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FOOTBALL: Home Improvement Top 10 Week 7 10/1/24

Check out the top teams in the area through six weeks of play!

10. CHESTERTON TROJANS (4-2)

LAST WEEK’S RANKING: Outside looking in

WEEK 6: won 10-6 over Portage

THIS WEEK: at Lake Central (3-3)

STATISTIC TO NOTE: This is Chesterton’s best start through six games since the 2021 season.

Through two-thirds of the regular season, Chesterton, who has battled injuries, has shown that they can beat you down with their run game in addition to their talented defense.

In last Friday’s game against Portage – we saw some of those growing pains that were maybe expected the week prior against Valparaiso. Chesterton could have blown the game open against the Indians if not for some goal-to-go turnovers. It was a struggle offensively for both sides, as Chesterton struck first late in the fourth with a field goal before an Owen Edlen scoop-and-score ultimately was the nail in the coffin.

Although last week’s win was not the prettiest, Chesterton has shown they can compete. Heck, in the first game without their QB, they took Valparaiso to overtime. For a program that had two wins last year, this has been a step up.

Chesterton will travel to the Burial Grounds next week – an intriguing test against a team that beat them 20-14 last year.

 

9. MICHIGAN CITY WOLVES (2-4)

LAST WEEK’S RANKING: Outside looking in

WEEK 6: won 20-14 against Lake Central

THIS WEEK: at Portage (2-4)

POSITION GROUP TO HIGHLIGHT: City’s non-senior wide receivers.

If there is a position group that may have the most potential moving forward – it is Michigan City’s skill positions on the offensive side. It is not often that you see sophomores and juniors performing at high levels in the Duneland. For City, that is exactly what you’re getting.

It is a trio of wide receivers – two sophomores and a junior, that do most of the damage offensively for the Wolves. Kyron Hart logged quality snaps a season ago as a freshman (!!). He is leading the team in receiving yards and scored last week. Jamin Harvell is more of a do-it-all-guy, as he has taken snaps at receiver and running back. Harvell led the team in receiving against LC and also found the end zone. He is second on the team in receiving and rushing. Zaire McKinney is the vet of the group, as the junior offers size and speed on the outside. If we want to add another name to the mix, we can talk about City’s fourth-leading receiver – Meekael Laurent – who is a third sophomore of the bunch. All of these names mentioned have more than 150 receiving yards.

To round this off, all of these passes are thrown by Trinaston Hart, who is only a junior. Hart played well against LC last Friday, completing 10-17 for 177 yards and two scores. 

We are still looking for City to play a full four quarters of quality football. The Wolves got off to a 20-0 lead against LC before the Indians almost made a heroic comeback in the final frame. The Wolves will to play a complete game this Friday against the struggling Portage Indians.

8. ANDREAN 59ERS (3-3)

LAST WEEK’S RANKING: #8

WEEK 6: won 38-7 against Highland

THIS WEEK: Bishop Chatard (5-1)

SIX WEEKS IN, WHAT IS TO SAY?: The talent is certainly evident, which could make for a sense of optimism come playoff time. 

It was a pleasant response for the Niners against Highland last Friday after the wake of the tough overtime loss at the Brickyard. Andrean was dominant at all three phases against the Trojans, including two punt return touchdowns – including one from their QB, Brady Elish – who made a lot of plays under center as well.

To think Andrean’s record of 3-3 could be a game or two if things went a different way in two separate weeks is quite fascinating. Nonetheless, the Niners have not played (and will not play) someone below the 4A class size this season. To remind you, they are a 2A school.

With LaVille leaving the sectional, Andrean could be seen as one of the favorites heading into Sectional 33. It was an unfamiliar first-game exit for the Niners last year, who lost at LaVille. With the talent of this team and the difficulty of their regular season schedule, a longer playoff run is not out of the mix.

This Friday will certainly test the 59ers, as state powerhouse Bishop Chatard will come up to Broadway.

 

7. HOBART BRICKIES (4-2)

LAST WEEK’S RANKING: #7

WEEK 6: won 42-7 at Lowell

THIS WEEK: #2 Hanover Central (5-1)

UNIT TO NOTE: The Brickie run defense.

From the jump from non-conference to conference games, it could be said that no team has gotten better throughout the course of the season than the Hobart Brickies. A team that struggled to score points and limit scoring opportunities have now only done just that through four games in the NCC.

