FOOTBALL: Around the Region – Week #10

A look at all the games being played to open up the tournament!

WEST SIDE (1-7) @ LOWELL (5-4)

The Red Devils are getting hot at just the right time as they look to win their third straight Sectional #17 title. West Side’s offense has improved recently, scoring 20 points in each of their last two games, but they don’t have the horses to compete in this one. FAVORITE: Lowell

GAVIT (5-3) @ MORTON (3-6)

It seemingly happens every year – teams that play in Week #9 meet just a week later to open the post-season. This year, it’s Gavit and Morton as the GLAC rivals square off for the second straight Friday. Did the two teams keep it vanilla in their first meeting so they didn’t show too much of the playbook? If so, that could be trouble for Morton as the Gladiators still put up 30. FAVORITE: Gavit

EC CENTRAL (7-1) @ MUNSTER (4-5)

The most interesting matchup in an otherwise lackluster opening week, the Cardinals hit the road to take on Munster for the first time since 1992. EC has only scored less than 35 points once on the year, and that was way back in Week #2. Munster’s defense has played better of late, but they need their best outing of the season to take this one. FAVORITE: EC Central

CLARK (0-9) @ HIGHLAND (4-5)

Back on September 9, Highland routed the Pioneers 42-8. Clark has improved as the season’s gone on, but are have they improved enough to make up for that 34 point deficit? Likely not. FAVORITE: Highland

SB CLAY (0-9) @ KV (2-7)

For the second straight year, the Kougars get the “luxury” of playing a team that’s winless entering the post-season. Why is luxury in quotations? Because last year, KV was unable to take advantage of that luxury and fell to winless SB Riley to open up sectionals. History has an ugly way of repeating itself and if it does, ugly is the key word. FAVORITE: KV

SB WASHINGTON (3-6) @ HOBART (7-2)

The Brickies have been inconsistent at times this year, but even if they have one of their bad games against a SB Washington team whose three wins have come against teams that are a combined 3-24. FAVORITE: Hobart

ANDREAN (4-5) @ SB ST. JOSEPH (2-7)

A surprise semi-state finalist a year ago, the Indians don’t look poised to make another post-season run as their two regular season wins are the program’s fewest since 1992. Barring a long, unexpected tournament run, Andrean will be back down to 3A next season, but they can likely pick up a 4A post-season win before they go. FAVORITE: Andrean

JOHN GLENN (1-8) @ GRIFFITH (6-3)

Are the Panthers angry and motivated after a Week #9 loss to EC Central? You can bet on it. Are the Panthers out to prove a point against an overwhelmed John Glenn team? That’s a pretty safe wager too. FAVORITE: Griffith

RENSSELAER (6-3) @ CALUMET (3-6)

The Warriors get to play in their new stadium for the second time this season, but it’ll be a tall order to get a third game there in 2016. Rensselaer’s offense is averaging over 33 points a ballgame and they’re looking to erase the memories of a first round exit last year. FAVORITE: Rensselaer

HAMMOND HIGH (3-6) @ HANOVER CENTRAL (9-0)

Hanover Central is giving up only 7.6 points per ballgame. Hammond High has scored exactly 6 points in five separate games this year. Looks good for the ‘Cats in blue to pick up the first post-season win in program history. FAVORITE: Hanover Central

WHEELER (4-5) @ MISHAWAKA MARIAN (8-1)

In 2011, Wheeler upset favored Andrean in the sectional opener – but those Bearcats were undefeated in the regular season. This year’s Wheeler team has won two in a row, but it’ll be a tall order for Wheeler to knock off the #2 ranked team in Class 3A. FAVORITE: Mishawka Marian

BOONE GROVE (2-7) @ WHITING (8-1)

It was a 49-9 Oilers win in their regular season meeting (back on 9/3) and this Whiting team is too focused to let a 40+ point swing happen. FAVORITE: Whiting

BOWMAN (0-9) @ NORTH NEWTON (7-2)

The Eagles have had major offensive issues all season long, so taking on one of the best defensive teams in Class 2A isn’t ideal to open up the post-season. FAVORITE: North Newton

ROOSEVELT (1-7) @ KNOX (7-2)

Roosevelt picked up their first win of the year last week in the “Big Cat Game” over West Side – that looks like it may be it for the Panthers as they drew Knox, a 7-2 team that has to be thrilled they avoid either Whiting or North Newton until the finals…should they make it.FAVORITE: Knox

BISHOP NOLL (0-9) @ RIVER FOREST (3-6)

Just a few weeks back, River Forest defeated Noll 50-13 for their first “W” of the year, kick starting a three game win streak. The Ingots hope another win streak can being with Noll – three straight wins means sectional championship. FAVORITE: River Forest

NORTH WHITE (4-5) @ LAKE STATION (3-6)

The Vikings of North White can score a lot of points, averaging nearly 30 a game….but they also give up more than their fair share, surrendering 27.3 per contest. If Lake Station’s defense can keep it where they did last week (holding their opponent to six points), the Eagles could have a shot. FAVORITE: Pick ‘Em

SOUTH CENTRAL (6-3) @ WEST CENTRAL (1-8)

Week #9 was huge for South Central. Did they win a conference title? No. Did they finish an unblemished regular season? No. But, they did end a two game losing streak which should add some confidence heading into the post-season. West Central gives up 43.2 points per game – all signs point to another confidence-builder for the Satellites. FAVORITE: South Central