Saints, Trojans enter sectionals on a roll

Lutheran’s Trevor Russell runs away from Ricky Guinn in the fourth quarter.

Manual’s Twitty Viontae runs for 36 yards. It was the Redskins’ longest play of the game.

SOUTHSIDER VOICE PHOTO BY NATHAN PACE Lutheran junior lineman Dionte McFadden runs through the “We love our seniors” sign during pregame festivities.

By Nathan Pace
Southsider Voice correspondent

Lutheran blasted Manual 61-0 Friday in fitting fashion for the Saints’ seniors.
Junior quarterback Jake Reid threw two quick touchdown passes to put the Saints up 14-0 in the first quarter. With a 21-0 lead, running back Dalton Nidney scored on the ground to make it 28-0.
Senior lineman Jason Sneed had every defensive player’s dream in returning a fumble for a touchdown. 
The Saints led 42-0 after the first quarter.  

Things did get better for the Redskins (0-8) in the second quarter with sophomore running back Twitty Viontae turning the corner for a 36-yard jaunt. Manual’s roster is only half the size of Lutheran’s, as players like Viontae played multiple positions: quarterback, kick returner and defensive back. 
Lutheran improved to 6-3 and honored its 17 seniors at halftime. 

Roncalli (4-5) lost in dramatic fashion – 30-27 – to East Central in double overtime.

The Rebels held a 17-14 lead late in the fourth quarter, but East Central connected on 32-yard field goal to force overtime. Roncalli running back Nate Fries scored on a 1-yard plunge to force the second overtime.
Roncalli had to settle for a Patrick Sandler field goal from 24 yards in the second extra period. East Central capitalized by converting on fourth and goal for the 30-27 win.

Southport dropped to 7-2 with a tough loss at Columbus North, which entered the game 3-5. Trailing 31-21 in the fourth, the Cardinals pulled within three after a 2-yard touchdown run from Andrew Mappes on fourth and goal. But that was the last score of the game as Columbus North prevailed 31-28. 

Center Grove won its fifth straight game defeating Cathedral 44-38 on senior night to finish the regular season 6-3. The Trojans have been explosive on offense as they have scored at least 42 points per game during their winning streak. 

Franklin Central fell to 2-7 with a 25-23 loss at Terre Haute North. The good news for the Flashes is that they will open sectional play Friday at home against Tech. 

Perry Meridian also fell to 2-7 with a 59-14 loss to Bloomington South. Perry will meet rival Southport in the first round of sectionals.

Beech Grove will enter sectional play on three-game losing streak after a 42-34 defeat at Mooresville. The Hornets finished the regular season 5-4 and will host Mount Vernon in the first round of postseason play.  
Greenwood extended its losing streak to four games when falling 24-7 to Whiteland. The Woodmen (4-5) will host East Central in the opening round of sectionals.