Columbus North quarterback Asher Ratliff, left, fakes a handoff to running back Gino Prescott during a football game against Southport at Columbus North High School in Columbus, Ind., Friday, Sept. 1, 2023.
The Republic file photo
When Columbus North hosts Bishop Chatard on Friday, the Bull Dogs will be facing a team a lot like the Roncalli one they just visited last week.
Chatard is 4-0 and ranked No. 1 in the state in Class 3A. Two weeks ago, the Trojans won 14-7 against a Roncalli team that beat North 38-10 on Friday.
“We feel like we’re seeing a very similar opponent this week,” North coach Logan Haston said. “Chatard is playing really good football right now. They’ve beaten some really good teams, so we’re going to have our hands full. But we’re focusing on us. We really need to emphasize ourselves now more than anything.”
The Trojans followed up their win against Roncalli with a 24-21 win against 5A No. 6 Cathedral in a game that began on Friday and concluded on Saturday.
Chatard is led through the air and on the ground by senior quarterback Aiden Arteaga and junior running back Daniel Shaw.
“Similar to Roncalli, we knew they were going to run the football,” Haston said. “Chatard is a little bit more balanced. They will throw the football a little bit more this year than in years’ past. Then, their defense is fast and will fly to the football. They’re very stout.”
North sophomore Asher Ratliff has completed 39 of 78 passes for 338 yards and four touchdowns and ran 36 times for 129 yards and a score. Junior Gino Prescott has carried 29 times for 320 yards and three touchdowns, and junior Braylon Thoman has 16 catches for 184 yards and two scores, plus a rushing touchdown.
The Bull Dogs (2-2) will have their hands full with Chatard, which captured last year’s 3A state championship and has won 10 games in a row.
“It will be a tough challenge, but we’re up to the task,” Haston said.
