<p>The positive contributions Gavin Ruppert makes for the Greenwood football program this season are a simple case of 1-2-3.</p><p>Not only did the middle linebacker finish the regular season as the leading tackler for the Woodmen, he is their second-leading passer and ranks third in rushing yardage for an offense that opts for running plays 88 percent of the time.</p><p>If Greenwood possesses a so-called Swiss Army knife going into tonight’s Class 4A sectional opener at home against South Dearborn, it’s the 6-foot-1, 215-pound Ruppert.</p><p>Senior Luke Hommell is Greenwood’s starting quarterback. Ruppert’s role is situational. The junior usually checks into games when the Woodmen offense must cover a short distance on third or fourth down in order to keep the chains moving.</p>[sc:text-divider text-divider-title="Story continues below gallery" ]Click here to purchase photos from this gallery<p>Between runs, throws and handoffs, Ruppert lines up behind center on approximately 40 percent of Greenwood’s offensive plays, according to 15th-year coach Mike Campbell.</p><p>“Gavin is still our middle linebacker, but he also comes in at quarterback on offense for heavy sets and things like that,” said Campbell, whose squad averages 313 rushing yards per outing. “He’s our change-of-pace quarterback because of his ability to run. It gives the defense multiple things to have to defend.</p><p>“Gavin brings a linebacker mentality to the offense, and is a smart kid who picks up things quickly.”</p><p>Obviously, it’s working. Greenwood takes the field this evening having scored 37 touchdowns so far this season, its most since reaching the 4A semistate round in 2017.</p><p>Ruppert has demonstrated the ability to throw the football, too, having tossed touchdown passes in victories over Indian Creek and Perry Meridian. In the latter game, he also called his own number 20 times for 125 yards rushing and four touchdowns.</p><p>It helps Ruppert to be able to work behind a veteran offensive line led by seniors Daylon Bene at left tackle, center Collin Campbell, right tackle Cameron Ford and tight end Isaac Simpson. Junior guards Brayden Gardner and Landen Crosley factor into any success the offense has, as does Carter Campbell, who rotates in at tight end.</p><p>Running backs Ethan Haessig, Noah Apgar and Jacob Rollett are utilized as blockers when not churning out yardage of their own.</p><p>“Having Ethan and Noah in there is a really great thing because (the opposing defense) has three people to worry about, especially behind that big, strong offensive line,” Ruppert said. “Playing both ways can be challenging, but I’m willing to do it because I’ll do anything to help the team win.”</p><p>As a sophomore, Ruppert served as a backup running back, though his current role better plays to his strengths.</p><p>“The last time I played quarterback was my freshman year. I played it when I was younger, too, so I’ve always had a feel for the position,” Ruppert said. “We all have good chemistry, so when I come in the game, I’m just looking to get the yards that are needed. It’s about keeping the drive going and let’s go score.”</p>[sc:pullout-title pullout-title="Tonight’s sectional games" ][sc:pullout-text-begin]<p><strong>Class 4A</strong></p><p>South Dearborn at Greenwood, 7 p.m.</p><p>Roncalli vs. Crispus Attucks at Northwest Middle School, 7 p.m.</p><p><strong>Class 3A</strong></p><p>Indian Creek at Tri-West, 7 p.m.</p><p><strong>Class A</strong></p><p>Covenant Christian at Edinburgh, 7 p.m.</p><p><em>Follow @rolearyDJ on Twitter for the latest updates on all of the local games throughout the evening.</em></p>[sc:pullout-text-end]
