Columbus North’s Gino Prescott runs the ball against Bishop Chatard Sept. 15 at Columbus North.
The Republic file photo
After a one-week reprieve, the competition ramps back up again for Columbus North the next two games.
The Bull Dogs, who fell to state-ranked Roncalli and Bishop Chatard teams in Weeks 4 and 5, shut out a winless Terre Haute North squad last week. Now, Columbus North hosts Class 5A No. 3 Bloomington South Friday and visits 5A No. 1 Bloomington North next week in games that will decide the Conference Indiana title.
“It’s an exciting time for our program,” Columbus North coach Logan Haston said. “We say to our kids all the time, ‘We want to play in meaningful games and games that matter,’ especially as you get toward the latter part of the season. Right now, the conference title is still very much up for grabs, and we know that this is the next step in that direction for us.”
The Bull Dogs (3-3, 2-0) were dominant defensively in their 35-0 win at Terre Haute North. They held the Patriots to minus-44 yards rushing and 45 yards of total offense.
“We went three-and-out on offense to start the game, which is obviously not a way you ever want to start, but our defense came out and immediately set the tone that those guys weren’t going to be able to move the football on us,” Haston said. “They played just phenomenal throughout the night.”
“Offense did some good things,” he added. “We have to take care of the football better. Especially against good teams, we won’t be able to overcome those turnovers. But overall, a lot of guys are progressing each week. We’re seeing it on film every Saturday morning. The improvements from one week to the next are really cool to see right now.”
Sophomore Asher Ratliff has completed 62 of 119 passes for 523 yards and eight touchdowns for the Bull Dogs. Junior Gino Prescott has 51 carries for 418 yards and three scores, and junior Braylon Thoman has 29 catches for 204 yards and three touchdowns.
Bloomington South (5-1, 3-1) is coming off a 59-0 win against Southport. The Panthers only loss came in a 25-24 overtime defeat against Bloomington North in Week 4.
“They’re a very good football team,” Haston said. “They’re always well coached. They’re coming to our place, though. We feel like that might be an advantage for us. We know that we have to have a phenomenal week of practice because they’re a good football team.”
Bloomington South senior Jarrin Alley has completed 76 of 107 passes for 1,101 yards and 14 touchdowns. Senior Gavin Adams has carried 117 times for 621 yards and eight scores, and senior D’Andre Black has 20 catches for 381 yards and six touchdowns.
“They’re senior heavy,” Haston said. “They’re loaded. All their starters were juniors last year, and they’re back as seniors. Their veteran experience is very evident on film. They communicate well, they don’t make a lot of mistakes, they don’t beat themselves, so from an experience and coaching standpoint, they’re a very sound team offensively. They’re explosive. They have playmakers all over the field. They have an offensive line gets great push. Defensively, they get after it with their defensive line, and their back unit is very sound, as well.”
