Football Preview: Center Grove Trojans vs. Lawrence Central Bears
Center Grove is 9-1 against Lawrence Central since September of 2014, and they'll have a chance to extend that success on Friday. The Center Grove Trojans will host the Lawrence Central Bears at 7:00 p.m. Center Grove is coming into the matchup hot, having won their last four games.
Center Grove will head into Friday's game hoping to keep the good times rolling: they proved they can win big two weeks ago (they won by 23) but on Friday they proved they can win the close ones too. They skirted past Trotwood-Madison 28-25. Given the Trojans' advantage in MaxPreps' football rankings in their respective home states (they are ranked fourth in Indiana, while the Rams are ranked 151st in Ohio), the result wasn't entirely unexpected.
Center Grove got their victory on the backs of several key players, but it was Nolan Rees out in front who rushed for 83 yards and a touchdown. Tristan Baxter was another key receiver, picking up 92 receiving yards and a touchdown.
Center Grove's defense was in the mix too, especially the secondary: they snagged two passes before it was all said and done. The picks came courtesy of Luke Barrett and James Soderdahl. Soderdahl has been hot recently, having also posted five or more total tackles the last four times he's played.
Meanwhile, there's no place like home for Lawrence Central, who bounced back after a loss on the road two weeks ago. They came out on top against Pike by a score of 22-14 on Friday.
The critical scores for Lawrence Central came from Albert Gooden Iii, Nizyi Davis, and Davis.
Lawrence Central wouldn't let Pike keep a hold of the ball as they managed to force two fumbles. Lawrence Central can thank Gian Carter and Davis for forcing both of them. Lawrence Central got some further help from Robert Beasley: he picked up two sacks, made seven total tackles (4.0 for loss), and made seven total tackles (4.0 for loss).
Lawrence Central was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 219 rushing yards. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Pike only rushed for 61.
Center Grove's win bumped their record up to 4-1. As for Lawrence Central, their victory bumped their record up to 2-3.
Center Grove took their win against Lawrence Central in their previous meeting back in September of 2023 by a conclusive 31-7. Does Center Grove have another victory up their sleeve, or will Lawrence Central turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
