If you’d placed a bet on which teams would make it to the Sectional Final #22, Roncalli and Bishop Chatard would be the safe pick. This Friday, the Roncalli Royals and the Bishop Chatard Trojans renew their storied parochial rivalry, with a regional trip on the line in a classic Southside vs. Northside matchup.
Roncalli Royals Season Performance:
Roncalli continues its tradition of disciplined play, relying on a strong ground game and a powerful offensive line, which has especially come together over the past few weeks. The line is better prepared than they were in their Week 3 meeting with Chatard, which ended in a tough 9-3 loss for the Royals. This game will likely be decided in the trenches, where Roncalli’s line has shown significant improvement.
Key Players:
Roncalli’s offense is built around its running backs and a physical O-line. Collin Ash, who took over quarterback duties earlier this season, has been a dual threat, scoring 11 rushing touchdowns and averaging 58 rushing yards per game. Running back Zach Dozier has also stepped up, averaging 105 rushing yards per game, including a 176-yard performance against Brebeuf last week. Defensively, linebackers Johnny Jaffe and Brody Heidelberger, along with OLB Robert Houser, will be key to containing Chatard’s strong run game.
X-Factor:
Quarterback Jayden Buchanan, who recently returned to action, played a few series last week and made an impact with 78 passing yards and two touchdowns. Safeties Will Hegwood and AJ Richardson will be critical in run support, helping to keep the Trojans behind the chains.
Bishop Chatard Trojans Season Performance:
Bishop Chatard has followed a rigorous schedule, playing a physical brand of football that has allowed them to limit opponents to just 14 points per game. Like many Chatard teams before them, this Trojans squad is disciplined, big, and skilled at controlling the line of scrimmage. They enter the sectional final with confidence after key wins over Roncalli, Columbus North, and Hanover Central.
Key Players:
Quarterback Jack Harrington has been a reliable leader, capable of making plays both through the air and on the ground, adding a dimension to Chatard’s offense that makes them tough to contain. The Trojans also have a deep backfield, featuring sophomore Daniel Adams and senior Daniel Shaw. Defensively, Kade Rickard and JR Finnegan will be leading the charge against Roncalli’s ground game.
X-Factor:
For Chatard, the game plan will be to control the clock and finish drives. Harrington’s decision-making and mobility will be crucial as he leads the offense. Up front, Chatard’s line will aim to dominate the trenches, where the Trojans traditionally excel.
Game Outlook:
Expect this game to mirror their Week 3 matchup: low-scoring and physical. Both teams have made strides since their early-season meeting, so Friday night’s showdown will reveal just how much each side has grown. With a sectional title on the line, fans can expect an intense, hard-hitting classic in this historic rivalry.