FOOTBALL: Class 5A Sectional #9 Preview

THE FAVORITE

Mishawaka – Munster fans probably aren’t happy their Mustangs aren’t the favorite, but hear us out. Mishawaka gets the edge as the favorite because their semi-final meeting, assuming Mishawaka gets past SB Adams will be at “The Cave” – not an easy place to play. When you also consider the Cavemen are the defending champs, and their two losses were a one point defeat to Crown Point and a nine point loss to Penn (when no other team has come within 20 points of the Kingsmen), it makes sense that Mishawaka gets the nod. But that doesn’t mean we’re pulling for them. We think the Stangs are legit.

Munster – The Mustangs narrowly miss out on the favorite spot, but they are definitely tops among dark horses. What we like most about this Mustang squad is their ability to respond to adversity. In the two games following losses this year, Munster has scored a combined 104 points. They get a week off before playing either Mishawaka or SB Adams, so they should be well rested. A sectional title drought that goes back to 1996 could very well end this year.

LaPorte – One win away from the championship game, offensively LaPorte has a dominant running game, which is what it takes to be successful come tournament time. Unfortunately, they may not have the other end of that equation which is a shutdown defense.

Michigan City – The only two DAC wins for the Wolves this season were double OT victories over Valpo & LaPorte. They looked good in a loss to LC, but have floundered elsewhere. Consider this position more of a condition of the draw putting them one win from the title game rather then what they’ve shown in an up and down year.