Tailgate: Carmel vs. Center Grove

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - “The Zone Tailgate” visits Center Grove high school where the task for 5A’s 4th ranked team could not be taller — the No. 1 ranked Carmel Greyhounds. But if any team is up for the challenge, it is the Trojans.

These two heavyweights have been trading blows on a yearly basis since 1998 for the “Copper Kettle.” Carmel leads the series in that span 10-6 having won 5 of the last 6 meetings (only loss was 2008 State Finals, CG won 36-33). The series was tied at 6-6 until Center Grove dropped the past four in a row. That being said, although those were hard earned wins by the Greyhounds, the Trojans had a chance is almost all of them. Carmel won twice in 2011 including 21-17 in semi-state, and other than a 42-17 regular season loss by the Trojans last year, the other five games have been decided by seven or less points. In other words, when these two teams get together, it is usually a very close game.

Both teams enter this week with a 2-0 record. Center Grove hasn’t had to face much of a test so far this season, rolling over Perry Meridian and Whiteland by a combined score of 115-22. The coaches and players are unlikely to underestimate the No. 1 ranked team in the state though. If this one is close at the end, it will be somewhat of a new experience for the 2012 Trojan squad.

Carmel, on the other hand, has been in two close games each of the first two weeks. The Greyhounds led only 7-0 at the half in week one before defeating Columbus North 27-7. Last week was a big scare, after trailing 13-0 to Valparaiso, they came back to win 21-20. If the hounds go down 13-0 to Center Grove, they could be in some trouble, especially if the Trojan defense continues to play well. No matter how you look at it, this should be another great battle this season with the winner likely finding themselves at No. 1 in the polls. It could also prove to be another preview for a late post-season rematch.