Hanover Central High School

(Indianapolis, IN) Hanover Central’s varsity Wildcats lost their first regular season game in nearly three years, falling to perennial power Bishop Chatard in Indianapolis 28-7. The game was called off at halftime when lightning detectors at Chatard High School sounded. After continuous lightning extended the mandatory 30-minute waiting period multiple times—and with radar indicating severe storms on the way—Athletic Directors for both schools made the decision not to play a 2nd half. The abbreviated game counts as official. HC (1-1) won the toss and elected to receive. On the game’s second play from scrimmage, Chatard linebacker Declan Hostettler picked off Hanover’s first pass attempt, returning it 31 yards for a score. On the ensuing kickoff, Caiden Verrett weaved through would-be tacklers for a 99-yard kickoff return TD, his second kick return TD in as many weeks. An Aldo Desiderio PAT tied the game at 7. After that, however, two-time defending state champ Bishop Chatard (2-0) flexed their collective muscle, showing why they have won four state titles in five seasons. Trojan QB Jack Harrington was 12-for-16, with 162 yards and three touchdown passes. Chatard outgained the Wildcats in total offensive yards 204-42. Hanover didn’t gain its first first down until the 9:00 mark of the 2nd quarter. Prior to Friday’s trip to the capital city, Hanover hadn’t lost a regular season game since September 3, 2021, a 35-34 loss at Culver Military Academy. The Wildcats begin their quest to defend their Northwest Crossroads Conference championship this Friday night, September 6th, when they host Highland at the Wildcat Den. In 2023, the Wildcats went 6-0 in their first season playing in the NCC. + + + + + Stats courtesy Adam Noel, Hanover Central football statistician