Outside the Huddle is breaking down every area regional matchup scheduled for this Friday.
We begin in Class 6A as Carroll (9-2) travels to undefeated Crown Point (11-0).
TWO STORYLINES
1. LOOKING FOR MORE
Former Portage coach Craig Buzea has built a powerhouse in his four seasons at Crown Point. The Bulldogs have lost only two games over the past three seasons. Last fall, Crown Point got all the way to the 6A state finals before falling 38-10 to Ben Davis. That run included a one-point win over Penn and a double OT triumph over Westfield. Last Friday, Crown Point handed Penn a 35-0 loss, the program’s most lopsided playoff defeat since 2017.
This team is on a mission – to go one step further and capture their first football state title in school history.
2. BATTLE TESTED
Carroll coach Doug Dinan was one of the most vocal proponents of the SAC’s new format that opens up the first two weeks of the season to non-conference foes. He has not shied away from taking on the best of the best. This year, the Chargers took on Hamilton Southeastern and Center Grove in the first two weeks, a pair of exceptional 6A programs.
The point was to prepare for challenges like Friday – on the road in a hostile environment against a top 6A team. Carroll did begin the season 0-2, but played both foes tough, including Center Grove on the road in a 14-point defeat.
Lessons learned early on will be applied this week in preparing for Crown Point.
FOUR PLAYERS TO WATCH
WILL JEFFRIES, SENIOR, ARROLL
When you look at the season stats, Jeffries is only Carroll’s fourth-leading rusher, but the senior has been clutch over the past month.
Jeffries is typically laying out ball carriers from his linebacker spot, but now he is also lowering the shoulder as a bruiser at running back. He has eclipsed the 100-yard mark on the ground in three of the last four games and brings physicality to the position.
Quarterback Jimmy Sullivan and running backs Dajaun Green and Nate Starks are going to get the headlines, but overlook Jeffries at your own risk.
LARRY ELLISON, SENIOR, CROWN POINT
The Bulldogs average close to 42 points per game, and Ellison is a big reason why. He is built like a running back – 5-foot-9 with powerful legs and a strong upper body to throw off would-be tacklers.
He is what sets the tone for Crown Point, a team that has forced a running clock in all 11 games it has played this season.
A week ago against Penn, Ellison rushed for 197 yards and four touchdowns for the Bulldogs.
SAMUEL FRISINGER, SENIOR, CARROLL
What a year that Frisinger has had at outside linebacker. The long, rangy senior is as instinctual as he is efficient on the edge, leading Carroll in sacks and tackles for loss this season.
When facing such a prolific offense, the Carroll defense, particularly the first two levels, are going to have to be near-perfect in order to slow down the Bulldogs. Frisinger, who has bided his time before breaking out as a senior, will be key to that effort on Friday.
LOGAN RODRIGUEZ, SENIOR, CROWN POINT
Similar to Frisinger, Rodriguez had to be patient for his time to excel on Friday nights. He has made the most of it, leading the Bulldogs in tackles from his linebacker position.
With Carroll looking to establish the running game and take some pressure off of Sullivan behind center, personnel like Rodriguez will be paramount to shutting down that avenue for the Chargers and forcing them to be one-dimensional.
KEY TO VICTORY – CROWN POINT
BE YOU
There is nothing Crown Point needs to change up for this matchup, as what it has done so far this year has been good enough.
The strength of schedules are comparable, meaning the Bulldogs didn’t beat up on also-rans to get to 11-0. Not only that, all 11 games this season have seen running clocks due to Crown Point’s dominance. Merrillville is playing in a 5A regional this week, with its only loss coming in Duneland Conference play to Crown Point…by 33 points.
Coach Craig Buzea won’t overthink it. What has worked all season is what he will have his squad doing on Friday night.
KEY TO VICTORY – CARROLL
BRING THE HEAT DEFENSIVELY
The Chargers’ defense has been solid all season long, but prolific offenses were rare in the SAC this season.
The challenge is magnified Friday against Crown Point. Through 11 games, Carroll has 11 sacks and 10 interceptions as a team, decent but not spectacular numbers.
In order to have a shot to slow down Crown Point’s offensive attack, the Chargers must not be passive defensive. It must be proactive, not reactive. That means taking risks. Mixing up coverages. Bringing blitzes from different directions. Force the Bulldogs to think and not react. With that, Carroll may be able to force some turnovers, which will be of paramount importance.
Carroll must not leave a single defensive gimmick in its playbook come late Friday. It has to bring all of its tricks out to attempt to stymie Crown Point.
PREDICTION
Coming Thursday when Blitz makes his regional picks.
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