A football battle between rivals Chesterton and Valparaiso will be played this Friday, with the Sectional Championship on the line, as well as a berth into next week’s regional. The mantra for the Trojans this week has been ‘survive and advance.’ If the Trojans can win this game, they will continue on their road to the State Championship.

Their first meeting of the season ended with the Vikings winning by six. The go ahead touchdown in that game was a result of a fumble that Valparaiso capitalized on, putting them in the lead to ultimately win. 

The Trojans have been watching the Viking games in order to capitalize on their plays and tendencies on the field. The Vikings are most likely pulling the same cards by watching Chesterton and especially studying senior Ethan Troy, as he was out in the first game. In a discussion with Coach Mark Peterson, Troy will be a large player in the success of the Trojans as he is a primary piece of the Chesterton Offense.

 “His return will be a focal point for Valpo so that will really translate into either his own successes of his ability or translating him forcing them to leave someone else uncovered.” Peterson said. 

The 2023 seniors alongside Troy will be playing their hearts out Friday because  any of these games could be their final game as a Trojan. 

Based on their scoring averages, Valparaiso has an edge, averaging 27 per game, while Chesterton averages 24. This game, however, is expected to be another low scoring game, as each defense remains the strength of the two teams. The Trojans will try to put themselves in the best possible position to beat Valpo, and take home our very first sectional championship. The Trojans are preparing for this game as if it was any other game, “From a general perspective we will take it as it is a regular work week. Whether it be focused on picking up on tendencies and execution in preparation for the game.”  Coach Peterson stated.

Their teamwork and consistency in all facets of the game, offense, defense, and special teams, has made a drastic difference in the outcomes of games over the past three weeks. Their ability to remain calm in a high stress situation has bailed them out multiple times. Last week, at Michigan City, the defense had multiple interceptions and touches causing turnovers. The Trojans won 28-20 in a long but successful game. 

So come out to Trojan Field to watch Chesterton take on Valparaiso in this thrilling Sectional Championship game at 7 pm Friday (11/4).

“If we can play the way that we are capable of on all three levels we win,” Peterson concluded.