Two weeks into the 2018 football season, Columbus East was 0-2 and not looking like a defending state champion.
Eleven weeks later, the Olympians are 11-2 and one game away from a third consecutive trip to the state finals. Class 5A co-No. 3 East hosts 5A No. 2 Decatur Central in the semistate at 7 p.m. Friday.
"If you really talk about where we were in August to now, I’m not really sure that anybody thought we might be playing still," East coach Bob Gaddis said. "We know that was our goal all along. We’re very excited about getting to play this week. Really, it’s been quite a turnaround for our kids. They’ve just hung in there. They could have just been OK with being average early."
The Olympians were upset at home by Whiteland 26-20 in the season opener. Then came a 17-16 loss at Columbus North.
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But East rebounded. It went 7-0 in the Hoosier Hills Conference for the 12th straight year, then beat three of those HHC teams in sectional rematches before knocking off Castle 20-13 in the regional.
"If you look at the whole year, we had some tough games during our conference run," Gaddis said. "We had to go on the road and beat some good football teams, so we’re happy with what we’ve accomplished. We always want to try to figure where guys fit for our team."
The Olympians will be playing an 11-1 Decatur Central team that has won eight in a row since an 18-15 loss at Martinsville in Week 4. The Hawks beat Cathedral 21-14 in the sectional final and Bloomington South 28-0 in the regional.
Decatur Central senior Parker Harrington has completed 80 of 161 passes for 1,395 yards and 18 touchdowns, with seven interceptions. He also has carried 139 times for 778 yards and three scores.
Junior Kenneth Tracy has carried 166 times for 1,287 yards and 21 touchdowns and has caught 25 passes for 453 yards and eight scores for the Hawks. Senior Jason Allen Jr. has 26 catches for 559 yards and five touchdowns.
"We have a lot of tape on them, and we’ve learned quite a bit about what they are," Gaddis said. "They’re a sound, aggressive football team. They have a great quarterback. He’s a good runner, and he’s a good passer. We think their offensive line is as quick as we’ve seen, with good enough size. Then, their skill kids are outstanding."
For East, junior Cole Gilley has completed 131 of 212 passes for 2,174 yards and 26 touchdowns, with only four interceptions. Sophomore Mark McDonald has carried 209 times for 1,459 yards and 19 scores, and junior Lance Greiwe has 127 carries for 651 yards and 17 touchdowns.
Junior Dalton Back leads the Olympians in receiving with 44 catches for 707 yards and seven scores. Senior Cody Horner has 26 catches for 607 yards and seven touchdowns.
East will be facing Decatur Central’s 33 Stack defense.
"They lock those guys in the box, and then they play man(-to-man) coverage in behind it," Gaddis said. "They have some good athletes on that side."
Friday’s winner will advance to the Nov. 24 state title game to meet the winner between 5A No. 1 New Palestine and 5A co-No. 3 Michigan City. Those teams will play their semistate contest at 4 p.m. Saturday at New Pal.
But the Olympians know that to get back to Lucas Oil Stadium, they’ll need a big effort on Friday night.
"Our kids are excited, and we’re looking forward to the opportunity," Gaddis said. "We know we’re up against a good team, but the good news is, we’re at home, and we’re going to come out and give it our best shot against these guys."
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What: Decatur Central at Columbus East in football regional
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Where: Columbus East High School
Admission: $10
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