Roncalli (7-5) at Mt. Vernon (10-2)
Kickoff: 7 p.m.
Coaches: Scott Marsh, 18-14 in 3rd year at Roncalli, 45-69 in 11th year overall. Mike Kirschner, 17-6 in 2nd year at Mt. Vernon, 126-68 in 17th year overall.
Recent history: Roncalli has won all four previous meetings, although the teams haven’t played in 20 years. Roncalli won that 1999 regional game, 27-6.
Sagarin ratings: Roncalli, 67.56, 67th overall, 15th in 4A. Mt. Vernon, 65.51, 73rd overall, 17th in 4A.
Players to watch: Mt. Vernon — QB Gehrig Slunaker, RB/FS Rylan Cole, OL/LB Charlie Moore, WR Ashden Gentry, WR Dawan Langston, RB/DB Keagan LaBelle; Roncalli — QB Aidan Leffler, RB Baron Huebler, WR Kyle Lockard, DE Jack Wardzala, DB Dominic Brown
What to look for: Roncalli has been a bizarre team this year, starting 0-4 with ugly losses in each game, only one of which was against a top tier team in Chatard. After a blowout loss to Brebeuf Jesuit left them at 1-5, they’ve rebounded with six straight wins, the last five all routs. The Marauders are even hotter, with seven straight wins after a much more consistent regular season. Mt. Vernon has a Top 10 offense and defense in 4A, and home field advantage will matter here, too. This game hinges on two key factors – the health of Roncalli running back Baron Huebler, who was injured in the sectional final, and the poise of a pair of sophomore quarterbacks, Roncalli’s Aidan Leffler and Mt. Vernon’s Gehrig Slunaker. If Huebler is healthy, this one will be down to the wire and could go either way. Without Huebler, the Rebels offense takes a huge hit but still can’t be counted out. This will be close either way, but give the edge to the home team who knows what it takes to win close games this year, the Marauders.
Scouting the other Class 4A regionals
North
New Prairie (11-1) at Hobart (10-2)
Sagarin ratings: New Prairie, 83.7, 22nd overall, 1st in 4A. Hobart, 79.62, 30th overall, 3rd in 4A.
What to look for: While the Cougars sit at the top of the class rankings right now, the margin is small. Hobart has had a fantastic 10-game run since an 0-2 start, where they lost consecutive games against 6A teams, including regional competitor Merrillville. The Brickies defense has five shutouts this year and has held opponents under 10 points eight total times, ranking them second in the class at 9.75 points per contest. New Prairie has the No. 2 offense in 4A, averaging 43.17 points per contest, and owns a marquee win against 6A regional competitor Mishawaka. This shapes up to be a tight regional contest that will likely go fast, as both teams are run-first. The Hobart defense will be sorely tested by an impressive running attack of New Prairie QB Chase Ketterer (2,335 yards, 33 TD) and running back Chris Mays (1,371 yards, 23 TD). Both Ketterer and Mays average over 8 yards per carry. Hobart may have the home edge, but New Prairie should be considered slight favorites against the Brickies.
East Noble (12-0) at Mississinewa (11-1)
Sagarin ratings: East Noble, 82.5, 25th overall, 2nd in 4A. Mississinewa, 72.18, 56th overall, 10th in 4A.
What to look for: Mississinewa may be at home, but they face an uphill battle in this regional against undefeated East Noble. The Knights are led by senior quarterback and defensive back Bailey Parker, who has been a standout on both sides of the ball. He has thrown for 2,489 yards, with 37 TDs to 6 INTs, while rushing for 1,082 yards and 15 TDs. He’s got 68 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, a sack and three INTs on the defensive end. Parker has led his team to an undefeated season, and despite facing a tough Mississinewa defense, he should be able to move the offense effectively. The Indians rarely pass, and will need to control the clock as much as possible to pull off the upset at home. They run the ball effectively, averaging 282 yards per game at a 7.1 yards per carry rate, and will need a big night from senior running back Cade Campbell to stay in this one. This won’t be a blowout – the Indians defense is too good for that – but don’t be surprised to see East Noble pull away to win by 10-plus points.
South
Mooresville (10-2) at Evansville Memorial (10-1)
Sagarin ratings: Mooresville, 77.82, 37th overall, 4th in 4A. Memorial, 71.43, 58th overall, 11th in 4A.
What to look for: Mooresville is coming off an impressive win in the sectional final, a 17-14 upset over previously undefeated East Central. Evansville Memorial avenged their only loss of the season, a 2OT defeat against Evansville Central, with a 38-14 blowout a week ago. This game could be closer than the ratings would indicate, as Memorial has been playing very strong defense for the past month. Mooresville’s potent offense, led by senior QB Kalija Perry and junior RB Breken Greene, will need a big night from its offensive line to find success. Memorial’s defense lives in the backfield, racking up 87 tackles for loss with 26 sacks this year. The Memorial defense is led by senior DL Brock Combs, who has 28 tackles for loss and 12 sacks and is good enough to change the outcome of this game. Mooresville may be the favorite, but don’t be surprised by an upset from the home team here.
