BHSS Football

2011-02-24T15:56:00.003-05:00

Five South seniors have made their decisions on where to play college football.
Tackle Reilly Flynn will attend NAIA power St. Francis in Fort Wayne. Linebacker Alex Sarpa will walk on at Indiana.
Wide receiver Lucas Franz will attend Division 3 Wabash, two-way lineman David Tiwari will attend Division 1AA Butler and linebacker Jon Campbell will attend Division 3 Franklin.

Lifting getting good results

2011-02-16T10:26:00.002-05:00

By Rex Kirts

South's off-season weight lifting program, its first under Kirk Kennedy as coach, is getting good results.
There are between 50-55 players lifting in the regular school class and after school, and there are about 15 in winter sports who are not lifting.
"It's going OK," Kennedy said. The first testing took place last week, and Kennedy called the results encouraging.
"I hope they gained confidence and will become even more encouraged to work out harder," he said. "We're never satisfied, just hope to see improvement."
Kennedy and strength coach David Schunk began the workouts in December, and the initial results weren't good. The Panthers had a long way to go.
"In December," Schunk said, "one player could clean 225 pounds. Now we have 11." The top cleaner is junior Jordan Egan at 252 pounds.
FROM ONE PLAYER who could squat 375 pounds the list grew to 10 who can do 400 or more, with two at 450-plus. The two are sophomores Jacob Brinegar and Lando Mason. Sophomore Matt Henderson, who weighs just 170 pounds, improved his squat from 300 to 380 pounds.
The stat most often quoted is the bench press. But the bench is more for looking good in a T-shirt while the squat and clean are athletic measures and more indicative of football strength. The Panthers have 11 who can bench 225-plus, Egan being No. 1 at 290 pounds and Mason second at 275.
The lifting takes place Monday, Wednesday and Friday. On Tuesday and Thursday, players work on their speed and agility at Teamwork on the west side of town. About 35 make it to Teamwork. There are some middle school players at Teamwork now, but that will grow during the spring.
The Panthers were 3-7 two years ago and 2-8 last year. The freshman team was outstanding this year, and there is optimism Kennedy has the program headed back in the right direction.

Tiwari on Region 10 team

2011-01-30T12:05:00.002-05:00

By Rex Kirts

Senior David Tiwari, a two-way starter on the line for the Panthers this season, has been named to the Indiana Football Coaches' Association Region 10 all-star team as an offensive tackle.
This makes him eligible for the South All-Star team that plays the North in July. The South team will be announced in February.

Taliaferro, Chappell to be honored

2011-01-14T16:04:00.002-05:00

By Rex Kirts

George Taliaferro and Ben Chappell, representing the past and present of Bloomington football, will be honored by the central Indiana chapter of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame.
Taliaferro, who played at Indiana in the 1940s, will receive the organization's Distinguished American award. Chappell, the South product who just completed his college career at IU, will receive the Collegiate award, which goes to a former NFF honoree who had an outstanding college career.
Chappell received the NFF high school award five years ago. And last month he won the college NFF award and an $18,000 grant for graduate study. Both the NFF high school and college awards to to players who have outstanding academic and community service credentials.
The awards to Taliaferro and Chappell will be presented at the annual banquet Feb. 26 at the Colts complex in Indianapolis. That is the same night at the NFL combine at Lucas Oil Stadium, and Chappell may be there.
Fourteen seniors from central Indiana high schools will receive NFF honors at the banquet. Also, Josh Bleill of Greenfield, works with the Colts, will receive the Courage award. And Akinfemiwa Akinribade of Brownsburg will receive special recognition.

Football at South getting more serious

2011-01-03T17:28:00.002-05:00

By Rex Kirts

There's a new way of doing football at South.
That, of course, was promised by Kirk Kennedy when he was hired as coach in April.
Over the Christmas and New Year's holidays, when most football players are snug in their beds, some of South's were lifting weights.
"We had weights two times, both weeks," Kennedy said.
The turnout, he said, "was decent, about 20."
That's 20 more than most programs.
The Panthers were 3-7 two years ago and 2-8 last year. The program will only get turned around with more of the kind of direction and dedication shown by the 20 who showed up to pump iron the last couple of weeks.

Sarpa, Tiwari, Bower on 5A all-state teams

2010-12-06T22:47:00.002-05:00

By Rex Kirts

Seniors Alex Sarpa and David Tiwari and junior Michael Bower made all-state teams selected by the Indiana Football Coaches Association.
Sarpa made the class 5A senior team as a linebacker and Tiwari as an offensive lineman. Sarpa also played some fullback and guard on offense, and Tiwari was a two-way starter at defensive tackle.
Bower made the Junior 5A team at defensive back. He also started at quarterback for the Panthers.
South finished the year with a 2-8 record, Kirk Kennedy's first year as head coach.

Award winners named

2010-12-05T15:38:00.002-05:00

By Rex Kirts

South handed out its football awards for the 2010 season Sunday at the school auditorium. A noon lunch preceded the ceremony.
Senior Alex Sarpa won the B-Man award, and senior Reilly Flynn and junior Michael Bower shared the Captain award.
Senior Jon Cambell won the Bobby Brown award and senior Cameron Hogue the James Marsh award.
Bower was named the Most Valuable offensive back, Lucas Franz the MV receiver, senior Jarred Mason the MV offensive lineman, sophomore Nolan Rogers the MVdefensive back, Sarpa the MV linebacker, senior David Tiwari the MV defensive lineman, junior Drew Barlow the MV special teams player and sophomore Stephen Beall the scout team Player of the Year.
Sarpa, Flynn and Bower served as captains for the season.
Campbell, Sarpa and Tiwari have been named Academic all-state. Sarpa was named honorable mention all-state by the Associated Press.
Previously announced was Sarpa and Rogers being named all-Conference Indiana. Honor mention all-conference were Bower, Franz, Mason and Tiwari.

Chappell wins National Football Foundation scholarship

2010-11-29T17:22:00.002-05:00

By Rex Kirts

Ben Chappell got a big Old Oaken Bucket victory over Purdue last Saturday, and that's not all the former South football and basketball standout has won.
Known as a tough competitor in athletics, Chappell has always been a high achiever in the classroom, too. The combination helped secure him a prestigious National Football Foundation and College Football Hall of Fame scholarship.
The scholarship is worth $18,000, and only about 18 in the nation earn one. It will help fund Chappell's graduate study at IU.
The award will be presented at the the Waldorf Asoria hotel in New York in early December. It is a tuxedo affair and has a ticket price of $600.
Despite several injuries, Chappell remained in the starting lineup at quarterback for the Hoosiers. He leaves with many IU career and season passing records.

Whitehead sets Wabash records

2010-11-22T12:44:00.002-05:00

By Rex Kirts

Former Panther Spencer Whitehead ended his college career at Wabash recently and set records in the process.
He leaves tied with the school's PAT career record of 117. He set the most points by a kicker in a season, 70 (37 PATs, 11 field goals), this year. In 2009 he set the record for most PATs in a season, 51.
Also, this year he was named to the first team all-North Coast Atlantic Conference team.

Sarpa, Rogers make all-conference

2010-11-06T15:43:00.003-04:00

By Rex Kirts

Senior linebacker Alex Sarpa and sophomore safety-tailback Nolan Rogers, South's top two leaders in defensive points, have been voted by the league coaches to the all-Conference Indiana team.
Sarpa, who came on strong the second half of the season, led South in defensive points by a large margin. He was the leading tackler with 56 solos and 35 assists for a total of 91. He had 156 1/2 total defensive points.
Sarpa was also used at fullback some the second half of the season, carrying 16 times for 76 yards (4.7 average).
Rogers was second in total defensive points with 125, including a team-leading four interceptions. He had 47 solo tackles, second most on the team, and 22 assists for a total of 69 tackles.
Rogers was also the No. 1 tailback the last part of the season. He carried 86 times for 319 yards (3.7) and three touchdowns. He was second on the team in rushing to junior quarterback Michael Bower's 630 yards (4.2). Bower led the Panthers in TDs with 11.
Other all-conference selections, by school:
Bloomington North: D'Angelo Roberts, rb; Brayton Deckard, wr; Desmond Gilbert, OL.
Columbus North: Kobi Cook, rb; Jake Reed, DL; Will Rinehart, LB.
Franklin Central: Jared Lantz, OL.
Lawrence Central: Tre Robersonk QB; Anthony Shelman, RB; Andrew Anderson, WR; Wesley Rogers, OL; Rob Denny, OL; Eric Thigpen, DL; DeWayne Clemons, DB.
Perry Meridian: Jamar Wilhite, DL.
Pike: Grant Kitcoff, QB; Cameron Crabtree, RB; Aloyhis Gray, WR; Kody Woods, OL; Taylor Kerr, PK and P; Malcolm Exford, DL; Nigel Ward, LB; Chris Isabell, DB.
Southport: Carlton Byrd, WR; Darrice Orkman, DL; Kenneth Hawkins, LB; Nick Depatrizio, DB.

Going forward starts with the new attitude

2010-10-28T13:58:00.012-04:00

By Rex Kirts

Kirk Kennedy inherited a mess. Then it got worse.
When will the mess be cleansed, and when will South's football program go forward?
Well, in subtle ways not always recognized, it already has.
It starts with the new attitude Kennedy brought. It's an attitude of mental and physical toughness, combined with accountability and discipline and "doing things right."
Kennedy succeeded in establishing his beliefs in the way a program, both on and off the field, should be run. Everyone knows the expectations.
After the season ended the head coach and his staff didn't waste a minute sending the program in a forward direction. The team met as usual on Saturday and handed in the equipment, which was stored away properly. The house cleaning taken care of, the coaches were free to concentrate on the future.
Everyone knows the expectations for the immediate future. Within a couple of weeks, the weight room will get serious useage. Kennedy will have a command presence.
THE PANTHERS spiraled down from 3-7 last year to 2-8 this year. Watching them during the sprng and summer and pre-season practices, it looked as if they might not win a game. So maybe two wins is a bonus.
The squad was small in numbers and physical size, and there was very little speed. Defections didn't help matters, with several sure starters (as many as eight) either not coming out, quitting or getting kicked off.
The team picked up a nickname, The Dirty Thirty, although there were about 40 on the roster at the end.
Remember, this was at a school that had not so long ago been a powerhouse in the state.
But this team, which needed rebuilt except for the offensive line, had a lot of problems. Many, Kennedy said, were the result of having to learn a new system. Many of the problems, though, were just basic football. Basically, every single mental and physical phase of the game needs inproved.
Kennedy said he intends to remain at South and get the program back on top. His first ball club at Lowell won only two games, too, before heading upward.
This is not saying the Panthers will make a quick turnaround next year. Next year's team will be young in the lines and linebacking corps. It will be another rebuilding situation.
Kennedy "isn't discouraged" with what he faces at South. There are some players, and the freshman team showed promise.
"IT WAS A ROUGH SEASON for everybody, for the entire South family," Kennedy said. "But the tough times are going to produce results.
"As I've said, the only variable is time. It could produce some results next year, two years.
"The challenges presented this year gives me more resolve . . . to start solving the things that have plagued this product. I feel the challenge to get this program back on the right track."
Offensive returnees next year include three of the top four rushers - quarterback Michael Bower and tailbacks Nolan Rogers, along with Clayton Fiddler and Johnathan Winters. Back in the line is Jacob Brineger, backup center Tony Albanese and tight ends Jacob Canada and Jake Kelzer.
Returning on the defense next year are Rogers at safety, Matt Henderson at cornerback, Kelzer at end, Fiddler at linebacker, Trae Washington at corner and Bower at backup safety. Rogers, Henderson, Kelzer and Fiddler ranked second, third, fourth and fifth in defensive points, behind senior linebacker Alex Sarpa. Other returnees who saw some varsity action include Winters, Tyrae Murphy and Ethan Farmer at linebacker.
Also back is place kicker Drew Barlow, who was second in scoring to Bower.
"This season was a start," Kennedy said. "There's a great understanding now of what's to be expected. We'd like to have been more competitive, won more games. We made some progress.
"WE WANT TO get into the weight room now. They understand we've got to block, tackle, execute, out-work our opponents, be more physical than our opponents."
This is how South will win in Conference Indiana. It won't be able to match the bigger schools in the league in talent and speed.
"We can out-execute and out-hit our opponents. We can be tougher. That will be our niche," Kennedy said.
Twelve seniors finished their high school careers.
"I'm proud of the challenges the seniors accepted. I'm proud of the ones who stuck it out, who built the foundation."
The offense, Kennedy said, was inconsistent. At times it got the job done, at times it didn't. "We've got to improve the offensive line play. We've got to get more physical and attack the line of scrimmage. Our backs have to run lower. We've got to execute at a higher level of efficiency and cut down on the mistakes."
He felt the defense was the area of most improvement this season. "We got better at tackling, reading our keys and staying disciplined," he said.
The kicking game needs considerable work. Punts were blocked, field goals were blocked and coverage sprung a few leaks. "It's more than just kicking a football," Kennedy said.
THE AREAS THAT HURT South the most, he said, was the lack physical strength and lack of mental and physical toughness. "Those are all things we're going to get better at. And that takes time - you can't turn it around over night."
What Kennedy liked best about this team was the way the kids and coaches meshed.
"The kids banded together," he said. "They took great pride in the nickname Dirty Thirty. Their work ethic in practice became pretty good. We didn't tank the situation.
"And I liked the way the coaching staff banded together. I think we got a lot done."
Sticking together and getting a lot done are good foundations for the off-season that approaches.
"We'll have the weight class for football players, and for those not in the class we'll have weights Monday, Wednesday and Friday after school," Kennedy said. "We'll work on strength and speed and athletic development. We should be a lot more physically prepared for next season than we were for this season."
He looks forward for things to get better every year.

Season ended with a thud at Whiteland

2010-10-23T21:12:00.002-04:00

By Rex Kirts

Whiteland is a new kid on the block in class 5A football, and Friday night it took on one of the division's former powers, South, and showed it how to play football.
Whiteland hit harder and ran faster. It excelled on offense, defense and special teams.
So once again South failed to make a big noise in the sectional, getting knocked out in the first round of the tournament, 37-14.
The difference in the performances was a shock, given South's history of success and Whiteland's lack of it. But Whiteland is clearly on the rise while South needs rejuvenated.
The Panthers are in a slide, from 3-7 last year to 2-8 this season. They have been especially ineffective in the tournament for several years, and Friday they exited the sectional with a long list of "things to do" to become competitive again.
TO A MAN, including head coach Kirk Kennedy, the South staff talks of getting stronger in the weight room. Whiteland completely manhandled the Panthers in every area.
Whiteland was also hurt less by penalties and played better on special teams. It's hard to imagine, but South had yet another punt blocked.
In total yards, Whiteland had 408 and South 208. On defense, Whiteland hit while South tried to arm tackle. South's tacklers would get dragged for several yards after contact, which has happened a lot this season, even by small running backs.
South has grown accustomed to being whipped good by such opponents as Center Grove and Columbus North, but to have up-start Whiteland do it is just a big shock.
"We have to get hungrier," Kennedy said. "We have a lot of work to do. There's no shortcut to success. We've got to be a lot more physically tougher and mentally tougher as well."
The Panthers played without fire in the second half in losing at Perry Meridian last week, and the disturbing trend continued at Whiteland.
"NO (WE WEREN'T READY)," Kennedy said. "We were very timid tonight on offense, and the defense wasn't attacking."
Whiteland's offense featured quick backs and a misdirection attack with a good ball-handling quarterback. That combination has hurt the Panthers all season. Whiteland ripped them inside and out.
"The defense needs to be disciplined and read their keys," Kennedy said. "They weren't getting off their blocks on the jet sweep. And the offense wasn't doing anything to help the defense."
South had one good drive of 73 yards in the second quarter to tie the game at 7-7 on a two-yard run by quarterback Michael Bower.
THE PANTHERS didn't have much offense after that. Their second TD was an eight-yard run by Bower in the fourth quarter, which was set up by a 49-yard keeper by Bower.
Although Whiteland wasn't very big on defense, there simply weren't any holes for the Panther backs to run through.
There is a lot of work to do, and Kennedy won't waste time on getting started for next year. Weight room work will probably start in two weeks.
There will be a lot of rebuilding next year. Players up from a solid freshman team are expected to contend for starting jobs.

Panthers, Whiteland meet for first time in sectional

2010-10-20T14:07:00.005-04:00

By Rex Kirts

South and Whiteland have never met on the footbal field, a situation that will change when they tackle each other in the first round of the sectional at Whiteland.
Game time is 7 p.m.
South is looking for its first sectional championship since 2001. Kennedy won sectionals titles the last seven sectionals at Lowell.
Whiteland (7-2) is a growing-area school that moved up to class 5A in the past couple of years. Since little is known about the football program by South fans, Panther coach Kirk Kennedy offered up a comparison.
"They're like Bedford," he said. "They're very good."
South (2-7) has had outstanding success against Bedford historically, but in this season's opener Bedford shocked the Panthers in overtime, 29-27.
SOUTH AND WHITELAND have one common opponent this year, Martinsville. South was beaten soundly by the Artesians, but Whiteland won handily, 35-19.
"Whiteland is big, physical, powerful," Kennedy said. "They're basic in their scheme - they run a lot of wing-T with motion. They like to get the ball to the perimeter, and they'll also go up the middle.
"They like to establish the run. And they will lull you to sleep and throw play-action passes."
The offense Whiteland runs is similar to a couple of others the Panthers have seen and have had trouble with this season. They've had difficulty containing teams on the corners.
As he has all year, Kennedy is mostly concerned with how South plays. The concern rose after last week's loss at Perry Meridian, a 17-14 loss that came after the Panthers led 14-3 at halftime.
"We've got a shot (to beat Whiteland)," Kennedy said. "Our opponents are ourselves. We've got to get our offense and the kicking game going."
The Panthers played reasonably well on defense at Perry Meridian but gained only two first downs the second half and missed two makeable field goals.
PRACTICE THIS WEEK was good, Kennedy said. "Our attitude was still good. We had good tempo, good pace." And a game-like atmosphere surrounded kicking practice. Junior Drew Barlow has kicked well in practice all season and needs to transfer it to the game.
"I told Drew to focus on the process," Kennedy said. "The fundamentals, not worry about the results. Focus on the process."
The passing game has to improve, too. Quarterback Michael Bower excelled at the running game at Perry but completed just one of 11 passes. Getting into 3rd-and-long didn't help the overall scheme.
"We want to throw when we want to throw instead of when we have to throw," Kennedy said.
And they need to establish the ground game with a lot more authority than they did in the second half. There were few holes, and running backs were getting stuffed before they got started.
The winner of the game will play the winner of the Columbus East-Center Grove game in the second round.

