INDIANAPOLIS – Lucas Oil Stadium will provide a neutral site for one of the state’s biggest rivalries in Week Three between Lawrence North and Lawrence Central. For the past 14 years, the Bears have won the contest – a cycle North hopes to break in 2019.
“Myself and my team have prepared for this week like any other week,” Lawrence North quarterback Donaven McCulley said. “Right now it’s the most important game, not (only) because of the rivalry but because it’s the next game up.”
At 2-0, Lawrence North is off to a strong start with big wins against Perry Meridian (55-0) and Marion (35-8). McCulley threw for 352 yards and three touchdowns in Week One. Considered one of the state’s top 2021 prospects, he holds offers from Kentucky, Indiana, Cincinnati, Central Michigan, Bowling Green and Ball State. He has a bevy of receivers in Rowland Smith, Armahn Hillman and sophomore Omar Cooper.
Up front, North has big and strong linemen to create running lanes and protect McCulley. At 6’6” 290, left guard Ethan Waters is one of the state’s most underrated senior prospects. Waters is a strong run blocker who can pull, strike a moving target and finish blocks. Sophomore RJ Brooks starts at right tackle while 6’7” 295 senior Christian Anderson anchors the left side.
Defensively, junior defensive linemen Larry Harris (6’5” 275) and Trezmon Hall (6’4” 200) provide a big presence up-front.
“Last week went very well for me and our defense performed well,” Harris said. “I’ve prepared myself by watching film with the team and at home. Also, I want to make sure I focus on what my coaches give me to be the best player I can be on Friday.”
The Wildcats have a strong chance this year; still, they will face a stout test against a competitive Lawrence Central team. The Bears came up short in back-to-back games to start the season, losing to Hamilton Southeastern by four points and falling two points short against a tough Lafayette Jefferson team in Week Two.
Lawrence Central has two strong defensive tackles in Davier Fairrow and Antonio Burse, both disruptive in the first half against Jefferson. Burse said his team should have been victorious last week, and knows his team is hungry for a win.
“For the Lawrence North game, I’ve watched a lot of film and I’ve gotten up at 4:30 a.m. every morning to train,” Burse said. “I’ve also been focusing a lot more on stretching and just getting better.”
Fairrow said the Bears have grown stronger despite the two close losses to start 2019, and said the team feels prepared heading into tonight’s rivalry game.
“We saw some big mistakes that could have potentially changed the outcome of the game,” Fairrow said of last’s week’s loss. “We think if we can dominate inside and limit the time in the pocket, we will have a great chance to win this game.”
Another key player for Lawrence Central is Davaren Rayner, a top defensive back prospect in the state who has committed to Northern Illinois.
“Last week was a great learning experience and got us ready for MIC play,” Rayner said. “Personally, I don’t think I played my best, but I think the best thing about the season is that it is long and we have plenty of time to grow and peak by Week Nine. I think it’ll be a great game.”