Cloverdale looks to bring sectional title home

A blessing.

That is how Cloverdale football coach Tyler Lotz sums up tonight's opportunity against Sheridan in the Class A Sectional 46 championship.

The Clovers (5-4) will travel to take on legendary coach Bud Wright, who has over 400 victories and the Blackhawks (6-5), as they look to claim their first sectional title since 1992. 

"To be playing in a sectional championship is a blessing and we're happy to still be playing. Our kids have worked extremely hard for this and are deserving of this opportunity," Lotz told The Putnam County Post.

In Sheridan, the Clovers face a team that has knocked off both Clinton Central and Clinton Prairie in the postseason. The Blackhawks average 24 points per game and surrender an average of 19. Lotz said his team will face a "big physical team that wants to run the ball."

"On defense, they have shown to load the box up and play man-to-man. We have got to start fast and get the confidence rolling. We cannot start like we did last week. Defensively we have to stop the run and then get off the field on 3rd and 4th down. Offensively we have to execute and take what they give us. Take care of the ball and end every series with a great kick," Lotz said. 

Cloverdale enters fresh off a 34-6 win over Indianapolis Tindley last week and look to bring just the second sectional title back home. 

"It would be a huge for our program. Our community is backing us right now and that's very important to us. I hope to see a packed green sideline Friday night," Lotz said.