Flat second half leads to loss at Perry Meridian

2010-10-18T12:06:00.002-04:00

By Rex Kirts

The signs in recent weeks pointed toward a good finish to the regular season for South's football team. Then came a giant step backward in the second half at Perry Meridian.
In the regular season finale, the Panthers led 14-3 at the half and had control of the game. But they came out flat in the second half and stayed that way to absorb a 17-14 loss.
The Panthers take a 2-7 record into sectional play at Whiteland Friday. They finished 2-5 in Conference Indiana.
It was a disappointing loss for a couple of reasons. One, Perry Meridian had won only twice this year. Two, the Panthers had played better the previous two games, including beating Columbus North.
THEIR LACK OF FIRE in the second half was a shock. It started when Perry returned the second-half kickoff for a touchdown. It continued with a weak performance on offense, with only two first downs made the last half.
The running game worked well in the first half with junior quarterback Michael Bower gaining a lot of yards and one touchdowns on counter plays. Sophomore tailback Nolan Rogers scored the first TD on a 44-yard run in which he broke a tackle at the line of scrimmage.
In the second half, however, the Panthers managed only 22 net yards on the ground, the line unable to create any room to run. The passing game wasn't a help throughout as Bower completed only one of 11 passes.
The kicking game contributed to the defeat, too, when Drew Barlow missed two field goals inside 30 yards.
"We left a lot of opportunities on the field," coach Kirk Kennedy said. "We played decent the first half. The second half we had absolutely no sense of urgency."
IT WAS HARD to understand, Kennedy said, how a team with the opportunity to win would come out flat like that. This was a chance to win a game on a field that South hasn't had much success lately, playing Southport as well as Perry. It was a chance to continue the good vibes that had built up the last two weeks.
"Frustrating," Kennedy said.
"We had the key turnover (a fumble by Rogers)," he added. "On the kickoff they make one block. Now is that them or is that us? We had worked on it all week. We said they would take the kickoff to the hash.
"There was no sense of urgency. We didn't get excited. You don't just watch - you make things happen."
THOSE ARE ITEMS Kennedy has preached from his first day coaching.
"You think you're making progress. You think you've turned the corner . . . " he said. The turn was in the wrong direction.
This is the second straight year an undersized Perry team has taken the attack to South and won the game. Playing fired up is how the Falcons did it.
"With that 3-5 defense they get a lot of people to the ball," Kennedy said. "That's why our misdirection worked the first half.
"But you still have to block. That requires effort."

Panthers gaining confidence

2010-10-14T13:40:00.008-04:00

By Rex Kirts

Three weeks ago it was like the switch was flipped and light filled the room.
Suddenly the Panthers started "getting it." Practices perked up as knowledge sunk in. There was spring in their steps, and plays were run with a crispness instead of a plod.
Practices became normal. No longer did coach Kirk Kennedy have to spend tons of minutes simply getting his team to respond. The base program was in, and now the Panthers could make some progress.
The Panthers lost at Pike but played better. Last week they didn't always play better, but they won a game, beating Columbus North.
Now on Friday they wind up the regular season at Perry Meridian, hoping for a couple of things. They want to continue to play better, they want to gain revenge for an embarrassing loss last year and they want to move up in the Conference Indiana standings.
SOUTH AND PERRY MERIDIAN are both 2-6 overall and tied for fifth in the conference at 2-4. The winner could wind up as high as tied for fourth. Lawrence Central and Pike lead the league at 5-1, followed by Southport at 4-2 and Columbus at 3-3. Franklin Central is also 2-4 and Bloomington North 1-5.
Other league games this week are Lawrence Central at Bloomington North, Pike at Franklin Central and Southport at Columbus.
"Perry is very fundamentally sound," Kennedy said. "They're not overly big, but they execute well. They don't try to trick anybody - they just try to play harder than their opponents.
"They run a lot of option and try to lull you to sleep with the fullback. By far the fullback and the quarterback have the most carries."
Last year Perry came to South winless and using several underclassmen but played inspired football and handed the Panthers a major defeat. So the Panthers realize Perry represents a program that needs respect and that the game is a challenge.
The style of football Kennedy coaches is beginning to settle in with his first Souoth team.
"OUR PRACTICE HABITS, our attitude are improving," Kennedy said. "We're gaining momentum. That showed at times at Pike and again against Columbus. They are taking responsibility and working hard."
Kennedy came in with the reputation of being basic with the running game. But he does have razzle-dazzle in the playbook, and a couple of those plays, halfback and wide receiver passes, were important in the wins over Bloomington North and Columbus North.
"The key is just getting good at something, something like the iso," Kennedy said. The iso is an inside run by the tailback with the fullback "isolating" (blocking) on the linebacker.
"I never said we were just going to run but were going to establish the run. That opens up the playbook."
Against Columbus, the Panthers controlled the ball, and that's something Kennedy loves. They had 13 first downs to eight for Columbus.
"WE RAN 62 PLAYS (15 were passes)," Kennedy said. Our defense was enhanced by what our offense was able to do. We ran a lot of clock, shortened the game, established field position.
"So there's things on offense we accomplished without points. But, we want points, we'll take 'em."
Asked what it is the Panthers have established with the running game so far, Kennedy said, "Nothing, really. But the power I is helping us. It's consistency is leading to confidence."
The important result of the late-season improvement, Kennedy said, is the kids are starting to believe in the system.
All the effort is starting to reap rewards. Practice is working the way it's supposed to. The program foundation is being laid.

Quickness the key on the defensive line for 186-pound Hogue

2010-10-12T15:36:00.005-04:00

By Rex Kirts

All his football-playing life Cameron Hogue has been a defensive lineman.
Somewhere along the line it seems sensible that someone would have mentioned he's a might small for the position. Would have barked at him and told him to get over with the running backs or wide receivers or defensive backs and play with guys his own size.
No matter what was said, Hogue wound up in the defensive line.
And, after overcoming academic trouble last year, he earned a starting job on the South D-line as a senior this year. He started the season at tackle but was moved to end after a few games.
Hogue is 5-6 and 186 pounds. He lines up next to Joey Todd, who weighs only 185 pounds. Few class 5A schools, maybe none, have to line up with half their D-line that small.
Obviously, Hogue must be quick and have some strength to survive and be effective.
"I REALLY TRY to use my speed," Hogue said. "I'm pretty fast for a defensive lineman."
Coach Kirk Kennedy said Hogue is a high-energy guy who gives the team his best effort.
"He has a lot of enthusiasm," Kennedy said. "He's an undersized guy who with his attitude and effort makes a lot of plays for us."
Lack of size can be compensated for. It's a fact offensive linemen always say the guys they don't want to go against are the quick ones.
"As long as you are quick and when you are fundamental you can get by," Kennedy said. "It's being smart. You have to stay low and use your quickness to get off blocks and get to the football."
A cousin to recent Panther running backs Stefan and Jordan Hogue, Cameron said he will sometimes get handled. "But I try to stay perfect with my techniques that will help me get past the offensive linemen."
HE'S HAD PLENTY of opportunities to perfect those techniques. "I've always played the defensive line," he said. "It's been my only position."
When Kennedy was hired in April he had a meeting in the auditorium for anyone who wanted to come out for football. A lot attended the meeting but didn't come forth when the equipment was passed out.
"I decided to come out when we had that first meeting," Hogue said. "I thought we'd have a pretty good chance with him coaching.
"He's a good coach - I like him. He keeps us disciplined, works us hard. It's paying off - I think we're getting better."
The Panthers are 2-6 heading into Friday night's regular season finale at Perry Meridian.They have gotten better and last week knocked off a good Columbus North ball club for their first home field win in two years.
After high school hogue is thinking of attending Ivy Tech but isn't certain what he'll study. "I'm not sure. Maybe construction," he said.

Love of football boosts 5-4 Wisley

2010-10-11T13:09:00.007-04:00

By Rex Kirts

What can be seen of John Wisley is obvious, that this is a football player who's just 5-feet-4 inches tall.
And it can be seen that he's hanging in there despite playing in the line with the distinct disadvantage that being 5-4 dictates. His legs barely reach the ground, but the 215-pound South junior guard keeps banging away on the jayvee and scout squads.
Wisley has asthma, which sometimes puts great stress on him when running wind sprints. And yet he's still out there swinging. He takes

John Wisley

great pride in not being last in the sprints.
He has endured the rigors that new coach Kirk Kennedy has demanded as the new standard of South football.
Why?
Why does John Wisley do it?
"I LIKE EVERYTHING ABOUT IT," he said with enthusiasm. "From the hitting to the excitement to the touchdowns. Everything!"
He has played football since the seventh grade, seeing it as an opportunity to succeed in a sport that his uncle, Jose, played. His father, Dennis, was a wrestler.
"I try to do well in everything I do. Whenever I'm out here, bigger people can motivate me," Wisley said.
They can, of course, knock him around a little bit, too. But Wisley rolls back up, adjusts his chin strap and lines up for the next play.
Like everyone who plays the game, he knows it can be difficult to keep coming back.
"Yes, it can," Wisley said, "especially after conditioning because I'm not much of a runner."
Offensive line coach Tyler Cabanaw said, "John never complains, but the running is hard on him because of his asthma."
Kennedy said Wisley is a fun kid to talk to, a fun kid to get to know.
"WE RAN 17 WIND SPRINTS (last Tuesday) because Monday was his 17th birthday," Kennedy smiled.
"John's a quiet kid," Kennedy added. "He just goes about his business. He gives you all he's got.
"If he takes those characteristics into life he'll be successful. You don't have to be a star to learn the lessons that football gives you."
The size situation is something Wisley hears about often.
"I get joked about it," he said. "Some people say I shouldn't play because i'm too short, but it doesn't bother me. I get good support from my family."
He said he really doesn't know how he compensates for the vertical shortcoming. It would be a fact, not a joke, to say he tries to stay low.
IN ADDITION to the size factor, this year Wisley had to overcome being sent to the brown team. The brown team is for players who get a little sideways of Kennedy's requirements, and Wisley slipped up a little during the summer workout period. For that, he had to pay penance.
"You have to miss a certain amount of practices, and I wasn't here a lot in the summer," Wisley said.
The penance mostly amounted to extra up-downs or extra running.
The coming off-season should see Wisley more attentive to improved attendance.
DIXON DOING HIS PART
Senior Colton Dixon was a starter on the defensive line last year, but knee surgery has kept him on the sidelines this season.
Despite not being able to play, Dixon continues to show up at practice and do what he can. He helps out wherever needed, and that includes taking water bottles to the players during breaks.
It's a pretty impressive example of how to operate.
"I just love the sport and the team," Dixon explained. "Love being with my brothers (teammates)."
CULLEN FLYNN RETURNS
Another example of sticking to the plan is junior linebacker Cullen Flynn, who had earned a starting job in the pre-season.
But he suffered a concussion before the season started and just returned to actice duty last week. During recuperation he, too, continued to show up at practice and do what he could. He was a regular water carrier like Dixon.
Also back after extended time on the sidelines with a high ankle sprain is junior center-guard Tony Albanese.

Panthers travel to Whiteland for sectional opener

2010-10-10T19:15:00.002-04:00

By Rex Kirts

South will travel to Whiteland for the sectional opener next week. The teams have never met on the football field.
Also in the upper bracket, Center Grove will host Columbus East. In the lower bracket, Bloomington North will host Martinsville, and Columbus North will host Decatur Central.

The beauty was in the win

2010-10-09T15:17:00.003-04:00

By Rex Kirts

The beauty was in the win for South in Friday's 13-9 Conference Indiana triumph over Columbus North.
It was a strange football game with lots of mistakes on both sides. But South will certainly take that victory.
The Panthers will accept it gladly because it came against a long-time rival and a good football program. They will take it because it snapped a two-year losing streak on Fred Huff Memorial Field. They will take it because it was Senior Night.
The Panthers will take it because, while everything wasn't smooth, they did make some plays.
And they will take it because they needed it.
This season has been a struggle, as foreseen long ago. Yet those who have stuck with coach Kirk Kennedy's program have continued to work hard and improve. Beating Columbus validated the struggle.
THE WIN GIVES SOUTH a 2-6 overall record and 2-4 conference record going into next Friday's regular season finale at Perry Meridian (2-6, 2-4).
The game plodded along for three quarters and erupted in major happenings in the fourth, when the Panthers scored all their points and made it scary for themselves at the finish.
Big-play people for South included Lucas Franz, Trae Washington, Michael Bower, Matt Henderson and Nolan Rogers. Also, Franz, Henderson and Clayton Fiddler had fumble recoveries.
Bower reversed himself for an eight-yard touchdown run and 6-3 Panther lead with 8:57 left in the game. Drew Barlow had a tough night kicking, starting with missing the PAT.
On Columbus' next series quarterback Keenan Noel was stopped for no gain on fourth-and-one from the Bull Dog 29-yard line, but he bounced outside and ran 71 yards for a TD and 9-6 Columbus lead.
Noel is Columbus' backup quarterback, playing for the injured starter. Noel did a couple of nice things but also fumbled the ball away twice and was intercepted late in the game.
ONE OF THOSE FUMBLES set the Panthers up on their 49-yard line with 4:04 left. Offensive coordinator Pat Cannon called for a flanker reverse with a pass, and Washington delivered the ball to Franz. It was a knuckleball of a throw, and Franz had to come back and wait on it. He made a nice catch and then stiff-armed his way to a 51-yard TD and 13-9 lead with 3;52 left.
"We just came off a turnover and thought we'd go for a big play," Washington said. "Lucas made an awesome play to get it into the end zone."
"We ran the reverse earlier in the game (with Washington carrying for a 12-yard gain)," Franz said. "We thought they might come up on it, and they did." The defensive backs came up, and this enabled Franz to get 10 yards behind the coverage.
Bower and Rogers combined for South's next big play.
Bower, who led the rushing with 26 carries for 79 yards from quarterback, plays in the "star" back in the nickle defense. Noel passed over the middle, and Bower delivered a crushing blow to the receiver. A few years ago, Panthers who made big hits like that got to wear black jerseys at practice the following week.
"I WAS JUST HOPING we could get this for the seniors," Bower said. "Coach D (Dean Walendzak the defensive coordinator) kept reminding us of last year (when Columbus won big), so it was nice to get the revenge."
When Bower hit the receiver the ball popped into the air and into the hands of Rogers, who returned it about 25 yards to the Columbus six-yard line.
The Panthers couldn't get the ball in, and Barlow missed a 22-yard field goal.
Noel completed a long pass to theSouth 24-yard line, but Henderson intercepted a pass at the South 29 with 1:39 remaining.
"I was on my man, but I saw another guy coming underneath, and I just broke on it," said Henderson, a sophomore.
The Panthers couldn't run out the clock, however, and Columbus blocked a "field goal" try by Barlow, recovering at the South 17-yard line with 0:04 left.
Columbus had time for one play. The receiver got open in the end zone, but the pass was incomplete.
THERE WAS an awful lot crammed into the final four minutes of the game.
"It wasn't a thing of beauty," Kennedy said. "This football team is still alive. We made a lot of plays and got over the hump.
"Coach Walendzak had a good defensive plan, and coach Cannon (offensive coordinator Pat Cannon) did a good job of being patient."
One thing Kennedy wasn't happy with was the punt protection. The Panthers have had punts blocked before, and Franz almost had another blocked in this game before scrambling for a 11-yard gain and a first down.
Instead of punting the rest of the game, Kennedy had Barlow kicking from the field goal formation. In either case, the ball is live.
The field goal style worked until Columbus came right up the gut and blocked one with 0:04 left.
"There was a mental error," Kennedy said. He thought about giving up a safety on Barlow's last kick attempt but didn't want to chance it since the Panthers hadn't practiced the situation.
"Some crazy things happened," Kennedy said. "Our kids hung in there and won the game. There was some hitting going on out there. Who knows what this team is capable of?"

Columbus its usual strong challenge

2010-10-06T15:20:00.003-04:00

By Rex Kirts

Columbus North rose from football mediocrity to become a force in southern Indiana when Tim Bless assumed the coaching job a few years ago, and one of the teams that's felt the Bull Dogs' wrath is South.
The long-time rivals meet again Friday night in a Conference Indiana battle, and the Panthers will need one of their best games to avoid the short end of the score again.
Kickoff is 7 p.m. at Fred Huff Field. It's Senior Night for the Panthers.
This is a chance for South to maybe escape the Conference Indiana cellar. The Panthers are 1-6 overall and 1-4 in the conference. Bloomington North is also 1-4 in the conference and travels to Southport.
IT'S ALSO A CHANCE to avoid becoming only the second Panther team since 1936 to win just one game in a year. The 1936 team, then Bloomington High, was 1-9.
The Panthers switched from Bloomington High to South in 1972, and there's never been back-to-back losing seasons since then. Last year's team was 3-7.
Columbus visits with a 5-2 record overall and 3-2 conference record.
"They have good size," South coach Kirk Kennedy said of Columbus. "Maybe they're not as what we've faced the last couple of weeks (Lawrence Central and Pike), but they make up for that in strength and physicality. They're well coached, have a good, solid program. They don't make mistakes and don't beat themselves."
Kennedy has seen too many Panther mistakes this season.
"THE KEY FOR US is not to turn the ball over and give up big plays defensively," he said. "We've got to get to the point where we're not beating ourselves."
The Panthers played better last week at Pike but ended up with a 22-0 defeat. Pike scored one of its touchdowns on a fumble return that pushed its halftime lead to 15-0. It's second-half TD came on a well-executed hurry-up offense featuring a lot of passing.
South put together a solid ground attack at Pike but couldn't push the ball in. The offense featured the running of tailbacks Trae Washington and Nolan Rogers and some second-half keepers by quarterback Michael Bower.
Kennedy emphasized tempo at practice last week, and he did it again this week.
"Practice is just dealing with people," he said. "It's the same routine, but it's always different."
PRACTICE ENDED TUESDAY with 17 40-yard sprints. Why 17? Because it honored the 17th birthday of junior jayvee lineman John Wisley.
The Panthers are in good shape and ran the 17 sprints well. Kennedy said he didn't know if the Panthers are over the hump or just getting used to things.
"In our good years (at Lowell) we never had a problem with staying fresh, never had a problem getting stale," Kennedy said. "Maybe that's because we knew we always had a chance."
The Panthers are practicing like they still have a chance, too.
"We haven't given up. We're still out there swinging," Kennedy said.

