Not every regional matchup has just 1 combined loss between both teams. This week in Fortville though, we have exactly that when the undefeated Roncalli Royals travel to North East Indianapolis to take on the one-loss Mt. Vernon Marauders. This regional matchup will be nothing new to either side though after playing one another for each of the last two years in regionals.

Mt. Vernon won the first time around 25-17 in 2019. They were stopped just short of the state championship though after losing to Evansville Memorial 28-3 in semi-state. Roncalli dominated the scoreboard last November of 2020 and came out with a 35-14 win over Mt. Vernon. Roncalli finished the season by earning a 4A State Football Championship in a dominant win over Hobart.

Split 1-1 in regionals for the past two years, both teams are looking to earn a spot to compete for the state title. On paper, Mt. Vernon seems to be the underdogs by being ranked #29 in the state and #5 in 4A while Roncalli is ranked #6 in the state and #1 and the favorites to win the state championship in 4A.

One factor that seems to be on Mt. Vernon’s side is the fact that they are gaining momentum after a dominant win over Connersville last week. The Marauders put up 70 points (42 points in the first quarter) while not letting a single point be scored on them through 4 quarters capturing the Sectional 21 Championship.

One thing that we can be certain of; state championship aspirations are just around the corner for one of these two teams!