For the first time since winning it all in 1995, the St. Joseph Indians will play for State this weekend.

The Indians will face Indy Chatard in the 3A State finals in the RCA Dome Saturday at noon.

St. Joe's outstanding running back tandem of all-time leading rusher Jordan Taylor and junior Dustin White are among the main reasons the Indians are headed to the Dome.

But now that backfield is very much in question. Taylor did not practice Tuesday night, sitting out the team's workout at the Loftus Center.

The senior strained his hamstring during the 1st half of last Friday's Semi-State game against Fort Wayne Concordia.

He is doubtful for Saturday and the Indians are planning as if he will not be able to go.

That means White should be the featured back.

But the junior also did not practice Tuesday night. White came down with strep throat earlier in the day.

Head coach Kevin Downey believes White should be ok by Saturday.

In the meantime, the Indians are forced to practice with a backfield by committee that has little experience.

St. Joseph will hold a pep rally at 11:30 am at the the school gym on Wednesday. Newscenter 16's own Terry McFadden, a St. Joe grad and former Indian football player, will serve as the master of ceremonies.