The work starting to pay off for Campbell

2010-10-06T08:47:00.008-04:00

By Rex Kirts

All the hard work, from the clanging and banging of the weight room to the toil in the heat and dust of the practice field, are beginning to pay off for South senior linebacker Jon Campbell.
The improvement has been gradual. There were lessons to be learned because of the coaching change to Kikrk Kennedy's system, and Campbell came along to the point where he has been named a game captain for Friday's Conference Indiana matchup against Columbus North.

Jon Campbell

Friday is a chance for South to snap an unusual and perplexing losing streak. The Panthers haven't won a home game last season or this.
It won't be easy. Columbus has been too strong for South several times in recent years, including last year when the Panthers absorbed a terrible pounding in the rain at Columbus. The Panthers head into the game with a 1-6 record and 1-4 mark in the conference. Columbus is 5-2, 3-2.
"COLUMBUS IS pretty good,"said Campbell, 5-10, 180. "They're a physical team.
"We want to come back from last year. We want to show Columbus that wasn't the team we are. We're going to come out on our home field . . . it's Senior Night."
Campbell's strengths are his work ethic and enthusiasm.
"He gives you all he's got," Kennedy said. "He's a hard-working kid in the weight room and the practice field. You've got to respect a kid like that."
The Panthers have gone through difficult times this season, and those who remain on the 34-man roster are better than they were at the start of the year.
"I've stuck it through," Campbell said of ascending to the game captain's role. "I've tried to be vocal, and I always try to help out Sarpa (Alex, a captain and linebacker). I always check my notes every day at lunch with coach Dean (Walendzak, the defensive coordinator)."
Campbell is playing better now, Kennedy said. "He's starting to grasp the concepts of our defense now. Outside linebacker requires a lot of preparation and a lot of adjustment in the game."
LEARNING ALL HE CAN is important not only for Campbell now but for his future. He may become a coach, either in football or baseball.
"I'm there to do my job, do what the coaches say," Campbell said. "I'm just playing football - that's what matters to me."
Coaches say if teams don't improve each week they go backwards. Campbell is going forward, along with the team.
"I've tried to work hard week in and week out. I've tried to play smart," Campbell said. "It's hard going against a team that runs the iso one week and then play teams like Lawrence Central and Pike (which run the spread). You play inside against iso teams and then play all coverages against LC and Pike.
"Every week you learn more about football, just learning the game."
No pun intended, but linebackers can get stuck in the middle not recognizing if a play is a run or pass.
"YOU'RE IN ANOTHER WORLD at linebacker," Campbell said. "You're not thinking about anything but your assignment. First you've got to read the linemen, then if it's a pass or run.
"But you don't want to be thinking too much. That's where your study and instincts come in. It's fun - you've always got to have fun."
There are times when football Kennedy-style can be a little less fun and a lot more tail-busting. One of the things he knew was needed when he took the job was to make the Panthers tougher.
"Coach Kennedy is a great coach," Campbell said. "When it comes to the essence of football coach Kennedy gets it. There's been times he's kicked our butts, but at the end of the day you realize he's made a man out of you. His style of coaching is pure toughness.
"We're getting tougher and learning little things - the essence, the pure qualities, the nitty gritty of football."
The Panthers are playing the schedule one game at a time and not letting the past get in the way of the future.
"WE'RE NOT LOOKING at our record," Campbell said. "Every week we're 0-0.
"We're keeping positive and working hard, getting better. There's no quit and no deadness. We're trying to execute. Through all the struggles we've been through we're just trying to play football. We're definitely improving assignment-wise."
And Campbell echoeds a favorite Kennedy philosophy: "Let's do it right."
Next year Campbell plans to attend a small college and hopes to play football or baseball. He wants to study biology, and if he doesn't coach football or baseball he is considering being a strength coach in college.
"I want to be in athletics for my career. I want to be a mentor and lead young athletes," he said.
So far Campbell is looking at attending Indiana State, Hillsdale, Wabash, Hanover, Denison and Kenyon.

Anthony Thompson tries to rally Panthers

2010-10-05T13:59:00.003-04:00

By Rex Kirts

Anthony Thompson, a college Hall of Famer for his career at Indiana, tried to rally the Panthers in a recent talk to the team.
Thompson, who works at IU and is the paster of Lighthouse Church, is familiar with the Panther football team from his playing days at Terre Haute North. The teams met in a driving rain in the tournament, and the Panthers rallied from a 21-0 halftime deficit to win. They didn't quite hold Thompson down that night, however, as he rushed for over 190 yards.
"You at Bloomington South have a rich tradition," Thompson told the Panthers.
Thompson had many big games for Indiana and finished his career as the then all-time leading NCAA career touchdown scorer. But he still has fond memories of his high school career.
"My most memorable games were in high school - the Friday night lights," Thompson said. "There's nothing like it.
"I CHALLENGE THE SENIORS on this team to have no regrets. Are you seniors making the underclassmen better?"
He said he never wanted to be out-worked and challenged the Panthers to work hard. "If you seniors do that you will bring everybody to the top. Everybody in this room believes that you can turn this thing around. You need to get better every day. Hard work always pays off."
And, he added, "The more success I had the harder I worked. When I read about Walter Payton's (his idol) work ethic that's when it started to turn around for me."
Thompson was famous for the work he did outside of team requirements.
"When you demand more of yourself than what the coaches do, that's when you get better," he said. "You guys have to dig deeper."

Play improves, but Panthers still short

2010-10-02T13:51:00.005-04:00

By Rex Kirts

Going on the road to take on a tough Conference Indiana opponent like Pike is good challenge, and South competed better than it has in some games this season.
But the Panthers still came up short, 22-0, to fall to 1-6 overall and 1-5 in the conference.
They've got two chances to build a winning momentum before the sectional, hosting Columbus North this week and traveling to Perry Meridian for the final regular season game. Both games, of course, will be difficult challenges for a team that has struggled to put the pieces together.
At Pike, the Panthers moved the ball decently on the ground but couldn't bust enough big gainers against the swift Red Devils (5-2, 4-1). The passing game was minimal, except for a 43-yard strike to the Pike 22 late in the third quarter. The defense held a few times despite a few tackling problems.
THE END ZONE was elusive, in large part because the Panthers constantly started drives deep in their own territory. They started one drive at their 39-yard line, but the rest were from their 24 or worse.
"Field position was a factor," coach Kirk Kennedy said. "Their kicking game was outstanding."
He liked it that the Panthers played hard throughout, but he didn't like the mistakes. The feeling was the same Saturday morning after he watched the tape.
"We had a loat of critical mistakes, but I can't fault our kids' effort. We established some drives, made some stops. So in the big picture the effort was better."
The Panthers had 11 first downs and 191 total yards while Pike had 16 and 265.
Pike, however, had the luxury of picking up a fumble by quarterback Michael Bower and returning it 51 yards for a touchdown and 15-0 halftime lead
Pike also had an effective passing game with 19 completions in 28 attempts for 193 yards.
Pike's first play from scrimmage, though, was a bomb that sophomore safety Nolan Rogers intercepted.
ROGERS AND JUNIOR TRAE WASHINGTON led the South rushing game. Washington carried 17 times for 58 yards and Rogers 12 for 45. Bower added 40 net yards in 13 carries, gaining a few yards on keepers around end in the second half.
It was Washington's season-high in carries, and he managed several extra yards after first contact.
"It was kind of new," Washington said of all the carries. "The whole line was blocking - I had holes. It was fun."
Unable to get receivers open and a passing game going or gaining ground outside with the rush, Kennedy admitted the Panthers "didn't have a lot of wiggle room" offensively.
The inside running game was productive, however. "We moved the ball some, did some things that were positive," Kennedy said.
Offensive highlights included drives of 32, 47 and 61 yards.

Panthers laying the foundation, 'not packing it in'

2010-09-30T12:38:00.002-04:00

By Rex Kirts

The 2010 Panther football team, the first to experience Kirk Kennedy's coaching, is laying the foundation for the future of the program. And some of those bricks are heavy.
Going into Friday's game at Pike, the Panthers are 1-5 and facing three rugged tests in the regular season stretch run.
The record is not up to Panther standards nor what the players expected. Several players who would have started did not come out, and others who would have started or contributed either quit after the start of practice or were told to turn in their uniforms early.
But, Kennedy said, the survivors are hanging in there pretty well. Practices and attitude have improved.
In the midst of all the turmoil, Kennedy said he is not losing them.
"THEY ARE GENUINELY interested in working hard and getting better," he said. "They're not packing it in or counting the days."
Practices this week were businesslike but spirited.
"We've picked up the pace," Kennedy said. "We eliminated some of the warmups and achieved a faster start to practice. The players did that (do what the coaches wanted). It all came together pretty nicely. The atmosphere wasn't like a 1-5 team that's packing it in."
Kennedy believes future Panthers will benefit from this team's struggles.
"What we're establishing this year is the foundation for the future," he said. "Down the road it's going to be a lot easier to be part of this football team than it is now.
"These kids are going through the hard times, with no reward on the scoreboard. These kids are learning a lot - they're just not award of it yet now. For some of these kids this may be as tough as it gets."
GUIDED BY A COACH who is strong-minded and forceful - and who was a big winner at Lowell before taking the South job - the Panthers are learning to take control of the things they have control over.
"They're all the things we've talked about since the start. They haven't changed," Kennedy said. "The scoreboard is irrelevan . . . do the best we can . . . do the right thing. It's a daily struggle to be our best.
"If we can just rise above the mistakes . . . the problems are mental, which leads to physical."
Practice this week emphasized pace and temp, two words Kennedy preaches every day.
"We've tried to liven things up, getting them excited, getting them motivated," he said.
The practice week for Pike began in the darkness at 6 a.m. Saturday, following a 42-17 loss to Lawrence Central on Friday night. The players could be heard but not seen, and the sounds were spirited. Kennedy and the coaches stayed in the Brown Building, tending to other duties.
"THEY RAN THEIR OWN WORKOUTS," Kennedy said. "They asked if they could lead the workouts. That's a huge point for them, to ask for ownership and be a part of the solution."
Six players stayed late and talked to the coaches after the LC game, asking to lead the Saturday workout.
Pike (4-2) will present South with another major challenge.
"Pike is very athletic, fast, skilled," Kennedy said. "They're a good team. They are big up front, and the tailback makes a lot of big plays.
"They run the spread, which puts pressure on defensive pursuit and open-field tackling. They throw more than they run."
Pike has had a football rejuvenation under coach Derek Moyers. It is similar to Lawrence Central, so South faces another formidable opponent.

Todd tries to play big as an undersized defensive tackle

2010-09-28T15:35:00.008-04:00

By Rex Kirts

As a 6-2, 185-pounder playing defensive tackle, Joey Todd isn't going to overwhelm anyone.
As a matter of fact, he takes on much bigger opponents by trying to underwhelm them.
"I stay low," Todd said. "And, he added mischievously, "I play in the 'gray' area, a little dirty. I might head throw a guy when the ref isn't looking."
It's tough down there in the pit, and a guy has to do what he can to

Joey Todd

survive. That's doubly true if he's giving up a 100 pounds or more to a very large offensive guard or tackle.
Last week, Lawrence Central had two 300-pound tackles and a 295-pound guard. That's scary opposition for a guy only 185 pounds.
How can the South senior throw a 6-5, 330 pounder? No, he isn't a rodeo bulldogger, but he's close. He's a wrestler when he isn't playing football.
Wrestlers learn all sorts of tricks to gain advantages, and they can be transferred to the combat on the line of scrimmage. Bloomington resident and IU grad Carl Barzilauskas played defensive tackle in the NFL with the Jets and Packers, and he said all the players on the Jets offensive line had been wrestlers.
PROBABLY NONE of them had competed at 185 pounds in high school, however.
There is a vast carryover benefit from wrestling to football.
"Wrestlng gives you the mindset of not quitting," Todd said. "Kids who have quit the team this year don't know how to focus on the task. If you think about how it feels (to withstand the rigors of football) you're going to want to quit.
"Also, wrestling makes you more aware of where your body's at. And I feel I'm more aggressive (from being a wrestler)."
Todd hopes for a better ending to the football season than the 1-5 start. And he hopes for a better ending to the wrestling season than last year. He got sick right before the sectional and missed the tournament last year. He will cut to 171 pounds for wrestling.
On a squad slim in numbers and in size, Todd accepted the role of a lineman. He plays both tackle and end on defense, and he plays tight end in certain situations. He had never played tight end before the first week of two-a-day practices this season.
"JOEY IS A SENIOR we count on to lead," coach Kirk Kennedy said. "He is a two-way player who stepped up at tight end for us.
"He's on the special teams. He fills a lot of important roles for us. He works hard, and he has a great attitude."
Todd began the year at end on defense but switched places with Cameron Hogue at tackle after a few games. Hogue is another "giant" on the defensive line at 5-7, 186.
"I like tackle because you've got to stop all the inside runs," Todd said. "If you stop those runs it helps you drastically."
He would like to improve his play as the season heads the back half of the schedule.
"Compared to last year I've improved," Todd said. "I'm faster and stronger, so I've improved overall.
" I NEED TO LEARN my plays better. There's a lot of blitzes where you go the opposite of the linebacker, and we have a lot of different alignment packages."
Todd likes Kennedy's demanding style of coaching. "It's a lot like coach (Royce) Deckard's approach (in wrestling). Old-school mentality, a lot of hard work that will pay off. I'm in better shape than last year."
Starting 1-5 hasn't been fun, but Todd feels the Panthers haven't thrown in the towel.
"We're learning a lot about life, how to overcome adversity," he said. "The ones who are still here are sticking together, staying positive, picking each other up."
When not playing football or wrestling Todd likes to fish and camp. "Pretty much anything outdoors," he said. Next year he plans to attend an in-state college, maybe IUPUI or Butler, and study engineering.

Searching for answers in the dark

2010-09-25T14:20:00.004-04:00

By Rex Kirts

South's players learned Saturday morning that you can tell time by the Big Dipper.
It's dark at 6 a.m. The moon glowed bright and the stars shined elegantly when coach Kirk Kennedy convened the Panthers.
The nocturnal gathering was their reward for not doing the things they're supposed to in Friday night's 42-17 football loss to Lawrence Central.
The Big Dipper was a beacon, and the air was cool and clear. There was light from the Brown Building, and someone on the field had a flashlight. On the adjacent tennis court sophomore Ronnie Schneider practiced, evidence of what it takes to be one of the best tennis players in the midwest.
J.R. Holmes, in his role as athletic director, stopped by. Asked why, he replied: "I heard there's a football practice." Then he headed to Martinsville to watch some girls' regional golf, and he returned at 10 to catch some of the freshman football game. The frosh beat LC, 7-6.
ON THE FIELD, in the dark, the Panthers did, indeed, practice. Nineteen of the 20 players who were supposed to be present were there. The jayvees, all 15 of them, would soon depart for Lawrence Central, where they would lose, 34-6.
There was no sound of complaints coming from the field as the 1-5 Panthers practiced in sweats. There was the sound of spirit, of a team trying to convince itself to do better, to not give up.
It was a normal conditioning routine with no pads, no hitting and no getting intimate with the blocking sled, as Kennedy said of the rough drills after the loss to Franklin Central.
"I liked it," said senior captain Alex Sarpa of the 6 a.m. practice. He is a linebacker and backup guard but played some impressive fullback against LC. "It was dark, we were on our own and it was senior-led, and Bower."
Junior quarterback and backup safety Michael Bower is a leader, too, because he's also a captain along with Sarpa and senior tackle Reilly Flynn.
"I THOUGHT IT WAS our best practice," Bower said. "We did monkey rolls, like in the third grade. Brother carries, 100 pushups, 98-yard sprints (and other things)."
Bower said he didn't mind being there at 6. "Last night we talked to the coaches about an hour after the game. We told them we'd do whatever they wanted us to do. We're not used to losing."
They lost for the fifth time in six games and third time in four Conference Indiana games Friday. Like most coaches, Kennedy doesn't like to blame a loss on a speed difference because he believes proper technique can overcome a speed deficit. But the Panthers weren't about to keep up with the Bears.
What worries Kennedy, still, is lack of blocking and tackling and the simple ability to line up correctly and carry out assignments.
"It's just frustrating," said Kennedy, who got very little sleep before 6 o'clock rolled around. Frustrating "because it's there. We've shown it in practice and in some games, Bedford, North.
"This football team is capable. Where we're lacking is in mental preparation and mental effort, which means we're causing our own problems."
The Panthers had plenty of chances to compete with LC, which fumbled the ball away five times. "We just didn't capitalize," Kennedy said.
THEY CAPITALIZED in the first quarter with a nice 77-yard drive with sophomore tailback Nolan Rogers carrying six times for 50 of the yards, ending with a four-yard touchdown run. Bower scored in the fourth quarter on a 13-yard keeper, and Drew Barlow kicked a 36-yard field goal.
The Panthers couldn't sustan much offense after their first TD, though. Rogers, for instance, netted only 19 yards the rest of the game.
A bright spot was Sarpa's first carries of his career at fullback in the fourth quarter. He attacked tacklers and had consecutive runs of 13, 13 and four yards to set up Bower's TD.
"Basically we're just grasping at straws," Kennedy said of Sarpa's use at fullback. Also used at fullback was sophomore Clayton Fiddler. Rogers was mostly a fullback until this game, when he carried 20 times for 69 yards.
DEFENSIVELY, THE PANTHERS made a few plays, but LC would overcome its fumbles and penalties and burn South with big plays and escapes in long-yardage situations.
South continues to be hurt in the kicking game. It gave lost an onside kickoff and, for the second straight week, had a punt blocked.
Also still hurting the Panthers is the end of the second quarter. Lawrence Central scored with 2;30 remaining to go ahead 21-7 and again with 0:04 left for a 28-7 halftime lead.
Lawrence Central quarterback Tre Roberson, an Indiana University recruit, was very effective and very fast. He ran for 82 yards and one TD and completed 10 of 15 passes for 139 yards and two touchdowns.
South faces another speedy opponent next Friday, traveling to Pike (4-2, 3-1).

