Last November, 4A Bishop Chatard and 5A Lafayette Jefferson came up just short of the ultimate goal, each claiming a runner-up bid in their respective class tournaments.
As both teams return offensive firepower and reload with new talent for the new season, the 4A Trojans were able to defend home turf in an exciting 35-28 victory over the 5A Bronchos.
“We just have to keep working,” junior running back Danny Adams said. “(The scheming) was the same even if it was a team we had played for years upon year…we just had to execute every single play.”
Adams was the backbone of the Trojan offensive attack with presumptive starting quarterback Jack Harrington sidelined for the opening week. Racking up three touchdowns on the ground, including a 61-yard sprint on a crucial 4th down and an 84-yard kickoff return to set himself up for a 10-yard plunge early in the second quarter.
“I’m thankful for my O-Line,” Adams said. “We struggled a lot this summer, but leading up to this day, it was about nine months of work. After that New Pal loss (in the 4A championship game), we had to work on everything to become better as a unit. Our O-Line builds up this team and brings the juice.”
While it was the hard-nosed and elusive running of Adams that propelled the Trojans to victory, it was an unlikely source that gave Chatard the go-ahead score late in the game to seal the win.
Junior wide receiver Cam Harden had not seen a target all game prior to the game-winning ball that came his way from quarterback Harrison Odom in his first varsity game of his career.
“I was so scared,” Harden said. “It felt good, though. Felt good to get my first catch… our team came through adversity (to get the win).”
The Bronchos held a lead late in the third quarter due to an impressive outing from senior wideout Omar Williams Jr. and Marquis Adkins, each racking up two scores. However, key interceptions from Tate Chesebrough and Jack Chase late in the game turned the tide in favor of Chatard.
Lafayette Jefferson will host Michigan City next Friday, while Chatard takes a visit to Hanover Central.
“We’re feeling very confident (for the season),” Adams said. “We just need to keep our foot on the gas.”