Rivalry heats up with Fishers at HSE

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - WISH-TV’s “The ZONE” tailgate takes place at Hamilton Southeastern in week two for one of the biggest rivalries in the state. Since these two schools started playing in 2006, HSE has dominated the series with Fishers, winning 6 of 8 meetings, including both a regular season and a sectional final win in 2011. The past two seasons the atmosphere at the games was remarkable. The students from both schools arrive early with “war paint” on and signs in hand. They fill up the bleachers minutes after the gates open and start the war of words immediately. These kids cheer louder during pregame warm-ups than some other student sections cheer during games. The actual game is only part of the reason you won’t want to miss this one.

HSE dropped a close game in week one at Avon losing 17-14 on a late field goal by the Orioles. Despite the loss they are still 13th in the 5A Coaches Poll. Not that they need any extra motivation for this one, but they will be ready to get that bad taste out of their mouth. The Royals seemed to struggle in the passing game, gaining only 78 yards in 15 passing attempts (and 63 of those yards came on one play). Ross Risley went just 2-14 for 15 yards. Defensively they had a pretty good outing, giving up only 17 total points, with one touchdown coming on a punt return. Zach Reitzug had two interceptions and Dylan Wilcher had 12 solo tackles with four tackles for a loss. They will need another strong defensive outing if they want to keep things close in this week’s game.

Fishers started off strong with a 38-0 win in week one versus Noblesville and is sitting at 5th in the 5A Coaches Poll. QB Connor Christiansen threw for 161 yards and one touchdown, and ran for two more TDs. Harvey Allen led the way on the ground for the Tigers carrying 15 times for 90 yards. Defensively they forced five turnovers and had three sacks. They can’t expect to perform that well against HSE on that side of the ball, but if they can force a couple turnovers it will dramatically improve their chances for a W.