NIC 2nd place up for grabs as Bremen hosts Wildcats
BREMEN - Bremen had its second-highest scoring output of the season last week and allowed the fewest points in a game in its 38-6 win at Prairie Heights.
“We’re figuring some things out,” said Bremen head coach Jordan Leeper. “Our defense is playing at a good level. It’s been a combination of getting experience and changing some personnel around, getting guys into positions where they are more comfortable. We’re two weeks into this transition on offense (with starting QB Silas Laidig out for the year) where Lance Moser is getting his (high number of carries) right now and he hasn’t been disappointing (904 yards, 12 TDS). We’re happy with the way it’s going and the offensive line has really bought into it and stepped up in the run-blocking game.”
This week the Lions (4-3, 2-1 NIC N/S) will break a tie one way or another with South Bend Riley (4-3, 2-1 NIC N/S) for sole possession of second place in the Northern Indiana Conference North-south Division when it hosts the Wildcats at Bunge Field.
After three impressive wins behind big offensive games, Riley was doubled up by East-west Division leader and undefeated (No. 5 AP, No. 6 IFCA) New Prairie last week, 42-21. The Lions defeated the Wildcats last year, 48-21, and leads the series, 5-2.
“I always enjoy playing them, but Riley definitely poses some challenges,” added Leeper. “They come with a really good effort and attitude when they play Bremen. We know we’re going to get their best and we have to give our best effort as well. They like to take shots and throw the ball down field. They have two big receivers out wide, both 6-foot-3 I believe, and can go up
and make a play. The quarterback can deliver it so we have to be aware of that. We have to be disciplined and not let those guys just run past us. We don’t have the greatest team speed so we’ll have to be intelligent and read their playbook a little bit. I like the challenge that we face. I like the physicality that they bring. You want to win, but it always feels better when you play well and win. Our guys just need to focus on one play at a time.”