Bloomington South Panthers (0-0) vs Castle Knights (0-0)
When: Friday, Aug. 23, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Fred Huff Field
Last meeting: 2016 Regional 44-23 (W)
The time has finally come. High school football is back in store and South kicks off week one with an intriguing matchup versus their new sectional rival, the #10 ranked (5A) Castle Knights. Although South and Castle have had some good battles over the last ten years, the Knights will make the trip up I-69 and play at Bloomington South for the first time in 34 years.
Offense: The Panther coaching staff probably slept better last night knowing that star running back Maveric Theiry would be suiting up for tonight’s game. Thiery, who was day-to-day with a hamstring injury, got the nod from the trainer and will start tonight. Expect to see seniors Aaron Chestnut and Re’Chaun Bledsoe as well as sophomore Jordan Tolden to see some of the workload. Junior quarterback Mason David will make his first varsity start tonight with the departure of Trent Richardson. David should have nothing to worry about, as his starting center, Fransisco Flores, will play tonight despite being in a boot the last two weeks. The main focus for the offense is figuring out what to do with junior linebacker Nyles Sutton, who racked up 104 tackles in his sophomore campaign at Castle. Castle’s defense, while young and undersized, has historically been a pretty solid unit.
Defense: South’s defense brings back some experienced players, especially in the secondary as all four members return including Optimist’s own John “The Sheriff” Law. Although some significant players in South’s front seven graduated, there certainly isn’t anything to worry about as many of last year’s underclassmen saw time in the rotation. Junior defensive lineman Izayah Rodriguez is no stranger to the defensive line, as he has made a varsity impact since his freshman year. Other notables who will see more playing time include juniors Darnell Boyce, Joe Stephens, and Mason Vernon. The main task for the defense will be shutting down junior running back Reece Yunker, who now steps into the starting role in a run heavy offense.
Overview: These are two very talented teams who have sparked a new rivalry over the last couple of years. Expect an exciting game with some new season rust from both teams. Prediction: BHSS- 35 CHS- 28
Keys to the game:
- Establish the run game early
- Fluster Castle’s young offensive line
- Capitalize on special teams
Follow @optimistsports_ on Twitter for live updates throughout the game!
Projected Starters:
QB- Mason David
RB- Maveric Thiery
WR- Sean Azcui
WR- Maddix Blackwell
WR- Jalen Peck
TE- James Bomba
LT- Trent Kirby
LG- Brock Pedersen
C- Fransisco Flores
RG- Naif Alharbi
RT- Nate Taylor
DL- Cody Root
DL- Darnell Boyce
DL- Izayah Rodriguez
DL- Jonathan Bush
LB- Ethan Hensley
LB- Mason Vernon
LB- Elijah Griffin
LB- Joe Stephens
DB- John Law
DB- Jayden Blackwell
DB- Zach Bellini
DB- Maddix Blackwell
K- Carter Robinson
P- Ethan Zaleski
