LuersField is the site of this 2A regional championship game as Bishop Luers hosts Bluffton, just like they did a year ago. Aside from a pretty tight first round game from Alexandria, Bluffton dominated on their way to their first ever sectional title repeat.
Unlike the 2022 Tigers, this year’s team expected to win this sectional. Coach Brent Kunkel said his team is glad they got the job done in sectionals.
“(It’s) obviously a huge win for our program to be able to win back-to-back sectional titles,” said Kunkel. “(This) Felt much different than last year. Last year, (it) was an unexpected title and we were all kind of in shock when it happened. (This) year (however), it felt much more like a relief that we got the job done that we set out to do.“
For more information on this game check out my OTH Football Regional Preview
3 Keys to Winning
1. Get Out to an Early Lead
Bluffton has never led in either of their first two meetings with Bishop Luers. Considering the psychological effect that this game could bring, it is paramount to get the first score and build a lead. Even though, it doesn’t guarantee you a win (ask Churubusco), it at least puts pressure on Luers to make plays and it gives your defense some support.
2. Take What the Defense Gives You
When you look at this matchup, Bluffton has the opportunity in front of them to find mismatches and utilize the speed of Bluffton’s running backs. While they’re not a team known for throwing the ball, there could be situations where the Tigers might need to throw the ball in play action to keep the defense thinking. Bluffton averages 13.9 yards per catch.
But at the end of the day, it’s going to come down to the offensive line blocking well and giving the skill guys just enough time to establish the run and get the Tigers’ experienced athletes rolling.
“(Luers’) athleticism obviously is the biggest thing that overwhelmed us a year ago,” said Kunkel. “We need to do a better job of taking advantage of opportunities against their defense.”
3. Turnovers, turnovers, TURNOVERS
It’s one thing to take care of the football against a team like Eastbrook. It’s another to do the same thing against Bishop Luers. Bluffton is 10-1 when they commit fewer than 2 turnovers this season. When your a team that emphasizes on a motion based run attack, a balanced senior class, and managing the battlefield, turnovers cannot happen, especially against Luers.
Luers has ran for 549 yards in the playoffs and averaging 5.1 yards per carry. But as you know at some point, quarterback Kohen McKenzie is going to have a big game throwing the ball. So this is where you don’t want the defense to be on the field for long stretches of time. Luers has forced 8 INT’s this season and 14 fumble recoveries.
Luers is 4-2 when they are able to force multiple turnovers on their opponent. Interestingly, Luers is also 4-2 when they have committed multiple turnovers. I don’t know if that will work against this team. The way that Busco game went a few weeks ago, Luers would ideally love to not be in this situation.
Players to Watch
Bluffton
Hunter and Fletcher Wenger Senior Middle Linebackers
In this game, it is paramount to contain the athleticism of Bishop Luers, especially against 2 vital running backs in Gio Jimenez and Mickey Daring. Both Wenger kids are ranked in the top 5 in tackles. Hunter leads the team with 3.5 sacks, and Fletcher had those 2 Pick 6’s against Lakeland. The Tigers will need their defensive line to be as good as possible against this Knights’ offense.
Luers
Gio Jimenez Senior Running Back
Players and coaches have made it clear that they have a lot of trust in Gio to carry the ball and being able to make plays without fumbling the ball. Gio has 12 carries for 676 yards and 12 TD’s. In the passing game, he has caught 10 passes for 146 yards and 2 TD’s..all while only fumbling the ball once.
If the Knights can go to him on offense, and he does what Gio does best, the Bluffton Tigers will have more than a handful to deal with his athleticism.
Conclusion
This game will either be a historic one for Bluffton or added hardware to Bishop Luers’ IHSAA State Record leading resume of postseason championships. Either way, one of these teams will be HALFWAY THERE!
For Kunkel and his team, it’s all about embracing the moment.
“This year, 20 of our starters started the game in the regional last year,” said Kunkel. “We shouldn’t be awed by the moment like we were a year ago. We have a great group of senior leaders who have taken this program to new heights.
“We are looking forward to playing against one of the best teams in Indiana High School Football history and seeing where we stack up.”
Kickoff set for 7pm at Bishop Luers
Around the NorthEast Corner 