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FOOTBALL: Home Improvement Postseason Top Ten 10/22/24

Here are the top teams to look out for the 2024 football state tournament!

10. HOBART BRICKIES (5-4)

LAST WEEK’S RANKING: Outside looking in

WEEK 9: 49-6 win at Highland

THIS WEEK: at Lowell (4-5)

BIGGEST STORYLINE MOVING FORWARD?: Can the younger Brickies grow up?

It was a bit of a shocker two Fridays ago when the Brickies gave up 61 points in a overtime loss at Morton – which was fresh off of a slim defeat to Hanover Central, a game that was thought to decide the NCC. Nonetheless, Hobart responded accordingly with a blowout victory at Highland, which would end up giving them a share of the NCC title after some help from Andrean.

2024 has been a season of some change within the program in addition to some growing pains. For one, a new head coach in Eric Schreiber Jr. Secondly, a lot of playmakers had to be replaced from the 2023 squad – including the QB position, which is currently led by sophomore Aleks Tatum. The offense was not the only unit that lost some pieces, as the defense required a facelift as well going into this season.

Besides all of the change, Hobart has a respectable 5-4 record going into the postseason. Now, there is no room for error – and it shall be interesting to see how things go moving forward. The defense is riddled with productive youth as four of the Brickies top six tacklers are non-seniors. The team leader in sacks and the top two spots in defensive interceptions are sophomores. Yes, you still have senior leaders like Willy Shearer, Luke Juris, Jaelen Williams, Aidan Leonard, and others – but those young guns will be expected to grow up quick, as expectations come playoff time for the Hobart faithful typically run high.

9. BOONE GROVE WOLVES (6-3)

LAST WEEK’S RANKING: #9

WEEK 9: 48-6 win at Bishop Noll

THIS WEEK: #4 Wheeler (7-2)

STATISTIC TO NOTE?: Back-to-back GSSC North Division championships

For a program that has only been around for less than 15 years, Boone Grove has done some great things since its inception. 

Since joining the GSSC in 2014, the Wolves have won three division titles – including going back-to-back in these previous two seasons. On top of that, BG just finished its first full regular season on its new field. Now, the plan is to continue this positive growth with an upcoming home playoff game against Wheeler. 

Although the Wolves did open up its new facility late last year and even got to host a playoff game, BG will be matched up with its conference-mate and rival. The Wolves did fall to the Bearcats 38-20 in week five, but something tells us that none of that truly matters.

The Wolves will be led by Mark Rowland, who manages what has been a high-powered offense over the course of this impressive stretch. Alongside him will be some impressive classmates like Samir Del Rio, Hunter Anthony, Nick Ratkovich, Khaled Alzeer, and Chris Gonzalez. If there is a group that would love to win Boone Grove’s first sectional title – it would be this one. Trust us, they have the capability to do it as well.

 

8. MORTON GOVERNORS (4-4)

LAST WEEK’S RANKING: #8

WEEK 9: won 56-0 over East Chicago Central

THIS WEEK: Idle, at Munster on 11/1 (2-7)

SUM UP THE REGULAR SEASON: A tale of two halves – but more importantly… goals have been accomplished.

As said before, the 0-4 start to the season was not quite expected given the talent of this roster. Granted, Morton ran into some tough opponents, but there was certainly room for improvement. Thankfully, things went different beginning in week five – which was the start of a four-game winning streak to close out the season. 

The highlight of that stretch was a multi-overtime victory against Hobart – a team that is always competitive and truthfully may have been walking into that game with the upper hand. We have also seen the stars of Morton shine – many of whom are expected to play high-level collegiate football in the near future.

One of those goals that was accomplished during that stretch was a conference championship. However, another goal that may go unnoticed is preparing its athletes for the next level. Outside of those committed or expected to commit to play at the next level, Morton is still loaded with future talent, some of which is already getting noticed at the next level.

The next goal on the Govs’ list would be to win some more hardware – this time in the playoffs. Morton has not won a sectional since the 2012 season at the 4A level. Now at the 5A class, this year’s group wants to make some history… and they certainly have the talent to do so.

7. GRIFFITH PANTHERS (8-1)

LAST WEEK’S RANKING: #3

WEEK 9: lost 35-13 against #4 Wheeler

THIS WEEK: Bishop Noll (3-6)

WHAT HAPPENED LAST WEEK?: A relatively shocking (but potentially needed) punch in the mouth. 

