INDIANAPOLIS — It's a battle between two former MIC rivals on the Operation Football Game of the Week! The undefeated Lawrence North Wildcats (7-0) host the Center Grove Trojans (5-2) on Friday at 7 p.m.
The visiting Trojans have had a relatively good year and are ranked seventh overall in Class 6A. They've convincingly won five of their games this season and have posted one-score losses to both Westfield and Cathedral so far this season.
Meanwhile, the Wildcats have been dominant. They're ranked fourth overall in Class 6A and are fresh off a huge 33-7 victory over previously unbeaten Warren Central. They also sit comfortably first in the MIC standings.
Statistically, Wildcats senior quarterback Tanner Aspeslet has been on fire this season. Boasting an over 50% completion percentage, a whopping 22 total touchdowns and over 1500 passing yards, Aspeslet has been almost unstoppable under center. However, nine interceptions put his quarterback rating at 110.6, according to MaxPreps.
He's also got wheels. Aspeslet has totaled 231 rushing yards and scored three times on his own.
Also helping Aspeslet are weapons downfield and a strong running game. Senior wide receiver Damario Moore has caught six touchdown passes and totaled over 500 yards through seven games. Davion Chandler, also a senior wide receiver for the Wildcats, has caught seven touchdowns and racked up 636 receiving yards so far this season.
In the backfield, sophomore Izayveon Moore has scored nine rushing touchdowns and totaled 667 yards through seven games.
That's not to say that Center Grove's offense hasn't also been impressive.
Senior quarterback Gabe McWilliams has tossed 16 total touchdowns for the Trojans so far this season and has nearly 2,000 passing yards. McWilliams has posted an impressive 64% completion percentage through his seven games as a starter. However, much like Aspeslet, McWilliams has also tossed nine interceptions this year, bringing his quarterback rating to 105.6, according to MaxPreps.
Center Grove won the last meeting between these two teams, but it could be a close one on Friday between these two red-hot teams.
Don't miss a second of the action! Catch the highlights of this game and others as part of Operation Football this Friday on 13News at 11 p.m.