PHOTOS AND STORY BY AL STILLEY Key Roncalli defensive players are linebackers Nate Eble and Kyle Petroff and defensive backs Justin Saylor and Caleb Bowling. The Rebels defense, although not as hefty as last year’s group, promises to be nimble and quicker.
RONCALLI (7-6) – All losses last year came against teams ranked in top 10 of their classes … dropped last three regular-season games … recovered nicely by capturing the school’s 17th sectional title and first since 2005 … Roncalli’s hopes for fifth straight winning season hinge on healthy team … not much experience beyond starters … coach Bruce Scifres is in his 26th season … he stands eighth among active coaches with 224 wins … Rebels have 23 seniors, including returning quarterback Robbie Strader … leading rusher Nate Fries is back … Trevor Jacob is at fullback …senior linemen are Luke Pohovey (217 pounds), Louie Hibner (258), Garrett Schura (204), Phillip Kennington (254), Justen Horner (234) and Jordan Sinkhorn (219) … linebacker Tyler Lucas moves to the D-line … D-back corps solid with Caleb Bowling, Will Harris, Luke Kraeszig and Kyle Petroff … Rebels own eight state championships … Roncalli, Beech Grove and Greenwood only Southside teams in redrawn eight-team sectional … title would be school’s 50th playoff trophy … Rebels open season against Southport on Friday at Lucas Oil Stadium at 8:30 p.m.
Scifres’ comments: “We like the work ethic this group has shown. Sizewise, we will not be as big up front as most of the teams we play. We have to make up for that with quickness, technique and aggression. We’ll try to execute, have perfect technique and perfect effort on every play – that has to be our mantra. Strader is an excellent leader, and we have a deep receiving corps. Our depth will not be one of our strong suits. A lot of guys already are showing us they can step up, especially at our line positions.”
Scifres’ comments: “We like the work ethic this group has shown. Sizewise, we will not be as big up front as most of the teams we play. We have to make up for that with quickness, technique and aggression. We’ll try to execute, have perfect technique and perfect effort on every play – that has to be our mantra. Strader is an excellent leader, and we have a deep receiving corps. Our depth will not be one of our strong suits. A lot of guys already are showing us they can step up, especially at our line positions.”
Roncalli seniors linemen Garrett Schura, Louie Hibner and Justin Hornek will play on both sides of the football.
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