If recent history is any indicator, then Friday’s Class 6A Sectional 6 opener between Ben Davis and Southport should go the Giants way.

In the past two years, Ben Davis has outscored Southport 104-24 in sectional games. Coach Jason Simmons, however, is well aware that history does not always repeat itself and he’s been preaching proper execution and discipline since Ben Davis ended the regular season with a 52-14 win over North Central two weeks ago.

The Giants bring a high-powered offense and a 4-5 record into Friday’s home game while Southport is 0-9.

“We have to have a high level of discipline and get better every day as a football team in practice,” Simmons said in preparation for the state tournament. “We have to be able to execute our assignments at a high level.”

The Giants have been led by senior quarterback J’Uan Swanson this year. He has completed 178 of 271 passes for 2,329 yards and 22 touchdowns. He has connected with senior Donell Mason for 13 of those touchdowns and 793 yards.

Ben Davis is riding a two-game winning streak heading into sectionals and will be seeking a third straight sectional title. The Giants had lost four straight, including a shortened homecoming game against Carmel that was stopped due to a shooting incident outside the stadium.

“This season has presented our team with a lot of challenges and adversity that will ultimately make us better,” Simmons said. “We have developed depth and played a lot of players.”

The winner of Friday’s game will face the winner of the Tech vs Perry Meridian game. Should BD win, the Giants will be on the road next weekend.