FORTVILLE — Some things go without saying. For the past 12 weeks, that’s been the case for the Class 4A fourth-ranked Mt. Vernon Marauders.
A topic — or actually an assumed regional opponent — often avoided in most conversations since mid-August, now there’s no need to side step that unspoken eight-letter word.
R-o-n-c-a-l-l-i.
Instead, the Marauders aren’t thinking of anyone else. It’s time. A third time in as many years, and the primary postseason roadblock between the Marauders and a potential second final four appearance since 2019.
R-o-n-c-a-l-l-i.
“It’s definitely a big, big game. It’s the biggest game of the year, honestly, in all aspects of the tournament,” Mt. Vernon senior running back Keagan La Belle said. “If we take that game, we might take it all.”
Friday night’s 4A regional championship game at Mt. Vernon (11-1) against top-ranked Roncalli (12-0) has become a November tradition in Fortville, one locked in a 1-1 tie with both teams splitting since the Marauders won, 25-17, two years ago.
Last year’s victor, Roncalli, 35-14, rolled on to capture it’s 10th state championship two weeks later at Lucas Oil Stadium in downtown Indianapolis.
This time, the Marauders are preparing to make it their year, two seasons removed from the program’s first-ever regional title run and first of three straight sectional championships.
If the past 11 weeks are any indication, the Marauders are built to, at the very least, give the defending state champions all they can handle.
Since losing to 6A Noblesville, 57-36, to open the season on Aug. 20, Mt. Vernon has been on a mission. Quietly strengthening their efficiency to avenge their lone loss in 2020 en route to 11 straight wins this fall — 10 by IHSAA mercy-rule, running clock.
The Marauders have scored no fewer than 42 points in each of the past 11 weeks, no less than six touchdowns and have allowed, at most, 34 points, while surpassing 50 points on offense four times, including a 70-0 win in last Friday’s Sectional 21 title game against Connersville.
“Honestly, this past week (for the sectional finals), we’ve been preparing a little bit for them. We definitely need to stop their run, and we’re just going to throw our bodies in there and hope to stop it,” La Belle said.
The key to victory in both regional title games between Roncalli and Mt. Vernon has unfolded in the trenches, at, around and near the line of scrimmage.
In 2019, Mt. Vernon neutralized Roncalli’s passing attack with a pair of interceptions against Royals’ quarterback Aidan Leffler and minimized the damage on the ground with 164 yards gained and just one rushing touchdown.
Meanwhile, the Marauders’ running game produced 153 yards and two crucial touchdowns as then sophomore quarterback Gehrig Slunaker threw for 137 yards and a touchdown.
Everything flipped in the 202o rematch, however.
Roncalli star running back Baron Huebler, who was held to 66 yards in 2019, rushed for 155 yards and one of the Royals’ three touchdowns. Leffler threw one pick but he also had two touchdown passes while Roncalli rushed for 309 yards.
Mt. Vernon was humbled on offense last year, gaining only 31 yards rushing and one passing touchdown as Roncalli picked off Slunaker twice.
“We know we’re going to have to put up some points. Their defense is really good. Their offense is really good. They’re a really great team, and they haven’t lost now for, I don’t even know how long. It’s been a long time, but we just have to stick to Mt. Vernon football and do what we do and try not to do too much,” Slunaker said.
Roncalli’s last loss was against Bishop Chatard, 28-7, on Sept. 4, 2020, which they avenged last week in the Sectional 22 finals by eliminating the seventh-ranked Trojans, 35-21, for its 22nd sectional title all time.
Mt. Vernon’s third consecutive sectional championship this past Friday marked the program’s seventh since 1997, but the seniors aren’t satisfied with just being the most-winningest class in school history at 41-9.
They want more than their second straight outright Hoosier Heritage Conference championship and third sectional trophy.
“We talk about their legacy a lot. Every win adds one more as a four-year class. Eventually, that’s going to be passed on to the next class and the next class. They’re writing the ending of their senior year in high school football. I tell them that all the time. This will go as far as they take us,” Mt. Vernon head coach Vince Lidy said. “We’re going to play as long as they want to play.
“We’re going to come out, fight and turn it loose and we’re going to put a lot on those seniors, and they’re going to have to step it up big, much like Roncalli. They’re best players are seniors, which is how it should be. We’re excited for the challenge.”
The heftiest task for Mt. Vernon will be Roncalli’s offensive line, which returned every starter from last year’s 13-1 title team.