Thinning numbers leave no depth

2010-09-23T13:43:00.002-04:00

By Rex Kirts

When Kirk Kennedy was hired as South's new football coach, he was told one of the main things needed was to toughen up the Panthers.
A long-time rival called them soft. One impartial observer called them fluffy.
It was Kennedy's misfortune to arrive when the Panthers were small, so lack of size and strength are factors in their 1-4 start going into Friday's homecoming game against Lawrence Central.
But Kennedy hasn't seen a hitting attitude, either. Hitting wasn't a problem at Lowell, where he had won seven straight sectionals coming into this season.
Practices have been physical, a necessary approach if toughness and hitting are to improve. Not everyone adapted to the new way of doing things, and some have left the program.
QUITTING THIS WEEK is what had been the starting backfield. Senior Derek Murphy, who earlier started at fullback and outside linebacker, left Monday. Senior tailback Keith Bunton, the team's leading rusher with 317 yards, quit because of issues outside of football.
The active roster is down to 35 players, and that means almost all depth is gone.
"We're at critical mass," Kennedy said of the numbers.
Those still wearing the Purple and White uniform need to remain, and no more injuries need happen.
This doesn't mean practice was paired down to flag football this week. Kennedy and his staff soldier on with their plan of boosting the program, and regular drills were run.
They were run with different people in the lineups. Junior Trae Washington will be the full-time tailback, and sophomore Clayton Fiddler will play fullback along with Nolan Rogers.
Washington had played wide receiver, and sophomore Matt Henderson moves in to fill that spot. Washington was also a starting cornerback, and sophomore Aareon McCoy is due to start there this week.
THE ENTIRE STARTING interior offensive line starters are seniors, as is wide receiver Lucas Franz. All other offensive starters are underclassmen. Defensively, there areonly four seniors starting, or maybe five if Franz starts in place of Michael Bower, who also starts at quarterback.
There are about four two-way starters, but they will be able to play "one-and-a-half."
Execution has been a problem with this team, especially defensively, and Kennedy and his staff continued to simplify things this week.
"We're limiting scheme-wise and trying to focus on execution," Kennedy said. "Is it perfect, no. Are we satsified, no. But we're still out there swinging.
"We want to be able to do some things right. We want something to hang our hats on."
THE SCHEDULE the rest of the season will make it difficult for the Panthers to find things they can execute. After Lawrence Central comes Pike, Columbus North and Perry Meridian.
"Lawrence Central is big, fast, strong, athletic," Kennedy said. "They're very good. Skilled. Just a good football team.
"We'll have our hands full, there's no doubt about that."
Lawrence Central is led offensively by senior quarterback Tre Roberson, an Indiana University recruit who is fast.

Physical style suits Mason

2010-09-22T21:47:00.006-04:00

By Rex Kirts

"There are good times, and there are bad times," Jarred Mason explained.
Obviously, South being 1-4 going into Friday's homecoming game against Lawrence Central is one of the bad times.
The good times are every down the 6-2, 230-pound senior gets to play at center for the Panthers.
Because every down he gets to hit somebody, gets to be physical in the great outdoors.

Jarred Mason

Mason understands that very well.
"Jarred is one of our more aggressive lineman," coach Kirk Kennedy said. "He understands what we are trying to do, and he has shown improvement throughout the course of the year."
Mason understands very well the kind of football Kennedy is trying to get the Panthers to play. It's run-dominated, smash-mouth football.
"I LOVE IT," Mason said. "His style is a big change. It's hard-nosed football, how it needs to be played."
Mason had always been a center until moved to guard last year. He's back in the middle now.
Coaches will tell you it's not important for offensive linemen to run quick 40-yard dash times. And Mason fits the mold because his 40 is in the 5.5 range.
But offensive linemen require a little bit of quickness with their feet and a love of contact, since they're going to get it every play. Mason's feet could be quicker, but his love of the action in the pit is sincere.
"Jarred's feet aren't the best, but he has a good mentality to play in the offensive line," Kennedy said. "He plays with a good effort."
How does Mason compensate for a lack of decent quickness?
"Hit 'em in the mouth," he grinned. "It's hit or be hit. Size doesn't really matter. I'd rather go against a big guy than someone who's quick.
"I HIT PEOPLE as hard as I can every play. Don't really leave a doubt. I love the first play of the game."
The Panthers began the season with about 45 healthy bodies. They're down to 35 now, after a few defections, some injuries and a dismissal. They've been nicknamed The Dirty Thirty.
Mason appreciates those who are still in uniform.
"If you don't want to be here, don't be here," he said. "Coach said all you need is 22 to play."
Well, 22 would be cutting it a bit thin, at least in 5A football when you're going against most schools bigger than you are.
Starting the season 1-4 isn't conducive to keeping spirits up, but the Panthers haven't gone in the tank. Keeping spirits up, according to Mason begins with a love of the game. Then going out and getting physical should be enough to get pumped up.
"Go out and hit people," he said. "You've got to keep positive. Hanging your heads is just going to lose more games.
THERE MAY BE ONLY 30 of us, but it's 30 of the toughest kids you're ever going to meet."
At the start of the season Mason was looking forward to winning a lot of football games. "But that's not going to work out." What he's looking forward to now is, "Beating Lawrence Central."
One game at a time.
Next year Mason, a 3.7 student, plans to attend Universal Technical Institute in Glendale, Ill. (near Chicago) to be a mechanic. "Then I want to get my masters so I can own my own business eventually.
"I've worked on cars all my life. I can rebuild motors." Jarren's older brother Dustin is a mechanic.
For hobbies, Mason loves to fish and hunt, ride 4-wheelers and play paint ball. "Basically, I can't stand to be inside," he said.
During football season he works weekends at the Firestone store.

Improvements needed in all areas

2010-09-18T12:30:00.002-04:00

By Rex Kirts

The list is long, so very long.
Just when it looked like South had begun an upward climb with its victory at North last week, the Panthers fall down and get pounded at Southport, 23-0.
The list of must-correct items include:
Blocking.
Tackling.
Intercepting.
Not fumbling.
Not getting punts blocked.
Penalty elimination.
Offense, all aspects.
Defense, all aspects.
Aggressiveness.
In the off-season, strength and more strength.
And, somewhere some speed and skill must be found.
THERE, THAT SHOULD DO for now, although there is space for more on the list. Left off because it always tops any list is want-to.
The list includes all levels of South's program because the Panthers were swept over the weekend, the jayvee and freshmen losing, too, to a program that until the last three years was strictly a doormat. South's varsity was blanked, the jayvees scored only once, and the freshman team that was undefeated scored just 13 points.
The Panther defense held on for a while, but once Southport got rolling it ran and passed easily. It ran the corners, it ran the option, it ran inside with its mis-direction and option plays befuddling the Panthers. Southport passed well because there was seldom any rush on the quarterback, and the secondary had moments of confusion.
Offensively, South couldn't move the ball on the ground, rushing for only 109 yards. It didn't pass effectively, although a TD pass was nullified by a penalty.
ON A DRIVE in the third quarter, when the Panthers trailed 16-0, they could have gotten back in the game, but three straight holding penalties killed them. The last one nullified the TD pass.
When Southport went ahead 16-0 with 0:09 left in the half, its drive was kept alive because South dropped three passes that could have been intercepted.
One of the bottom lines in the contest was that Southport was faster and stronger. It's a situation South is likely to find itself in all season.
The Panther coaches had that haggard, back-to-the-drawing-board look afterward.
"I don't think they understand there is a mental and emotional side of football," coach Kirk Kennedy said of the Panthers. "They were like zombies. In practice we address the problems, but on Friday night we fall back into old habits."
THE PANTHERS played confused. And they didn't play with the fire they did against North. Kennedy wondered if that was a problem. "We got excited last week because of the opponent, not because it was the game of football. If there's a choice we seem to make the easy choice, the comfortable choice."
He doesn't like the fact the Panthers can't get off blocks, and on the offensive side they "play high" instead of staying low and driving off the ball.
Defensively, against a team that runs option and mis-direction you must play assignment football. So often the Panthers were zigging when Southport's runners were zagging.
"We didn't play our assignments," Kennedy said.
A MAJOR PROBLEM was the lack of rush on the quarterback. Against the Southport spread formations the Panthers rushed three linemen, and it was ineffective. A couple of other times rushers "just flat-out missed" the quarterback, Kennedy noted.
The only positive from the Conference Indiana matchup (South is 1-4 overall, 1-2 in the conference) is the chance to learn from the mistakes and improve.
"We need some people to step forward and say, 'Enough is enough,' " Kennedy said.
The Panthers return to Fred Huff Field next Friday to take on Lawrence Central (4-1, 2-1).
A NICE PRODUCTION
Southport put on a nice homecoming show. It included a near capacity crowd, a good parade and two skydivers floating onto the field before the game. Good stuff.
Football-wise, that school has come a long way in a short time. The coach is Bill Peebles, and the athletic director is Pete Hubert.

Now they believe

2010-09-16T10:04:00.003-04:00

By Rex Kirts

Was Wednesday's football practice perception, or was it reality?
At the end of practice the Panthers were prancing and spirited, and that simply hadn't happened before this week. Normally they dragged, beaten from the rigors and the heat and all things football.
"We have a lot more energy," junior quarterback and captain Michael Bower said. "We're energized and upbeat."
But, he added, they're definitely still working hard. Practices haven't suddenly become so easy that the players have an excess of get-up-and-go after a hard day in the dust.
"If that's the case (lots of spirit at the end of practice) then maybe their attitude is getting better," coach Kirk Kennedy said. "Nothing has changed at practice. Maybe they're adapting to what we're doing better and not causing their own problems.
"THEIR PERCEPTION of it is better. If that's true, then they're making progress.
"I said all along we were not a bad football team. I think the win vindicated everything we've been telling them all along. I don't know how to make football fun other than to kick someone's butt and win."
The sudden upsurge in spirit is, of course, the direct result of not only working hard but seeing a positive result of it. The positive result was the Pantheres' first win in four games, the 45-35 victory over North.
The win made believers of the Panthers, believers in what Kennedy is trying to accomplish and how he's doing it.
To be determined, though, is what it all means. Will more wins be forthcoming?
"We'll see Friday," Kennedy said. The Panthers travel to Southport Friday to take on one of the teams expected to be strong in Conference Indiana. Southport's title hopes suffered a setback last week when the Cardinals lost to winless Perry Meridian in a rival game much like South-North.
"SOUTHPORT IS VERY CAPABLE," Kennedy said. "Their program was once where ours is, but they dug themselves out of a hole and are playing with confidence.
"This is a game we can win or a game we can lose. The variable is us."
Beating North in front of a full house was a catalyst.
"I think we're pleased, but we're not satisfied. And we want more of it," Bower said.
The pleased part was modified soon after the game, on Saturday morning when the tape was seen.
"We still made some mistakes," Kennedy said. "We were high on our blocking, and the defensive line was high when we took on our blocks.
"But our effort was better, and we played with more confidence. We won't know until Friday what it means. I don't know if our play was because of who we were playing (the city opponents) or were we better.
"We weren't getting off our blocks, and we were getting caved in (on the corners). But those problems are fixable."
THEY ARE ESPECIALLY FIXABLE because he's got the Panthers' attention more than ever.
"That's what I'm looking for," Kennedy said. "All the work and practices and drills and preaching and teaching - when you put it all together it works. The kids have an example now to learn from."
He doesn't expect a letdown from the big emotional win last week, though there is the natural concern of proper focus on the next opponent. He probably stopped any letdown tendency quickly on Monday with another hard-hitting nutcracker session.
"They need to look for ways to improve," Kennedy said. "Through working hard hard they can get better, achieve their destiny, achieve their goals.
"It's like one of my favorite sayings: 'The beatings will continue until the morale improves.'
"The work finally turned into something positive last week. We were 0-3, but now the morale has improved. It's amazing what one win will do for you. Things aren't that different, but their perception is because of that one win."
NOT PLANNED
When Lucas Franz ran from punt formation for a first down at North it was not a planned play. He can be very thankful the play worked.

Bonnell sees the results of hard work, likes the toughness Kennedy demands

2010-09-14T20:23:00.006-04:00

By Rex Kirts

Kirk Kennedy's methods are designed to develop toughness, and Zach Bonnell likes it.
After last Friday's win over North, Bonnell will have more company. Those who may not have been sure they enjoyed all those rough practices are probably now convinced of their value.
"The hard practices are a love-hate relationship," said Bonnell, a 6-2, 250-pound senior who has played several positions on the offensive line. "But right when you get done with practice you realize why you

Zach Bonnell

pushed the sled and do all those up-downs.
"I'm in the best shape of my life, and that showed up against North. You could see they were getting tired." Like other Panthers, Bonnell felt as fresh in the fourth quarter as they did the first.
"He's a really good coach," Bonnell said of the new man calling the shots at South. "He brings a different vibe, a good vibe. He also knows how to pick you up and have fun. And I like his offense, the I."
BONNELL ADDED, "Coach Kennedy gets to the point, which I like. He knows how to get it done and will get it done. I think we're headed in the right direction."
Bonnell islike a utility baseball player who is able to play more than one position. He's played every position on the line except center. Currently, he calls right guard home, with Reilly Flynn at left tackle, David Tiwari left guard and Jacob Brinegar right tackle. Jarred Mason is the center, and Joey Todd and Jacob Canada are tight ends.
The O-line lineup, which has been juggled constantly, led the way to South's first win of the season last week at North. The Panthers rushed for 342 yards a week after gaining only 81 on the ground against Franklin Central.
Playing in the trenches takes special people. It gets a little nasty down there.
"It's pretty rough, and it happens pretty quickly," Bonnell said. "It's a constant fight between two guys to get position and drive off the ball. I like it. I like being up front and like knowing what I do affects the play.
"And the O-line is like brothers. Hogs."
Bonnell has been named a game captain for Friday's Conference Indiana clash at Southport.
"ZACH ALWAYS BRINGS a great attitude to practice," Kennedy said. "He's a fun kid to coach and always gives you all he's got."
When Mo Moriarity coached South he said offensive linemen don't have to be fast in the 40-yard dash. All they need are quick feet. Bonnell said his 40 speed is "really slow, maybe 5.7 or 5.8. I'd like to think I have quick feet." And he pride himself on being versatile enough to play more than one position on the line.
Adjusting to Kennedy's style has taken time, Bonnell admits.
"We're not totally reformed, but it's a new form of blocking," he said. "It's a different approach. We were a zone offense last year." Now it's the more traditional scheme of taking on the man in front of you.
There's a lot more contact in drills now, including what Kennedy calls the nutcracker - a blocker, a defensive lineman, a linebacker and a ball carrier. Bang, bang, bang. Hear the pads pop. Hear the players get excited.
LAST YEAR'S NUTCRACKER drills sounded like two marshmallows colliding in outer space. Now there is noise.
"I love the nutcracker," Bonnell smiled. "It's football down to its purest - just go straight ahead and mess somebody up. I like the energy, too, getting pumped up and getting others pumped up."
The Panthers struggled the first three games and weren't really improving much. While there were mistakes, their effort, and results, against North were obviously better.
"That was amazingly nice," Bonnell said of the victory. "And coming off such a bad game against North last year and the other games this year. It was a really good victory."
Southport is 3-1 after losing to neighborhood rival Perry Meridian last week. It was Perry's first win.
"Southport runs a 4-3 (defense)," Bonnell said. "They're a good team, for sure."
Besides football, Bonnell likes to golf and play rugby. "And I'm pretty close to the family. I like the outdoors a lot."
He intends to study architecture or engineering in college next year but is uncertain where he'll go. He isn't planning on continuing football.

The heart still beats

2010-09-11T18:08:00.005-04:00

By Rex Kirts

The football Gods checked South for a heartbeat and found one, but the pulse was weak.
North scored touchdowns on two of its first three plays of the game, and South had to punt. The shovels were filled, and the dirt was ready to be spread over the Panthers.
But North fumbled the punt away, and South scored. From that point there was a lot of back-and-forth left until midway in the third quarter when the Panthers gradually took control.
Down 35-24, South scored the last 21 points of the game to win at North, 45-35, Friday night.
The Panthers, whose roster numbers continue to shrink, were as fresh in the fourth quarter as they were in the first. They finished the game with a strong drive, going from their own 12-yard line to North's 11 and consuming the last 7:51 of the clock.
And the presumptuous T-shirts worn by North fans that read, "This is our town," proved to be premature.
THE VICTORY touched off a wild celebration, which was to be expected since South not only came into the game 0-3 but had not shown any improvement in the three losses. Only the week before they had made only six first downs in a 22-12 loss to Franklin Central. Against North the Panthers had 16 first down and ran for 342 yards.
So how did that happen? It is not an easy question to answer.
But certainly junior quarterback Michael Bower drove the team with his running and passing and decision-making, and he even played safety. Tailbacks Keith Bunton and Trae Washington and fullback Nolan Rogers ran hard and caught passes and threw passes.
The offensive line of tackles Reilly Flynn and Zach Bonnell, guards Alex Sarpa and David Tiwari and Jacob Brinegar, center Jarred Mason and tight end Joey Todd had its best game.
The defense was ravaged by swift, strong North tailback D'Angelo Roberts, who rushed for 213 yards and three touchdowns, until it tightened midway through the third quarter.
The Panther kicking game was outstanding as Drew Barlow's kickoffs sailed to the five-yard lne and he made a 40-yard field goal and all six PATs. Even punter Lucas Franz ran for a first down on a fake punt.
AND COACH KIRK KENNEDY got contributions from new people. Such as sophomore defensive back Tyrae Murphy, who in the third quarter stripped the north quarterback of the ball and recovered it to set up a Panther touchdown.
Tyrae was in the game because his older brother, senior Derek, was sidelined with an elbow problem and because senior starting cornerback Adam Wiley had been dismissed from the team earlier in the day for violation of Kennedy's disciplined way of conducting a total football program.
And offensive coordinator Pat Cannon had a neat tongue-in-cheek perspective. "It's nice to call plays that work," he smiled.
But all that doesn't explain the "why" of the matter, doesn't explain how South found the will to rally from oblivion.
"We got after it, didn't let up," Sarpa tried to explain. "We wanted it, we fired off the ball, never gave up."
Bower carried 19 times for 136 yards and two touchdowns and completed 5 of 6 passes for 49 yards and one TD, a 10-yarder to Rogers.
"Just heart," Bower said. "In the first games we played not-to-lose, and tonight we played to win.
"It was nuts."
BOWER SAID a factor might have been "a little team meeting" the Panthers had before Wednesday's practice. Wednesday went a whole lot better than Tuesday, which was not good and turned into a Kennedy-driven long, tough episode.
Kennedy's tough episodes seem to be paying off, at least that's what it looked like in the fourth quarter as the Panthers took charge and hammered away.
"We had really physical practices this week," Flynn said. "We got conditioned. Halfway through the third quarter their defensive linemen got a little tired, you could see it in their eyes."
Kennedy is capable of speeches that would win prizes in any coaching oratory contest.
"All the hard work . . . I thought that was one of the best drives I've ever seen (to end the game)," Kennedy told the team. "We proved we have a champions' heart.
"This is one game. We determine our fate."
The win evened South's record in Conference Indiana at 1-1. After only two weeks there is only one team left unbeaten in league play, Columbus North. All others are 1-1 except Bloomington North, which is 0-2. The Panthers travel to Southport next Friday.
"NOW WE HAVE CONFIDENCE," Kennedy continued to tell the team. 'Now we're hungry, now we know what this is all about. The great thing about this is . . . we get back to work tomorrow."
Kennedy said the game wasn't pretty, and he was talking primarly about the start when the Panthers fell behind 14-0 so quickly. Their first play was scrimmage was a lost fumble.
"We got the turnover in the kicking game (North's fumbled punt) that gave us the spark. We made some good adjustments defensively on the end, where they were hurting us off-tackle.
"We finally gained some momentum. As we stayed in the game and kept trading punches maybe they (North) started looking behind them. We gained confidence."
Kennedy praised Bower.
"He was our leader tonight. He put us on his shoulders. And Keith Bunton had some great runs. Our offense came to play.
"WE HAD TO OVERCOME a lot tonight. We had some adversity and didn't give up. You could see the confidence in the fourth quarter. The offensive line controlled the line down the stretch.
"And you have to credit coach (Dean) Walendzak and the defensive staff for making the adjustments (in the third quarter)."
Confidence is a powerful weapon. South picked up a lot of it in the game and on Saturday when the jayvees and freshmen made a sweep of the weekend, the jayvees winning 19-14 and freshmen 55-6.

