Battle of the Undefeated: Penn Kingsmen look to claim NIC title and keep winning streak alive

ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, Ind. -- This Friday marks another week of high school football in Michiana.  

It's the final week of the regular season for Hoosier teams.

This week's Game of the Week is a battle of the undefeated between the Penn Kingsmen and the St. Joseph Huskies.

The Kingsmen have their eyes on the prize: a Northern Indiana Conference Championship.

"Here at Penn, championships are always our goal," says Pete Riordan, Penn High School Varsity Football Coach.

But just one thing is in their way of bouncing back from last year's conference defeat, the St. Joe Huskies.

"Last year we fell short of that goal," says Riordan. "Our seniors are hungry, they want one of their own, so we know what's at stake this week." 

The Kingsmen run a powerhouse.

Riordan, in his second season after taking on the role of head coach, has modernized their offensive approach.

He relies on skill players like quarterback Landon Hall and wide receiver Braylon Hurley to make explosive plays, but he says those explosives are a result of great O-line play.

"I couldn't be any happier with our offensive line," says Riordan. "Coach Summers and the offensive line coaches have done a great job keeping Landon upright, we've been able to run the ball effectively." 

Penn's defense has really been shining this season, keeping all their opponents under 22 points.

"The defensive line has done a great job at getting the pass rush and stopping the run; we've got a veteran linebacking crew, and we've got guys in the secondary that have stepped up and made plays across the board," Riordan explains.

One of those defensive veterans is Senior team captain Vinny Freeman. 

He feels the defense has especially kicked it into gear over the last few weeks.

"We're all unselfish and we put each other in positions to make plays on defense," Freeman says.

Making plays on defense will be especially important when sizing up St. Joe's unique offensive strategy with a two-QB system and efficient running game that has helped pave the way for their winning streak.

"It's going to be difficult to focus on any one person, so we've got to play good team defense, we've got to be sound across the board," Riordan says. "They're very efficient offensively, they don't find themselves in long-yard situations very often, they don't turn the ball over and make a lot of mistakes." 

If any game is going to really put the Kingsmen's strength and physicality to the test, it'll be this one. But they're ready for battle.

"Our coaches have been saying all year like, 'We don't play at other teams' levels; we play at our standard,' and that's going to get us through this," says Alex Wright, a senior defensive player.

"We prepared well, and we're ready to go show what we can do on Friday," Freeman says.