Dragash: Can Center Grove maintain control of the MIC?
By CRAIG DRAGASH
ISL Correspondent
Center Grove no doubt likes its spot on top of the MIC conference football standings as the Trojans enter week five undefeated in the conference widely regarded as not only the best in the state, but one of the nation’s best. But there are still four games left on their conference schedule, and as we’ve seen through the first four weeks, nothing is a given in the MIC.
Just last week, Carmel headed into its game with then-number one and nationally ranked Lawrence Central with a record of 1-2. Carmel’s lone win came against a Tech team that has done well for itself this season, but will not be mistaken for a team that belongs in a competition with the best the MIC has to offer. Still, the Greyhounds upset LC 17-7.
Warren Central was defeated in week one by Center Grove, but since then, the Warriors have rattled off three straight victories against Cathedral, Lawrence North, and Ben Davis. They find themselves a game behind Center Grove at 2-1 in the MIC, tied with Lawrence Central. Carmel, Pike and Ben Davis all are 1-1, North Central is 1-3, and Lawrence North is 0-3, 0-4 overall.
Center Grove travels to Lawrence Central in what is the prime matchup this week. With Center Grove owning a victory over Warren Central, the Trojans can solidify a position that is about as good as it gets at this point in the season. If Lawrence Central prevails, there likely will be a three-way tie atop the conference if Warren Central takes care of business against North Central.
It is Ben Davis and Pike’s turn to showcase their talents in Lucas Oil Stadium on Saturday. The loser of this one likely will not contend for a MIC championship this season. There has been talk this week of Ben Davis’ quarterback Kyle Castner being questionable for this contest. The Giants will have a tough time against Pike if he is not able to go.
As for Warren Central hosting North Central, don’t sleep on the Panthers; although they currently stand at 1-3, they put up 31 points against a very stingy Lawrence Central defense in week two before falling to the Bears 34-31. Carmel hosts Lawrence North to round out the schedule for this week.
Look for this to be a defining week in determining where the balance of the power in the MIC stands. Will it be Center Grove in the driver’s seat, or will we have a dogfight to the finish?
Time will tell, and in the meantime, get to a MIC game near you for what always proves to be the highest caliber of football in the Midwest on a weekly basis.
