Outside the Huddle is breaking down every area regional matchup scheduled for this Friday.
We continue in Class 5A as Warsaw (10-1) hits the road to take on Lafayette Jeff (9-2).
TWO STORYLINES
1. BACK AGAIN
After a one-and-done postseason last season, one year after reaching the state title game, Warsaw finds itself deep in the playoffs once again after capturing its third sectional title in program history last week.
The 14-3 win over Snider was anything but easy, as the Tigers scored two fourth-quarter touchdowns to seal the deal. With so much emphasis on the offense, it can be easy to overlook the defensive unit, which put together arguably its best performance of the season by holding Snider to just 150 total yards, including only 65 yards on the ground.
The defense will be in the limelight again against a Lafayette Jeff team that is averaging 50 points a game.
2. THIRD TIME THE CHARM?
Lafayette Jeff has been a regional regular in recent years – winning sectional titles in four of the last five seasons. But a regional championship has remained elusive for the Bronchos. Just two years ago, Warsaw handled Lafayette Jeff 44-27 on its way to the state championship game. That was an undefeated Bronchos team that finished 11-1 with the loss.
There is always the question of competition for the Bronchos and if they are truly good enough to beat some of Class 5A’s best in the regional round and beyond. They have yet to break through and reach a semistate, but are hoping this year is the year.
FOUR PLAYERS TO WATCH
TUCKER REED, SENIOR, WARSAW
In Warsaw’s flexbone offensive scheme, slotbacks hold a key responsibility in how things are executed. It is Reed who has thrived this season in the role, as he is close to 1,000 yards rushing and 15 touchdowns.
It was Reed who broke the scoring drought last week for the Tigers. On 4th-and-1, Reed took a handoff and broke away for a 20-yard touchdown that put Warsaw on the board and ahead of Snider.
Reed can spring a play at any time, and will need to be respected by the Lafayette Jeff defense.
NADARIUS YOUNG, JUNIOR, LAFAYETTE JEFF
The Bronchos amass about 215 yards rushing per game, but it is the passing threat that truly makes them a balanced offense. Young is a machine, just ask Merrillville. In a 56-54 shootout in Week 2, Young hauled in 13 receptions for 172 yards and six(!) touchdowns. He has been held out of the end zone just once this year, and interestingly, it was last week at Huntington North.
Young has accounted for 18 touchdowns through the air on the season with 46 receptions and 753 yards. He leads the Bronchos in all three categories. He can burn you any play at any time.
GRADY NELSON, SENIOR, WARSAW
Nelson is an absolute beast on the edge for the Tigers defense. At 6-foot-4 and about 230 pounds, he has the size and agility to get into the backfield or seal off the edge.
Over a two-game span against Concord and Northridge in Weeks 8 and 9, Nelson had 10 solo tackles, six tackles for loss, a blocked punt for a touchdown, a game-saving interception against Concord and a touchdown reception, as he also plays tight end.
Physicality in the trenches will help neutralize Lafayette Jeff’s weaponry on offense. Nelson, who is committed to Ole Miss for baseball, will factor large in that quest.
MYLES STETLER, SENIOR, LAFAYETTE JEFF
Stetler is a defensive coordinator’s dream. He can play outside linebacker, creep up onto the edge of the D-line and fall back in coverage as a defensive back. He is utilized as a guy who can do a lot of things, because he can. Just last week against Huntington North, he had seven tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, a sack and a trio of quarterback hurries.
This week will be different as Warsaw will not throw much (unless forced to), but Stetler will have a primary goal of slowing down Warsaw’s rushing game.
KEY TO VICTORY – WARSAW
STAY IN CONTROL
Warsaw has had several dramatic fourth-quarter comebacks in victories this year, most recently last week against Snider. One thing that the Tigers thrive on is pressure, where they have answered the bell time and again with the game in the balance.
Coach Bart Curtis’ team doesn’t need to control the game in its entirety, per se, but rather its emotions over the course of 48 minutes. Lafayette Jeff is going to put some points on the board, that is inevitable. It is how the Tigers react to those points that will be key, especially if they can control the clock with some extended scoring drives.
KEY TO VICTORY – LAFAYETTE JEFF
LIMIT THE BIG PLAYS
Last week, Snider did a much better job than the first game against Warsaw way back in Week 1 in limiting the big plays on the ground. The flexbone is frustrating in the fact that you can hold it to a couple yards four out of five plays, but if that fifth play is a 30-yard gain, the previous four do not matter.
Lafayette Jeff’s defense must stay disciplined. Warsaw is going to attempt to confuse them with a bunch of fakes and counters, it is what it does. Each individual Broncho on the defense has to do their job every snap. Even if just one guy doesn’t do his part, it could lead to a big run for the Tigers.
Jeff has allowed just two teams this season score more than 20 points in a game. Can it keep the Tigers below that mark?
PREDICTION
Coming Friday when Blitz makes his regional picks.
These opinions represent those of Blitz and Outside the Huddle. No opinions expressed on Outside the Huddle represent those of any of our advertisers. Follow Blitz on Twitter at Blitz_OTH
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