Penn football hoping to recapture state glory in Indy

Another season. Another chance to fill the trophy case.

Penn football is riding high after a road victory at Carmel, which clinched a spot in the state championship.

“It's a great feeling to be able to beat Carmel," said senior running back Hunter Whitlow. "Knowing the past history ... It was amazing to be able to go back to the place we lost last year and get a W.”

However, those feelings have taken a back seat as the Kingsmen now return to work.

On Saturday, Penn travels to Indianapolis for its second state title game in three seasons. After falling just short in 2015, these seniors want to take advantage of their final opportunity to add to Penn's legacy on the field.

“It would mean the world to us," said tight end Jordan Earl. "We didn’t capitalize in 2015 and now is our time to do it.”

“Going out senior year with a state championship, [and seeing] if the best team wins. It’ll be amazing,” said linebacker Corey Warner.

This time, though, undefeated Ben Davis awaits.

“They’re a great team," said Warner. "A great offense with a great quarterback and running back, a great defense. We’re just going to take it day by day and get better every practice.”

The matchup sets up a meeting with another powerhouse program with which the Kingsmen have a long history.

While they haven't met since 2010, this will be the fourth state championship game the two programs have played. Though the Giants are the top-ranked team in every meaningful state poll, the Carmel result and their own 12-game win streak has given these Kingsmen plenty of confidence.

“Carmel won a state championship last year, so they’re definitely a very, very good football team," said Whitlow. "It always brings confidence to beat a high-level team like that.”

“Ben Davis is a great team," said Earl, "with great kids and great athletes. But I think it’ll be a great game.”