Outside the Huddle is breaking down every area regional matchup scheduled for this Friday.
We begin in Class 6A as Carroll (8-3) travels to undefeated Penn (11-0).
TWO STORYLINES
1. BATTLE TESTED
Blitz has said it many times since the SAC changed its scheduling format – matchups like this are exactly why Carroll coach Doug Dinan has been a big proponent of non-conference game opportunities. Taking on 6A powers like Warren Central, Hamilton Southeastern and Center Grove give the Chargers game experience with what they will have to face in the playoffs.
Since falling to Bishop Dwenger in Week 5, Carroll has won seven-consecutive games and over the course of that time, has averaged 44.5 points. But the matchup in Granger is, without question, the toughest of the season to date for the Chargers.
2. PENN IS PENN…AGAIN
While Penn has not necessarily gone anywhere, it has had a drought going on eight years without a regional title. That is the longest the program has gone without since its first regional crown back in 1983.
But second-year coach Pete Riordan has the Kingsmen amongst the state’s best once again with an undefeated regular season for the first time since 2016. There is nothing overly exceptional that Penn does, but it is well-coached, has depth of talent and has a knack for closing out close games, winning three games this season by eight points or less, including last week’s 28-24 victory over Crown Point.
FOUR PLAYERS TO WATCH
JAIDON VANPELT, SENIOR, CARROLL
Even with the talent that Penn can put on the field, Blitz is confident in saying that the best player on the field on Friday will still be Jaidon Vanpelt.
The Carroll wide receiver was largely used as a decoy last week, with Northrop fully committing to shutting down the senior and thus opening up the opportunities that allowed the Chargers to run for over 340 yards in the win.
Vanpelt can kill you in a variety of ways. He can run right by you on go routes, he can beat you out of his break on short and medium throws and he plays the ball better than his 5-foot-11 frame would indicate. He has 57 receptions for 1,168 yards and 15 touchdowns on the season.
LANDON HALL, JUNIOR, PENN
The leader of the offense, Hall is precise, accurate and has an exceptional handling of the Kingsmen attack. He has thrown for over 2,000 yards this season and is hitting on 70+ percent of his passes.
At 6-2, Hall is built to play the position. He showed his ability late in games last week when he hit Mason Biernacki for a 32-yard touchdown with less than two minutes to go to propel Penn to the win over Crown Point.
Hall won’t be the most dynamic signalcaller that Carroll will have played against this year, but he is dangerous.
EVAN BRUBAKER, SENIOR, CARROLL
While solid, the Penn offensive line isn’t a juggernaut unit like HSE and Center Grove was able to deploy against Carroll at the start of the season. A big part of Carroll’s chances to go on the road and win revolve around the defensive line getting a push and disrupting the Kingsmen in the offensive backfield.
Enter Brubaker, who leads the Carroll defense in tackles for loss (11) and sacks (five) from his defensive line spot. Brubaker can play nose or on the outside, with his 6-2, 245 pound frame being a problem wherever he is due to his technique and strength.
Disruptive plays by the Chargers defensive unit will need to be plentiful on Friday. Brubaker can be a big part of that.
VINNY FREEMAN, SENIOR, PENN
The eldest son of Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman, Vinny is more than just a familiar name. A senior captain, Freeman runs the show on the back end at safety. He is solid in pass defense, but he truly shines when Penn moves him into the box. He is a sure tackler with exceptional sideline-to-sideline abilities.
Keeping Freeman off balance will be a priority for the Carroll offensive staff.
KEY TO VICTORY – CARROLL
DEFENSIVE PLAYMAKING
Penn is undefeated for a reason, as the Kingsmen are very good. However, there is nothing they do that is truly dominant, particularly offensively.
Carroll has an opportunity up front with its defensive line. If it can be disruptive and force Penn into some miscues, it can very much even the playing field. Brubaker will be key, as well as guys like junior linebackers Eli Neuhouser and Coleman Tipton. If the Chargers can slow down the running game, it will take its chances with Hall and the passing attack.
KEY TO VICTORY – PENN
EXECUTE ON SPECIAL TEAMS
Penn won last week despite special teams play, pure and simple. The Kingsmen had trouble getting punts off, with a trio of botched punt attempts leading directly to Crown Point scoring plays.
In the fourth quarter, the Kingsmen attempted a game-tying field goal with just over three minutes left, but the snap was bad again. Luckily, Penn was able to force a three and out and eventually scored the go-ahead touchdown.
Margins for error grow more thin the deeper you go into the playoffs. Penn escaped despite special teams woes last week. It may not be so lucky in a close game in regionals and beyond.
PREDICTION
Coming Thursday when Blitz makes his regional picks.
Be the first to comment