Preview of Lafayette Jefferson

Oct. 5 @ Scheumann Stadium
1801 S. 18th St., Lafayette

     Coming off a tough week, the Tigers will be visiting Scheumann Stadium to take on a possibly rejuvenated 3-4 Lafayette Jeff Broncho team coming off a huge program 30-27 win over Avon last week.  The Bronchos played well and want to add to that performance and prove it was not a fluke or that Avon is not slipping into the second tier of the Hoosier Crossroads Conference.

     The Bronchos already have the conference's leading rusher in junior RB Darian Green who has rushed 138 times for 1,007 yards in 7 games this year adding 11 TDs on the ground.  They may also be adding some competent receivers who managed to make no drops against Avon and allowed junior QB Matt Johnson to get some needed relief.  

     While still a stronger runner than passer, Matt Johnson becomes a much more balanced threat with the receivers catching the ball better now, led by junior WRs Austin Albrecht and Tim Wilson, who helped spark the win over Avon.  Matt Johnson added 105 yards rushing, leading the team against Avon, and 2 TDs.  Darian Green topped the 1,000 yard mark for the season rushing 27 times for 77 yards as Avon keyed on the leading rusher.  

     The Broncho passing efficiency, leaving lanes open for Matt Johnson and the usual special teams relapses left Avon with their 3rd loss of the season, one they no doubt did not see coming on the bus ride to Lafayette.  A lesson to be learned on the buildup for the Tigers trip.

    Matt Johnson and Darian Green are both very fast with great deal of agility in open field.   The Tigers defense will need to corral these Bronchos quickly before they get loose.  Bronchos have been run first, pass second all season and that could be shifted a little bit allowing more rest for a lethal rushing attack.

     If the Bronchos don't use their speed on offensive snaps, they can certainly bring it into play during kick returns.  Last week against Avon, big returns of 76 yards by Darian Green and 67 yards by sprinter Carl McQuay set up a field goal and a return TD respectively.  I believe Carl McQuay is definitely the fastest man on the field for either team given his high school track accolades.

     Bronchos offensive line were able to keep Avon's Elijah Daniel at bay, led by Daniel Nelson and Sam McKay.  Having not seen them play this year, I assume these are the two strongest offensive lineman that the Tigers will have to contend with.

     The Bronchos are on the record claiming this was the way they were supposed to be playing all along and  are certainly a more balanced offensive threat.  This coming off a tough week full of questions for Fishers defense and offense both, could prove to be taller challenge than originally anticipated.

Please Tigers, take care of business!

Lafayette Jefferson opponents and results so far with home teams in all caps:

Zionsville              41        JEFF 20

Harrison               21        JEFF 28

McCUTCHEON 23        Jeff 29

Noblesville           20        JEFF 6

HSE                     58       Jeff 34

BBURG               42        Jeff 6

Avon                    27        JEFF 30

For reference on next year, take note of how many "juniors" are referenced in this Jeff preview!  We might start to consider Lafayette Jeff a team to watch next year but let's take care of this year first!

To FHS Students - notice that we have now put up the address on this final away game so that you can GPS it and get there on time safely.  See you there in force to provide some loud support for the Tigers football team on this important team game.