'We control our own destiny'

2010-09-08T21:01:00.003-04:00

By Rex Kirts

Kirk Kennedy does not waver in his belief. Regardless of the opponent, South's destiny is up to South.
Friday's opponent is city rival North, whose destiny has been to win two of three games this season, its only loss coming last week on the last play of the game in the Conference Indiana opener against unbeaten Columbus North.
South hasn't fared so well. It heads into Friday's game at North with an 0-3 record, its first 0-3 start since 1975.
Kennedy's answer to the dilemma was to send the Panthers through a rugged week of practice. It included a practice in pads at 7 a.m. on Saturday, after they lost a 12-0 lead the previous night in a 22-12 loss to Franklin Central. The week also included a lengthy hitting session on Monday and a long, very long, practice on Tuesday.
JUST WORKING ON blocking and tackling, Kennedy said, the things that are getting them beat.
"Right now it's not fun to be a Bloomington South football player," Kennedy said. "We've just got to keep plugging away. We control our own destiny.
"The big change we need to make is in our thinking. I refuse to believe we're not good football players."
Kennedy wasn't too thrilled about a lot of things the past week, but he was pleased to see practice improve considerably on Wednesday.
It is always the goal of coaches to improve each game, and South has struggled thus far. Basic things were lacking against Franklin Central.
"We didn't do ouir bread and butter stuff at all," Kennedy said. The defense did some good things, but the offense managed only six first downs. And rare is the defense that doesn't falter when it's on the field all the time.
"WE'VE GOT TO LINE UP and do what our opponent expects, and you do it anyway. You've got to out-execute and out-hit 'em," Kennedy said. "You can always hustle, always give a great effort and always believe in what you're doing."
He sees the day when all the hard work produces more positive results. "It's not defined by ifs, it's when," he said. "We're trying things. We're going to keep trying things."
Injuries have hit the offensive line, but some of the stress there will be relieved this week with the return of senior center Jarred Mason. That will enable David Tiwari to return to guard.
This year the city teams are similar.
"Yes, scheme-wise and philosophy-wise we are," Kennedy said. "Right now they have more weapons than we do and are executing better. They're playing with a lot more confidence and faster than us.
"We are our own worst enemy, and that affects you on all levels. We have good football players on this team, and the main people stopping us is us."
SOUTH'S DEFENSE will focus on stopping tailback D'Angelo Roberts, and Dylan Anderson is a big threat at wide receiver.
South needs more production from its run-dominated offense. Keith Bunton and Trae Washington will share time at tailback, and Michael Bower runs the show at quarterback.
North snapped a long losing streak to South last year by going 98 yards for the winning touchdown in the final minutes.
KENNEDYISMS
The first-year Panther coach is good with unique phrases and is especially good at talking to his players about how the game should be practiced and played. Here's a couple of examples from practice this week:
X-"You can lead a horse to drink, but you can't make him tackle."
X-"I've checked with Mr. Fletcher (principal) and Mr. Coopman (superintendent) and the Chief of Police. And they all say it's OK to get excited." (Kennedy likes to see spirited displays when something good happens.)

Tiwari's versatility helps in the lines

2010-09-08T11:31:00.006-04:00

By Rex Kirts

David Tiwari's versatility is becoming a necessary element during difficult times on the South football team.
The Panthers have lost their first three games for the first time since 1975, and new coach Kirk Kennedy is moving people around to try to stop the trend. Some is by design, some is because of injuries.
Tiwari, a 6-2, 255-pound senior, started the season playing both ways at tackle. After two games he and guard Zach Bonnell switched positions on the right side of the offensive line. And last week against

David Tiwari

Franklin Central, with starting center Jarred Mason injured and his sub, Tony Albanese, coming up limp during the game, Tiwari moved to center in the second half.
"I had never played center before," Tiwari laughed. "I had taken about 10 snaps during the week when Jarred got hurt."
Where he plays Friday against North depends on whether Mason returns to the lineup.
"YOU DO WHAT YOU have to do," Tiwari said. "I think our exchanges (snaps to quarterback Michael Bower) were OK. But there's a lot more to the position than just getting the snap."
Overall, Tiwari would like to have been more efficient regardless of what position he has played. "I've had good games and bad games," he said. "I can definitely play faster, fire off the ball faster."
Kennedy brought a different offense to South. The Panthers have thrown the ball a lot in recent years, but Kennedy prefers to establish the running game. Run-blocking requires a more physical style of play, and the Panthers have struggled with inconsistency.
Kennedy's style also requires tougher practices, but the seniors who have had the most adjustments to make say they like Kennedy's approach.
"I like it, for sure" Tiwari said of the toughness needed. "He's a no-nonsense guy. It will pay huge dividends for us, down the road. When he gets enough people to buy into it we'll be real successful.
"Just look at his record at Lowell. I don't see why it won't work here.
"WE HAVE ENOUGH TALENT. Obviously, it's frustrating right now."
Tiwari said the Panthers' attitude is good despite the record and despite losing last week to Franklin Central after taking an early 12-0 lead.
"We're right there," Tiwari said. "We really think we can get a win this week. We're thinking 'Get over the hump.' We're not thinking about losing the 12-0 lead to Franklin Central."
There's a lot he likes about football. At the top is "playing with the team. It's truly the best team sport - you all have to do your job. I like that part of it."
A 4.0 student, Tiwari hasn't picked a college yet, but he wants to continue playing football. "I'm looking at the Ivy League and Division III schools," he said. He intends to study business and medicine.

Saturday morning practice in pads? Oh yes!

2010-09-04T14:24:00.004-04:00

By Rex Kirts

On Friday night quarterback Michael Bower proved he was a hockey player. On Saturday morning, he learned he was still a football player.
The Panthers had practice in pads.
Following the 22-12 loss to Perry Meridian Friday, in which the Panthers accomplished very little offensively, on the ground or in the air, after taking a quick 12-0 lead, coach Kirk Kennedy suited 'em up.
"I think we got here before the sun came up," said Bower of the a.m. party.
"We got intimate with the blocking sled, and the ground," Kennedy grinned.
It wasn't a knockdown brawl like Monday's practice, but it had a message. It said there is no give up in Kennedy's approach to becoming better players and a team. He is not giving up on the players, and he won't compromise his coaching methods.
THERE WAS NO WHINING by the players when they learned the pads were going on instead of the usual film watching. "I told them if they whined it would only get worse," Kennedy said.
Kennedy said he had to change the football culture at South, and he's definitely doing that.
This wasn't the first time he's put the pads on Saturday morning.
"I've done it three or four times (at Lowell)," he said. "I did it in 2005, and it was the turnaround to our season."
Lowell started 1-3 in 2005 when the Saturday drills were used. Lowell lost the next game but won the rest to win the state championship.
Right now the state championship isn't even a speck on the distant visual horizon for the Panthers, who have started 0-3 for the first time since 1975. After the quick start against Franklin Central, who gave up two easy scores on fumbles, they simply could not move the ball. The defense played well at times, but the offense managed only 98 total yards and six first downs.
Tailback Keith Bunton ran 16 yards for the first touchdown, and Jon Campbell plucked a fumble out of the air and returned it 43 yards for the second. With 7:13 left in the first quarter South led 12-0.
THE TURNING POINT came late in the second quarter when Franklin Central, which had done little offensively, got its passing game going and went 80 yards in 2 1/2 minutes to score and make it 12-7 at halftime.
After that all the momentum belonged to the visitors. And South continued its slide at home, where it is winless for the second straight year.
Injuries, especially on the offensive line, are hurting a team already short on numbers. Center Jarred Mason missed the game, and his backup, Tony Albanese, sprained an ankle during the game. David Tiwari moved to center with Kyle Franklin taking over at guard.
Bower, a junior and captain, missed part of the game when he suffered a cut on his left, non-throwing, hand and got eight stitches at halftime. He played the second half with a glove on.
"I asked a trainer if we couldn't just wrap it up," Bower smiled. "Nooo."
Speaking of the Satrday pads practice, Bower said, "It's something different. I hope we can regroup and be resilient, get ready for North."
South resumes Conference Indiana action Friday at North, which lost 27-24 to Columbus North on the last play of the game. North is 2-1.
KENNEDY QUOTES ON THE FRANKLIN CENTRAL GAME:
"They gift-wrapped us 12 points, but our offense didn't do much all night. Our offense was kind of dormant; credit Franklin Central."
"I don't know if we tightened up (on FC's 80-yard drive before the half). We lack confidence. We're so fragile mentally right now. We're not good at maintaining momentum or taking momentum from our opponents."
"Franklin Central didn't panic. That shows you don't need trickery and fancy stuff to win football games."

Practicing hard, 'not going to give up'

2010-09-01T15:26:00.004-04:00

By Rex Kirts

South's practices this week have been a lesson in progress, in the school of hard knocks fashion.
Starting Monday, the Panthers have hit and hit some more. Monday is normally classroom time only. This week it was nutcracker time, and lots of it, with liberal does of injected enthusiasm.
"We're trying something else," coach Kirk Kennedy said. "We're working on blocking and tackling, things that are getting us beat."
The hope is to right the ship and get a victory when Franklin Central visits Friday night in the Conference Indiana opener at Fred Huff Field. South is 0-2, Franklin Central 1-1.
Kennedy has consistently said inconsistent play has doomed his ball club and pointed out mental mistakes cause it. But the mental aspect goes deeper.
"I THINK IT goes back to confidence," Kennedy said. "They know what to do but don't trust themselves."
Better physical play can improve self-trust and confidence, so it's been a bang-bang week on the practice field.
"Monday was a good practice. They were more aggressive," Kennedy said. "They were more into it with what we want technique-wise.
"We told them we're going to coach them hard, we're never going to quit. And they responded pretty well."
He wants to see the players get excited. Have "motivation, enthusiasm, intensity." And he wants them playing with a little nasty because that's what it takes to excel at a rough sport like football.
Kennedy's offensive and defensive systems are not complicated, and he's counting on the Panthers getting better while the schedule provides continued challenges.
"We're going to get the most out of this team we possibly can," he said. "We're not going to give up on them.
"THERE IS NO youth movement. We're coaching in the moment, doing what we can to be successful now."
There are tweaks in the starting lineups on both sides of the ball.
Offensive starters are Lucas Franz and Trae Washington at wide receivers, Reilly Flynn at left tackle, Alex Sarpa at left guard, Tony Albanese at center, David Tiwari at right guard and Zach Bonnell at right tackle. Michael Bower is at quarterback, Derek Murphy and Nolan Rogers at fullback and Keith Bunton at tailback.
On defense, Jake Kelzer and Toey Todd are the ends, Cameron Hogue and Tiwari the tackles, Jon Campbell and Clayton Fiddler inside linebackers, Sarpa and Murphy outside llinebackers, Washington and Adam Wiley at corners and Rogers at safety.
Franklin Central showed its potential last week when it beat rival Indianapolis Roncalli after losing its opener to Decatur Central.
"FRANKLIN CENTRAL is very solid," Kennedy said. "They remind me of what we are trying to be. They don't try to beat you with schemes.
"They run a lot of I formation, a power game. Their defense is a 3-5 like Martinsville played. They throw a little, and when they do it's effective.
"That's the mark of a good football team. - they're patient and don't beat themselves."
Early favorites in Conference Indiana, Kennedy said, are Pike and Columbus North. "There's a lot of good football in this conference."
LAST 0-2 START IN 1984
This year's 0-2 start is the first since 1984. The last 0-3 start was in 1975.

Sarpa handling the transition

2010-09-01T10:09:00.005-04:00

By Rex Kirts

Alex Sarpa led South on defense last year, so it was natural that new coach Kirk Kennedy build the defense around him this year.
It was a plan that'w worked . Sarpa, 6-2, 218-pound senior linebacker and captain, is tied with sophomore safety Nolan Rogers in team defensive points after the first two games.
The plan has worked for Sarpa because he was one of the leaders in off-season workouts, and he bought into Kennedy's way of doing things when Kennedy took over the program in April.

Alex Sarpa

"Alex accepted the change and handled the transition very well," Kennedy said. "He has a pretty good work ethic and is a high character guy. And he's a pleasure to coach."
"I LOVE HIS STYLE," Sarpa said of the new coach. "It's been a lot of change, but in the long run I have no doubt he'll be successful."
There has been no scoreboard success thus far as the Panthers have lost their first two games, to Bedford North Lawrence and Martinsville. Conference Indiana play begins Friday against Franklin Central (1-1) at Fred Huff Field.
Trying to get instant improvement this week, Kennedy is tweaking the defense a little. Sarpa may see time at "will" (weak side outside) linebacker for Derek Murphy instead of in the middle at "mike," with sophomore Clayton Fiddler taking over in the middle. And Sarpa play left guard on offense because center Jarred Mason is out. Tony Albanese will move over to center.
This has been a tough physical weak at practice. It began Monday with on-field blocking and tackling drills instead of classroom teaching. The Panthers went at it hard, and not just on Monday.
"I liked it," Sarpa said of the Monday changeup. "The nutcracker drills. We worked on blitzing. I think the guys liked this better than the meeting."
THE SQUAD is thinned down in numbers considerably from previous years. With a couple on the sidelines, there were 37 actually pounding pads Tuesday. A nickname has been acquired, "The Dirty Thirty."
Most of the missing players weeded themselves out. Those are the ones who didn't participate in off-season workouts. Those were the ones, Sarpa said, who had excuses.
"Building a program doesn't happen over night," Sarpa said. "Most of those who didn't work out in the winter didn't come out or quit after a couple of practices."
Kennedy requires dedicated workers. That's how he built the powerhouse at Lowell, coaching with people like Sarpa who put out the effort.
"We're 0-2 because we're not executing," Sarpa said. "We're not consistent. A couple of spots we've done real well, but we're not consistent.
"I THOUGHT I played real well the first game, the second game not as well. I played better in the second half (against Martinsville).
"I think I've been too worried about where everyone was lined up. I shouldn't think - I should just go."
Sarpa likes the contact part of football. "I like getting the bruises," he smiled. "I love making the big plays, love that feeling. It's great."
Asked if the Panthers can bounce back from the whipping at Martinsville, he said, "Yes. I think this is going to be the week. Monday's practice was good - it woke everybody up."
Sarpa isn't sure where he'll attend college next year, but he does know he's going into medicine and wants to be an orthopedic surgeon. His father, J.R., is a surgeon. A 3.9 student, Sarpa enjoys wake boarding on Lake Lemon and the family time his mom, Mary, organizes.

Kennedy: 'We're our own worst enemy'

2010-08-28T15:34:00.003-04:00

By Rex Kirts

Two words are creeping into Kirk Kennedy's conversations with increasing frequency. "Inconsistency" and "frustrating."
He'll watch the Panthers do things right one time but not the next. It's puzzling, and it's keeping the Panthers from winning football games.
The on again-off again play surfaced at Martinsville again Friday night as South (0-2) fell, 42-28. "We're our own worst enemy," Kennedy said. "There are times we play well and other times we don't. At times we look bi-polar."
The assistant coaches said the Panthere are gettng out-physicalled, but Kennedy doesn't like to believe in such business. He believes proper technique and hard play can overcome more physical ability by opponents.
THERE ARE TIMES, he said, when the Panthers can do what they set out to do. Then they'll backslide. "So our biggest problem is mental," the first-year South coach said. "It's frustrating. We're on the verge of doing things and then not do it."
His solution is to keep on trucking, to get better in practice. That's a wise option since Conference Indiana play starts next week and occupies every Friday till the playoffs.
Kennedy sees enough positives to know there can be a turnaround.
"We're not hapless," he said. "Not terrible. We fight and get back in the game and then have a letdown."
He made a few lineup changes against Martinsville
On offense sophomore Matt Henderson started at cornerback in place of senior Adam Wylie, and sophomore Nolan Rogers started at fullback ahead of seniors Derek Murphy Jon Campbell. On defense, Seniors Joey Todd and Cameron Hogue switched places on the defensive line, Todd going to tackle and Hogue to end. Sophomore Johnathan Winters started in place of Campbell at outside linebacker with Campbell replacing senior Ben Farmer at inside linebacker.
Henderson has looked sharp at corner. In Tuesday practice he stripped a receiver, reaching in to pull the ball away and head for a touchdown.
"WE AREN'T MAKING wholesale changes. Just trying things," Kennedy said.
Martinsville was a nightmare because the Panthers got off to another bad start. They trailed 14-0 and had run only one play. They rallied, but unlike the season opener against Bedford North Lawrence they couldn't cut into Martinsville's advantage.
Quarterback Michael Bower ran for 106 yards and one TD and passed to Lucas Franz for another. Senior tailback Keith Bunton ran for 72 yards and a touchdown and returned a kickoff 70 yards for another TD. Junior Drew Barlow was a perfect 4-for-4 on PAT kicks and is now 7-for-7 after two games.
Martinsville ripped South with several long plays. The Panther defense gave up for 296 yards on the ground and 147 in the air for a total of 443 to South's 252.
"Bower and Bunton played well at times, although Bunton had a fumble," Kennedy said. "The offensive line played well, at times."
South hosts Franklin Central next Friday. The Flashes are 1-1 after losing to Decatur Central, 29-20, and beating Indianapolis Roncalli, 10-7.

Confidence will grow, Flynn believes

2010-08-24T13:50:00.007-04:00

By Rex Kirts

Confidence is not strictly a measurable quality, but it can show up on the scoreboard. It can be seen and even felt.
For the first three quarters of South's season-opening football game against Bedford North Lawrence the Panthers had no explosivenes. It was their first game under a new coach, with a new offense and new defense.
"I think it was the confidence," senior two-way tackle and captain Reilly Flynn said. The absence of confidence, he meant.

