Southside sectional showdown: Neither Rebels nor Woodmen looking ahead

There have been seasons when the traditional state power Roncalli football team, knowing well a date with bitter rival Cathedral loomed, might be inclined to look past a sectional opponent.

But 2012 isn’t one of those years.

“Greenwood is a very good team. On paper, I think we’ve played three common opponents, and they have outscored them by more points than we did,” 23rd-year Roncalli coach Bruce Scifres said of tonight’s Class 4A sectional semifinal opponent. “I don’t think (overlooking) will be an issue at all.

“Our kids and coaches, we realize we’ll have to play a very good game to get out of there with a win.”

This southside showdown between the fifth-ranked Woodmen and No. 3 Roncalli will be only the second meeting between the programs, the first coming in 2005. The Rebels’ 17-7 regional triumph that November night was Rick Wimmer’s final game as the Woodmen coach, his move to Fishers paving the way for then-assistant coach Mike Campbell to take over.

The three common opponents Scifres referred to are Martinsville, Plainfield and Decatur Central. Roncalli went 2-1 against this trio during the regular season, outscoring them 75-65.

Greenwood, meanwhile, won all three games by a combined score of 124-60.

All of which means absolutely zilch come 7 tonight.

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