Senior staff writer
Beech Grove claimed a share of the Indiana Crossroads Conference title Friday and its first football crown since 1975 while undefeated 6A No. 1 Center Grove grabbed its first outright Metropolitan Interscholastic Conference trophy.
The high-powered Hornets (6-2) stung visiting Triton Central 27-7 on three touchdown passes from Chase Andries to top receiver Montrez Hearon. Coach Mark Weller, after winning only one game in his first two years at the helm, has built a 6-1 league record and is 6-2 overall. His team piled up 444 yards of offense.
Center Grove (8-0) ran the MIC table by slipping past visiting Lawrence North 17-7. Trojans quarterback Joey Siderewicz delivered the winning blow with a 58-yard tourchdown run in the third quarter.
“We knew if we didn’t execute on offense, they would run the clock,” Siderewicz said. “We felt like we could go to the shotgun, get a few blocks and run by them for the score. We didn’t over look them; it was a tough game.”
The Wildcats held CG running back Titus McCoy to 84 yards in 18 carries, but the Trojans piled up 328 yards of offense.
“To be undefeated MIC champion is just unreal,” coach Eric Moore said. “I’m so proud of our kids for playing through this (game). We didn’t play well but we figured out a way to win.”
Southport (6-2, 5-1 Conference Indiana) and Greenwood (5-3, 4-1 Mid-State) could share league titles. The Cardinals dumped Bloomington North 56-29 as Luke Johnston threw five touchdowns and 330 yards. Greenwood upended host Franklin 38-0. The Woodmen ran for 399 yards with John Gallman gaining 194 yards and Brandon Rosado 109.
Roncalli, Lutheran, Perry Meridian and Franklin Central also won as Southside teams posted a sparkling 8-1 weekend.
Friday is the final night of the regular season; sectionals begin Oct. 23.