Lawrence North football fans are often accustomed to torrential downpours during games against Noblesville. With scores of 36-33 and 55-50 in the past two seasons, torrential downpours came in the form of offensive fireworks. This year was different when heavy rains pushed teams into their respective locker rooms and students and fans into the fieldhouse. An hour later when the skies cleared, fans and students were treated to good old Indiana High School Football. Noblesville got the night started on their second drive with a field goal to put them up by three late in the first quarter after an impressive drive that started with holding Lawrence North to only a handful of yards on their first possession. The Wildcats weren’t quiet for long however, as Al McKeller took a carry through the left side of the Offensive Line for a 70 yard touchdown. Noblesville defenders had hold of parts of McKeller’s jersey before McKeller turned the gear into the open field and bursted for his first score of the season. McKeller wasn’t finished though, finding pay dirt again before the half ended putting the Wildcats up 14-3 with only minutes remaining in the first half.

Sophomore Derin McCulley didn’t have many pass plays called his way last night, filling in for injured Senior Quarterback Jackson Hamersly, but managed one completion, and 12 yards on the ground. McCulley had his first attempt of the night picked off on a diving acrobatic play by Noblesville’s safety, Plumer. Mark Tunell caught the lone pass of the night, and pitched in many key blocks along the way.

Even more impressive last night was the play of the Lawrence North defense from start to finish. Myles McClendon, senior defensive lineman and team captain, wrecked havoc for the Noblesville offensive line and quarterback Ryan Barnes with a handful of sacks and tackles for loss. Senior Josh Mays, Junior Tyler Majors, and Sophomore Deon Pettiford put constant pressure on the quarterback all night, forcing Barnes out of the pocket which turned into a productive 106 yards for Noblesville. Pettiford stepped in front Noblesville tight end Ben Gruver on the final play of the game, and with the pass falling short of the first down line and the receiver, the Wildcats won their first home opener in 8 years.

One notable cause for concern last night was the absence of McKeller for the final quarter and a half of the game. McKeller was attended to on the sideline by trainers before removing his pads and jersey and exiting from the ball game. In his place stepped in Seniors Elijah Smith and Martell Williams. Just one year removed from his breakout performance, a four touchdown showing last year against Noblesville, Smith chipped 63 yards on 11 carries with a touchdown and Williams provided 124 yards of his own including a 60+ yard rush that put the Wildcats in the redzone.

Lawrence North finished in front with a final of 21-17 last night, pushing them into a three way tie for second place, as Warren Central defeated Center Grove in the first MIC action of the year. The Wildcats will travel to Brownsburg next week for a date with the top quarterback in the nation, Hunter Johnson.

Three Stars of the Game

1st Star- Al McKeller, Running Back

2nd Star- Myles McClendon, Defensive End

3rd Star- Josh Mays, Defensive End

Other MIC Scores

Warren Central 21, Center Grove 16

Lawrence Central 35, McCutcheon 0

Ben Davis 70, Tech 0

Zionsville 55, Pike 35

HSE 27, Carmel 21

Fishers 28, North Central 21