The varsity football team will begin Sectional play against Westfield Oct. 23. The game will take place at Westfield High School and start at 7 p.m.

Head coach Myron “Mo” Moriarity said he has one expectation for the team. “From now on, our only expectation is to win,” Moriarity said. “It’s the only way you can keep playing now, and it’s our focus and goal for every game in the tournament.”

Defensive back and senior Chase Varndell said the team has to do numerous things to win. “We need to stop the quarterback and not let up any big pass plays,” he said. “If we can stop them on defense, we are confident that our offense will put up points and we can get the win.”

Westfield is a new addition to Class 5A football, so the game on Friday will be the team’s first tournament game in the new class. On the contrary, Carmel finished its regular season with a record of 8-1 and ranked number one in the state going into the tournament. Carmel was successful in past seasons and made it to the last three State championships.

But Varndell said the team will not get a big head. “The coaches always talk to us about not underestimating the opponent,” he said. “I think we all realize that any team can lose on any given night.

“All of us seniors especially don’t want to get a big head and lose because we really want to win State,” Varndell added.

Moriarity said he expects a good game this Friday. “Any time it’s a tournament game you should expect a good game,” he said. “Both teams know that it is win or go home.” By Ryan Duffy <[email protected]>