CCHS to host Hanson for homecoming Friday

Central Catholic High School will be looking to bounce back from its first loss of the season a week ago when it hosts longtime rival Hanson Memorial Friday for homecoming.
The Eagles enter the contest 6-1 overall and 3-1 in District 7-1A action after falling 48-30 to Division IV power Vermilion Catholic last week.
Central Catholic coach Tommy Minton said after last week’s game that Vermilion Catholic won the special teams’ portion of the game, which made a difference.
Ahead 14-8 in the second quarter, Vermilion Catholic blocked Thomas Garber’s punt and recovered for a touchdown and a 20-8 advantage with 8:13 remaining in the first half.
While Central Catholic closed the gap to 27-24 at halftime and 34-30 late in the third quarter, a crucial Central Catholic drive stalled on fourth down in Vermilion Catholic territory in the fourth quarter and Vermilion Catholic responded with two touchdowns to put the game away.
The Eagles were led Thursday and have been led all season by running back Stefano Guarisco, who ranks third among all classes in rushing this season with 188 carries for 1,630 yards and 23 touchdowns.
He also has caught 11 passes for 266 yards and four touchdowns.
Through the air, quarterback Blake Byrne has completed 36 of 63 passes for 709 yards with nine touchdowns and six interceptions.
Greg Leger is the team’s leading wide receiver with 10 catches for 329 yards and three touchdowns.
After the tough loss, Minton said his team has bounced back.
“It’s an experienced ball club, and they know that just one loss does not end the season,” he said. “We’re still playing for a share of the district championship. If we win out, we’re co-district champions, so there’s still a lot to play for and they realize that.”
Hanson enters this week’s District 7-1A contest with a 2-5 overall mark and a 1-3 district record. The Tigers fell 35-14 to Lafayette Christian a week ago.
Minton said he is impressed with Hanson quarterback Britt Young.
“He does a good job of moving around in the pocket, buying time for (himself) when they throw the ball. He can run the ball (himself). Good speed, good athletic ability. They’re kind of caught in a numbers game. They (are) playing a lot of players both ways, and hopefully that can play to our advantage.”
He said the Tigers are a spread offense, but do use some I-formation in running plays.
“Most of the tapes we’ve seen, they’re a big spread team,” Minton said.
On defense, Minton said the Tigers use either a four-man or five-man front.
“(If) we just follow our blocking rules, we’ll be OK,” he said.
With homecoming this week, it adds another dimension for Minton’s team. However, he said his team understands when it’s time for football practice, the other things are put aside.
He noted that homecoming revolves around a football game.
Friday’s game will begin at 7 p.m.