By MATT GARCIA
Sports Writer
After tying in the regular season, No. 3 Carroll and No. 6 Fisher will both seek to play one more game when they meet in this playoff battle of unbeaten teams.
Carroll (3-0-1) is going back to the basics this week, according to senior captain and offensive lineman Mike Russell.
"We are just going through fundamental stuff for the most part," Russell said. "We are pretty much ready, just keeping mentally sharp."
The Vermin failed to make it to the postseason last year, which makes this year even more important, Russell said.
"We missed the playoffs last year, so everyone is excited to get back and make a run at the stadium," Russell said.
Since the Vermin have already faced the Green Wave (2-0-2) this season, Russell said his team has a better idea of what they need to do to win.
"Winning the turnover battle is key," Russell said. "We had a few turnovers that really hurt us the last time we played Fisher."
On the other side of the ball, Fisher junior captain and linebacker Matthew Nagy said the Green Wave have the last matchup against Carroll in their minds.
"We played them earlier in the season, and they like to pass a lot, so we are making sure our pass defense is good," Nagy said.
With experience on its side, the Green Wave will be ready this week, Nagy said.
"We have a lot of seniors on our team, so we would like to have them leave on a good note, but we are just taking it one game at a time for now," Nagy said.
Fisher and Carroll meet Sunday at 2:15 p.m. at Riehle Fields.
Contact Matt Garcia at mgarci15@nd.edu
Siegfried vs. Keough
By BRIAN PLAMONDON
Sports Writer
No. 4 Siegfried and No. 5 Keough will look to rely on their stingy defenses as they prepare to clash in a quarterfinal matchup Sunday.
Siegfried (3-1) enters the game having allowed only three points to opponents, while Keough (3-1) has surrendered just a single touchdown all season.
Siegfried senior captain and lineman John Moore emphasized the importance of keeping the other team's offense off the field, allowing the Ramblers offense to dictate game speed and tire out defenses.
"We're continuously working on all aspects of our game, preparing for whatever Keough might throw at us," Moore said.
Moore said he believes the game may come down to which team turns the ball over more. Siegfried freshman safety Derek Gauthier will look to add to his three season interceptions, Moore said.
"Derek has a great nose for the ball," Moore said.
The game plan will be very similar for Keough, who has relied on its defense all season. Shying away from individual accolades, Donegan keyed on the whole defense as the unit to watch.
"Our defense is best when every guy plays together," Donegan said. "When they do that, it takes pressure off of the offense."
Keough and Siegfried will square off this Sunday at 1 p.m. at Riehle Fields.
Contact Brian Plamondon at bplamond@nd.edu
Keenan vs. Dillon
By CHRISTINA KOCHANSKI
Sports Writer
No. 8 Dillon will take on undefeated No. 1 Keenan in the quarterfinals of the playoffs Sunday.
The two teams matched up during the regular season, with the Knights (4-0) earning a 6-0 victory over the Big Red (2-2).
"We played Keenan in the regular season, and it was a very good game, very hard-fought," Dillon senior captain and lineman Nate Steele said. "We lost and we're definitely going to learn from that, and hopefully get a better result."
Steele said the Big Red have doubled the number of practices to fine tune the team's offense.
"On offense, we need to be a little more consistent, so we can string together first downs and get a solid drive," Steele said.
Dillon's offense will face the Keenan defense, which Keenan senior captain and wide receiver Jeremy Riche listed as one of the Knights' greatest strengths. Keenan has yet to allow a single point all season.
"Our team's strength is defense and has been all year," Riche said. "Getting sacks, getting turnovers, playing together as a unit and trusting each other translates into good field position and a good game."
Riche said he believes that the matchup will be even and hard-fought.
"I think it'll come down to the fourth quarter and whoever pulls it out there will come out on top," Riche said.
Only one team will advance to the semifinals when Keenan and Dillon face off Sunday at 1 p.m.
Contact Christina Kochanski at ckochans@nd.edu
Alumni vs. Knott
By RENEE GRIFFIN
Sports Writer
No. 2 Alumni and No. 7 Knott will kick off their postseasons Sunday in a rematch of the Dawgs 3-0 victory over the Juggerknotts.
Dawgs senior receiver and captain Jeff Kraemer said Alumni (4-0) achieved a spotless record behind relentless defense and contributions from players like freshman running back Alex Alcantara.
"Defense as a whole is what's gotten us here, so if we can keep that up we should be good," Kraemer said. "The defense stayed strong the whole season, and our rushing game showed up every week, so it's nice to have that consistency."
Meanwhile, Knott (2-2) was able to turn its season around after losing its first two games. Senior captain and defensive end James Hodgens said the Juggerknotts are excited to play Alumni again.
"We lost to Alumni in the first game of the season, so we know it'll be a tough game," Hodgens said. "But this is the team we wanted to play."
Knott's offense, led by junior quarterback David Taiclet, will have to face the formidable Alumni defense, which has allowed only seven points all season. The Dawgs' running game will go up against a similarly strong Knott defense, led by Hodgens and junior linebacker Mike Rotar, that has allowed only 10 points this season.
The two teams face off Sunday at 2:15 p.m. at Riehle Fields.
Contact Renee Griffin at rgriffi6@nd.edu
