Chuck Sorrell needs no reminders of what is at stake Friday night when his South Putnam Eagles head to Riverton Parke for a top ten Class A matchup and with the Sectional 45 title on the line.
"South Putnam football community expects to play for championships. We have put ourselves in a place to win one," Sorrell told The Putnam County Post.
For South Putnam (9-2) to have a chance to make it back to Lucas Oil Stadium the weekend of Thanksgiving, it must win at Riverton Parke (11-0). The two teams met in last year's sectional with the Eagles picking up an impressive 44-6 win.
The Panthers, coached by Bradley Sanders, enter tonight's clash averaging 50 points per game and surrendering only six. Over the last seven weeks, the Panthers have allowed six points or less.
In 10 games, quarterback Collett Sanders has thrown for 436 yards and eight touchdowns and has added another 190 yards and five scores on the ground. Sean Vester is the key to Riverton Parke's offense, as the senior running back has garnered 1,342 yards and 17 touchdowns. Junior Derek Collum has added 641 yards and 18 touchdowns.
According to Sorrell, Riverton Parke has the pieces of a very solid football team.
"Riverton Parke is a very good ,undefeated team. They get up on teams and defensively do not allow teams to do much," he said.
South Putnam has weapons of its own, namely in the form of quarterback Drew Cline and running back Ty Benton.
On the season, Cline has thrown for 1,743 yards and 22 touchdowns, compared to four interceptions. He has also added another 372 yards and seven touchdowns by way of his legs.
Benton, a junior, has rushed for 1,942 yards and 21 touchdowns.
With a standing room only crowd anticipated, Sorrell admits these types of games and atmospheres are what his team expects.
"We have played some very good teams this season to help us prepare for this type of game. Most of our starters played in this game last season, so it should not be bigger than anything that they have seen before," he said.
As for what it will take to pick up a win, Sorrell said it starts up front.
"We have to win the line of scrimmage on the offensive side of the ball. We have to control their gaps on defense. And we will need to make a play on special teams sometime throughout this game to secure a win," Sorrell said.
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