After posting a 9-2 record last season, the Evansville Central Bears were dealt their only two losses to nearby nemesis Evansville Reitz. The Central Bears season ended in a 34-7 defeat at the hand of the Reitz Panthers. The two teams are set on a collision course for week 4 and another possible sectional matchup. The Bears are on the road to redemption.
Off to a 2-0 start, the Bears are positioned at No.2 in this week’s IFCA poll, above Reitz and sitting at No.3 in the AP poll, behind the Panthers. Early season success is a familiar spot for the Bears. However, each of the previous four seasons, Central finds themselves on the fast track only to be slowed down by the Reitz Panthers, who is responsible for handing the Bears their first loss in each of those seasons.
The 2017 Central Bears are expecting a different outcome. A high-powered offense averaging 52.5 points is led by standout junior quarterback Brennon Harper. With Harper leading the attack through the air, sophomore running back Tor’jon Evans is running through the competition. Evans posted his second career 300 yard performance on the ground, on just 22 carries in week 2 action, against Owensboro (KY) Apollo. Evans says his goal is to reach the 2,000 yard rushing milestone all while helping the Bears reach the 4A title game. Evans brother, Tre’jon will keep defenses on their heels, with his explosive playmaking ability at the receiver position. With these three in the fold, the Bears are poised for a deep run in the tournament.
Conference play begins this Friday as the Bears host an improved Bosse team before the showdown at home against the Reitz Panthers. The SIAC championship is up for grabs and could be settled within the coming weeks. Evansville Memorial and Mater Dei are also looking to stake claim as conference champion. The city of Evansville has tremendous high school football tradition and this year is no exception.
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