Through eight games of the regular season, it was tough to find a team that week in and week out rolled through opponents. Some could have maybe said Crown Point is a fair comparison, which is not a bad team to be compared to. Besides a scare against River Forest earlier in the year, Griffith has been smooth sailing leading into week nine.

However, one of the concerns of then-Griffith’s 8-0 record was if they had been tested. Granted, you can only play who is on your schedule, but with the matchup against Wheeler in week nine, it was shaping up to be the most difficult test of the regular season.

That claim held up – as Griffith’s undefeated season and any chance at a division/conference title was lost last Friday. In a game that was littered with penalties, Griffith ultimately failed to do what they have done for the eight weeks prior.

It is tough pill to swallow, but now it is known that Griffith has been tested – which can sometimes be a good thing. Losing in that fashion could provide a much-needed spark for what is still a very talented group of Panthers… who have its eyes set on winning Griffith’s first sectional since 2008. That journey will start against Bishop Noll at the Boneyard this Friday.

 

6. VALPARAISO VIKINGS (6-3)

LAST WEEK’S RANKING: #7

WEEK 9: 21-14 win at Lake Central

THIS WEEK: Idle, LaPorte on 11/1 (0-9)

PLAYER TO NOTE?: Thomas Burda, senior, running back

Through three quarters of play, Valparaiso had a tough time finding the end zone. Although they were able to move the ball at times, the Vikings only had two field goals in the first quarter to show for it. It was a game that Lake Central controlled for the majority of the night, as the Tribe once had a 14-6 lead late in the third quarter.

But after Valparaiso put together a solid drive to knot the game up at 14, followed by a stop defensively, the Vikings had a chance to win it. One problem: a fantastic punt from Lake Central pinned the Viking offense back at its own two yard line.

Enter Thomas Burda. That senior scored the on the first play of the drive from roughly 98 yards out. It is fortunate to have a runner like Burda who can flip the game in favor of your team at any given moment and any given scenario.

That would be the difference in last week’s regular season finale, as a stop followed by some more tough runs from the Valpo O ultimately salted away the game. One thing is for sure: even if the rushing attack may not work to start – the unit becomes much more difficult to contain in the fourth quarter.

Momentum is key for the Vikings, as they are still set on a lengthy playoff run. After all, this is when they are best, as the Vikings have won six consecutive sectional titles. The Duneland-filled S10 is certainly competitive – but again, having a player like Burda in these colder months make a huge difference.

5. HANOVER CENTRAL WILDCATS (7-2)

LAST WEEK’S RANKING: #6

WEEK 9: won 48-26 at Hammond Central

THIS WEEK: at East Chicago Central (1-8)

BIGGEST STORYLINE MOVING FORWARD?: How will they fare in 4A?

There has been a lot of growth in this Hanover Central football program. First a relatively brand new facility in early 2023. Next was a jump to the Northwest Crossroads Conference – a conference of which they have won at least a share of the title for the past two seasons. Now, the Wildcats will begin its first season in 4A play at East Chicago Central this Friday.

It is a sectional that is competitive, but certainly winnable for the Wildcats – who are trying to win a second sectional title in the program’s history. Hanover Central is looking to avenge last year’s sectional championship loss at West Lafayette – a game that Hanover led by two scores in the final frame.

It was nice to see Hanover’s offense bounce back from its first shutout loss since 2018, as last week’s win over Hammond Central was highlights by a five touchdown performance from Caiden Verrett. Tommy Bonner threw for three scores of his own – with Rocco Bartolomeo and Anthony Layman catching one each.

The Wildcats, although the newest member of the sectional, may be seen as one of the favorites of the bunch. Hanover has played quite well in the round as of late, but has struggled to get over the championship game hump. The Wildcats have reached the championship round the past four seasons… but only has one sectional title to show for it. The goal is for things to be different at the 4A level.

 

4. WHEELER BEARCATS (7-2)

LAST WEEK’S RANKING: #5

WEEK 9: 35-13 win at #7 Griffith

THIS WEEK: at #9 Boone Grove (6-3)

WHAT HAPPENED LAST WEEK?: A statement game to say the least.

Last week’s matchup against Griffith was as highly-anticipated as it could get at that level. Winner of that matchup would win the division and furthermore finish the year with the conference’s top record. Plus, the game was at the Boneyard, a place that has been reinvigorated due to the impressive play of the Panthers – a team that was planning to finish the regular season undefeated.

