Following a bounce back win against Jeffersonville, Center Grove will take on Franklin Central under the lights of Ray Skillman Stadium tonight in hopes of extending their streak of 13-straight sectional titles, the longest streak in the state.
After falling in the semi state championship game last season to eventual state champion Ben Davis, the team is looking to return to Lucas Oil Stadium.
“We focus on our mentality that we’re playing for championships from here on out and this group is playing for a chance to put their stamp on what their class is going to represent,” defensive coordinator Chad Daniels said. “For the most part, it’s about the idea that we’ve been there, we’ve done that and the mentality behind our program is that we’re going to play our best football until Thanksgiving. That is what sets us apart from other programs. Our guys get to keep practicing for an extra three to four weeks every single year, and they get to see what it takes to win tough ball games.”
Last season, Center Grove faced off against Franklin Central in the sectional semifinals. The Trojans beat the Flashes 40-14 on their way to an eventual regional title. The Flashes are coming off of a 21-17 victory against Columbus North. Both teams have lost to Westfield this year, the only common opponent between the two.
Franklin Central will match up well with the Trojans and with the Flashes hoping to play spoiler to the Trojans state title hopes, everyone on both sides of the ball must stay true to their assignments to ensure a victory.
“Franklin Central is a very well coached team; they play hard and are overall a solid group” offensive line coach Lucas Doyle said. “Position wise, we are bigger than them so if we take care of business and do our jobs we will be just fine.”
Center Grove leads Franklin Central in all total offensive and defensive statistical categories despite the Flashes having a slight advantage in the running back position. Franklin Central running back Avery Allen has rushed for 655 yards on 149 carries this season and figures to be a focal point of the offense. The Flashes enter the game with a better record on the season at 6-3 compared to the 6-4 record held by the Trojans. Two of the three losses that the Flashes have taken this season have been on the road, which bids well for a Trojan victory.
The Trojans, despite their 72-7 win last week, are entering the sectional championship with an attitude to put their regular season losses behind them and focus on the postseason.
“After the big win against Jeffersonville, we’re feeling really confident. This week of practice we’ve been preparing for Franklin Central, and we’ve really focused on doing our individual jobs and staying focused on what’s in front of us instead of our record from the regular season,” senior linebacker Augie Argbah said.
The Trojans have collected 19 total sectional titles and aim to continue their recent post season dominance with a victory tonight.
