Hobart faces a tall task

Updated: October 26, 2011 9:28PM

Hobart coach Ryan Turley admits his team faces a huge challenge, but claims he has no special plans to contain South Bend Washington wide receiver Gehrig Dieter.

Dieter set the national single-game yardage receiving record with 447 yards, including three touchdowns, in a 63-10 win over Elkhart Central on Sept. 2.

The Brickies (3-7) face an arduous task trying to contain Dieter when they host the Panthers (7-3) in a Class 4A, Sectional 10 semifinal Friday night.

“He’s a big-time player with a ton of ability,’’ Turley said. “He has a big body and all the skills, so we’re concerned. We always want to know where he is on the field, but we’re not doing anything drastic. We’re not changing what we’re doing for one guy. We like the challenge. That’s what it’s all about.’’

While Dieter has 63 receptions for 1,743 yards and 20 TDs, he’s not the Panthers’ only option.

Tailback David Perkins, a Notre Dame commit as a defensive end, has rushed for over 900 yards, with 14 scores. Sophomore quarterback Daigen Morgan has thrown for 2,200 yards and 22 TDs.

“They have a nice group of athletes who work well together,’’ Turley said. “They have a solid offense and a tailback who complements Dieter really nicely. They also like to move (Dieter) around and do a lot of different things with him.

“It’s neat to have the opportunity to go against a player like that. It’s not every day you go against someone who holds a national record. Our kids are excited. It’s something they’ll remember.’’

Is Katsafaros the key? Chesterton is a different team with Chris Katsafaros at quarterback.

The junior rushed for 134 yards and a pair of TDs in the Trojans’ 28-7 Class 5A Sectional win over Michigan City last week.

The victory snapped a four-game losing skid.

Katsafaros actually played in the second half of Chesterton’s regular season finale against Merrillville (a 35-21 loss) two weeks ago.

With Katsafaros under center Friday night, does it make the Trojans (5-5) a legitimate sleeper against Merrillville (7-3)?

“No, I don’t think it does,’’ Chesterton coach John Snyder said. “I don’t think one guy really makes that much difference.’’

Snyder said it will take more than a good performance from his quarterback -- whom he said has the cutting ability to make defenders miss and make big plays — for Chesterton to win.

“They’re scary,’’ he said. “They have so much speed and so many weapons. We’re going to have to play very well and not turn the ball over to give ourselves a chance to win.’’

Learning curve: After Crown Point quarterback Joe Hopman broke his collar bone in last week’s sectional game against Munster, sophomore Jake Jatis replaced him.

Pettit said it’s been a busy week trying to get Jatis ready to play against Valparaiso (5-5) this week.

“It’s definitely been a challenge to get Jake up to speed with just one week of preparation,’’ Pettit said.

Pettit said it’s “a tall order” to get an inexperienced player ready to play the position at this time of year to begin with, but when Valparaiso is the opponent, the challenge is even greater.

“We’re disappointed for Joe, but we’re not going to sit here and cry about it,’’ Pettit said. “We’re just trying to get Jake ready.’’

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