Carroll’s soccer staff is hoping the third time is the attraction.
The Cougars are enjoying in a Class A regional for third straight yr. Two years in the past, North Judson beat Carroll 35-6. Final yr, Adams Central beat Carroll 35-0.
Now comes a rematch as No. 3-ranked Carroll (12-0) hosts No. 2 Adams Central (12-0) tonight in one of many 4 Class A regionals. Kickoff is about for 7:30 p.m. at Carroll’s Lambert Area.
“There’s quite a lot of pleasure,” Carroll coach Blake Betzner stated. “All offseason, you’re employed to get again up to now. We’re excited for this chance. We all know what [the Flying Jets] are, they’re actually good, however we really feel like we’re fairly good too. We’re going to line up with these guys and provides it our greatest shot.
“I’ve coached right here for [three] years now and we’re a fairly good 1A staff so I’m excited to see the place we stand.”
The Flying Jets have been a dominant power in Class A, with 5 regional titles over the past seven years. They completed as state runners-up in 2021 and once more final yr. They’re 39-3 for the reason that begin of 2021.
Betzner stated the Flying Jets are led by an impressive senior class.
“They introduced again virtually each considered one of their most important gamers from final yr. They’ve quite a lot of expertise and quite a lot of expertise,” he stated.
The Flying Jets are spectacular on either side of the ball. Offensively, they common 44.2 factors per sport. Defensively, they maintain opponents to five.4 factors.
Betzner stated Adams Central’s protection is tenacious.
“Their staff velocity is ridiculous. They get to issues so quick,” he stated. “They’ve three three-year all-state guys, two of them defensive linemen and one is a center linebacker. They’re actually good. Their DBs are good gamers too. They simply perceive the sport they usually’re so nicely coached.”
Adams Central QB Jack Hamilton had an enormous sport within the Flying Jets’ 56-14 victory over Madison-Grant within the Sectional 44 remaining final week. He ran seven occasions for 125 yards and two touchdowns and accomplished 3 of 4 cross makes an attempt for 115 yards and three scores.
The Cougars are spectacular on either side of the ball as nicely. They rating 47.9 factors and maintain opponents to three.4. Amongst Class A groups, Carroll ranks No. 1 in defensive common and Adams Central ranks No. 2.
If Carroll hopes to take down Adams Central, the Cougars might want to play a clear sport. That didn’t occur when the groups met final yr. The Cougars dedicated 5 turnovers and had a punt blocked within the first half in falling behind 28-0.
“I don’t assume we had been prepared for the stage at that time. I’m hoping our children are prepared for that stage this yr,” Betzner stated.
Betzner pointed to particular groups as one other key.
“If we are able to win particular groups, we’ll have a combating probability to compete with them,” he stated. “Their particular groups are so good. Their kickoff staff is so good, they blocked a punt final yr and scored a landing towards us, they’ve had punt returns that I’ve seen on movie. We’ve to win the particular groups battle, for certain.”
Carroll’s ground-heavy offense is led by Keegan Ellis (1,617 yards and 31 touchdowns) and Griffin Viney (427-11). Quarterback Luke Tanner has handed for 1,152 yards with 12 touchdowns and 4 interceptions. The highest receivers are Trent Metzger (10 catches, 319 yards, 4 TDs), Viney (11-239-1) and Clark McClain (10-205-3).
Dominic Barnes leads Carroll’s protection with 102 tackles and 13.5 tackles for loss. Emery Deaton has 60 tackles, Coy Lytle has 59 and Carter Mullins has 55. Owen Zinn has 4 interceptions and Lytle and Mullins have three picks apiece.
