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Best Bets: Indiana – Regional Finals

It is a rare occurrence for an EIAC team to make a regional finals let alone two squads going for titles in the same season. Batesville and East Central look to do their conference proud this Friday night.

CLASS 4A

Evansville Harrison (10-2) at East Central (10-2), Friday, 8:00 p.m. – Harrison was won seven in a row, including the last four games by an average of 37.0 points. The Warriors went 5-2 in their first seven tilts with wins by one, one, seven and eight points and with a loss by four. This is the program’s first winning season since 2004. Harrison was a combined 8-72 mark in the eight seasons prior to 2015. They have never won a regional title.

East Central RB Doug Rosemeyer (photo by Mike Noyes/TSF)

East Central RB Doug Rosemeyer (photo by Mike Noyes/TSF)

The Warriors are led by quarterback Ryan Hales, who has accounted for 30 touchdowns (21 passing, nine rushing). He has thrown for 1,757 yards. Running backs Elizjah Harvey and Gabe Welder have combined for 1,480 yards and 14 scores rushing. Adonis Stewart Jr., Noah McBride and David Felton have combined for 120 receptions, 1,590 yards receiving and 18 touchdowns. The Harrison defense is all about putting pressure on their opponents. They have 42 takeaways (21 interceptions, 21 fumble recoveries). La’Terrance Kyles paces an aggressive unit with 50 solo tackles, including 24 tackles for losses.

East Central’s top priority will be taking care of the football. The Trojans have had little trouble moving the ball on the ground. Senior quarterback Luke Patton and running back classmate have each ran for more than 1,300 yards and combined for more than 40 touchdowns on the ground. The program is looking for its sixth Regional title and first since 2003.

CLASS 3A

Batesville (11-1) at Bishop Chatard (8-3) @ Lawrence North HS, Friday, 7:00 p.m. – It is going to take a monumental effort from Batesville if they are to beat the Bishop Chatard Trojans. The chain that links the two schools together points to an uphill battle for the Bulldogs. Chatard beat Roncalli, 31-8, who beat East Central, 31-10, who beat Batesville, 31-14. The Trojans also lost 27-23 to Winton Woods. They are 5-1 in games decided by 10 points or less.

Batesville head coach Eric Heppner (Photo by Greg Shoemaker/TSF)

Batesville head coach Eric Heppner (Photo by Greg Shoemaker/TSF)

Chatard offensive lineman Danny Godlevske has committed to Miami (OH). He has helped pave the way for Gabe Coleman, who has gained more than 1,400 yards on the ground. The Trojans will look to wear down Bulldogs with their size up front and a bruising rushing attack.

The only regional championship for Batesville came back in 1986. Chatard has won 12 state titles and 17 Regional crowns.

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