Published: November 03, 2009 04:23 pm      

Quakers host state power

Few gave Plainfield a chance to defeat Roncalli in last Friday’s sectional semifinal game after the Rebels blasted them 31-7 in the regular season.

But the Quakers silenced their doubters, defeating the Rebels 21-14.

Now the road gets even harder.

Playing in their fourth consecutive sectional championship game, the Quakers (8-3) host defending Class 4A state champions Indianapolis Cathedral Friday.

The Irish (10-1) are ranked No. 1 in both the AP and Coaches’ poll.

“To be back in the sectional finals is a tribute to all the hard work the kids and coaches put in throughout the year,” Plainfield coach Brian Woodard said. “We are up against arguably the best team in Indiana regardless of class. It’s an incredible challenge and one we’re looking forward to.”

The Quakers can look to last Friday for inspiration. Mooresville — a team that Plainfield came within a two-point conversion of beating — led Cathedral 6-0 in last week’s sectional semifinal game and stood toe-to-toe with the Irish before falling 24-9.

“We know Mooresville and we know Roncalli and we saw those kids could compete with them … if they can do it, so can we,” Woodard said. “But against that team it can be 10-7 and then all of a sudden its 30-7 and you’re thinking, ‘what the heck just happened.’”

For Plainfield to keep things close it will need a big day from its running game, which averages 210 yards a game. Elliot Hughes (77.5 ypg, 15 TD) and Chandler James (36.7 ypg, 4 TD) have led the way on the ground. Quarterback Johnny Jay has been efficient for the Quakers in the passing game, completing 57 percent of his passes and throwing 6 touchdowns to just three interceptions.

“You don’t play perfect football, nobody ever does,” Woodard said. “You just have to get as close to it as you can. Last year against Zionsville we turned the ball over a lot and turned a good football team into an incredible one. Against a team like Cathedral you can’t make those kind of mistakes.”

Defensively, the Quakers will have to slow down Cathedral quarterback Kofi Hughes and company. Hughes averages 225 yards per game (104.2 on the ground, 120.8 through the air). Plainfield ’s defense has been stout of late, allowing just 10.4 points per game over its last five contests.

The Quakers host the Irish at 7 p.m. Friday. Cathedral defeated Plainfield 35-7 in the 2006 sectional championship game.

“We are not going to beat Cathedral unless we prepare like we can beat them and believe that we can beat them,” Woodard said. “If we are content with the win over Roncalli it will be a long Friday night.”