Around the Region – Week #8

A quick look at all of the games taking place in Week #8!

#10 ANDREAN (4-3, 3-1) @ #8 GRIFFITH (5-2, 4-1)

Could this be the last meeting in one of the Region’s best rivalries of the 21^st century? If so, there’s a lot on the line as the Panthers can clinch, at minimum, a share of the NCC title with a win, while Andrean would put itself in great position to get a share of their own. Griffith hasn’t beaten a team with a winning record all season, so a win here would quiet some of the remaining doubters. FAVORITE: Pick ‘Em

#6 WHITING (6-1, 4-1) @ BISHOP NOLL (0-7, 0-5)

In the midst of a tough 1-9 campaign in 2014, the Warriors put a scare into undefeated Whiting before falling 33-25. Can Bishop Noll threaten once again this year while looking for win #1 of the season? Odds are no, but that’s why the play the games on the field. FAVORITE: Whiting

BOONE GROVE (2-5, 1-4) @ WHEELER (2-5, 1-4)

Wheeler hasn’t lost six games in a season since 2004. Boone Grove hasn’t done the same since their first full year of varsity football in 2011. Both teams are trying to avoid a repeat of history in this Porter County showdown. FAVORITE: Pick ‘Em

EC CENTRAL (5-1) @ BOWMAN (0-7)

The Cardinals average nearly 37 points per game. Bowman has scored 20 points all year. All the ingredients needed for a game with a running clock. FAVORITE: EC Central

RIVER FOREST (2-5, 2-3) @ CALUMET (3-4, 3-2)

Finally! Calumet doesn’t have to play a road game as their new and improved facility debuts this Fridaynight. The excitement and enthusiasm of opening up the new home should carry the Warriors in a game that’s pretty even on the field. We’ve heard it referred to as “The Badlands” – and that works for us. FAVORITE: Calumet

CHESTERTON (2-5, 1-4) @ CROWN POINT (2-5, 1-4)

Two teams that don’t exactly light up the scoreboard – Crown Point averages 12.3 points per game. Chesterton averages 11.3. The difference in this one? The CP defense only gives up 17 a contest while Chesterton’s defensive average is at 27. FAVORITE:Crown Point

CLARK (0-7, 0-3) @ WEST SIDE (0-6)

The good news is that the number of winless teams in the Region will decrease from 4 to 3 as either West Side and Clark will finally bring home a “W”….unless they somehow tie. The Cougars have an advantage in both depth and athleticism which should put them over the top and into the win column. FAVORITE: West Side

GAVIT (3-3, 1-1) @ HAMMOND HIGH (2-5, 0-2)

Gladiator head coach Robert Robinson takes on his old team when Gavit heads to Bernie Kreuger Field. Gavit has the Region’s highest scoring team with a 37.7 points per game average. Hammond High’s defense has been playing better as of late, giving up just single digit points in two of their last three games, but this is a much bigger test. FAVORITE: Gavit

#4 HANOVER CENTRAL (7-0, 5-0) @ SOUTH CENTRAL (5-2, 3-2)

The first of tough back-to-back road games for the Wildcats as they look for a perfect regular season. South Central’s defense is tough, giving up just 12 points per game, but Hanover Central’s rushing attack/ball control style of offense is just the thing needed to win a game a game like this. FAVORITE: Hanover Central

KV (2-5, 0-4) @ HIGHLAND (3-4, 0-4)

This game doesn’t have any conference championship ramifications, but it will effect which team finishes at the bottom of the standings, as both Highland & KV are looking for their first NCC win. The Trojan offense struggled last week against Griffith, but they have much more potential to be explosive than their opponent, which gives them an edge. FAVORITE: Highland

MORTON (3-4, 2-1) @ #5 HOBART (5-2, 4-1)

It’s been nearly a month since the Governors have captured a win and they’ve been outscored 93-13 over that same span. Hobart’s won two in a row, both by single-digits – so this may be the perfect week for the Brickies to break one open. FAVORITE: Hobart

LAKE CENTRAL (2-5, 1-4) @ #7 MERRILLVILLE (3-4, 2-3)

The Pirates are in the midst of their first three game losing streak since 2002. They haven’t lost four in a row since 1993. Lake Central’s offense has been on a tear recently, scoring 80 points combined in the last two weeks – a tough test for a vulnerable Merrillville defense. FAVORITE: Pick ‘Em

NORTH NEWTON (6-1, 5-0) @ LAKE STATION (2-5, 1-4)

Griffith’s not the only team looking to win a title in their final season in their current conference. North Newton is just one week away from a winner-take-all showdown against Hanover Central. Don’t expect them to take their eyes of the prize and get upset this week. FAVORITE: North Newton

#1 LAPORTE (7-0, 5-0) @ #3 MICHGIAN CITY (6-1, 4-1)

Rivalry game? Check. Major conference ramifications? Check. Two of the Region’s best rushing teams? Check. All signs point to a potential classic at beautiful Ames Field on Friday. What we do know is we’ll be there for Chevy Dealers Game Night. What we don’t know is which team will be celebrating when the game ends. FAVORITE: Pick ‘Em

MUNSTER (3-4, 2-2) @ LOWELL (3-4, 2-2)

The ‘Stangs come in having lost back-to-back heartbreakers at home, first to Griffith, then to Hobart. Lowell hasn’t won two in a row all season long. The Devil offense had a nice performance against Morton a week ago, but can they do it against an opponent that gives up less than 20 points a game? FAVORITE: Pick ‘Em

#9 PORTAGE (4-3, 3-2) @ #2 VALPARAISO (5-2, 4-1)

The Portage offense needs to pick it up after scoring 14 or less points in three of the last four weeks. That kid of output won’t get it done against a Valpo team that’s only scored less than 20 points once on the year. FAVORITE: Valpo