Football: Corydon-Brownstown showdown set

The Panthers (2-0 and ranked No.11 in Class 3-A) will journey to Brownstown for a crucial Mid-Southern showdown Friday night. The winner will have the inside track for the league championship, a title Corydon has not claimed since 1983.

Corydon has been treated like an annoying kid brother, punished without mercy as dominance was established and enforced, in the series. The Panthers haven't won a game at Brownstown since 1984, and they endured 17 straight losses to the Braves before finally ending that streak with last year's 17-10 victory.

All that history means nothing to Brownstown coach Reed May.

"You can throw all that stuff out the window," he said. "That's the past and nobody really cares about that. All we know is they beat us last year."

The Braves (2-0 and ranked No.14 in Class 2-A) used to rule the conference, winning 11 straight titles before Charlestown rose up to challenge and won the last three championships. Brownstown got a measure of revenge last week with an impressive 47-8 win at Charlestown, and now the Braves are poised to reclaim the throne.

"To be in this position is rewarding, and now we have the opportunity to be the frontrunners," May said. "Going into the year, we knew Corydon was the conference favorite. We surprised ourselves last week against Charlestown, so maybe we can surprise ourselves again."

Corydon has been equally impressive with its wins over Perry Central (26-20) and North Harrison (48-16), living up to its billing as a league power. But conquering the demons of the past, and winning on the road after being outscored 330-70 during the last eight visits there, could be as difficult as tackling the obstacles of the present.

"It's a tough environment to play in," Corydon coach Darin Ward said. "But it's nice to be in a marquee game this early in the season, where people are paying attention. We're not going to show up and let them kick us. We're going to compete. It's a good opportunity for our program. Hopefully we can deliver."

Ward wants his veteran defense to be the centerpiece, but Brownstown's wing-T attack is hard to contain. Braden Scarlett had 118 rushing yards last week against Charlestown, and Evan Eggersman - a transfer from Seymour - has 269 yards and five TDs this season.

"It's offensive efficiency at its best," Ward said. "It's tough to defend when you can be that productive on first and second down. You're always on your heels and backpedaling. With their team speed, if they pick up seven yards a pop, it's going to be long night. We've got our work cut out for us."

Brownstown's defense has been tough, forcing three turnovers in the 48-12 win over Mitchell and adding three turnovers and a safety against the Pirates. But the Braves will have to contain Corydon running back Seth Rennirt (120 yards and three TDs last week) and the pass-catch combination of sophomore quarterback Chase Burton and All-State senior receiver Brandon Dunaway (three TDs in the opener).

"It's nice to see the skill players step up and respond, to be unselfish and share the ball, blocking for each other," Ward said. "They're thinking more about the team than the individual. We're much improved on the offensive line. They're stronger and more athletic, and they've put themselves in position to be successful."

Justin Sokeland can be reached at (502) 582-4059.