Going more into depth on the defense, Hobart held Andrean to 22 yards rushing two weeks ago and most recently held Lowell to 77 yards on 2.1 yards per carry. Aiden Kasch, a sophomore for the Brickies, had two sacks and was tied for the team lead with seven tackles. Nicholas Dozier, was another sophomore who had seven tackles against the Devils. Josh Diaz, who is a junior, is another name that stands out. This Brickie defense has began to figure it out – in addition to being a relatively younger unit.

However, that unit may have to grow up a little more in preparation for this Friday night. The NCC will be decided at the Brickyard, as Hanover Central will travel into town in a battle of the conference’s unbeatens. The winner of this game will clinch at least a share of the title. The loser? They will need some help to end the season to even get a share.

In a game that was decided by a few plays last year, Hobart is seeking to avenge that loss and continue their recent hot streak. The matchup between Hanover’s offense and the Hobart defense may be the X-factor come Friday.

 

6. WHEELER BEARCATS (4-2)

LAST WEEK’S RANKING: #6

WEEK 6: 41-0 win over West Side

THIS WEEK: at Calumet (4-2)

STATISTIC TO NOTE: 10 consecutive wins over GSSC opponents.

Although the Greater South Shore Conference is split up into two divisions – Wheeler has been the top dog throughout the entire conference since Hanover’s departure before the 2023 season. It has been a stretch of consistency after their last conference loss to River Forest in the early stages of last season.

Since then, the Bearcats have been impressive on both sides of the ball – as this year’s squad is highlighted by a very strong returning class that features plenty of two-way talent. Last Friday was another solid performance against a promising West Side team.

The mission for Wheeler is repeating as conference champs. The Bearcats, whose championship last fall was their first since the 2015 season, are now making it the new standard of Bearcat football. Nick Testa has been at the forefront of what has been an exciting time period for Wheeler – who is now one of two teams undefeated in the GSSC South (Griffith).

Those two will meet in the final week of the regular season, a game of which may have very big implications for who walks away with the crown. However, Wheeler must get there first, as they will do battle with a Calumet team that has sneakily gotten off to a better start than last fall. 

5. GRIFFITH PANTHERS (6-0)

LAST WEEK’S RANKING: #5

WEEK 6: won 49-0 at East Chicago Central 

THIS WEEK: at West Side (4-2)

SIX WEEKS IN, WHAT IS TO SAY?: They have been doing things in dominating fashion… although more challenging matchups may await. 

Last Friday was another chapter in what has been a dominant 2024 for Griffith. It has been the best start record-wise since the Radtke days. With this stretch, many can ask why Griffith is not higher on the list.

Griffith has been good, there is no way to dance around that. Last Friday was the Panthers’ fourth shutout victory this season. They have not scored less than 28 points through this part of the season. They might just be the team to beat in the GSSC. 

However, if there is one thing to discuss – it might just be the quality of opponents Griffith has played so far. That said, that is not to discredit the Panthers, who have done the job of playing who has appeared on their schedule and winning convincingly in nearly all of them. But it is to note that those first six opponents have a combined record of 10-26. Again, Griffith has done their job through two-thirds of the regular season, but it will be intriguing to see how this final third closes out. 

Griffith’s next three opponents (West Side, Calumet, Wheeler), combine for a record of 12-6. Now if Griffith can keep up their play over the course of the next few weeks, moving up the line is not out of the question at all. 

After all, there are only two remaining unbeatens in the area (CP). Griffith is hoping to remain in that good company after this week’s contest with a solid West Side team – in what would be Griffith’s third straight game on the road. 

 

4. VALPARAISO VIKINGS (4-2)

LAST WEEK’S RANKING: #4

WEEK 6: lost 41-7 against Crown Point

THIS WEEK: at #3 Merrillville (5-1)

HOW DOES VALPARAISO STAY AT FOUR?: 

A topic of discussion when making this list was if Valparaiso deserves to move down a spot or not after their big loss to Crown Point. Although the loss against CP is certainly one to flush if you’re Valparaiso – it is very difficult to push a team down the list after playing the Bulldogs. In a similar situation with Merrillville – they have shown that they are a very solid squad, even after running into the Crown Point buzz saw. 

