MaxPreps Indiana Team of the Week: Evansville Reitz football

It's really systematic for coach Andy Hape and his Evansville Reitz football team.

The Panthers (5-0) have put up 216 points, including back-to-back 56-point efforts. This after a stellar 8-4 campaign in 2013 and perfect 15-0 seasons in 2007 and 2009, leading to state 4A championships.

With 107 on their roster, the Panthers are a huge draw at the school and always a title contender.

For it all, Evansville Reitz is the MaxPreps Indiana Team of the Week, presented by the Indiana Army National Guard.

Hape said 2014 came down to a to a 5-point plan:

"1. Go undefeated.
2. Win the city championship.
3. Win the conference.
4. Win the West Side Nut Club championship.
5. Play deep into the playoffs."

So far, so good.

The Panthers have used superlative balance to start 5-0, passing for 744 yards and rushing for 740 more.

Quarterback Evan Deig has completed 48 of 75 passes for 744 yards and 11 touchdowns. Not only does Malik Higgins lead the Panthers in rushing with 510 yards and four scores, but he leads in receptions with 22 for 287 yards and five more scores.

"Having Evan and Malik definitely enhances the offensive production, but the great part is that we have nine other players giving everything they have to ensure our team plays the best it can on Friday night," Hape said.

And defensively, the Panthers are definitely a cohesive and well-rounded group.

Three players have recorded between 26 and 28 tackles, led by freshman Joey Diekmann. Isaac Flowers also has four interceptions in four games, while the secondary has seven overall.

Hape said: "We have a great group of seniors who have made sure our commitment and work ethic is focused day in and day out. Leadership really is the key."

Evansville Reitz hopes to continue its unbeaten season Friday in its Homecoming game against Evansville Memorial (2-3).

"We are preparing this week just like any other," Hape said. "We always want to play our game — hard, smart, Reitz football. We feel like if we can do those things on Friday night then we will have an opportunity to achieve the goals that we set out to achieve at the beginning of the year."