Landon Kleindorfer
BRAZIL, Indiana – The Knights, coming off of one of their best wins of the season, are set to take on Indian Creek in their season finale. Northview boasts a 6-2 record this season with no conference losses thus far. Indian Creek also carries a winning record, 5-3, with a three-game win streak (Edgewood 44-25, Speedway 35-21, Sullivan 21-7).
Last week Northview handled business on senior night against Edgewood by scoring 50 points in the first half. the starters did not see much time in the second half as Colton Bath and DeMarius McLawyer came into the game. That duo was able to put together a touchdown drive as well. Quarterback Kyle Cottee was able to throw for 117 yards and two touchdowns while also rushing for an additional game-leading 145 yards and three. Running back Tyler Lee added a rushing touchdown and caught one of Cottee’s passing touchdowns. The Defense was stifling throughout the game. allowing 0 points through the last three quarters.
Only one issue was apparent in the game and it is something that has bothered the Knights more than once… Special Teams. The lone touchdown for Edgewood came when the kick return team fumbled the opening kickoff. Edgewood was able to have amazing field position and all of the momentum before scoring on a short passing touchdown. The issues on special teams have been apparent with the Knights fumbling the second-half kickoff against Guerin Catholic or Terre Haute North’s ability to gain great field position on kick off returns. The scoring is great, the defense is tough, but special teams has been hurting Northview’s production this season.
Against Indian Creek, Northview can expect a fairly even distribution of both run and pass. However, it will be the quarterback who does the bulk of both. Quarterback Jalen A Sauer throws for nearly 200 yards per game while also running for 78 of the teams 120 yards per game. Sauer also has 26 total touchdowns to his name this season. This means players like defensive back Slade Fell (50 ToT, 6.5 TFL, 3 Int), line backer Gage Thompson (48 ToT, 4.5 TFL) and the rest of the Knights defense will have to play with a heightened awareness of where Sauer is at all times. If Sauer is contained, the Knights will be in good shape.
FINAL ANALYSIS…
The Knights have shown no fatigue in the run game and the defense continues to look tough. If Northview can even slightly halt Sauer from running with the football than the offense from Indian Creek may have no answers. This is Senior Night for Indian Creek which means that Northview has to be prepared for an emotional game which could give Indian Creek and advantage.
Final Prediction: 47-28 Northview def. Indian Creek
NV Sagarin rating: 66.94 (19th 4A)
IC Sagarin rating: 56.89 (27th in 3A)