Football: Harrison (West Lafayette) team preview

By Eric Eaton
Hoosier Crossroads Content Coordinator

The conclusion to the 2007 season brought about some really encouraging signs for head coach Jeromy Flowers and the Harrison Raiders.

Not only did they knock off Hoosier Crossroads conference co-champion Hamilton Southeastern in week 8 by a score of 28-25, but they also finished by winning 3 of their final 5 games.

Now granted the Raiders graduated 15 starters from that team. However, when you look at the fact that four of Harrison’s 8 losses last season were by seven points or less, it seems apparent that coach Flowers has this program moving in the right direction as he begins his third season as head coach.

If the Raiders are to continue their momentum by registering their first winning season since 1996, then junior running back Bowdie Linsenmeyer will most certainly play a huge role in doing so.

The 5’10” Linsenmeyer, who was honorable mention All-State last year, set the single season school rushing record last season with 1,565 yards. In addition, he also set single game school marks for both touchdowns (5) and points (30).

Here’s a capsule look at the 2008 Harrison Raiders
Coach: Jeromy Flowers (third year at Harrison)
2007 Record: 4-8, 2-7 HCC (9th place)
2007 State Tournament: 2-1, defeated Lafayette Jeff 49-28 in the opening round of 5A Sectional #4, beat McCutcheon 43-7 in the sectional semifinals, and lost to Carmel 49-7 in the sectional title game
Key graduation losses: Stephen Devine-LB (Purdue)
Offensive Returning Starters: 5
Defensive Returning Starters: 2
Top Players:
RB – Bowdie Linsenmeyer (JR) 5’10”, 205 lbs.
QB – B.J. Bennett (JR) 5’9”, 180 lbs.
WR/DB – Corey Shandrick (SR) 5’11”, 180 lbs.
WR/S – Levi Armstrong (SR) 6’3”, 210 lbs.
OL/DL – F.N. Lutz (SR), 6’2”, 270 lbs. (first team All-Conference at offensive line last season)
LB – Shane Brunson (SR), 5’11”, 210 lbs.
K – Chase Ritter (SR)
2008 Outlook: “I expect week in and week out to put ourselves in position to win every game.” – Harrison coach Jeromy Flowers
Schedule: Click here to view the Raiders 2008 Schedule

Note: the HCC football team previews will continue on Saturday, August 16 with the Lafayette Jefferson Bronchos.