Both teams are coming off of winning seasons and have high hopes for their season openers.
The Blackhawks are coming off of a Sectional Championship, and only have improved in the off-season. The Hawks lost many valuable players to graduation in 2023, including last season's top scorers and top defensive players. They lost their leading rusher Peyton Cross, who averaged 165.4 yards a game, and playing without him will be an interesting adjustment for the team. Incoming senior Zach Bales, averaged 48.9 yards a game last season and will likely be tasked to fill Cross’s role.
The Stars on the other hand, are looking to rebound after falling in OT in the Second Round of their Sectional. Following the Stars State Finals 3-Peat from 2018-2020, they have failed to get out of their Sectional the past two seasons. The Stars offense will look completely different this year, as they lost their starting QB, RB, and WR, all to graduation in 2023. Altogether, of the total 396 points that the Stars scored in 2022, 344 of them were scored by players that have moved on from the school. The Stars will definitely be looking for increased output out of some less experienced players this season.
All in all, this game will be an interesting one to watch! Kickoff is set for 7PM from Thorntown!
You can watch all the action LIVE right here, IHSAAtv, Hamilton County TV, HoosierlandTV, and on our YouTube page!!