Reilly Flynn

"We weren't totally sure what to expect. We knew we'd fight - we've just got to do it sooner in the game."
The Panthers fell behind 21-7 early in the fourth quarter. A furious rally tied the game at 21 and sent it into overtime, where South lost 29-27 at Fred Huff Field.
THE DRIVE THAT MADE it 21-14 was a thing of beauty because South, playing with fire and passion and a sense of urgency, needed to snap out of its lethargy. If the Panthers are to have success this season, that drive will be remembered as the start of it.
"We're disappointed in the result," Flynn said, "but we came back and fought hard. The coaches said that showed a lot of character.
"We never said anything (down 21-7). We just knew we had to get some momentum."
Ol' Momentum is a fickle master. It's best seized, as Flynn said, early, not when your back is to the wall.
Flynn played offense only last year. In coach Kirk Kennedy's new regime, players are asked to contribute more, especially those with more ability.
Flynn counts as one with more ability. The 6-5, 265-pounder is not the fastest person in the 40-yard dash at 5.4, but offensive linemen don't need to be fast in the 40. They need to have quick feet, and Flynn has quick feet. He's real agile and light-footed when running rope and cone drills.
"I think Reilly bought into the changes from the beginning," said Kennedy, who established a run-oriented offense in place of the spread. "He's a good ambassador for what we're trying to do.
"He's a captain, and that shows his leadership. He's very polite and respectful, a pleasure to coach."
FLYNN'S LEADERSHIP emerged during the summer as a couple of players-only meetings because the coaches got to practice. "We said we had to step it up a little bit," he said.
Actually, they had to step it up a lot. Playing for Kennedy requires extra effort, both on and off the field.
"Being (voted) a captain surprised me," Flynn said, "but I'm glad my teammates think of me that way. I try to do the best I can."
He feels he did OK in the opener. "I thought I played pretty well. I had a few errors that cost me. But I'm better than last year."
Kennedy's style fits him.
"When I learned he would be the coach I got excited because I knew he formed that program (at Lowell) in something good," Flynn said. "He knows how to motivate you. He tells you to find your internal motivation.
"His style (of offense and defense) is more hard-nosed. It fits his personality.
"I've become a fan of the power I formation. It's taking it to them (the defense). It's pretty simple, straight forward, with not a lot of schemes."
Flynn also likes the change to playing both ways. "I got kind of excited when I learned that I was getting a chance to play defense," he said. "I played about 10 plays against Bedford."
THE PANTHERS shouldn't have trouble getting excited for their second ball game. It's Friday at old rival Martinsville, which opened with a big win over Terre Haute South. Last year Martinsville beat South at Lucas Oil Stadium.
After high school, Flynn hopes to study forestry or conservation science in college. He's looking at three schools which havae that in in their curriculum, Bowling Green (Ohio), Southern Illinois and Ohio University.
He's also looking forward to competing in the shot put and discus in track in the spring. He went 52-4 in the shot last year and made it to the regional.
And when he isn't playing football or competing in track he might be found at Lake Monroe doing a little fly fishing or hunting and shooting.

The rally gives hope for better things ahead

2010-08-21T20:33:00.003-04:00

By Rex Kirts

Losing to Bedford is a rare event for South's football team, which the Panthers did in their season opener, 29-27, in overtime Friday night at Fred Huff Field.
It continued an unwelcome trend of home losses. Last year the Panthers dropped all their home contests.
South took a long time to get untracked but came from two touchdowns back with under 10 minutes remaining to force overtime. If the Panthers can build on that rally they have a chance to be competitive the rest of the season.
"We just ran out of time," Kirk Kennedy told the team in his South debut. "We didn't accomplish our goal, but I liked the fight."
Kennedy has said the scoreboard doesn't define his team, effort does. Effort was good in the fourth quarter, and more of that is needed the rest of the game.
"THEY MADE ONE more play than we did," Kennedy said, referring to the winning two-point conversion in overtime. "We fought back. We didn't lose our composure, didn't panic. We did a lot of good things."
He saw the same thing on tape that he saw from the sidellines.
"Consistency," Kennedy said, meaning it wasn't there. "Missed opportunities - we had field position. We've got to get to the point where we're not beating ourselves."
There were mistakes that he was surprised at, such as errors in blocking, and he said the Panthers need to develop better pracitce behavior, be more consistent and finish these games."
The Panthers had little explosion the first half. Tailback Trae Washington's running led them to their first touchdown and a 7-6 lead in the second quarter, but they squandered numerous good field positions.
"We just need to get out of our own way," Kennedy said.
The same thing lack of punch happened to start the third quarter, denying them the chance to take control of the game. It was BNL which asserted itself to take a 21-7 lead with 9:14 left in the fourth quarter.
"I DON'T KNOW (why South was so sluggish the first three quarters)," junior quarterback Michael Bower said. Bower ran for three touchdowns and passed to Lucas Franz for another for a pretty good start to his season.
Whatever didn't motivate the Panthers exited after they fell behind 21-7. They came out determined and in a sharp drive covered 64 yards for a TD that included a 23-yard pass to Franz and the running of Keith Bunton.
Bower was 4 for 10 for 71 yards for the game, all complettions going to Franz. Bunton was the rushing leader, carrying 23 times for 70 yards.
With 4:17 left, South's Trevor Phipps recovered an onside kickoff after Derek Murphy knocked a potential BNL recoverer away from the ball.
The game-tying drive went 55 yards. The key play was a 4th-and-5 pass from Bower to Franz for 16 yards and a first down at the BNL 23. With 0:42 left Bower completed a 10-yard TD pasas to Franz to knot the score at 21-all.
Bedford scored first in the overtime and ran it in for the two-point PAT. On South's first play BOWER KEPT on a sweep around left end for a touchdown, but his fade pass to Franz on the PAT was batted away.
Asked what got the Panthers out of their funk in the fourth quarter, Bower said, "We work hard, and we're in condition. We have heart."
The Panthers have lots to improve. Blocking assignments much be firmed up, and the defense needs to stiffen inside. The next chance to accomplish those goals is Friday at Martinsville, a 31-6 winner over Terre Haute South in its opener.

It's 'find out' time for South with Bedford coming

2010-08-18T14:54:00.005-04:00

By Rex Kirts

The scrimmage with Center Grove last week was revealing. Now it's time for South's rebuilt program to begin anew in the season opener under coach Kirk Kennedy.
When Bedford North Lawrence visits Fred Huff Memorial Field Friday night at 7 it will be "find out" time for the Panthers. It's a fact they aren't real big and not real deep, so success will have to come from such things as quickness and execution and desire.
Kennedy, who had one state champion and two state runnersup at Lowell, arrives in Bloomington having won seven straight sectionals. In a short time he has begun to change the culture around the football program. Not everyone survived the pre-season demands, accountability and expectations.
The scrimmage with potent Center Grove showed the Panthers' shortcomings in size, strength and savvy. But Kennedy saw enough good things in the area of effort to believe the Panthers can compete reasonably well.
"We have people we think we can win with," Kennedy said. "We've just got to peel the layers off the onion."
HE HAS INSTALLED a run-oriented I formation offense to take the place of the spread, pass-heavy attack run for six years by Drew Wood. His defense is a four-man front in place of a five.
After looking at the Center Grove tape Kennedy reiterated the demands for more consistency from his ball club.
"We expected that," he said. "The effort both mentally and physically has to be more consistent, which in time I'm sure it will be. I liked our effort in a game-like situation."
He wants a good start, not only against BNL but every opponent.
"It will be vital this year to get a fast start to the games and the season," he said. "That will help our confidence, if we can make things happen early."
The play of the all-senior offensive line had its solid moments against Center Grove.
"I liked some of the things the offensive line did," Kennedy said. "They'll have the flame thrown at them all year. All are seniors who are making the transformation from pass blocking to run blocking, and that's hard. They're working at it, and they're going to get better."
REILLY FLYNN is the biggest Panther at 6-5 and 268. He'll start at left tackle. Zach Bonnell (6-2, 255) starts at left guard and Jarred Mason (6-2, 230) at center. On the right side of the offensive line are Alex Sarpa (6-2, 218) at guard and David Tiwari (6-2, 255) at tackle. The tight end is Joey Todd (6-2, 190).
Behind them at quarterback is junior Michael Bower. He missed the Center Grove scrimmage with an illness but is ready to go. He was voted by teammates as one of the captains along with Sarpa and Flynn, and there will be a fourth game-day captain appointed.
The tailback is the featured performer in Kennedy's offense, and there has been a good battle there between senior Keith Bunton, junior Trae Washington and sophomore Nolan Rogers. At fullback will be senior Derek Murphy or senior Jon Campbell.
The wide receivers bring in the plays. Senior Lucas Franz will be one of them with Washington, sophomore Tyrae Murphy and sophomore Matt Henderson the others.
"We're getting there," Kennedy said of the new offense. "We haven't put the whole offense in yet."
THE DEFENSE WAS SHAKEN UP a little this week when senior starter Gabe Hull was dismissed for missing the scrimmage with Center Grove. Todd is at one end, and junior Jake Kelzer will take Hull's spot. The tackles are Tiwari and senior Cameron Hogue, who has earned the job even though he's just 5-7 and 186 pounds.
The Panthers will probably play a 4-3 defense this week because Bedford runs a spread offense. Sarpa is the middle linebacker with Campbell and either senior Ben Farmer, Murphy or junior Kyle Franklin outside. Farmer is starting in place of junior Cullen Flynn, who is injured but expected back next week.
In the secondary will be Washington at one corner and senior Adam Wylie or Henderson at the other. The safeties will be Rogers and Murphy with backup from senior Trevor Phipps. In a 4-4 defense, Murphy will be one of the outside linebackers with Farmer.
Kennedy hopes for improved play from the defense. He thought it played high against Center Grove, and there's lots of room to improve on reading keys and tackling.
"You have to keep your eyes on your keys (linemen) and not look into the backfield," Kennedy said. "Through repetition and teaching we'll get there."
BUNTON AND ROGERS will return kicks. Junior Drew Barlow will place kick, and he or Franz will punt. Washington is the holder and Mason the long snapper.
Bedford, Kennedy said, is young, hungry and confident.
"This is an important game for us," Kennedy added. "It's an opportunity to build some confidence in our program."
Bedford returns to the schedule and replaces Terre Haute South this year. Bedford was a fixture on the Panther schedule for many years until 2004.

There are reasons to be encouraged

2010-08-13T22:44:00.002-04:00

By Rex Kirts

There is some light at the end of South's football tunnel, and Center Grove coaches lit the candle Friday night at Fred Huff Field.
"They played hard," Center Grove coach Eric Moore said of the Panthers. "They played physical, quick. They had a lot more confidence."
Now, let it be clear the light didn't come from the score. South's varsity scored just one touchdown to seven for Center Grove. The visitors proved they continue to be one of the best programs in the state while South is in a serious rebuilding state.
"CHANGING THE CULTURE" is how new Panther coach Kirk Kennedy describes the process. His summer practices have been tough, his demands absolute. Not everyone passed the test, and South's current active roster is down to just over 40, less than half of Center Grove's.
Center Grove has bigger, faster stronger and more players, but Kennedy's bunch competed favorably at times. And Moore's commentary is evidence that Kennedy's style has merit.
Joey Siderewicz, the former Martinsville head coach, is an assistant at Center Grove now. He also praised the Panthers, his analysis similar to Moore's.
So how did Kennedy feel about the Panthers?
"I liked our kids' effort for the most part," he said. "We lost focus on the goal line, played high, soft, didn't ready our keys well."
On the goal line series, each team started at the opponents' 10-yard line. Center Grove scored five touchdowns in its time with the ball while South failed to score. The Trojans dominated, obviously, and Kennedy said lots of work is needed on fundamentals.
"We started OK," Kennedy said. "We moved the ball early, then fizzled out. We made mistakes and were too inconsistent."
KENNEDY APPRECIATED Moore's comments on the Panthers and said. "Center Grove is well coached, plays hard, didn't make mistakes. We want to be that type of team.
"We'll get better. We stood toe to toe with them for a little while."
South performed decently in the first part of the scrimmage, when each team started a series at its own 35-yard line and another series at the opponents' 35. Center Grove had two TDs and South one in the combined series.
The Panthers' touchdown was a 11-yard run by senior tailback Keith Bunton. Leading the way at fullback was senior Derek Murphy, who blocked the linebacker on the play called 33 iso.
Yards were hard to come by for South as Center Grove handled the line of scrimmage rather conclusively. The Panthers did manage a few yards on sweeps with Bunton and sophomore Nolan Rogers at tailback and quarterback keepers by Trae Washington.
Washington was filling in at quarterback for junior Michael Bower, who is out with an illness. Bower is expected back next week.
"YOU'VE GOT TO LIKE Trae's effort," Kennedy said. "His leadership, the way he rana the team."
Junior Cullen Flynn, a starting outside linebacker, also missed the scrimmage with an injury and may return for next Friday's season opener against Bedford North Lawrence at Huff Field. Starting for Flynn was senior Ben Farmer.
Also missing the scrimmage was senior Gabe Hull, a starting defensive end who was a no-show. Junior Jake Kelzer started in his place.

Trying to 'Restore the Roar'

2010-08-10T09:01:00.005-04:00

By Rex Kirts

South's football motto this year is "Restore the Roar" as the Panthers hope to rebound from last year's rare losing season (3-7).
Kirk Kennedy has replaced Drew Wood as the head coach, and the summer of conditioning and learning a new system got its first public test at last Saturday's annual Purple and White scrimmage.
"It was good to get out there under different conditions," Kennedy said. "Two-a-days can get monotonous. It was good to get the kids in uniform. I think they have responded well to the situations we've put them in."
One of the things Kennedy wanted to see was excitement. There should be enthusiasm and spirit for good plays.
"I SAW EXCITEMENT in spots," he said. "We're in such a learning mode it's hard to get by that, to show enthusiasm and passion."
Kennedy is installing a run-oriented offense that's quite a contrast to Wood's style. Wood liked to spread things out, Kennedy likes a power game built around I formation plays. The system worked well at Lowell for Kennedy, who won one state championship, had two other state finalists and came into Bloomington having won seven straight sectionals.
"There's things we did well but still things to work on," Kennedy said of the Purple and White." It's basically becoming more football savvy."
It's a thin squad in numbers. There are about 50 on the roster, and a couple of them are injured. There will be several two-way starters, so the Panthers need to be in good shape. That's apparently been taken care of.
"I DON'T THINK we got tired," Kennedy said. "And we got out healthy.
"They're getting closer on the pace, the tempo of running our plays. Defensively I thought we flowed well to the football.
"We showed some flashes, but we've got to be more consistent."
A strength of this team is running back. They aren't big, but they can scoot. Competing at tailback are Nolan Rogers and Keith Bunton, and at fullback are Derek Murphy and Jon Campbell. There were several long runs in the scrimmage.
Trae Washington has also looked good at tailback, but he's been working at quarterback in place of the sidelined Michael Bower. Bower is expected back this week, and Washington can play tailback or wide receiver while also starting at cornerback.
"TRAE DID did all right at quarterback," Kennedy said. "He's had a great summer. He conducted himself well in the huddle, with poise. He's a good leader."
Among those Kennedy felt played well were Washington, David Tiwari at tackle both ways, Murphy at fullback and outside linebacker, Campbell at fullback and outside linebacker, Alex Sarpa at guard and inside linebacker and Reilly Flynn at tackle.
"I thought Gabe Hull played well defensively (at end), Cullen Flynn (inside linebacker) and Matt Henderson (cornerback-safety)," Kennedy added.
The Panthers' next public showing will be the scrimmage Friday at Fred Huff Field against Center Grove's potent Trojans. That starts at 7 p.m.
LOTS OF HELP
Kennedy liked all the help South has been getting from the Quarterback Club and other volunteers. "They're taking pride in what we've got," he said. "It's greatly appreciated." Among the recent projects were painting the weight room and landscaping areas around the field.
BALL CONTROL HIS PHILOSOPHY
Kennedy's license plate reads: 1st down. That's his idea of how to play offense - he wants to control the ball.

Changing the culture

2010-08-02T22:37:00.003-04:00

By Rex Kirts

Changing the culture can cause culture shock.
South's small football team, small in numbers and in size, is learning what new coach Kirk Kennedy meant when he said a few months ago that he would have to change the culture of the football program. He wasn't just talking football, he was talking everything off the field, too.
On the field is where the Panthers began to feel it the most when two-a-day practices began Monday. With the season rapidly approachng, it was ratchet-up time.
It was demanding, and the response was less than desired. But the Panthers are starting to learn what it takes to play the kind of winning football Kennedy produced at Lowell.
THERE WAS EVIDENCE the Panthers left some of themselves on the practice field - they walked slowly and silently back to the locker room after the second of the two-a-days. They were spent.
But Kennedy wants more effort. The situation he inherited wasn't the greatest in terms of numbers - there were 47 on the field, so it's a good bet there will be numerous two-way starters. And this is the smallest team size-wise at South since about 1973 or 74.
Thus, to win will require the utmost in effort from the talent available.
There has been concern by the coaches about too much of a passive attitude. A few "junk yard dogs" have to be found somewhere.
"It does not take talent to hustle," Kennedy has said more than once. "We are changing the culture. We are changing the Xs and Os and going from a pass-blocking team to a run-blocking team. Right now we are struggling, but we expected that."
One thing Kennedy is big on is accountability - he doesn't tolerate mistakes. When mistakes occur there are up-downs for the offending unit.
"Fifty up-downs," senior fullback-outside linebacker Jon Campbell said of the night's tally as he walked off the field Monday.
KENNEDY IS HOPING the current group can toughen up and re-establish the program. "I told them before practice today that for a 5A school with a rostser of 50 . . . these kids in the locker room can change that and get us out of this mess. We've got a whole lot of work to do and not much time to do it."
Kennedy added that the players he's got are the ones with the courage to be there and be the kind of players who can make the program the kind the community wants.
The program took a few hits during the summer. Starting quarterback Joey Forney decided not to play his senior season, as did senior starting outside linebacker Drew Volz, who was going to have a shot at the running back job. Volz fought through a stress fracture in his back to win the state pole vault championship in the spring.
Senior starting defensive tackle Colton Dixon had knee surgery in the spring and has not been out. Sophomore Landon Mason, who might have had a chance to start at fullback or in the line, is out with a stress fracture in his back.
There are others who might have played a lot but didn't make it through Kennedy's summer conditioning program.
JUNIOR MICHAEL BOWER will probably start in Forney's place at quarterback and maybe start at safety, too. Bower is taller and stronger this year and fits the mold of a running quarterback in the new run-oriented offense.
One asset for the Panthers is some quality at running back. Seniors Keith Bunton and Derek Murphy, junior Trae Washington and sophomore Nolan Rogers have good quickness, and senior Jon Campbell has fullback potential. Washington can also play wide receiver.
Possible two-way starters include Bower, senior Jarred Mason at center and defensive tackle, senior Alex Sarpa at guard and inside linebacker, seniors David Tiwari and Reilly Flynn at at offensive and defensive tackle, Murphy at outside linebackr as well as running back and Campbell at fullback and outside linebacker. Senior Gabe Hull has worked at tight end and defensive end and senior Zach Bonnell at guard and defensive tackle.
Junior Drew Barlow will place kick and may punt, also.
The Purple and White scrimmage will be Saturday at 7 p.m. That is also the second annual Alumni Day. The Panthers scrimmage Center Grove at home Aug. 13 and host Bedford North Lawrence in the season opener Aug. 20.

