We’re in Week 4 and we’re starting to see who are the contenders and the contenders are in each conference.
This one is a big one, one of the most anticipated battles in the SAC, one circled by many prior to the season as the must-see showdown in the city.
For Week 4, we head to Shields Field for.a Friday showdown between the Carroll Chargers and the reigning Class 4A state champion Bishop Dwenger Saints.
WHAT’S ON THE LINE
It’s no secret that this matchup feels like whoever comes out victorious will win the SAC. At the very least, they’d become a heavy favorite. Last year, we witnessed Bishop Dwenger claim the conference title outright after having shared champions the two years prior. The Chargers are hoping to capture their first outright title since 2022.
We all know this one is deeper than the SAC. The winner gets bragging rights in northeast Indiana. Every year, fans debate who the best team in the area is and who has the best chance to represent the 260 at Lucas Oil. This matchup will provide us with an ideal measuring stick to see where both teams are at.
Last year, we saw a defensive slugfest between the two programs that ended with a 9-6 victory for the Saints in a battle of field goals. Prior to last season, Carroll hadn’t lost to Dwenger since the 2020 season when it lost, 31-21.
It’s all on the line for the Big Division in the SAC this Friday.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
For the Chargers on defense, it starts with linebacker Eli Neuhouser. As a team captain, it’ll be imperative for him to lead the “charge” (no pun intended) on defense. As expected, he leads the team in tackles with 24 through three games, to go along with three tackles for loss. Asher Wagoner will need to continue doing what he’s been doing all season and provide pressure and add to his 2.5 sacks and 4.5 TFL through three games.
Both offensive lines have been impressive so far, which is why both squads have been successful. Both units have players to watch, and whoever wins the battle up front will likely come out on top. This game will likely be won in the trenches.
Carroll senior Gabe Frisinger is amongst the top quarterbacks s in the state (823 passing yards, 10 TDs, three INT) and had a solid week against Concordia last Friday to bounce back from a tough trip to Center Grove. The Chargers play their best football when Frisinger is slinging it with time to throw. If he has that, Harrison Scheele will be a primary target all night.
The Saints’ offense has been much better than many anticipated prior to the season. This week, they’ll likely focus on establishing their running game with Kolyn Campbell and dual-threat quarterback Tommy Coffman. Believe it or not, Coffman leads the team in rushing after three weeks with 186 yards and a touchdown. Campbell has four rushing scores and will be looked upon to help take some pressure off Coffman. His favorite targets through the air early this season have been Campbell and wide receiver Carter Zent, who will also be a player to watch.
On defense for Bishop Dwenger, senior Paul Perkins leads the Saints in tackles with 25 to go with nine TFL and 3.5 sacks. He has had some help from Jordan Fabini, who has added 24 tackles and 2.5 sacks. As usual, the Saints’ defense has looked stellar to start the season, but can the defensive backs slow down Frisinger and Carroll’s high-level passing attack? Blake Sordelet (two INT) and Nick O’Keefe (two INT) will have their hands full on Friday. Are they up to the task?
It should be a fantastic game on Friday night at Shields Field and we should have a better idea of who will win the SAC once the game is over.
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