Around the Region – Week #9

A look at all of the Week #9 matchups!

LOWELL (4-4/3-2) @ ANDREAN (4-4/3-2)

Two traditional NCC powers on the outside looking in when it comes to the conference title race, but do any opposing teams look forward to potential matchups with either of these two in the post-season? We think not. FAVORITE: Pick ‘Em

BISHOP NOLL (0-8/0-6) @ LAKE STATION (2-6/1-5)

The Warriors are looking for their first win since September 26 of 2014 and they may not have a better opportunity to end the drought. Lake Station has scored a total of 14 points over the course of the last four weeks, so opportunity knocks for Noll….will they answer? FAVORITE: Pick ‘Em

SOUTH CENTRAL (5-3/3-3) @ BOONE GROVE (2-6/1-5)

It’s been back-to-back heart breaking weeks for the Satellites. Two weeks ago it was a one point loss to North Newton. Last week, a lead after three quarters against Hanover Central turned into a 21 point loss. They’ll have a chance to right the ship this week against Boone Grove, as long as the last two games still have them focused. FAVORITE: South Central

BOWMAN (0-8) @ COVENANT CHRISTIAN (8-0)

Covenant Christian is averaging 41 points a game heading into Week #9, along with a defense that only gives up 13.6 per game. Bowman is still looking for their first win – it may have to come in the tournament. FAVORITE: Covenant Christian

CALUMET (3-5/3-3) @ WHEELER (3-5/2-4)

After FINALLY playing a home game, Calumet has to hit the road once again, this time to Union Twp. for a date with the Bearcats. Wheeler defeated rival Boone Grove a week ago so they have a little momentum. In Wheeler wins, the ‘Cats average 37 points a game. In their losses? 8.4. As the offense goes, so goes the Bearcats. FAVORITE: Pick ‘Em

MERRILLVILLE (3-5/2-4) @ CHESTERTON (2-6/0-6)

Chesterton hasn’t lost seven in a row since 1993. Merrillville hasn’t lost five in a row since 1987. One of those streaks will be changed to 2016 after Friday night. While the Pirates haven’t been playing well, at least they have big play on offense – something the Trojans don’t have. FAVORITE: Merrillville

HAMMOND HIGH (2-6/0-3) @ CLARK (0-8/0-3)

Clark almost won their first game since 2014 last week against West Side, but came out on the losing end again. The Pioneers take on coach Eric Schreiber’s old team Hammond High this week, in a game that should be competitive once again. Both teams struggle offensively, but the Wildcat defense has been more stout this year, which may give them the edge on the road. FAVORITE: Hammond High

CROWN POINT (3-5/2-4) @ MICHIGAN CITY (6-2/4-2)

The atmosphere may not be the same at Ames Field this week as it was in that big game against LaPorte, but the Wolves will probably just as fired up coming in off a loss. Michigan City followed up their other loss this year with a 42 point outburst against Merrillville – don’t be surprised to see a similar number this week. FAVORITE: Michigan City

GRIFFITH (6-2/5-1) @ EC CENTRAL (6-1/4-0)

Last week, the RSN crew doubted Griffith’s strength of schedule and overwhelmingly picked Andrean to beat the Panthers. We were wrong. This week, similar doubts exist about the EC Central Cardinals, who sport a gaudy 6-1 mark but haven’t faced the toughest of competition. Will history repeat itself once again this week? FAVORITE: Pick ‘Em

MORTON (3-5/2-1) @ GAVIT (4-3/2-1)

The Gladiators haven’t had a win over city-rival Morton since the 2000 season, so yeah, they might be pumped for this one. Gavit’s offense has been on fire during their three game winning streak, scoring an average of 43.6 points per game. That should be enough to get the job done against a Morton defense that’s given up 36 a game over the same three week stretch. FAVORITE: Gavit

HANOVER CENTRAL (8-0/6-0) @ NORTH NEWTON (7-1/6-0)

It all comes down to Hanover Central vs. North Newton for the GSSC title….just like we all expected. With the way these two teams play defense (Wildcats 7.6 points per game/Spartans 7.5) it may be a case of first team that finds the end zone wins. FAVORITE: Hanover Central

HIGHLAND (4-4/1-4) @ HOBART (6-2/4-1)

Highland and Hobart have faced off 17 times in their programs’ histories. Hobart has come out on top every single time. Having history on their side is nice for the Brickies, but that won’t be the difference. FAVORITE: Hobart

KV (2-6/0-5) @ MUNSTER (3-5/2-3)

Munster beat Highland by 41. KV lost to Highland by five. If we were going by the transitive property, the ‘Stangs should win by 46….but sports don’t work that way. Munster’s dropped three in a row, including last week’s by 31 against Lowell.  Munster should get the win this week, but it’ll be closer than we all thought a few weeks back. FAVORITE: Munster

VALPO (5-3/4-2) @ LAKE CENTRAL (3-5/2-4)

A couple weeks back, this one looked like a no-brainer and one-sided blowout in favor of the Vikings. It still could go heavily towards Valpo’s way, but it’s trending towards being a close one. Valpo hasn’t scored more than 21 points in a game over the last three weeks, while LC’s lowest scoring output in that span is 23 points. The Vikings are still the favorite, but we could be on upset alert at the LC Coliseum. FAVORITE: Valpo

LAPORTE (8-0/6-0) @ PORTAGE (5-3/4-2)

This season, Portage has followed up each of their losses with two consecutive wins. Two weeks ago, they lost to Michigan City. They beat Valpo a week ago to keep the potential pattern alive – all they need to complete it? A win over undefeated LaPorte. FAVORITE:LaPorte

RIVER FOREST (3-5/3-3) @ WHITING (7-1/5-1)

The Ingots have rebounded nicely after an 0-5 start to win three straight. Unfortunately for them, barring a major upset, that’s where the winning streak will end as they travel to take on a Whiting team that’s dialed in as the playoffs approach. FAVORITE: Whiting

ROOSEVELT (0-7) @ WEST SIDE (1-6)

“The Big Cat Game” between West Side & Roosevelt is not only a City of Gary rivalry, it’s the first time that Roosevelt will play on a Friday night this season. Maybe playing their rivals under the lights will wake up a Panther offense that’s scored in double digits just once this year. Bragging rights are on the line and that usually brings out the best in two teams. FAVORITE: West Side