Football: it's a passionate game

2010-07-17T12:41:00.002-04:00

By Rex Kirts

After the first scrimmage under new coach Kirk Kennedy Friday afternoon, one Panther asked another if he was going to do something that night.
"No. I'm too tired."
That's a good sign. It means they're working hard under the brouiling sun.
The scrimmage wrapped up camp week for the 50-plus member team. Highlights included hard running by the small but quick and strong backs like Keith Bunton, Nolan Rogers, Derek Murphy and Trae Washington. Another highlight was occasional bursts of enthusiasm, first by the defense and later by the offense.
"We're well prepared, and everybody is in better shape," said senior inside linebacker-guard Alex Sarpa. I think we're starting to get together.
"COACH KENNEDY HAS great intensity. He never lets up. That's great for us - it makes us work harder and together more."
Not surprising, Kennedy saw some good things and some that needed worked on.
"First, they've got to find some passion, some enthusiasm for the game," Kennedy said. "This game is rough, so the way you survive is through passion."
He's installing a new offense and defense, and it will naturally take a while until the Panthers run them smoothly and quickly, until they just react instead of taking time to thing about everything.
"They've got to pick up the pace, pick up the tempo," Kennedy said. "They've got to fly around and have fun.
"Our practice habits have to improve. The heat and newness were adversities this week."
He was impressed by the play of Reilly Flynn, the 6-5, 260-pound senior, who is playing defensive tackle as well as offensive tackle this year. Like Flynn, several people will be playing both ways this season.
Junior quarterback Michael Bower and Murphy, a senior outside linebacker and running back, impressed Kennedy. So has senior offensive tackle David Tiwari, who missed the scrimmage but performed well during the week.
"TRAE WASHINGTON (junior running back-wide receiver-cornerback) has a great attitude and great work ethic," Kennedy said. "I like Jon Campbell (senior fullback-inside linebacker) and Nolan Rogers (sophomore running back-safety).
"There's kids who we can win with. They've just got to get together. They've got to believe in themselves and have passion. That's got to be the key.
"This is a team that it's a not a matter of if but when."
The Panthers are halfway through Phase II of the pre-season workouts. Two-a-days begin Aug. 2. The Purple and White scrimmage will combine with Alumni Day Aug. 7. The scrimmage against Center Grove is Aug. 13 and the regular season opener Aug. 20 at home against Bedford North Lawrence.

Panthers are working hard, huffing and puffing under Kennedy

2010-06-14T17:16:00.002-04:00

By Rex Kirts

In the slack weeks between coaching changes, South's football players managed to get a bit out of shape. They are learning that wasn't a good idea.
With Kirk Kennedy in command for just over a week, the Panthers are being whipped into shape. They are learning it's not a good idea to eat before a Kennedy workout.
Sounding strong and clear over the yardlines at Fred Huff Field are such Kennedyisms as:
"Find anther gear."
"We've gotta out-work our opponents."
"Earn the right to be here."
"Get out of your comfort zone."
AND FROM strength coach David Schunk: "Empty your tanks."
It's not easy being a Panther nowadays. The drills in the heat and humidity are hard. But those who work hard and make it through the program will be better football players.
Senior safety Derek Murphy, a returning starter, said, "I like him (Kennedy). He's doing things different. Go out there and get it done. Go all out. He wants you to do things his way, and I like that."
More from Kennedy:
"Quit being self-limiting."
"Don't be selfish."
"We're winning and losing football games right now."
"Effort is a non-talent issue."
"There will be greatness here again. The only variable is time (will it come this year, next year or when?)"
MOST OF THE varsity candidates practice three days a week in the morning. Freshmen and the varsity players who can't make it in the morning come in the evening.
"It's coming a little bit at a time," Kennedy said of the work progress. "There's a gap between reality and potential. We're going to be working hard every day to achieve our potential. We'll grow in small increments every day."
As his comments show, Kennedy works on the mental as well as the physical.
"We've got to extend ourselves. We were horribly out of shape. Not just physically," he said.
So far, most of the workouts have been conditioning only. Soon, his brand of Xs and Os will be introduced. He believes in a strong defense and a strong running game, but he will throw the ball if the personnel is right. Kennedy's basic running game, out of the I formation, consist of isolations, counters, kicks (an off-tackle power play) and handoff and pitch sweeps.
LIFT-A-THON JULY 28: The players are currently engaged in raising money for a lift-a-thon July 28. Prior to that, on July 7, there will be equipment issue, at which time the players need to pay $50.

Did the players get the message? "Yes, sir"

2010-05-05T11:20:00.005-04:00

By Rex Kirts

South's football players received a new message Wednesday. And they responded in a manner appreciated by new coach Kirk Kennedy, with "Yes, sir," and "No, sir."
A new kind of discipline is in.
The Panthers heard a lot of words such as accountability and responsibility and Kennedy's concepts thereof. In the audience were his revamped coaching staff, last year's players and some players who didn't play last year. There were even some who never played football before.
Kennedy is a forceful presence, and that's the way his football teams play. They run the ball and play defense. And they win championships. His last seven teams at Lowell won sectionals, and his 2005 team won the class 4A state title. Two others were state runnersup.
"WE WON'T OVERWHELM people with Xs and Os. We'll win with the way we play the game," he said. "We will out-hit, out-execute and out-last them. We're gonna be tougher.
"You can do a lot with effort. We'll work hard on talent, but talent alone won't win ball games."
The beauty of the Panthers, especially offensively, will be in their simplicity, he said, "It's not what we do, it's how we do it. A lot of football today is too cute. Football is still blocking and tackling."
Kennedy said he doesn't like losing, but his version of losing doesn't always show up on the scorboard. "If we do everything we can we'll win," he said. "The most important indication of success is how did we work, how did we prepare. The scoreboard is irrelevant. Your effort is relevant.
"We will not lose. If we do everything we can, we'll win."
THE PANTHERS will be expected to work a lot. Kennedy hasn't been pleased that several players not in another sport haven't been doing much.
And he was definitely displeased that some haven't doing much in the classroom.
"You do your (classroom) work when you're supposed to do it," he said. "You are competing for your future right now!"
Kennedy has also heard enough excuses and explanations about this and that.
"EXCUSES AND EXPLANATIONS - not gonna happen!" he said. "Excuses and explanations will get you beat every time.
"We're going to organize this programa to be successful. We're building for now. We expect to win now."
The new coach told the players they should set high goals, to have a plan. "Think big," he said. "The plan we had a Lowell worked. The plan worked because we had efficient execution.
"Expectations. Accountability."
He talked a lot about personal conduct and appearance. He expects the players to dress up on Friday's.
"THE CORNERSTONES of this program are gonna be character and toughness," he stated.
Toughness on the field means to do things right mentally and physically. "Give attention to details. Do things right.
"There will be accountability and responsibility. And there WILL be good team chemistry."
Kennedy stressed the importance of operating as a group. He is not about individualism, such as wearing earrings and pants hanging down past the rear end.
He closed, saying, "We've got to out-work our opponents. That's our niche. We're not going to let non-talent be an excuse."
A new day has dawned on Panther football.

2010-05-05T11:17:00.003-04:00

By Rex Kirts

Kirk Kennedy laid down the law today.
It was the first full meeting of his new staff and players, and he'll get his program underway.
He announced the staff, the summer calendar, the workout program, policies, procedures and expectations. "So from today . . . I'll have my things in. Accountability will be in, for all of us."
Accountability will come as a surprise for some players. Those players, for instance, whose attendance in the after-school weight program has been less than satisfactory to a team hoping to contend for championships.
So far Kennedy, who officially began his duties on April 15, has "just been trying to get everything organized." That includes selling a house and buying a house and all the hassle of getting relocated from Lowell.
Change is on the way, which is to be expected any time there is a coaching change.
"There will be a lot of change," Kennedy said. "I want the kids to embrace change. I want them to improve their attitudes and their work ethic and work hard at getting better. I fully expect things to start cranking out from Wednesday (today) on."
Getting his staff settled has been a priority. It contains many of the assistants under previous coach Drew Wood and some "new" members returning from past Panther regimes.
Kennedy will be the special teams coordinator.
The offensive coordinator will be Pat Cannon, who will also handle the running backs. Tyler Cabanaw returns to handle the offensive line and will be helped by Alan Dick, who returns to coaching after a few years out of football. John Livingston will coach the quarterbacks, and new to the staff is former wide receiver Jordan Canada, whol will handle the wideouts.
Dean Walendzak returns as the defensive coordinator and will handle the middle linebackers. Greg Bodie is the outside linebacker assistant. Jerry Farrar will handle the defensive line and get help from Drew Frey, who is up from the freshman team. Handling the defensive backs will be Phil Kluesner and Duane Higgs. Kluesner, the head baseball coach, worked in football when he was at Columbus North.
Returning to the coaching ranks on the freshman team will be Tommy Richardson and Chris Finley, the principals at Lakeview and Marlin elementary schools. They will be helped by Harold Green.
Both Cannon and Walendzak will be coordinators of new systems. Instead of a spread offense, Kennedy is an I formation run-oriented guy. And defensively the Panthers will operate from a basic 4-4, with variations.
"Alan Dick coming back is huge," Kennedy said. "And we've added Kluesner and were able to keep Dean. The staff will be a fulltime staff, be at every meeting and every practice. They'll have ownership in the program."
Kennedy said he will be a delegator but that the input from the assistants will be valuable. "I believe in hiring good people and getting out of the way," he said.
During games Kennedy will be on the sidelines with the coordinators in the press box. "As the assistants learn their jobs it will free me up to manage the game on Friday nights," he said.
May's workouts will center on the weight room in the first hour PE class and after school and the drills at Teamwork on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
In June, there will be workouts Monday, Wednesday and Friday, one session from 8:30-11 a.m. and one from 6:30-9 p.m. The morning workout will be for varsity and junior varsity players and the evening workout for incoming freshmen and anybody else who can't make the morning session. Work will be in the weight room and on the football field. The end of the evenings will be devoted to position-specific drills.
July will lean heavily toward conditioning workouts. There will be a team camp for one week, starting July 12.

Kennedy's pedigree is 'rare'

2010-04-17T13:34:00.002-04:00

By Rex Kirts

Kirk Kennedy said the way he coaches football is "kind of rare now."
The offensive trend in football has swung to the spread formation and making defenses defend the field horizontally. Kennedy doesn't do that. He runs a vertical game with the emphasis on blocking instead of trying to fool defenses with all kinds of formations.
"Control football, fundamentals, field position," Kennedy explained his philosophy.
That's what is coming to South football as Kennedy replaces Drew Wood. The Panthers will line up, for the most part, in an I formation and try to root their way downfield.
"We'll have drives of 12-15 plays," he told the Panthers in Thursday's community meeting at the school. Ball control, first downs. That will be the new Panther way.
AND, OF COURSE, there will be some defense. It's highly critical to teams that play Kennedy's stylE of offense. His defenses at Lowell were strong.
He will pass the ball, but his preference is the running game. What does he do when he gets behind? "Don't panic," he said. "In the fourth quarter more often than not the game will go your way if you're prepared and in condition.
"A lot of what we do is what we did in high school," Kennedy said. "I understand the importance of controlling the football."
Quite often, good coaching is the result of a person's pedigree. That is, who he played under or coached for in high school and college. Kennedy's pedigree is solid.
First of all, his father, Bob, was a high school coach. He retired before Kirk played in high school.
"What I learned from him was the daily routine of coaching," Kennedy said. "The work ethic, organizational skills, the time commitment, building relationships with kids. Everything, really. What it takes to be successful."
Keith Mescher was Kennedy's high school coach.
"HE PLAYED with Phil Simms (former New York Giants quarterback) at Morehead State," Kennedy said. "From Mescher I learned that hard work solves all problems. I learned about accepting responsibility, how to lead, team chemistry, how a team when it comes together can overcome all obstacles."
That's a lot to learn, and Kennedy was able to translate it into coaching and turn a weak Lowell program into a powerhouse.
After high school, Kenneday stepped into an unusual situation in college at Louisville. Bob Weber was the coach when he arrived, but Howard Schellenberger replaced him.
Schellenberger, whose assistant coaching included jobs under Bear Bryant and Don Shula, started with 120 players in the off-season. Before the first game Louisville was down to 48 players, and Kennedy was one of them.
"I WAS A SURVIVOR," he said. He survived because college was it for him, he had, as he said, no other options. "I had a lot of determination. I set the goal of getting through it. It was rough for a while.
Right away with Schellenberger you knew the program was going to go up another level," Kennedy said. "From him I learned accountability and an environment of excellence.
"He had an aura of instant credibility. He improved the facilities. We learned intensity and durability at the workouts. He wanted to make sure those who were left wanted to be there."
Kennedy created his own instant credibility at Thursday's meeting. In a level but firm voice he told the assembled players to "take off your hats, take off the earrings, turn off your cell phones." They did as instructed and did it right away.
STAFF BEING ASSEMBLED: In his first week at South Kennedy began interviewing for his staff. It shoud be announced before long.
"I'm reaching back to some of the people who have been here," he said. "We will have a mixture of veteran experience and youthful enthusiasm."

Kennedy getting an early start

2010-04-13T12:34:00.002-04:00

By Rex Kirts

Kirk Kennedy will get the school board's OK Wednesday night as South's new football coach, but he's already been on the job doing preliminary work.
"It's transition time," Kennedy said Tuesday from his office in the school.
That means, in addition to straightening up the office and getting started with football, selling a house and buying a house and all those things necessary to move from Lowell to Bloomington.
"I've said my goodbyes at Lowell," he said. "It was tough, emotional last Friday. A 21-year career flashes by before you. I'm very proud of what we accomplished there."
In taking over for Drew Wood, Kennedy has already been meeting with the assistant coaches and will meet with players and parents Thursday night at 7 at a community welcoming at the school. All Panthers fans are welcome to attend.
"I'M JUST TRYING to get stuff together here," Kennedy said. "I've been answering a lot of questions. We're looking forward to getting started."
He will start to learn more on Thursday when he takes over the weight classes and sees what kind of strength condition the football players are in. Kennedy has already seen tapes, on You Tube, of the Panthers in action this past season.
"We've got work to do," he smiled. The Panthers finished 3-7 for their first losing season in over two decades. "It's good we've got the time." He meant the extra time he is gaining by starting in April, after Lowell let him out of his contract early.
A positive for Kennedy is the welcome reception he has received by the school and the community. Principal Mark Fletcher and athletic director J.R. Holmes started quickly to find a new coach after Wood's resignation during the winter. Wood is now in charge of energy conservation for the MCCSC.
"I definitely feel a strong commitment from the community to win," Kennedy said. "There's a sense of urgency to get things done.
"YOU HEAR COACHES say they have a two-year plan or a four-year plan. But what does that say to the players you have now?
"We're going to do everything we can now to get better for the upcoming season. We want the players to have ownership in their program and get it back up to where it needs to be. The cupboard is not bare.
"We'll be working on attitude, motivation, discipline. We want to create a sense of obligation to the program."
Kennedy is still in the process of putting a staff together. "I still need to find some experienced guys, to select offensive and defensive coordinators and build a staff off of those two cornerstones," he said.

Kennedy up to the challenge

2010-04-03T17:53:00.003-04:00

THIS ARTICLE APPEARED IN THE POST-TRIBUNE OF NORTHWEST INDIANA

Kennedy up to the challenge in Bloomington
April 2, 2010
BY MARK LAZERUS
Think of the Duneland Conference and what comes to mind? Pristine artificial turf fields, flashy spread offenses, 280-pound linemen and Division I recruits dotting the field.
Think of the Northwest Crossroads Conference and what comes to mind? Mud-soaked uniforms and dirt painted green, grinding I-formation offenses and 180-pound linemen getting by on technique and quickness.
The look of determination: Kirk Kennedy never had trouble getting his point across to players and referees alike. post-tribune file photo
This is the difference between Class 5A football and Class 4A football in Indiana. This is the jump Kirk Kennedy is making as he leaves the smashouth security of Lowell for the great unknown of Bloomington South.
Bloomington South has only 371 more students than Lowell. It would be by far the smallest school in the Duneland Conference. But it will compete against megaschools such as Warren Central and Ben Davis for a state championship. It's in the same conference as Columbus North and Pike.
IT'S A BRAVE, DAUNTING, somewhat horrifying new world for Kennedy. He won't take the Panthers -- wow, Kirk Kennedy a Panther; what would Griffith think? -- to the semistate every year, like he did Lowell. He won't be a fixture in the state championship game, like he was at Lowell. He won't be a conference champion year in and year out, like he was at Lowell.
He's taking over a small 5A program that went 3-7 last year (its first losing season since 1988, to be fair), and none of his terrific assistants are coming with him. And he's giving up maybe the most secure job in Indiana in a lousy economic climate, especially for educators.
"It's going to be a challenge, no question," Kennedy said. "But that's part of the appeal, I think."
Nobody accepts a challenge quite like Kennedy. He took an indescribably bad program at Lowell and turned it into one of the two or three best programs in all of Class 4A -- and the model for all region teams. He fought through four surgeries and four months of hospitalization due to a life-threatening bout of advanced pancreatitis in his second year at Lowell -- and was back running laps around the school before the next season began.
HE TOOK ONE -- 34 iso, a simple run off tackle -- and turned it into a legend, an attitude, a rallying cry, Red Devil Pride.
There's a running theme around the Post-Tribune newsroom that pops up every football postseason. When we're all making our weekly staff picks, the mantra is "Don't Bet Against Kirk Kennedy." And when someone does, they're promptly ridiculed, because they're almost always wrong.
Well, I'm not about to start picking against him now.
But like every other person who's watched a Lowell game at the Inferno, I have my doubts. How can the Lowell offense work at the 5A level? If the next Rex Grossman shows up at Bloomington South practice one day, is Kennedy going to have him hand off the ball 50 times per game, and maybe roll out for two short screen passes?
Kennedy laughed at the question.
"OUR STYLE IS the style that worked at Lowell," he said. "We do have a rather large playbook. It's just that we only use a small part of it. I like to think I'm smart enough to go down there and evaluate the talent and tweak things to suit whatever talent they may have. That's not to suggest by any means that we'll sell out to the spread offense or anything like that. You can throw the ball very effectively out of the I formation. I'm not worrying about going down there and ram-rodding anything down their throats."
And that's why Kennedy will succeed. He's never been all about Xs and Os. As he likes to say, he's all the players executing those Xs and Os. Give him the reins of a Pop Warner team, and you'll have the toughest, smartest, best-conditioned and best-prepared Pop Warner team around.
Kennedy's less a football coach than he is an attitude coach. He makes kids tougher. He makes kids stronger. He makes kids believe in themselves and in something greater than themselves. He makes them fiercely devoted to his teammates -- past, present and future. He makes them dedicated to the idea of not letting down everyone who came before them.
HE MAKES THEM little Kirk Kennedys.
And that's why Lowell -- with a bunch of 170-pound offensive lineman -- can dominate the line of scrimmage against bigger, more talented teams. That's why Lowell -- with that tiny corner of the playbook -- can run the same play eight straight times and get 5 or 6 yards every time. That's why Lowell -- with two-way players at nearly every position -- can outlast deeper, one-way teams and pull away in the fouth quarter.
And that's why Bloomington South wanted Kennedy. The Panthers might lack the depth, the size, the speed and the talent that some of the 5A powers in the Indianapolis area have. But they now have something those other schools don't.
They have Kirk Kennedy.
And you just don't bet against Kirk Kennedy.

