We are a week into the state tournament, and we have already seen an unprecedented amount of madness whether it’s due to teams opting out from COVID-19 or the large number of upset wins. Barring any issues from the virus, we are looking at one of the best matchups in all of Indiana: Bishop Luers from the SAC vs 2A #7 Fairfield from the NECC.

Both teams are coming off of one-sided wins in their opening round sectional games. For Fairfield (9-0), they ran for a whopping 341 yards against the Central Noble Cougars led by Jonathan Estep (125) and QB Cory Lantz (115). For Luers (4-6), they threw for 262 yards and ran for 229 against the Whitko Wildcats.

While Fairfield’s defense has allowed just 8 points a game, this Luers team presents unique challenges Fairfield hasn’t played against all season. Luers has some similarities to that of NECC foe Eastside because they have a QB in Carson Clark (2043 passing yards 17 TD passes 10 INTs 56% completion) that can change the game off his arm and vision. Clark loves to throw the ball to Brody Glenn where he’s caught 40 passes for 665 yards and 6 TD’s. They also can run the ball led by Sid Hale with 754 yards rushing and 8 scores.

Bishop Luers’ biggest challenge is finding out how to slow down this explosive triple-option offense that’s so difficult to defend. A lot of it is based on a excellent offensive line that’s big and physical. But it also comes from their MVP in Cory Lantz who’s been their leader in rushing, but he’s so intelligent on the field that he can be effective from the passing game if you let him. Guys like Carson Abramson, Jonathan Estep, and Quinn Kitson can put up some points if Luers doesn’t put enough pressure. Luers has allowed over 35 points a game, and while yes they play in the SAC, those numbers are glaring when you’re playing this Fairfield team.

Luers has never lost to Fairfield going 3-0 with their last meeting being a 44-14 home sectional win back in 2008. In fact, Luers is 35-2 all-time against NECC schools. It’ll be their first meeting @ Fairfield since 1998 (the 3rd overall there). The only time they’ve lost to a NECC team came in 1994 (16-14) and 2019 (13-6) both at the hands of Eastside. Only 8 of those games have been decided by 14 points or less.

Other sectional games to watch

6A 3: Carroll @ Warsaw; Snider @ Homestead

5A 11: Northrop @ North Side
4A 19: Northwood @ Leo; East Noble @ DeKalb

3A 27: Maconaquah @ Norwell

1A 44: Triton @ Adams Central