Lafayette Central Catholic football finds another playmaker in Hudson Gutwein
LAFAYETTE — With its two most dynamic playmakers on the shelf, Lafayette Central Catholic's football team needed an offensive spark.
Coach Brian Nay tried to mix and match the Knights' best athletes in various roles.
It didn't seem to gain much traction as CC's offense, known for years for its ability to march up and down the field, hit a lull and points proved hard to come by.
Try until you succeed, and Nay finally hit a winner with Hudson Gutwein, who decided to come out for football two years ago as a freshman.
"His level of play on the both sides of the ball has paid dividends for us," Nay said. "We knew he was a guy we could go to just in how he prepares. He is maniacal in his preparation in the weight room and conditioning. If there's one guy on the field we know we can put him on and never take him off, he is that guy."
With no Mason Meister at running back and no Alex Hardebeck at receiver, Gutwein has helped in both roles.
The results is a three-game winning streak and an offense that scored a combined 10 points during a three-game losing streak prior suddenly putting up at least 42 points three straight weeks.
"Hudson's work ethic is insane. He does everything for the greater of the team, not just himself," junior lineman Will Spencer said. "Having him on offense gives us another workhorse to carry the offense."
More: Lafayette Central Catholic defense hits all the right notes in shutout of Twin Lakes
Make no mistake, Gutwein is a defense-first guy.
A defensive back, Gutwein can be counted on to erase half the field for opposing quarterbacks in the passing game. And he excels at that, too, so much so that teams rarely throw his direction. He earned the team's "swarm award" last week at Twin Lakes for being the team's top defensive player.
But the defense has been good most of the season.
The offense was a cause for concern and Gutwein seems to have temporarily helped solve that mystery.
During CC's three-game winning streak, the junior has accounted for 335 yards and three touchdowns, including 15 receptions for 207 yards in the last two weeks.
"I've given them another option," Gutwein said. "We're all doing it for each other. That's all you can do and let the offense develop and happen within itself.
"Once I figured out I was able to make big contributions, I had more confidence to make more plays."
Hardebeck is back and Meister's return also is imminent.
But now Central Catholic has another weapon that could have that offense humming through another deep tournament run.
Sam King covers sports for the Journal & Courier. Email him at sking@jconline.com and follow him on Twitter and Instagram @samueltking.
Benton Central (1-6) at Central Catholic (4-3)
Time: 7 p.m.
Series history: Central Catholic has won 14 straight meetings, including 51-0 last season.
About Benton Central: The Bison average 24.3 points and allow 46.7 per game. ... Since winning its season opener 21-12 against Delphi, Benton Central has allowed more than 40 points in each of its last six games. ... Benton Central's Corbin Cooley leads the state in receiving yards, according to teams who post stats on MaxPreps. ... Statistical leaders-Passing: Joe Widmer (170-299, 2,063 yards, 21 TD, 8 INT). ... Rushing: Widmer (82 car., 237 yards, 2 TD), Caleb Kawlewski (53 car., 230 yards, 1 TD). ... Receiving: Corbin Cooley (71 rec., 938 yards, 8 TD), Makhail Cleaver (39 rec., 344 yards, 4 TD). ... Defense: Kawlewski (62 tackles, 5 TFL, 2 sacks), Jacob Brouillette (61 tackles, 4 TFL), Cleaver (51 tackles, 7 TFL, 3 sacks). ... Kicking: Liam Reed (14-16 PAT).
About Central Catholic: The Knights average 25.6 points and allow 16.1 per game. ... Central Catholic is ranked 10th in the Class 2A coaches poll. ... The Knights have won at least five games in each of coach Brian Nay's five seasons and are trying to extend that streak to six. ... Statistical leaders-Passing: Bobby Metzger (146-244, 1,460 yards, 14 TD, 6 INT). ... Rushing: Jackson Cain (30 car., 211 yards, 2 TD). ... Receiving: Ray Clayton (42 rec., 424 yards, 1 TD), Cain (35 rec., 314 yards, 3 TD), Hudson Gutwein (19 rec., 257 yards, 2 TD). ... Defense: Nick Page (62 tackles, 4 TFL), Isaac Suppinger (45 tackles, 4 TFL), Brinn Robbins (42 tackles, 3 TFL, 2 INT), Albert Schwartz (38 tackles, 2 TFL, 5 sacks), Nikkoli Bell (22 tackles, 2 TFL, 5 sacks). ... Kicking: Thomas Henry (22-23 PAT, 1-4 FG, long of 21).
Coach Nay's take: "We've been heavy on just being disciplined and doing your job and not trying to play outside of yourself. That's what coach B (defensive coordinator Gavin Breyfogle) has been preaching defensively. That's what we've been preaching offensively and in the special teams game. A heavy emphasis in the last couple of weeks has paid off. They pose some challenges. Coach (Andy) Standifer does a good job getting the ball to his playmakers in space and the quarterback is a great player. We've got to be on point from start to finish."
This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: Lafayette Central Catholic football finds playmaker in Hudson Gutwein
