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In any normal circumstance, a team that is riding an eight game win streak, averages 30.8 points per game, and is only allowing two scores per game, would never be considered an underdog.
That is, of course, under a normal circumstance. But when New Palestine takes the field on Friday night, they won't be facing off against just any normal 4A school in the Regional championship. The task at hand is the No. 1 ranked and 11-1 (undefeated in the state of Indiana) Cathedral Fighting Irish.
"They are a great team," said Dragons Head Coach Tim Able. "They are a great program and a great tradition. They are a team we have a lot of respect for, but at the same time, we have to go out there and play a good football game for four quarters. We'll take our chances, and if we're right there in the fourth quarter with them, we like to think we can play with them."
Also Make Sure To Check Out The Preview Of The Football Friday Night Feature Game: Floyd Central vs. Center Grove
The road for New Palestine to the Regional Championship is one they've traveled with ease. In the first round of the IHSAA playoffs they defeated Pendleton Heights 41-21, shut out Indianapolis Arlington 33-0, and then defeated Anderson Highland in the Sectional championship 48-22.
In the championship game Dragons Senior Pat Feeney led the way with four touchdowns and 137 yards, while quarterback Brett Jackson ended the night with two trips to the end zone on foot and had one passing touchdown.
"As a team we feel like we're peaking at the right time," said Coach Able. "We're putting all the pieces together, and feeling really good about things. We've had some injuries like everyone does, but what's been neat is how the kids have stepped up and stepped in each and every week."
Interested To See If Indy Sports Nation Is Coming To Your School? Check Out The Football Friday Night Rundown For Regional Friday
But Able knows for his team to compete on Friday night, they are going to have to stop the star of the Fighting Irish's offense, Senior quarterback Kofi Hughes. Last Friday Hughes, an Indiana University recruit that may very well be the next Mr. Football, almost single-handily willed Cathedral past Plainfield with 166 rushing yards, 134 passing yards, and four overall touchdowns.
"Obviously they are a team that makes a big play with their quarterback," said Able. "Obviously anywhere Kofi goes, we've got to be there. And it's a team we have to stay away from the big plays on. If we keep them to the five and the ten yard deals, as opposed to the big plays of 20 and more, we feel like we have a chance to stay in the ball game."
But with the major task at hand, Coach Able still believes his team has more than a fighter's chance.
"We're going to surprise some people."
New Palestine and Cathedral will face off against each other on Friday night at 7:00 p.m. at North Central High School. Full highlights of the game can be viewed on Indy Sports Nation's "Football Friday Night" at 10:35 p.m., and can be found after the show on Indysportsnation.com.
That is, of course, under a normal circumstance. But when New Palestine takes the field on Friday night, they won't be facing off against just any normal 4A school in the Regional championship. The task at hand is the No. 1 ranked and 11-1 (undefeated in the state of Indiana) Cathedral Fighting Irish.
"They are a great team," said Dragons Head Coach Tim Able. "They are a great program and a great tradition. They are a team we have a lot of respect for, but at the same time, we have to go out there and play a good football game for four quarters. We'll take our chances, and if we're right there in the fourth quarter with them, we like to think we can play with them."
Also Make Sure To Check Out The Preview Of The Football Friday Night Feature Game: Floyd Central vs. Center Grove
The road for New Palestine to the Regional Championship is one they've traveled with ease. In the first round of the IHSAA playoffs they defeated Pendleton Heights 41-21, shut out Indianapolis Arlington 33-0, and then defeated Anderson Highland in the Sectional championship 48-22.
In the championship game Dragons Senior Pat Feeney led the way with four touchdowns and 137 yards, while quarterback Brett Jackson ended the night with two trips to the end zone on foot and had one passing touchdown.
"As a team we feel like we're peaking at the right time," said Coach Able. "We're putting all the pieces together, and feeling really good about things. We've had some injuries like everyone does, but what's been neat is how the kids have stepped up and stepped in each and every week."
Interested To See If Indy Sports Nation Is Coming To Your School? Check Out The Football Friday Night Rundown For Regional Friday
But Able knows for his team to compete on Friday night, they are going to have to stop the star of the Fighting Irish's offense, Senior quarterback Kofi Hughes. Last Friday Hughes, an Indiana University recruit that may very well be the next Mr. Football, almost single-handily willed Cathedral past Plainfield with 166 rushing yards, 134 passing yards, and four overall touchdowns.
"Obviously they are a team that makes a big play with their quarterback," said Able. "Obviously anywhere Kofi goes, we've got to be there. And it's a team we have to stay away from the big plays on. If we keep them to the five and the ten yard deals, as opposed to the big plays of 20 and more, we feel like we have a chance to stay in the ball game."
But with the major task at hand, Coach Able still believes his team has more than a fighter's chance.
"We're going to surprise some people."
New Palestine and Cathedral will face off against each other on Friday night at 7:00 p.m. at North Central High School. Full highlights of the game can be viewed on Indy Sports Nation's "Football Friday Night" at 10:35 p.m., and can be found after the show on Indysportsnation.com.
