Outside the Huddle is breaking down every area regional matchup scheduled for this Friday.
We continue in Class 6A where Huntington North (9-3), fresh off its first sectional title in 31 years, heads to Kendallville to take on NE8 champion East Noble (11-1).
TWO STORYLINES
1. A STORYBOOK SEASON
Who had Huntington North as a nine-win team at the beginning of the season? Not even a lot of folks around the program had that in their minds. Yet here we are, with the Vikings a sectional champion for the first time since 1993.
Coach Mike Eshbach laid the foundation a year ago, bringing a spread scheme to a program that had long been a between-the-tackles, grind-it-out type squad. It has taken some time, but behind quarterback Tony Decker, Huntington North has thrived in going from just one victory in 2023 to nine this season.
The question heading into Friday is, are the Vikings content with their accomplishments thus far? Or do they have another surprise up their sleeves by finding a way to take down a team that already beat them by double digits in the regular season?
2. QUITE THE FIRST IMPRESSION
When longtime coach Luke Amstutz stepped aside in the offseason, the prevailing thought was that East Noble would take a bit of a step back while new coach Alex Stewart settled in and made the program his own.
So much for that, as East Noble won the Northeast 8, captured its first sectional crown in four years and is riding a 10-game winning streak heading into Friday.
Coach Stewart has done a tremendous job in balancing the old with the new, and the coaching staff has a ton of familiar faces from Amstutz’s regime.
This did not end up being a big transition, but rather a smooth transfer of power in which the Knights have continued to perform at a high level.
FOUR PLAYERS TO WATCH
TONY DECKER, SENIOR, HUNTINGTON NORTH
Who led the Northeast Eight in passing? It wasn’t Rylee Biddle or Grayson Esguerra, but Decker, who has thrown for well over 2,100 yards this season.
A program that was known for being run-heavy is now one that led the conference in pass attempts, pass completions, yards and passing touchdowns. Decker led the way, and is a very good decision maker within the Huntington North offense. He can also take off and run, evidenced by his 23 rushing touchdowns.
MASON TREESH, JUNIOR, EAST NOBLE
No player in the conference has more receptions than Treesh, who leads the Knights in yardage (620) and touchdowns (six) through the air.
While the running game sets the tone for East Noble, it is the passing attack that sets the team apart. Biddle can get the ball out in an accurate manner to guys like Treesh. The junior is cunning and smart on the field. After all, he is the point guard on the basketball team.
Even if Huntington North can limit Dylan Krehl in the running game, it has to account for Treesh downfield.
SULLY STAHL, SENIOR, HUNTINGTON NORTH
The Vikings defense has not gotten enough credit for what it has done this season, Sully Stahl in particular.
The senior enters Friday’s game with close to 20 sacks. 20! The defensive end isn’t overly big or powerful, but he is fleet afoot and can make things miserable for an opponent’s offense with his propensity to get into the backfield.
Expect East Noble to game plan to contain Stahl, or at the very least stunt away from his side of the field at times.
DYLAN KREHL, SENIOR, EAST NOBLE
Yes, he has rushed for close to 1,350 yards this year, but Krehl has been as important on the defensive side of the ball. He leads the Knights in tackles (91), tackles for loss (20) and is tied for the lead in sacks with five.
The senior just refuses to get tired. He hardly leaves the field and plays bigger than his 5-foot-8 frame.
Krehl is East Noble’s best player, and it shows play after play after play.
KEY TO VICTORY – HUNTINGTON NORTH
CONTROL THE BALL
When it comes to pass-run balance in terms of yards gained, no one has been better in the NE8 than Huntington North. It averages about 200 yards per game in both disciplines.
What Huntington North is going to need to do Friday is to utilize that strength into keeping the ball away from East Noble’s dynamic offense. That not only means that the offense is going to have to keep the chains moving and chew up the clock, it also means the defense has to be able to get off the field. East Noble rushes for close to 300 yards per game. Preferably, the Vikings will need to halve that to make this game winnable.
KEY TO VICTORY – EAST NOBLE
BE DISRUPTIVE
The Knights’ ability to be disruptive on defense is phenomenal – 107 tackles for loss, 26 interceptions, 22 sacks and eight forced fumbles.
Many of East Noble’s victories have come about because the defense’s ability to force turnovers and take offenses out of what they want to do. The Knights were able to do that somewhat in the 28-16 win over Huntington North in the regular season.
While Decker has been phenomenal for Huntington North, he has also thrown 11 interceptions. East Noble’s secondary is quick, talented and feasts on errant throws and forcing turnovers. That’s a matchup to watch.
PREDICTION
Coming Thursday when Blitz makes his regional picks.
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