Dragash: Warren Central will be dangerous challenger for Carmel
By CRAIG DRAGASH
ISL Correspondent
This Saturday marks the annual showdown between traditional MIC powers Carmel and Warren Central. This is not a typical setup for this matchup however, as Warren currently holds an unusual 3-3 record against the unbeaten, 5A number one Greyhounds.
With the evolution of the rivalry that this has turned out to be in recent years with one or both teams reaching the state finals in eight of the last nine years, this is the first time in some time that one of the two teams is not currently ranked in the class 5A top 10 (Warren Central is currently ranked 12th). With that being the case, this could be a season-defining game for the Warriors with a victory over the Greyhounds.
Here is my preview of Saturday’s matchup at Lucas Oil Stadium:
Offense
This is where Warren has struggled this year. While fans have been pleading for junior Jeff George Jr. to see more time at quarterback, coach Steve Tutsie has relied on senior Anthony Cooper-Taylor, who is the team’s leading rusher averaging 56 yards per game, and its leading passer averaging 92 yards per game. Tutsie has used both quarterbacks; George is more of a traditional pocket-passer, while Cooper can take off and run. The Warriors are averaging under 300 total yards per game; well below their usual standards.
Carmel also incorporates a two-quarterback attack; however senior John Lampe won the starting job after his masterful performance at Center Grove in week 3. Fellow senior Brandon Lugar provides a changeup look with his ability to run as well as pass. The Greyhounds have a very balanced offensive attack; they currently have 1,292 yards of rushing to go with 1,002 passing yards. Senior Jack Thompson and sophomore Chris Perkins lead the rushing attack with a combined 725 yards.
Advantage: Carmel
Defense
This is a strength for both teams; Warren has not given up more than 14 points in any game this season. They have only forced four turnovers through six games, however. Warren has a lot of talent on this side of the football; led by senior linebacker Tim Kimbrough, who has verbally committed to the University of Georgia.
Carmel may not have the talent that Warren possesses on defense, but the Greyhounds are very disciplined. The defensive unit for the Greyhounds is led by John Kenny, a senior linebacker who will attend Iowa next fall. After giving up a total of 48 points in their first three contests, the Carmel defense has pitched three straights shutouts.
The Greyhounds won’t likely shut out the Warriors, but they should at least keep Warren’s offense in check enough to get the job done.
Advantage: Carmel
Special Teams
Carmel’s kicking specialists are having quality seasons, led by punter and kickoff specialist Adam Kremer, and placekicker Billy Stumbo. Stumbo is 3/5 for the season in field goals, with a long of 36 yards. Kremer is averaging 38.2 yards per punt on the season, and he routinely puts the ball into the end zone on kickoffs, negating the return game of Carmel’s opponents.
Warren kicker Max Hernandez has hit two field goals this year, and he also puts the ball into the end zone on kickoffs. Jamaal Bridges and Willy Wesby have shared the punting duties; both averaging around 35 yards per punt attempt.
Neither team has done anything exceptional in the return game; each team has one kick returned for a touchdown on the season.
Advantage: Carmel
Intangibles
This could be a season-changing win for Warren Central. With their recent struggles, a win against Carmel could give them the confidence to make another tournament run. You can bet they will bring their best at the Greyhounds.
Carmel has risen to the occasion no matter the opponent or the circumstances; the rivalry with Warren will certainly be alive and well with Kevin Wright’s group on Saturday.
Advantage: Even
Prediction
Warren may be 3-3, but you can bet that Carmel will not be looking past their rival. With these defenses, this figures to be a fairly low scoring game; although not as low as the 6-3 game that Warren had in their loss to Ben Davis. The discipline and execution of the Greyhounds will prevail in this one:
Carmel 24, Warren Central 14
Follow Craig Dragash on Twitter: www.twitter.com/Greyhound32.
