Week 3 preview: Culver seeks first win over Knox since 2012

BY VAL TSOUTSOURIS

Sports Editor, RTC

Culver (0-2, 0-1 Hoosier North) at Knox (0-2, 0-0), 7:30 p.m.

In 2003, the Knox football team won one game. The one win was against Culver, who went winless.

In 2004, Culver won one game. The one win was against Knox, who went winless.

Given that Culver had its best season in a decade last year and that Knox won its first sectional title in school history, things don’t figure to be as dire when the rivals meet in Starke County Friday.

In addition, it’s probably fair to say that both teams have played tough schedules. Culver has a loss to Class 1A, No. 11 North Judson. Knox’s losses are to Class 1A, No. 4 Southwood and Class 3A, No. 2 Mishawaka Marian.

Culver comes in off a 28-24 loss to South Central last week. Culver had 384 yards rushing using their T-formation rushing attack, but they gave up a 90-yard kickoff return for a touchdown in the second half and could not score from the Satellites’ 1-yard line in the fourth quarter while facing a four-point deficit.

Meanwhile, the Knox defense gave up 375 yards in offense per game in their first two losses.

Knox beat Culver 42-14 last week, and they have not lost to Culver since 2012.

Knox relies on senior quarterback Zac Rose and senior running back Cade Short as well as junior wide receiver Kole McIntire.

Culver relies on running backs Blake Thompson, Shane Shuman and Jalen King.

Knox coach Russ Radtke is an Indiana Football Hall of Famer, whose previous coaching stops include North Judson, Connersville, Griffith and New Prairie. He briefly took the Portage coaching job this spring before leaving and taking the Knox job when John Hendryx left for Winamac.

Radtke coached Griffith to a state title in 1997.