The Bearcats turned the hype that may have favored the Panthers and used it for their own good – leading to one of the most impressive performances we have seen from a team this year.

While the Wheeler defense made things very difficult for Griffith’s high-powered offense, the Bearcat running game could not have been more effective. Jayden Ortiz arguably had his biggest game of the season with 220 rushing yards for 2 scores. He also averaged 10.5 yards per carry. These are numbers that teams were only able to dream of having against this Griffith team in ’24. A performance like this was needed – and Wheeler did just that, leading to an outright division title.

Wheeler is now hoping to make some more program history – starting with some success in the playoffs. The Bearcats are looking for its first sectional championship since the 2011 campaign and its first playoff victory since 2020. Things do not start particularly easy for Wheeler – as they will travel to Boone Grove for a second meeting this year.

3. ANDREAN 59ERS (5-4)

LAST WEEK’S RANKING: #4

WEEK 9: 27-14 win over Lowell

THIS WEEK: Whiting (2-7)

UNIT TO NOTE?: Andrean’s special teams.

It may not be the first unit you think of regarding any talented roster, but these guys deserve some praise. This year, Andrean has four special teams touchdowns – with three of them coming from punt returns. The lone kickoff return score came just this past Friday against Lowell – as Gavin Jones swung the momentum in the Niners’ favor en route to a share of the NCC title. 

On the flip side, Andrean’s kicker and punter, PJ Cusick, does a great job at limiting opportunities for opponents to return kicks. Don’t forget, Cusick’s field goal was the difference two weeks ago against Hanover Central, a big reason why Andrean now has a share of the NCC title.

After Andrean’s premature exit from last year’s playoffs, things are expected to be different this time around. This team is certainly battle tested but also very talented across the board – even down to the special teams. The Niners will open things up at home against Whiting, as Andrean is aiming for its fifth sectional title in six years.

 

2. MERRILLVILLE PIRATES (8-1)

LAST WEEK’S RANKING: #2

WEEK 9: won 29-23 at Chesterton

THIS WEEK: Idle, Hammond Central on 11/1 (3-6)

WHAT HAPPENED LAST WEEK?: A relatively narrow victory – but a game that required a total team effort.

In last week’s regular season finale at Chesterton, the Trojans struck first on a blocked punt touchdown. But after that, the Pirates got out to a 23-6 lead that would not be squandered for the rest of the night.

While the defense played tough against a Chesterton offense that had success on the ground and through the air, the Pirate offense showed a balanced attack against the talented Trojan defensive unit. Although this contest was on the closer side, it was an example of why this Merrillville team is quite the threat in the 5A class.

After the disappointing early season loss to Crown Point, Merrillville has seemed to snap things into gear heading into the postseason. Although it has not been an utterly dominating stretch, the Pirates have shown that they can win games close or win games by a few scores. Merrillville’s defense has and will continue to be a group of proven and talented individuals – while the offense is starting to gel and put points on the board.

The Pirates have been quite impressive in the sectional rounds as well – as Merrillville is gunning for its sixth consecutive sectional title. This team is showing that they have the tools to keep that streak alive… while adding some more hardware along the way.

1. CROWN POINT BULLDOGS (9-0)

LAST WEEK’S RANKING: #1

WEEK 9: won 35-8 at Michigan City

THIS WEEK: Idle, Portage on 11/1 (4-5)

STATISTICS TO NOTE: 27 consecutive regular season wins, 23 consecutive Duneland wins, three consecutive outright conference titles.

Expectations were quite high for the Bulldogs entering the 2024 season. So far, the Bulldogs may have exceeded those solely off its impressive regular season. As we have said many weeks before, CP once again dominated City in all facets of the game.

Although CP has made plenty of the Bulldog faithful happy with this magical regular season, the goal of getting back to Lucas Oil is still the priority. It would be difficult to believe if Coach Buz, his staff, or any of the players are satisfied yet. There is still plenty of games to be played, at least in Crown Point’s eyes.

CP will begin their quest two Fridays from now against Portage – a team they handled in week five. If all goes well against the Indians, CP could meet a familiar foe in Lake Central, or the newest member of the Sectional – the Penn Kingsmen. Only time will tell for CP – but from here on out the Bulldogs have their hearts set on one goal.

OUTSIDE LOOKING IN

RIVER FOREST INGOTS

CHESTERTON TROJANS

PORTAGE INDIANS

LOWELL RED DEVILS

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