High School football started last Friday, and we were able to get a great idea of how most teams are going to play this season. Here are three teams with high expectations who suffered a loss in week 1, and how they can bounce back.
Carroll falls to HSE 28-14
It was Carroll’s turn to hit the road to face their semi-state opponent Hamilton Southeastern from a year ago. Carroll won that matchup. Several key pieces return from that team including star QB Jimmy Sullivan and Western Michigan commit Braden Steely. Chargers had very high expectations heading into the rematch but it was Hamilton Southeastern’s physicality that avenged the win for the Royals. The Chargers did show flashes of being a great team, and something to build from moving forward. Jimmy Sullivan looked to be in command and their defense played really well. Two pick sixes by Royals defensive back Mason Alexander was the difference in a very close game. Next week Carroll will host Indianapolis Warren Central, who is also reeling from a week 1 loss. If Carroll can claim their first win over the Warrior, there’s a good opportunity to win the remainder of their games on their schedule.
Warren Central falls to Fort Wayne Snider 42-20
Warren Central is a team with talent across its roster. They have multiple Division One recruits on both sides of the ball, and is expected to have a very good season. Week 1 was not the start they were looking for, as 5A Fort Wayne Snider traveled to East Indianapolis as underdogs but they certainly did not play like it. Warren held control of the game going into the half leading 6-0, but they lost it quickly giving up 35 points in the 3rd quarter and going on to lose. Warren faces another tough Fort Wayne team in week 2 taking on last year’s 6A state runner-up Carroll. Warren has one of the toughest schedules in the state so they need to get back on track soon. Warren looks to capture their 5th sectional championship in 6 years, which is almost certain as they play in a weaker sectional, but they may need to make some adjustments to survive their difficult schedule.
Lafayette Jefferson falls to Cathedral 55-14
Lafayette Jeff started their season with a top 10 matchup at Lucas Oil Stadium in the Horseshoe Classic. The Bronchos came in underdogs, but they certainly did not expect to lose by 41 points. Danny O’Neil and the Cathedral offense had a great night leading the entire game and running away on the scoreboard. Lafayette Jeff was one-point shy from advancing to semi-state last year, and they returned most of their team. They still have an opportunity to bounce back from week one as they will be favored in every game left on their schedule. If the Bronchos can put some pieces together and finish the regular season 8-1, they will be a tough team to face in the playoffs.