Minutemen open playoffs at 0-0

DUNLAP — After a regular season that defied the odds in numerous ways, Concord football coach Craig Koehler knows one thing is certain.“It’s a new season.’’Friday at South Bend’s School Field, the Minutemen (4-5) will play South Bend Adams (5-4) in a Class 5A sectional opener.Concord’s worst loss of the season was 28-11 to unbeaten Northridge. The Minutemen were the only team to hold the Raiders under 30 points this year. Concord’s other four losses were by a combined 17 points, including an overtime loss to Mishawaka.“When you look at our team statistics, it supports that we’re a good football team,’’ Koehler said. “We were third in the conference in points allowed and fewest points given up and we’re even plus four in turnover margin. Those things just add to the bizarre season that we’ve had.“I do think that we have a decent football team, but we have yet to play good football for four quarters in a game. We’ve played incredible football for two quarter, but also played horrendous for a quarter or a quarter-and-a-half. But no matter what the stats say, the reality is, we’re 4-5.’’After a week off, the Minutemen are hoping to get some injured players back, including two-way starter Carson Weirich. Ryan Parson is another injured player expected back for the Adams game.“I think other than some guys we lost to season-ending injuries early, we should have everyone back,’’ Koehler said.The Concord offense, which is averaging 39 points-a-game this season, is led by junior quarterback Braylon Monroe, who has thrown for 1,248 yards and eight touchdowns this season, while rushing for 562 yards and nine more scored, despite missing a game late in the year with a concussion.Monroe has a number of talented skilled position players, led by junior receiver PJ LaRoche, sophomore Jaron Allen and junior running JJ Lee.“Hopefully, our kids know we’re starting the season 0-0 like everyone else,’’ Koehler said. “Against Warsaw (Week 8), we got down 21-0 and had lost three straight, so if ever there was a time to quit, that was it. The dam had broke, the city had flooded and people were getting into boats ...“Instead, with four minutes to go, we were driving to try and tie the game. But they had a defensive linemen make an incredible play to tip a pass to himself for an interception. That comeback showed me that through all the ups and downs of the season, I never questioned that our players had quit on us.’’Meanwhile, the two-week break may be important to Adams too, as senior halfback Carson Bryce could return from in injury suffered in Week 7.Despite missing the Eagles’ final two games of the season, Bryce leads the team in rushing with 608 yards, while scoring four touchdowns. He’s also a big part of the Adams defense from his free safety spot.“Bryce is scary good,’’ Koehler said. “He’s a middle of the field player and their defense really revolves around him. He’s also a very skilled offensive player with great speed.“From top to bottom, Adams will have better looking players than us. There defensive line is hard to block, which is very concerning and their middle line backer is a very good player. Plus, their team speed really jumps out at you on film.’’Koehler does believe Monroe, LaRoche and the rest of the Concord offense could have some success against the Adams defense.“I think we will present some problems for them,’’ Koehler said. “We’ve had some success throwing the ball vertically and they’ve had some trouble with that. We’re healthy as we’ve been and hopefully we’ll be able to run the ball some too.’’“I think it’s a winnable game, but I’m sure Adams is saying the same thing. It’s an opportunity to win a sectional title and move on.’’Adams has faced adversity this week when the school announced that head coach Frank Karczyewski is ‘away from the team’ at this time. The Eagles will be coached by former AHS coach Craig Redman.While it’s obviously not ideal, Koehler believes the team itself won’t be affected by the change.“The longer I do this, my guess is the school, athletic department and program are all more concerned about the change than the kids,’’ Koehler said. “Kids also have shorter memories and are more resilient than adults. I believe everything that’s going on will have zero factor with who wins the game.’’Friday’s winner will play the winner of the Goshen (2-7) game with LaPorte (2-7) in the sectional finals. Concord would host LaPorte or go to Goshen.