Therefore, we just give Valpo the slight edge over teams like Griffith and Wheeler, who are both playing some great ball in their own right. But this upcoming game at Demaree Stadium could certainly lead to some shakeup in the top ten – and could certainly usher in those aforementioned GSSC teams to the top five.

It will be a “prove-it” game for both sides – as Valparaiso will do battle with the Pirates from Merrillville. The two 5A juggernauts are just about as evenly matched as ever. Both teams can typically run the football and step up defensively when needed. Valpo, who won the first meeting between them and Merrillville last fall, fell at Demaree Stadium in their second affair in the 5A Regional Championship. These simply have become two teams that are on a collision course to meet come November. However, we are only worried about what is to come on Friday. 

 

3. MERRILLVILLE PIRATES (5-1)

LAST WEEK’S RANKING: #3

WEEK 6: 35-0 win at LaPorte

THIS WEEK: #4 Valparaiso (4-2)

WHAT HAPPENED LAST WEEK: A slower start, but a finish that completely resembled Merrillville football.

Traveling to LaPorte is no easy task – which may have been the reason for the Pirates’ relatively slow start after one frame. After a 0-0 first quarter, many were waiting for the explosiveness from this Merrillville team.

We saw it in the second quarter, as the Pirates outscored the Slicers 21-0 – which was the deciding factor moving forward. The Pirates had a bit more success throwing the ball in this one, but JQ Johnson still had quite the night on the ground. The defense was able to force turnovers in this one – picking off LaPorte three times leading to the dub.

Merrillville now must ride that momentum for this Friday – as a potential future playoff opponent in Valparaiso will come into town. These two always seem to put on a show – with the latest chapter of this rivalry coming in last year’s Regional Championship in a game that was decided down to the last play. It may be advised for the Pirates to not come out flat in this one, as Valpo is looking to bounce back after a tough loss to Crown Point.

2. HANOVER CENTRAL WILDCATS (5-1)

LAST WEEK’S RANKING: #2

WEEK 6: 42-6 win over Munster

THIS WEEK: at #7 Hobart (4-2)

WHAT IS AT STAKE THIS FRIDAY?: Nearly locking up a second conference title in as many years.

Last Friday was another efficient night on the gridiron for the Lakeshow. The Wildcats got off to an early lead and never looked back. Highlighted by a 200+ yard and three score game from Caiden Verrett – Hanover rolled over Munster en route to a 4-0 start in NCC play.

Only one other team stands alone with Hanover Central in the standings, who is also the Wildcats’ upcoming opponent – Hobart.

In an absolute thriller in Cedar Lake last year, the Wildcats just scraped by the Brickies. Now, they must take a trip to the Brickyard against a team that is peaking at the right time. If Hanover Central were to walk away victorious, they clinch at least a share of the NCC title – which would be their second consecutive season with at least a share in as many years within the conference.

Hobart will be the biggest test in the area for Hanover up to this point in the season – as the Brickies were just about the only team locally that gave Hanover a run for their money in 2023. Signs are pointing that another classic could be on the horizon come Friday.

 

1. CROWN POINT BULLDOGS (6-0)

LAST WEEK’S RANKING: #1

WEEK 6: won 41-7 at Valparaiso

THIS WEEK: at LaPorte (0-6)

STATISTICS TO NOTE: Where do we begin?

Instead of running through the game script of last week’s meeting against Valparaiso, we thought it would be best to let the numbers do the talking – which have really shown how dominant CP has been throughout this impressive stretch. All of these were obtained from @CPdogsfootball on X.

  • 24 game regular season winning streak (longest active in area)
  • 18 game DAC winning streak (longest active in conference)
  • 15 straight regular season road games (longest active in area)
  • Only have trailed for 1:17 this year
  • Outscored opponents 231-21 in first half, 124-14 in second quarter

It has been an unreal stretch for the Bulldogs – all led by the newest member of the 250 win club as coach Craig Buzea reached the milestone after the Valpo game. Since things really started trending in the right direction during Buz’s second year at CP – they have become the team to beat in the area. 

It is their world now and we are just living in it.

They now control their fate in the Duneland, sitting atop the conference with a 4-0 record. Their quest to three-peat as conference champs will continue against LaPorte.

OUTSIDE LOOKING IN

BOONE GROVE WOLVES

RIVER FOREST INGOTS

WEST SIDE COUGARS

MORTON GOVERNORS

LAKE CENTRAL INDIANS

CALUMET WARRIORS

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