Brownsburg Bulldogs vs Bloomington South Panthers
When: Friday, August 17, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Fred Huff Field
Last Meeting: (L) 51-14

It’s the season opener for both teams, and all eyes will be on Brownsburg’s talented receiver and Northwestern commit Bryce Kirtz.

Kirtz, although pretty average physically at 6 foot 180 pounds, uses his speed and good hands to dominate defensive backs. South will have new starting corners in Aaron Chestnut and Optimist’s own John Law, so they will need these varsity newcomers to step up in order to ensure that Kirtz feels some pressure in the passing game.

For the Panthers, former defensive starter and senior Trent Richardson will make his first start at quarterback, a position he hasn’t played since freshman year, against the #10 team in the state. Thankfully, Richardson has some experienced targets at receiver, like junior Sean Azcui, who will likely see a large volume of targets as he is the most experienced and reliable receiver for Richardson.

“They are a good team”, junior tackle Nate Taylor said. “I think it’s good to start the season with a tough opponent like [Brownsburg]. It prepares us for competition at the end of the year like Roncalli.”

On the defensive side, the Panthers are full of new faces; however, Brownsburg only has two returning starters on offense. Inexperience is prevalent on both sides. The pass rush remains the same for South with seniors Sam Lewis and Avery Thompson and junior Cody Root making up the core of the front seven.

Other players to watch are safeties junior Zach Bellini and sophomore Maddix Blackwell, who will both be taking their first varsity snaps Friday.

Interestingly, Bellini will not only make his first start tonight against Brownsburg, but will also be making his return to football, “I took my sophomore year off to rest,” Bellini said. “I’m excited to put the silver helmet on again and hit someone”.

Gates open at 6:30 p.m.. Game starts at 7:30 p.m.