Cloverdale High School football coach Tyler Lotz describes his team’s upcoming sectional championship game against Sheridan as nothing short of “a blessing.” For the Clovers (5-4), this Class A Sectional 46 championship matchup is an opportunity to etch their names in history with a win that would bring Cloverdale its first sectional title since 1992.
“To be playing in a sectional championship is a blessing, and we’re happy to still be playing,” Lotz told Indiana Preps. “Our kids have worked extremely hard for this and are deserving of this opportunity.”
The Clovers face a tough opponent in the Sheridan Blackhawks, led by legendary coach Bud Wright, who boasts over 400 career victories. The Blackhawks (6-5) enter the game with postseason wins over Clinton Central and Clinton Prairie, averaging 24 points per game while allowing 19. Lotz is well aware of the physical challenge his team faces, describing Sheridan as “a big physical team that wants to run the ball.”
“Defensively, they load the box and play man-to-man. We need to start fast and build confidence early. We can’t afford a slow start like last week,” Lotz emphasized. “On defense, we have to stop the run and get off the field on 3rd and 4th downs. Offensively, we need to execute and take what they give us, take care of the ball, and finish each series with a great kick.”
Cloverdale is riding high after a 34-6 victory over Indianapolis Tindley last week, putting them just one win away from bringing home only their second-ever sectional title. The stakes are high, but the support of the Cloverdale community has given the team an extra boost heading into Friday’s showdown.
“It would be huge for our program. Our community is fully behind us right now, and that support is very important to us,” Lotz said. “I hope to see a packed green sideline Friday night.”
With a championship title and Cloverdale history on the line, the Clovers are ready to give it their all against a powerhouse Sheridan team.