Outside the Huddle is breaking down every area regional matchup scheduled for this Friday.
We dip into Class 4A as Bishop Dwenger (10-2) hits the road to take on Lebanon (10-2) at 7:30 p.m.
TWO STORYLINES
1. DEFENSE WINS CHAMPIONSHIPS
Entering this week, Bishop Dwenger has the second-lowest defensive scoring average in the state, allowing just 6.67 points per game. Only undefeated and Class 5A heavy favorite New Palestine is better at 4.91.
Just three teams have reached double digits on the Saints this season. In three sectional games against a trio of squads who entered the playoffs with winning records, Coach Jason Garrett’s team allowed seven points TOTAL, including shutting out Class 4A No. 1 and previously undefeated East Noble 32-0 in the sectional championship.
The Bishop Dwenger defensive unit is strong and technically sound at all three levels. It seemingly has answers to every offensive question it has faced this year.
2. HITTING THE GROUND RUNNING
Josh Yoder served just a single season as defensive coordinator at Lebanon before he was named head coach of the Tigers last January. All the Bluffton High School graduate has done in Year 1 has been to reach double-digit victories for the first time since 1997 and capture the program’s second-ever sectional championship, the first also coming in 1997.
A member of the small, four-team Sagamore Conference, Lebanon has a unique schedule in which it can challenge itself outside of a league. We saw that with games at Pendleton Heights and Triton Central in August and September.
Last week, Lebanon went on the road and came from behind to knock off Logansport to advance.
FOUR PLAYERS TO WATCH
JACKSON PARRISH, SENIOR, BISHOP DWENGER
Lebanon has a very balanced offense. It does not rely predominantly on the run or pass to be successful, but rather takes what the defense is giving them. It also mixes things up with its scheme, running a trips H-back flex style that loads up one side of the field with skill but can attack either side based on the defense’s reaction.
Parrish, perhaps a bit of an overlooked member of the Saints’ defense, can combat anything from his safety spot. He is one of the secondary’s leading tacklers on the season with 48. He also leads the team in interceptions with five.
One thing is notable about the Lebanon offense. It has yet to throw an interception all season.
CHRIS HILL, SENIOR, LEBANON
Speaking of, quarterback Chris Hill has been tremendous in protecting the football all year long for the Tigers. He has attempted 210 passes with zero interceptions. He has completed 64 percent of his passes for 1,705 yards and 17 touchdowns.
Add to that 633 yards and six scores on the ground, and Hill is a versatile player behind center. Turnovers loom large in every game, especially in the postseason. Lebanon has not had to worry about them with the veteran Hill running the offense.
HENRY JORDAN, SENIOR, BISHOP DWENGER
The senior signal caller has pretty pedestrian season stats, but when Jordan is on, the Bishop Dwenger offense is a completely different animal.
That is what makes Jordan’s play so important in this game and potentially beyond as the Saints look to reach Lucas Oil Stadium. Jordan has been through the battles and is capable of making all the throws.
While Lebanon hasn’t turned the ball over much, it also hasn’t forced a wealth of turnovers. It only has four on the year. For Jordan, if he can hit some big passes in this game to keep some attention off of the running game and protect the ball (10 interceptions on the year), the Saints will be in good shape.
CAYDEN GATES, SENIOR, LEBANON
To have a chance to beat Bishop Dwenger, the Tigers have to slow down the run. Gates is a steady and reliable force at linebacker who leads the team in tackles with 93 and tackles for loss with seven.
Gates and the Lebanon defensive front has to find ways to win battles in the trenches and corral the Saints’ running backs. It isn’t flashy when it comes to the Dwenger running game, but it gets the job done behind a physical offensive front.
Gates must be on his game.
KEY TO VICTORY – BISHOP DWENGER
AVOID TURNOVERS
This is a game that the Saints are significantly favored in. Now, anything can happen, especially in the playoffs, but Bishop Dwenger’s demolition of the likes of Leo and East Noble in sectional play bodes well in this one. Head to head, that NE8 duo probably each score wins over Lebanon.
But on the road in mid-November? Anything can happen. What the Saints need to do is not give the Tigers opportunities to build momentum or hand them short fields. Control the football. Do not hand the ball to Lebanon in prime situations in which it can score.
KEY TO VICTORY – LEBANON
CONTAIN THE RUN
Bishop Dwenger averages 155 yards rushing per game, which doesn’t sound like a lot at the high school level. But make no mistake, the run is what makes the Saints’ offense go.
Lebanon must sell out to contain the rushing attack and take its chances in the passing game. If the Saints eclipse 200 yards on the ground, the Tigers have no chance.
The Tigers are allowing an average of 20 points per game. With the elite status of the Saints defense, they cannot allow that many points if they think they are going to be in this game.
Limit the rush and make Henry Jordan go vertical to beat you. That is the Tigers’ best hope.
PREDICTION
Coming Friday when Blitz makes his regional picks.
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