Columbus North’s Sam Mormino runs the ball in a football game against Southport at Columbus North High School in Columbus, Ind., Friday, Sept. 1, 2023.
The Republic file photo
When Columbus North coaches saw the game film from Friday’s Bishop Chatard win against Roncalli, they got a look at the next two teams the Bull Dogs will be facing.
North visits Class 4A No. 8 Roncalli on Friday and hosts 3A No. 1 Chatard on Sept. 15. The focus this week, however, is squarely on the Royals, who have beaten the Bull Dogs the past three years, including 38-17 last season.
Roncalli, however, sustained heavy graduation losses from that team, including Luke Hansen, who led the state in rushing.
“We have a ton of respect for them,” North coach Logan Haston said. “No matter who they have year-in-and-year-out, we know that they’re going to be a very disciplined team. Their defense is pretty stout. Their offense likes to run the football and slow the game down a little bit.”
Both the Bull Dogs and Royals feature sophomore quarterbacks. Roncalli’s Collin Ash is 28 of 57 passing for 265 yards and one touchdown. Junior Henry Adams has 36 carries for 175 yards and a score, and Christian Swiezy has 10 receptions for 136 yards and a touchdown.
North’s Asher Ratliff has completed 26 of 53 passes for 287 yards and four touchdowns and has carried 28 times for 102 yards and a score. Junior Gino Prescott has 23 carries for 278 yards and three touchdowns, and junior Braylon Thoman has 11 catches for 163 yards and two scores.
“My hope is that our offense gets going early in the game, and we can get some points up,” Haston said.
The Bull Dogs (2-1) and Royals (1-2) have played one common opponent. Roncalli opened the season with a 43-20 win against Southport. North beat Southport 35-6 on Friday in a game where the Cardinals did not score until the final play of the game against the Bull Dogs’ JV defense.
A week earlier, North blanked Columbus East 41-0.
“We’re playing some good football right now,” Haston said. “Things are starting to click for us. We know that we have a tall task ahead of us. Roncalli is an elite team. They’re a prestigious team, and we’re excited for the challenge.”
