Published: November 05, 2009 11:43 pm      

FOOTBALL: Bulldogs take aim at Eagles

Central is looking for its first sectional title since 2002.

On paper, Clinton Central looks like the favorite in the Class A Sectional 37 championship game. Central owns a 7-4 record while Guerin Catholic is 5-6. In addition, the Bulldogs rolled to a 55-0 win when the squads met last season in a sectional semifinal game.

But a closer look shows the Golden Eagles are surging into the rematch, which is tonight at Michigantown. Kickoff is at 7 p.m.

Guerin opened 0-6, dropping games to Class 2A No. 1-ranked Cardinal Ritter, Class A No. 1 Lafayette Central Catholic and other tough teams. The Golden Eagles have followed with a five-game winning streak.

“They had a new coach come in and they put a new system in, both offensively and defensively,” Clinton Central coach Mike Quick said. “You look at their first six games, they played a really competitive schedule. I think four of [the first six opponents] are in sectional finals this week. It got them ready for the tournament.”

Guerin beat Sheridan 30-13 in the opening round, then beat Clinton Prairie 28-17 last week.

Quick’s squad whipped winless Tri-Central 66-7 in the opening round, then beat Lapel 42-13 last week to advance to its second straight sectional final.

“We had a good week of preparation last week and it’s carried on to this week,” Quick said. “I think the kids are focused. It’s going to be a big challenge for us. Guerin has a really potent offense — they can run the ball and throw the ball. We’re going to have our hands full.”

The Golden Eagles have averages 31.6 points per game during their winning streak. Speedy running back Steven Haas is one of their top threats.

The Bulldogs hold opponents to 15 ppg. Brody Quick and David Griffy lead the squad in tackles with 106 and 101, respectively. Griffy also has a team-high four interceptions. Jordan Woodard follows with three picks.

“We’ve been hanging our hat on defense for a good part of the year,” Quick said. “They responded last week, played a great game against Lapel. It’s going to be a big test for them [tonight].

“We have to play our responsibilities and play fast,” he added. “We need to have short memories — we’re not going to shut these guys out or anything like that so we’re going to have to work through adversity during the night.”

The Bulldogs look to halfbacks Cody Cannaday and Woodard to lead their offensive attack. Cannaday has 1,041 yards and 15 touchdowns on 106 carries and Woodard has 990 yards and a dozen TDs on 109 attempts.

Central QB Dylan Padgett has thrown for 647 yards and nine touchdowns. Corbin Orr is his top target — he has 16 receptions for 300 yards and three TDs.

The Bulldogs are chasing after their first sectional title since 2002 and fourth overall. The Golden Eagles are looking for their first sectional title.