Hamilton County Reporter

Hamilton Southeastern used an outstanding defensive performance to grab its third straight win on Friday.

The Royals beat Franklin Central on the road 14-7. The victory kept Southeastern tied for second place in the Hoosier Crossroads Conference at 5-1.

“I thought defensively we played tremendous. They’ve done a great job all year long, standing tall,” said HSE coach Michael Kelly.

Southeastern scored one touchdown in each of the first two quarters. Jace Alexander got the first one, getting the ball into the end zone on a two-yard run.

Blaine Wertz then stepped up early in the second quarter, running in from 14 yards to score. Alex Geroulis kicked both extra points. Kelly said that Alexander and Wertz were a “nice little 1-2 punch from both of those guys this evening.”

In the second half, the Royals’ defense held firm. The Flashes were threatening with around a minute to go in the fourth quarter, but Southeastern made a fourth-down stop to secure the win.

Louden Sundling led the Royals’ defense with eight tackles, including one for a loss, four assists and 1.5 sacks.

“Louden Sundling had a big game,” said Kelly. “Just played his tail off.”
Noah Wolf made six tackles and three assists, while JT Mutchner contributed five tackles, one assist and 0.5 sacks. Kelly also said that defensive backs Mikah Phillips and Gio Ragland came through for HSE “in a big way.”

Quarterback John McCall completed 12 of 25 passes for 147 yards, with Wertz catching three of those throws. Wertz also led the rushing with 105 yards.

The Royals improved to 6-2 overall. Southeastern hosts Brownsburg next Friday; both teams are 5-1 in HCC play.