Week 2 football preview

It's almost kickoff time for Week 2 in the high school football season, and it's really the week the Hoosier Heritage Conference ramps up -- for the final time. Next year, all HHC games will be played in weeks 3-9, with the first two games reserved for non-conference play.

For the last 5-6 years, the three most successful teams in the league have been Delta, Shelbyville and New Palestine. Two of those meet Friday, as Delta travels to NP to face the Dragons in what will be our HancockCountySports.com Game of the Week broadcast. Let's look at the HHC & Hancock County games this week:

Delta (1-0) at New Palestine (0-1)
Listen live on HancockCountySports.com.
Broadcast time: 7 p.m. (live in-stadium beginning at 6:30 p.m. on AM1630).
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m.
Coaches: Delta-Grant Zgunda (13th year at Delta, 123-24; 18th overall, 160-36); NP-Tim Able (2nd year at NP, 10-4; 19th overall, 105-96).
Last year: Delta won 23-0 en route to the HHC championship. NP went on to go 6-1 in league play and finish second. Both teams would win sectional championships.
The series: Delta has won three straight games since NP's last win in 2006. The overall series is 13-2 Delta, with NP's wins coming in 1998 and 2006.
The Dragons: NP suffered heavy graduation losses last year, with its top thrower (Cary Albrecht), runner (Pat Feeney), lineman (Justin Harvey) and receiver (Nathan Penley) all moving on. However, there's a lot to work with. NP's defense was solid against Whiteland, holding a senior-laden and heralded Warriors group to 10 points through three quarters before they scored twice in the fourth. There's a lot of talent left -- versatile QB/WR/RB/K/KOR Brett Jackson can handle a lot of positions and is a threat in the open field, while RB Austin Cahoy stepped up big as the season closed last season. Look for RBs Dakota Smith and Matt Sergiej to also have an impact.
The Eagles: Delta has won 19 consecutive regular-season games, and had 58 first-half points against Jay County last year. The Eagles always seem to have solid skill players, led by an accurate quarterback. This one is junior Ozzie Mann, who was 7-of-10 last week for 107 yards and two TDs. He threw for more than 2,400 yards last season. His top target -- Logan Young -- is now playing for IU, and top rusher Teddy Dawson also graduated, meaning Zach Overfield will handle the running duties. Overfield is a strong back who ran for 716 yards last year and had four touchdowns against Jay County. Aaron Fry and Garrett Zgunda will be the top two wideouts in the Eagles' run-and-shoot system. Delta also has a strong line led by C/DL Shane Conley. On defense, he has helped the Eagles hold teams to 7 points or less in eight of their last 14 games.

Elsewhere in Hancock County
Pendleton Heights (1-0) at Greenfield-Central (1-0), 7 p.m.: The Cougars had a convincing victory last week, with QB Carl Ellison having a nice night. He ran and threw for touchdowns, while fellow QB Tyler Colclazier also threw for one. PH's Dezmon Nunn had a huge game in a 37-14 win over Yorktown, starting with the opening kickoff, which he returned for a TD. The Arabians have a lot of skill players back, starting with QB Mitch Patishall. Look for the ball to be put in the air often.
Mt. Vernon (0-1) at Yorktown (0-1), 7:30 p.m.: The Marauders had a lot of highlights in their 27-14 loss to Kokomo last week, particularly a defense that held the Kats to 94 second-half yards and forced four turnovers. LB Brandon Lockart was everywhere -- with an interception, a blocked punt and a ton of tackles -- leading the Marauders' defense. Meanwhile, Yorktown has a veteran crew, but struggled against PH. This game was MV's breakout contest last season that provided the springboard to a 5-2 start in the regular season.
Eastern Hancock (0-1) at South Decatur (1-0), 7 p.m.: The Royals continue their maiden voyage through the Mid-Indiana Football Conference with a new opponent. South Decatur shut out Cambridge City Lincoln 28-0 last week. EH's offense looked to be improved this year, with veteran QB Steven Stunda calling the shots and an experienced corps of receivers. However, the Royals gave up 60 points last week to Triton Central, and they'll be looking to shore that up this week.

Elsewhere in the HHC
Rushville (1-0) at Howe (0-1), 7 p.m.: The Lions were very impressive in thumping Connersville 52-0 last week, and they have a roadtrip into Indy. The closure of several IPS football programs should bolster the existing ones -- such as Howe's. The Hornets suffered a 17-12 loss to a solid Scecina outfit last week. Rushville looks to have a shot to break into the upper half of the league this year -- this is the final tune-up.
Shelbyville (1-0) at Franklin (0-1), 7 p.m.: Shelby has been one of the HHC's elite programs for some time, but it suffered a slow offensive start last week before kicking it into high gear in the second half to beat Greensburg 21-6. FB Patrick Ellis is a versatile running/receiving threat in Shelby's Wing-T offense and will be a focal point again. Franklin has been rebuilding under the eye of a very strong coach in Brian Harbin, but has won one game the last two years -- against Indianapolis Washington in Week 2 last season.

After our live play-by-play coverage, enjoy high school football coverage each week on HancockCountySports.com.