BREMEN - Now the fun starts! If the first three weeks of the high school football season and non-conference games weren't enough to wet your appetite. Well then the start of the conference season might just ramp up the ole neighborhood. It's week four and one of the older rivalries on the schedule - LaVille v. Bremen - is about to be renewed. The Lions lead the all-time series, 40-17. Friday night, Bremen comes in with a 3-0 record, and so far, the Lions offense is averaging nearly 58 points per game. On defense, BHS has been quite stingy, allowing just seven ppg. This rivalry has seen its share of blowouts, shutouts, and nail-biters. Just simply refer to the 7-6 barnburner on September 12, 2025. For LaVille, first-year coach Matt Thacker knew his club would start the season against a tough schedule. After a season-opening victory at Triton, the Lancers have faced #5 North Judson-San Pierre and #1 Evansville Mater Dei. And, for the third week in a row the LHS gets another top 10 team in #10 Bremen. We had a chance to ask Coach Thacker about opening the INSC against Bremen and the rivalry. "The first conference game is always key, especially in football," Thacker said. "We'll see Bremen once and we need to make the most of it. Being 1-0 in conference play would be huge for us, but that goes for everyone seeking to get a leg up in any conference play. In rivalry games the key is to not get too high and not get too low. There are always swings of emotions in games like this and we cannot let emotions dictate who we are and how we play." So what does Thacker know about the Lions? "Potentially, they will throw out multiple looks on defense and we'll need to be aware of any changes on a play to play basis," the Lancer boss said. "Offensively, they're similar and will use multiple looks on offense in an effort to get their playmakers the ball either in space or to be physical and force the ball down your throat. Again, we have to recognize what they are doing pre-snap and play fast and physical football." According to Thacker, Bremen has several players that want to make an impact. "Jacob Rodriquez (#4) is a solid QB and is only a sophomore. I am sure we'll be hearing more and more about him in the years to come. He does a solid job of running the offense and has excellent speed. We have our hands full.," Thacker noted. (#10) Logan Moser is a beast to bring down and we're going to have to get more than one guy to the ball in order to tackle him. He is a very physical player who does a lot of good things for their football team. (#6) Nic Slusser is a burner and we will need to keep an eye on him in the running and passing game. He's very skilled and knows where the endzone is. (#22) Jace Pippinger is someone who may get overlooked, but he is a true glue guy on their offense. He gets yards when they need him to and does some dirty work in order to help them win games. He is a great team player. (#45) Derek Miller is also another tough player and had a big game against Boone Grove last week. Again, a glue guy who does the small things for his team to be successful. "How could you forget their offensive line? They are big and physical kids who are the reason they are 3-0. Lucas Fredrickson (#71) is a returner, (#58) Dakota Hickey is a returner, (#70) Jacob Marvel is a returner, (#52) Riley Buskiewicz is a big kid and is very good and (#74) Ethyn Britton is also a returner and very good as well. We will have to match their physicality or it will be a long night." On the defensive side, "It all starts upfront with their defensive line. Dakota Hickey (#58), (#54) Brenden Rice and (#52) Riley Buskiewicz are all physical and move very well. We have to get after them in order to give our offense a chance. (#10) Logan Moser and (#3) Matt Bogunia are very solid in the middle. They both are very good downhill MLB's that we have to account for on every play. Plus, they play very fast. (#45) Derek Miller is a tough kid who plays the OLB position very well. He plays with the speed and physicality that you need in that position. So does (#32) Braxton Ritter who plays well on the LOS and in space. "Their secondary stands out due to their speed and ability to cover and fill in the run game. Pretty impressive." So with that said, we asked Coach Thacker about what really concerns him most about this BHS team? "We have to match their physicality in the trenches. That is the game we have to win in order to be successful." We closed with keys to a Lancer victory in this INSC lid-lifter for both teams. "Win the trenches. Control what we can control. Not too high, not too low." Game on ... GAMEDAY Teams: LaVille (1-2) at #10 Bremen (3-0) Site: Don J. Bunge Field | Bremen High School Kick: 7:00 PM EDT Coaches: Matt Thacker, 1-2 in 1st year at LaVille, 33-52 in 9th year overall. Justin Bogunia, 9-5 in 2nd year at Bremen, 114-68 in 17th year overall. Last Outing: LaVille lost to Evansville Mater Dei, 48-0. Bremen defeated Boone Grove, 52-7. All-Time Series: Bremen leads LaVille, 40-17 Last Meeting: Bremen def. LaVille, 7-6, Sept. 12, 2025