Commentary: 'Fluffy' must go

2010-04-01T19:46:00.011-04:00

By Rex Kirts

Last summer a new neighbor registered his kids at South and told me he saw some of the football players. I asked what he thought of them, and he replied, "fluffy."
Fluffy.
That's the worst thing I ever heard say about a football team.
When Kirk Kennedy arrives and starts to build his program at South, maybe he should put the word fluffy above the entrance to the weight room. The players should have to read it every day as a reminder of what can happen on the field, such as go 3-7 like the Panthers did last year.
The neighbor's comment was the second in two years that indicated South needed a change. Two

Kirk Kennedy

years ago former Martinsville coach Bill Siderewicz said the Panthers were "soft" after the pre-season scrimmage against Center Grove.
Kennedy is not a man who will tolerate fluffy and soft. That's not how he lifted Lowell from a downtrodden franchise to one of the best in the state.
Consider his background: he's the son of a coach and played for Howard Schellenberger at Louisville. That's an excellent football pedigree.
HE TELLS AN enlightening story about playing for Schellenberger, one that illustrates how his football persona was shaped. When Schellenberger took over at Louisville there were 120 players, but after the pre-season practice there were 48. Kennedy was one of the 48 survivors.
The man who coached Lowell for 19 years seems to be a perfect fit for what South needs. The Panthers need to get tougher and to be more disciplined in their total approach to the game and to their academics.
This winter there were about 40 players not in a winter sport, yet only about 15 showed up for workouts at Teamwork, the indoor facility on the west side of town. And too many of them were in academic trouble. Both situations are intolerable.
Kennedy, a personable man, is no stranger to hard work. All phases of running a football program will be attacked, just like his defense and run-dominated offense.
"I believe you have to be honest with the kids, work hard and do things right," he said.
With these things as a base, Kennedy has won seven straight sectionals at Lowell and a class 4A state championship in 2005. He produced some outstanding results at Lowell, but the one I like best, in addition to seven straight sectionals, is that his 2005 team won the state despite starting the season with a 1-4 record. That is pretty amazing. That was a brilliant piece of coaching.
KENNEDY GOES ABOUT COACHING in a fearless way. For instance, he took the South job even after watching the Panthers' game at Columbus North this season. If that didn't scare him away nothing will.
"They seemed to get pushed around a little bit," Kennedy said of the Columbus game. "Defensively they played a little high."
And his solution to the problem?
"We've got to get stronger in the trenches. Overall we've got to get stronger but especially in the trenches."
Players get stronger in the off-season. Kennedy's motto for the off-season program is, "Those who sweat in peace-time bleed less in war."
He believes that persistence is "the most important quality of the consistent winner." And people must "get in the habit of success."
Kennedy also believes in personal conduct rules and a disciplined approach to behavior. Common sense stuff, all directed toward discipline.
"You want to be a champion? Act like one!" he writes in his booklet.
Up-tempo practices will be the norm. "They will be fast-paced, competitive, physical," Kennedy said. "We'll get them ready for Friday night."
ASKED WHAT HE BRINGS to the program, he said his leadership ability. "I try to get everyone on board. I want everyone to take pride in it."
He will also bring a South-first attitude, meaning he believes teams create their own destiny by executing. "We don't worry about playing teams who are bigger, faster, stronger. We can't control that. It's about what we do and what we can control."
It's a fair statement to say the real football players at South will welcome this attitude.
One of the first things Kennedy needs to do is get his staff. He regards himself as a staff-friendly guy. He had the same offensive and defensive coordinators all 19 years at Lowell.
"I'm excited to get there and go to work," Kennedy said. "It's not magic. We won't reinvent the wheel."
He is, naturally, aware of the Panthers' history of success.
"The pieces are here, We've just got to light the fire again," he said.

Kennedy should bring toughness to football team

2010-04-01T19:26:00.020-04:00

By Rex Kirts

Kirk Kennedy, whose Lowell football teams used strong defense and a dominant running game to win seven straight sectionals, showed up at his interview for the South job with a purple and white tiet and told the story about an opponent who had a 6-9, 300-pound tackle.
"He was blocking like this," Kennedy said, indicating a passive-type technique. "If I had a 6-9, 300-pound tackle you'd have to call an ambulance after every play."
It was clear from this and other juicy tidbits that South can expects a different kind of football, a physically tougher one, in the future.

"That is a football coach," one member of the 18-man committee beamed. The committee was

Kirk Kennedy
over-whelmingly in favor in hiring the man who who a class 4A state championship at Lowell.
How potent is the coaching ability of this 46-year-old with a strong football pedigree? Well, his 2005 team won the state title after starting 1-4!
KENNEDY HAS A LOT of assets that fit South's needs. Number one, he will make the Panthers tougher physically. Number two, he is extremely personable but a disciplinarian.
"We play a sport that requires discipline. If you're not disciplined you beat yourself,' he explained.
And he is aggressive. "Our defense attacks. We don't read anything," he said.
Offensively, Kennedy, 161-70 in his 19 years at Lowell, represents a little bit of an opposite from Drew Wood, who resigned recently after six years as the Panthers' coach. Wood liked balance but also liked to throw the ball, and Kennedy insists on running it first. And second, and third.
"We'll be basic and fundamentally sound. We will work hard," he said.
Kennedy believes in the power of executing.
"One game one of our linemen said, 'Coach, they know all our plays.' I don't care if they knew our plays! So I called out (from the sidelines) , "Run (a certain play)."
He didn't say how that play fared.
"We don't have to out-athlete people," Kennedy said. We're going to out-work, out-prepare and out-last people."
HE CLEARLY IS a believer in the KISS system (Keep It Simple, Stupid). And he has been very good at motivating his players.
"You have to get the kids playing with passion, with great effort," he said. "Xs and Os are about fifth on the list. They must play hard for the uniform and the guy next to them. It's all about preparation, working hard, doing things right and keeping it simple. It's all about execution.
"We do what we do with a high degree of efficiency. We establish the run first." A balanced offense, he said, "is what you do at a high level of efficiency."
Kennedy's philosophy succeeded quite well at Lowell. The Red Devils won nine conference championships, 10 sectional championships, six regional championships, three semistate championships and one state championship.
He obviously can succeed quickly - his second Lowell team won a sectional.
WHY WOULD HE leave Lowell with the kind of success he's having there?
"We've built a very strong program. Things are rolling, there are great people here, a great staff and the kids work hard," Kennedy said. "But this (the South job) is an opportunity to be part of something special, to be a part of a great school and tradition. This is a positive change, to be part of a community and school system."
Kennedy applied for the job six years ago, when Wood was hired.
"I got to know Mr. Fletcher (Mark, the principal) and Mr. True (Jay, assistant principal) and Mr. Holmes (J.R., the athletic director and basketball coach)," he said. "They sounded like great people."
What Fletcher and True and Holmes and Panther fans will see on the field is basically an I formation offense and a 4-4 multiple defense. From these, Kennedy hopes to win big. To accomplish that, the Panthers will have to buy into his rigorous program."
"To people who hang around, we're going to be champions," he said.
Several times at the interview Kennedy said, "We will do things right," and he meant the entire program, on and off the field. He is eager to set his program in motion at South, and those who sat on the selection committee are just as eager for him to begin.
Kennedy's hiring must be passed by the school board, which meets next on April 14.

Conference Indiana and South scores and stats

2009-08-22T12:43:00.338-04:00

2010 CONFERENCE INDIANA
.........................Conf. AG
Lawrence Central.......6-1 13-2
Pike......................6-1 9-3
Columbus North.........4-3 7-4
Southport................4-3 8-4
Perry Meridian...........3-4 4-7
South.....................2-5 2-8
Franklin Central.........2-5 3-7
Bloomington North......1-6 7-7
Friday's games
CONFERENCE INDIANA SCORES
Bloomington South
Bedford North Lawrence 29, South 27 ot
Martinsville 42, South 28
Franklin Central 22, South 12
South 45, Bloomington North 35
Southport 23, South 0
Lawrence Central 42, South 17
Pike 22, South 0
South 13, Columbus North 9
Perry Meridian 17, South 14
Sectional
Whiteland 37, South 14
Bloomington North
North 28, Jeffersonville 0
North 14, Bedford North Lawrence 7
Columbus North 27, Bloomington North 24
South 45, Bloomington North 35
Pike 37, Bloomington North 17
Bloomington North 17, Perry Meridian 3
Franklin Central 20, Bloomington North 17
Southport 38, Bloomington North 35
Lawrence Central 51, Bloomington North 20
Sectional
Bloomington North 31, Martinsville 24
Bloomington North 45, Columbus North 35
Bloomington North 28, Whiteland 21
Regional
Bloomington North 21, Castle 17
Semistate
Lawrence Central 41, Bloomington North 17
Columbus North
Columbus North 49, Seymour 0
Columbus North 42, Columbus East 21
Columbus North 27, Bloomington North 24
Columbus North 31, Franklin Central 14
Lawrence Central 43, Columbus North 21
Pike 31, Columbus North 28
Columbus North 14, Perry Meridian 0
South 13, Columbus North 9
Columbus North 56, Southport 14
Sectional
Columbus North 66, Decatur Central 28
Bloomington North 45, Columbus North 35
Franklin Central
Decatur Central 29, Franklin Central 20
Franklin Central 10, Indianapolis Roncalli 7
Franklin Central 22, South 12
Columbus North 31, Franklin Central 14
Perry Meridian 10, Franklin Central 7 ot
Southport 21, Franklin Central 10
Franklin Central 20, Bloomington North 17
Lawrence Central 38, Franklin Central 10
Pike 34, Franklin Central 7
Sectional
Lawrence North 21, Franklin Central 13
Lawrence Central
Lawrence Central 19, Lawrence North 0
Lawrence Central 42, North Central 19
Lawrence Central 41, Perry Meridian 0
Pike 37, Lawrence Central 14
Lawrence Central 43, Columbus North 21
Lawrence Central 42, South 17
Lawrence Central 49, Southport 13
Lawrence Central 38, Franklin Central 10
Lawrence Central 51, Bloomington North 20
Sectional
Lawrence Central 35, Warren Central 14
Lawrence Central 39, Perry Meridian 14
Lawrence Central 31, Southport 27
Regional
Lawrence Central 46, Avon 39
Semistate
Lawrence Central 41, Bloomington North 17
State
Fishers 38, Lawrence Central 19
Perry Meridian
Center Grove 21, Perry Meridian 7
Decatur Central 45, Perry Meridian 20
Lawrence Central 41, Perry Meridian 0
Perry Meridian 19, Southport 7
Perry Meridian 10, Franklin Central 7 ot
Bloomington North 17, Perry Meridian 3
Columbus North 14, Perry Meridian 0
Pike 38, Perry Meridian 7
Perry Meridian 17, South 14
Sectional
Perry Meridian 41, Richmond 27
Lawrence Central 39, Perry Meridian 14
Pike
Pike 49, North Central 13
Center Grove 16, Pike 8
Southport 18, Pike 17
Pike 37, Lawrence Central 14
Pike 37, Bloomington North 17
Pike 31, Columbus North 28
Pike 22, South 0
Pike 38, Perry Meridian 7
Pike 34, Franklin Central 7
Sectional
Pike 45, Ben Davis 38 ot
Pike 17, Terre Haute North 7
Avon 30, Pike 27
Southport
Southport 28, Indianapolis Roncalli 21
Southport 51, Anderson 27
Southport 18, Pike 17
Perry Meridian 19, Southport 7
Southport 23, South 0
Southport 21, Franklin Central 10
Lawrence Central 49, Southport 13
Southport 38, Bloomington North 35
Columbus North 56, Southport 14
Sectional
Southport 16, North Central 12
Southport 34, Lawrence North 20
Lawrence Central 31, Southport 27
2010 FINAL SOUTH OFFENSIVE STATISTICS (2-8)
RUSHING
..............................C......Y.....Av....TD
Michael Bower...........148....630.....4.2....11
Nolan Rogers..............86....319.....3.7.....3
Keith Bunton..............83....317.....3.8.....3
Trae Washington..........65....258.....3.9.....1
Alex Sarpa.................16.....76......4.7....0
Lucas Franz................3......28......9.3....0
Clayton Fiddler.............9......27......3.0....0
Derek Murphy..............3......14......4.6....0
Johnathan Winters.........2.......6......3.0....0
Jon Campbell...............1.......3......3.0....0
PASSING
.......................C...A....I.......Y...TD
Michael Bower......38...97...5....441....3
Trae Washington....3.....5...2....116....1
RECEIVING
...........................C......Y.....Av....TD
Lucas Franz...........19......360....18.9.....3
Craig Caple.............3.......66....22.0.....0
Nolan Rogers..........10.......51.....5.1.....1
Jacob Canada..........3.......50....16.6.....0
Trae Washington......1........11....11.0....0
Matt Henderson........1.......10....10.0.....0
Keith Bunton...........3........6......2.0.....0
Derek Murphy..........1........5......5.0.....0
SCORING
...........................TD...X1....X2.....FG.....TP
Michael Bower..........11......0......0......0.....66
Drew Barlow.............0.....20......0......2.....26
Keith Bunton............4......0.......0......0.....24
Nolan Rogers............4......0.......0......0.....24
Lucas Franz.............3......0.......0......0.....18
Jon Campbell............1......0......0......0.......6
Trae Washington........1......0......0......0.......6

SOUTH DEFENSIVE STATISTICS (2-8)
(Points: Tackles 2, assists 1, TFL 1, Sa 1, Int 1, PBU 1, FF 1 FR 1, BK 1)
..............................T....A....TFL....SA....Int......PBU....FF......FR....BK....TP
Alex Sarpa...............56....35....3.5......0.......0.......4......1.......1.......0...156.5
Nolan Rogers............47....22......1.......0......4........3......1.......0.......0.....125
Matt Henderson.........42....15......5.......0......1........2......1.......1.......0.....109
Jake Kelzer..............43....14.....4.......0.......0........0......3.......1.......0.....108
Clayton Fiddler..........34....32.....1.......0.......0........0......0.......0.......0.....101
Jon Campbell............38....19.....0.......0.......0........0......0.......1.......1......96
Joey Todd................28...29.....3.......0.......0........1......1.......2.......0......92
David Tiwari.............25...17......4.......3.......1.......3......1.......0.......0.......79
Cameron Hogue.........23...13......2.......0.......0.......0......1.......2.......0.......64
Trae Washington........19.....6.....1.......0.......0.......1.......0.......0.......0......46
Michael Bower...........12.....8.....0.......0.......0........5......0.......0.......0......37
Johnathan Winters......12.....6.....2.......0.......0........0......0.......1.......0......33
Derek Murphy............11....3......2.......1.......0.......1......0.......0.......0......29
Tyrae Murphy.............9.....6.....1/2.....1.......0.......0......1.......2.......0....28.5
Lucas Franz..............10...10......0.......0.......0.......0......1.......1.......0......23
Ben Farmer...............7.....5.....0.......0........0.......0......0.......1.......0......20
Ethan Farmer.............7.....1.....0.......0........0.......0......0.......0.......0......15
Adam Wiley...............4.....2......0.......0.......0.......4......0.......0.......0......14
Anthony Webb............4.....1......0.......0........0.......0.....1.......0.......0......10
Jarred Mason.............4.....1......0.......0........0.......0......0.......1.......0.....10
Cole Ferree...............4.....0......0.......0........0.......0......0.......0.......0......8
Craig Caple...............3.....2......0.......0........0.......0......0.......0.......0......8
Kyle Franklin..............3....1......0.......0........0.......0......0.......1.......0.......8
Reilly Flynn................2....2......0.......1........0.......0......0.......0.......0.......7
Drew Barlow..............1....2.......0.......0.......0.......0......0.......0.......0.......4
Jacob Brinegar............0....3......0.......0........0.......0......0.......0.......0......3
Trevor Phipps.............0....3......0.......0........0.......0......0.......0.......0......3
Colton Dixon..............1....0......0.......0........0.......0......0.......0.......0......2

South Varsity scores
Bedford North Lawrence 29, South 27 ot
Martinsville 42, South 28
Franklin Central 22, South 12
South 45, Bloomington North 35
Southport 23, South 0
Lawrence Central 42, South 17
Pike 22, South 0
South 13, Columbus North 9
Perry Meridian 17, South 14
Sectional
Whiteland 37, South 14
South Junior Varsity scores
South 30, Bedford North Lawrence 0
South 29, Martinsville 13
Franklin Central 38, South 6
South 21, Bloomington North 14
Southport 14, South 6
Lawrence Central 34, South 6
Pike 28, South 13
Columbus North 49, South 0
Perry Meridian 30, South 21
South Freshman scores
South 64, Bedford North Lawrence 8
South 40, Martinsville 0
South 6, Franklin Central 0
South 55, North 6
Southport 21, South 13
South 7, Lawrence Central 6
Pike 34, South 7
South 30, Columbus North 6
Perry Meridian 14, South 13