Kyle Hill (@Coach_Kyle_Hill)

Scout & Writer

Indiana Preps Game Preview: Jasper @ Castle – 10/02/2020

This week’s SWIN Game of the Week will bring Indiana Preps to Castle High School, and John Lidy Field, as the Castle Knights (4-1, 5A # 8 – Coaches, # 9 – AP) will host the Jasper Wildcats (5-1, 4A # 9 – Coaches, # 7 – AP) in a matchup of teams still in contention for the Southern Indiana Athletic Conference championship.

Jasper enters this contest coming off a hard-fought 24-17 defeat at Evansville Central.  The Wildcats will look to bounce back and pick up a road win to remain in the SIAC race.  The rushing attack of the Wildcats is led primarily by QB Blake Mann and FB Lance Dawkins.  Not to be underestimated, though, is the Jasper defense, which has more than held its own against a rugged schedule, having allowed just over ten points per game on the season.  I was impressed with the Wildcats’ defensive effort against an explosive Central team, as Jasper held the Bears to two offensive touchdowns.

Castle enters the game on a four-game winning streak (after a season-opening 14-7 defeat at Evansville North – a game that I attended).  Castle enters this game allowing just over six points per game defensively (four total touchdowns allowed in five games), and has a combination of talent and experience in all three levels of its defense, making it one of the best defenses in all of Class 5A this year.  LB Myles Sutton (50 tackles on the season) figures to serve as a leader for a stout Castle defense.  

Offensively, the Knights have continued to steadily improve throughout the season, and have a nice blend of three Tailbacks (Soph. Peyton Guerzini, and Seniors Connor McIntire and Reece Yunker) to utilize in its ground game.  The backfield of the Knights, led by Soph. QB Cameron Tilly, benefits from what has been an offensive line that has been physical and effective in the trenches.  Jr. Cade Virgin is one to watch for on the Castle O-Line.

Both teams are physical at the point of attack offensively, and have outstanding defenses.  I am very intrigued to see how the battle in the trenches will play out.  Jasper’s O-Line vs. the Castle D-Line.  Castle’s O-Line vs. the Jasper D-Line.  These are just a few of the match-ups to watch for in what promises to be a heated battle to remain in the Southern Indiana Athletic Conference championship race.