Warsaw tailback Tristan McClone runs for a big gain during a sectional win last week at Fort Wayne Northrop.The Tigers play at Fort Wayne Carroll in a sectional title game Friday night.

WARSAW – One of the goals all season for the Warsaw football team was a sectional championship.

That opportunity finally awaits the Tigers Friday night.

It comes in the form of a huge challenge too.

Warsaw travels to Fort Wayne Carroll to clash with the explosive, high-scoring Chargers in a Class 6-A sectional title tilt. Kick-off is set for 7 p.m.

The Tigers, who have never won a sectional, meet a Carroll team that is flying high. The Chargers are averaging almost 50 points-per-game on the season and have outscored their opponents 290-55 during their current five game winning streak. Warsaw is 7-3 after a 40-20 win at Fort Wayne Northrop last week, while Carroll sits at 8-2 after hammering Homestead 49-7 in its sectional opener last Friday.

Warsaw coach Phil Jensen says his team, which boasts a big senior class, is enjoying the week.

“Our guys have been practicing hard, but having a lot of fun this week,” said Jensen. “They are enjoying being together. All year long, our chemistry has been good and we have a tight senior class. They should enjoy this. We’re one of just 16 teams still practicing in Class 6-A.”

Carroll, which won a Class 5-A sectional title in posting a 10-3 record in 2012, is led by the dynamic running back tandem of the Tranquill brothers. Senior Drue has rushed for 1,321 yards, while averaging 14.5 yards-per-carry, and 27 touchdowns. Junior Justin has 1,329 yards with 18 touchdowns. Justin set a school record last week with 254 yards to go with four touchdowns.

Drue Tranquil, a 6-2, 215-pounder, has made a verbal commitment to Purdue. He is still deciding whether to sign with the Boilermakers or accept an offer from Notre Dame, according to Carroll coach Doug Dinan. Tranquill, who took a visit to ND for the recent USC game, is expected to make his final college decision soon, according to his coach.

“They are the real deal,” said Jensen of the Tranquills. “They are big, strong and fast. Their athleticism is what makes them dangerous. The thing is though that Carroll has a lot of good players around those two great ones and they are well coached.”

Dinan, who is 31-15 in his fourth season at Carroll, says it’s much more than ability that make the Tranquills, both who also play defense, special.

“Their character is second to none,” said Dinan of his pair of stars. “They are A students, have a great work ethic and are leaders on and off the field. I could go on and on about them. All of their attributes off the field make them great football players on it.”

The Chargers are more than just the Tranquills. Senior quarterback Chandler Boggs, a 6-3, 200-pounder, has thrown for 1,245 yards and 17 touchdowns and also has rushed for 316 yards.

Dinan downplayed the notion that his team is a prohibitive favorite.

“I’m very impressed with Warsaw,” said Dinan. “They are well coached, their running back (Tristan McClone) is very good and Phil will have them prepared to play. The playoffs are a whole different deal. It’s do or die and who wants to stick around. Warsaw wants the same thing we want Friday night.”

Warsaw, which averages 21 points-per-game, will want to control the clock Friday night. The Chargers will look to turn the game into a track meet with their no-huddle attack.

“We have to control the ball and the tempo and not get in a shootout,” Jensen said. “That’s been our formula for success all season. We have to slow the game down and not get in a hurry. We can’t give up the big play. Our defense has to play full out, puruse well and make sure tackles on them. Special teams play will be big too in terms of field position.”

Dinan definitely agrees about how important tempo will be Friday night.

“A huge key is who sets the tone,”  remarked Dinan. “Warsaw wants long drives and wants to be on the field. We want to score fast. For us, it’s about controlling the line on both sides, stopping the run, making an impact on special teams and winning the turnover battle. Those keys are the same as always for us.”

Warsaw is led by standout Tristan McClone. The star senior has rushed for 1,418 yards and 18 touchdowns, including four in the first half last week. Hard-working fullback Jason Taylor has 257 yards. Senior quarterback Austin Head has thrown for 712 yards and six touchdowns. Tanner Balazs and Conner McCammack are the top receivers for the Tigers. The Warsaw defense is led by Gabe Furnivall, Kyle Heckaman, Caleb Wooldridge, Seth Fouts and Darren Schaefer. Brett Fancil leads the Tigers with three interceptions.

Carroll lost back-to-back games to New Haven (41-35) and East Noble (27-7)  in weeks four and five. East Noble is 8-2 and New Haven 9-1 and both are still playing in the state tournament.

Warsaw and Carroll have played three common opponents this season. Warsaw defeated Columbia City 33-14, Goshen 34-12 and lost to East Noble 49-14. Carroll beat Columbia City 56-0, Goshen 55-0 and lost to East Noble 27-7.

Jensen’s postgame message to his team last Friday night at Northrop was to dream. The chance for their dreams to become a reality happens tomorrow night.

“I’m confident that our kids will play hard and I’m confident in them that they will meet the challenge,” said Jensen. “I know these kids are the ones I want to coach. I wouldn’t want to coach any other team.”

The Warsaw-Carroll winner advances to play either Fishers (9-1) or Carmel (7-3) in a regional title game Nov. 8.