Leffler, a senior, has passed for 2,223 yards and 27 touchdowns while throwing four interceptions. The Roncalli running game is without Huebler, who is now at Marian University, but showcase 1,346-yard rusher Luke Hansen, a junior, with 15 touchdowns to his credit. Leffler has 10 rushing TDs, and senior Caden Gore has added 633 yards and six rushing TDs.
“We’re going to have to take a big step up. We’re going to have to adjust a lot of things and everyone needs to have a great week of practice,” Mt. Vernon senior linebacker Owen Johnson said.
With four shutouts this season, the Marauders’ defense isn’t expecting to silence the Royals’ offense, but the goal is to disrupt their balance.
Roncalli has produced a season-best 605 yards of total offense this year, has posted 400 or more eight times and has accumulated 2,966 yards passing and 2,310 yards rushing to date.
“Our defense is coming out and we’re getting stops early. We’re forcing punts and short fields, and we’re able to build some quick leads,” Lidy said. “It will be a big challenge, though, with their offensive line.”
A good defense can also be a dynamic offense, which has led to 2,574 yards passing and 2,291 yards rushing for the Marauders in 2021.
Mt. Vernon has produced 400 or more yards in total offense eight straight weeks, including a season-best 650 against Pendleton Heights in their 63-28 sectional quarterfinal victory.
Slunaker has passed for 2,427 yards and 30 touchdowns with one interception thrown. La Belle has rushed for 1,296 yards and 20 touchdowns.
La Belle has 43 rushing touchdowns in the past three years and recently broke free for a single-game, career-high 292 yards and five touchdowns against Greenfield-Central in Mt. Vernon’s, 49-34, sectional semifinal win.
Senior Ashden Gentry leads the team with 10 touchdown receptions, but he’s just one of eight players with one or more TD catches this season.
Add in 25 more rushing touchdowns from Mt. Vernon’s plethora of weapons — senior Travon Hegler (10), Slunaker (5), senior Avery Williams (3), junior Ashton Julian (4), junior Eli Bridenthal (2), senior Ashden Gentry (2) — and there are multiple ways the Marauders can keep pace.
“I feel like it’s one of the deepest teams we’ve ever had. I love everyone I play with. I love every teammate. We all have a special role on the team and everyone contributes,” Slunaker said. “It’s been a journey. Definitely one I’ll never forget. Probably the best time of my life. It’s awesome. Great time to be at Mt. Vernon.”
With Roncalli visiting Mt. Vernon for a third November straight with the regional on the line, it’s not just great.
It’s tradition.
“For Mt. Vernon, the sectional has gone through us the last three years, and the road to the final four has gone between us and Roncalli. They’re going to be a huge challenge. They’re well coached and they have, other than the running back, all their players back from last year on offense,” Lidy said. “There’s nothing to hold back. That’s why the tournament is so great. We always talk about survive and advance. We have to have a huge week of practice, and then Friday coming out here (at home), we’ll see what happens. Turn it loose.”
Class 4A Regional 11 Championship
Roncalli (12-0) at Mt. Vernon (11-1)
Kickoff: 7 p.m.
State Rankings: Mt. Vernon (4th in AP Media/IFCA polls)/Roncalli (1st in AP Media/IFCA polls).
Last Loss: Mt. Vernon, 57-36 vs. 6A Noblesville, Aug. 20/Roncalli, 28-7 vs. 4A Bishop Chatard, Sept. 4, 2020.
Coaches: John Rodenberg, 25-1 in 2nd year at Roncalli, 199-133 in 28th year overall. Vince Lidy, 11-1 in 1st year at Mt. Vernon.
Last Game: Roncalli defeated Chatard, 35-21. Mt. Vernon defeated Connersville, 70-0.
Series Info: Roncalli owns a 4-1 series advantage in past 35 years.
Last Meeting: Roncalli won 35-14 on Nov. 13, 2020.
Statistical Leaders: Roncalli – (passing) Aidan Leffler 2,223 yards/27 TDs; (rushing) Luke Hansen 1,346 yards/15 TDs, Caden Gore 633 yards/6 TDs, Leffler 443 yards/10 TDs; (receiving) Kyle Lockard 1,094 yards/13 TDs, Gore 526 yards/10 TDs. Mt. Vernon – (passing) Gehrig Slunaker 2,427 yards/30 TDs; (rushing) Keagan La Belle 1,296 yards/20 TDs, Travon Hegler 719 yards/10 TDs; (receiving) Ashden Gentry 1,001 yards/11 TDs, Eli Bridenthal 401 yards/5 TDs.
