The football team heads into tonight’s Homecoming game with Pike (2-4) with a 6-0 record and a No. 1 state ranking. A win against Pike would assure the team at least a share of the MIC title.

With four losses, Pike’s record is deceiving. They took No. 3 Carmel to the wire before falling  33-38 and defeated  reigning state champion Ben Davis 30-27. Senior Derek Hawthorne, who averages 236 passing yards a game, leads Pike’s high-powered offense, which will look to try and spread the Trojan defense out by throwing the deep ball.

The Trojan defense ranks amongst the state’s best, giving up only 18.5 points per game. Seniors Jovan Swann and Cameron Tidd lead the defense, each with three sacks on the season, and will try to put pressure on Hawthorne in an attempt to disrupt Pike’s rhythm. Another key will be Trojan’s secondary, which will need to rely on great coverage on the pass attack. Senior Connor Steeb will look to lead this attack on Pike’s receivers down the field.

On the other side of the ball, the offense has excelled, averaging 36 points a game. Senior quarterback Joey Siderewicz has been nothing short of efficient; completing 70 percent of his passes without throwing an interception. The Trojans continue to be a running team, with junior running back Titus Mccoy already having 902 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns on the season. Senior running back Lee Clinker looks to have a breakout night as he steps in for an injured Trevor Hohlt.

Expect a hard fought football game from your Trojans on a fun Homecoming night.