery of the North Posey offense commands a different level of respect.
If the Knights can play sound defense and not allow a team that averages 264 yards on the ground per game to run roughshod up and down the field, you have to like Luers’ chances.
KEY TO VICTORY – NORTH POSEY
FORCE LUERS TO PASS
The Vikings are allowing just a touch over 91 yards per game on the ground. Against a team that sets the tone with its run game, that could be advantage North Posey IF it is able to contain Gio Jimenez and company.
It comes down to the front lines. North Posey has five seniors and two juniors in its starting base 3-4 set. That veteran presence is going to have a lot of pressure on it when it comes to containing the rushing attack of the Knights.
Conversely, the outside linebackers MUST be able to seal the edge and not allow Luers’ playmakers to turn the corner routinely.
BLITZ’S PICK
After winning last week in convincing fashion at home, Bishop Luers is riding some momentum. Many believed, Blitz included, that the Knights would fall against Lafayette Central Catholic. Instead, they rolled by 21 points.
North Posey is not as complete of a football team as LCC. It has strengths, predominantly a running game that can be devastating if you do not account for all of the stunts and misdirection of the Spread-T, but Blitz questions the ability to throw against the Luers defense and the ability of the defense to get enough stops.
Coach Kyle Lindsay has never won a state championship, while his father Matt won nine of them.
Make it 9-1 after Saturday.
BLITZ SAYS BISHOP LUERS BY 6.
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