MIDAMERICA TOTAL SPORTS GAME OF THE WEEK

It’s rivalry week in Bloomington, Indiana and the North Cougars and the South Panthers face off in what is sure to be a high scoring affair. The Panthers hold a substantial lead in the win column over the rival Cougars in the all-time series. Last season’s thriller, an overtime 44-37 win for the Panthers should give this game all of the hype it deserves. Both teams come in undefeated sitting at 3-0. An explosion of points (North 46-PPG, South 43.6-PPG) for both programs and playmakers all over the field is setting up the 2021 version to be just as good.

North Cougars have had their fair share of division one prospects over the last couple of seasons, most notably tight end Aaron Steinfeldt who is now playing up the road for the Hoosiers. Returning for North is dual-threat senior quarterback Reece Lozano. Responsible for 11-touchdowns in 3 games, Lozano does it on the ground and through the air. Indiana Preps Preseason Top 22 All State Underclassmen running back Cody McKulich is averaging above 7-yards a carry and has hit paydirt 9 times. Fellow Top 22 selection tight end Aidan Steinfeldt is maturing into a prospective player for the Cougars like his older brother. On the season, Steinfeldt is averaging 21-yards per catch. A name to know for years to come is freshman linebacker Zeke Trueblood.

This year it’s South’s turn to churn out the prospects starting with the McCullough brothers, Dasan and Daeh. Unless you’ve lived under a rock the last 10 months, the arrival of the McCullough family moving back to Bloomington has given the South Panthers’ program a boost they’ve longed for the last several years. The elder brother Dasan, has made his presence known on both sides of the ball and has positioned himself to be a candidate for Player of the Year. Daeh is also a swiss-army knife for the Panthers and as junior, he has clearly set himself apart as one of the state’s best regardless of class.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

North Cougars: QB Reece Lozano, RB Cody McKulich, TE Aidan Steinfeldt, LB Zeke Trueblood

South Panthers: LB Dasan McCullough, DB Daeh McCullough, QB Zach David, LB Jordan Tolden, DB Tyree Rochell

PREDICTION: NORTH 38-37