FOOTBALL: RSN Top 10 – Week #4

#10.

 KANKAKEE VALLEY KOUGARS
Team Spotlight

2-1
Last Week:
Not Ranked
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The Kougars make an appearance in the RSN Top 10 for the first time in quite awhile after putting up a 50 spot last week – their most points in a game since the 2014 season. Will KV’s stay in the rankings last long? That remains to be seen as they host North Newton this week followed by games against Lowell, Hobart & Andrean. Not an easy path.

#9

ANDREAN 59ERS
Team Spotlight

2-1
LAST WEEK:
#4
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A big loss leads to a big fall in the rankings, as the 39 point drubbing the 59ers took at the hands of New Prairie causes them to fall from #4 all the way to #9. Andrean will be back to full strength following last week’s suspensions and they may take some of the aggression from last week’s performance out on Hammond High.

#8
GRIFFITH PANTHERS
Team Spotlight

2-1
LAST WEEK: #7
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Despite a big win over River Forest, Griffith falls one spot in the poll thanks to the results of teams around them. This week, the Panthers host Calumet, a program they’ve beaten by a combined 323-6 over the course of their last five meetings which go back to the ‘90s. Last years fourth game opponent was Lowell. Not quite the same – know what I mean?

#7
HOBART BRICKIES
Team Spotlight

2-1
LAST WEEK: #10
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With Week #4 being the last week of non-conference play in the NCC, you can bet the Brickie coaching staff is going to take advantage of their game against EC Central being moved to Saturday morning by doing some Friday night scouting. Or maybe they’ll stay in Hobart on a Friday night – a rare opportunity to do so as three of their next four are on the road.

#6
PORTAGE INDIANS
Team Spotlight

1-2
LAST WEEK: #5
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Now there’s the Portage team we expected to see when they were ranked #2 to start the 2017 campaign. The red Indians 40-14 rout of the blue tribe from LC was impressive, but can they show the consistency needed to be in contention for the DAC title? We’ll find out Friday when they travel to Demaree Field to take on Merrillville.

#5
LAPORTE SLICERS
Team Spotlight

1-2
LAST WEEK: #3
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One game with multiple turnovers and missed opportunities could be an aberration. Two is a problem. Three would be a trend that could sink a season. The Slicers are trying to avoid a third straight game of shooting themselves in the foot when they visit Chesterton on Friday.  This team could be 3-0 if it weren’t for the mistakes, but “could” only takes you so far.

#4
MICHIGAN CITY WOLVES
Team Spotlight

2-1
LAST WEEK: #6
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Think the Wolves were happy to be back playing ball against fellow Indiana teams? That joy may not last too long with a trip to undefeated Valparaiso on Friday. Michigan City is one for its last seven against the Vikings, but these aren’t the same ol’ Wolves. Should be a good one at Viking Field on Friday.

#3
HANOVER CENTRAL WILDCATS
Team Spotlight

3-0
LAST WEEK: #8
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We’re less than a month away from reaching the two year anniversary of the last time Hanover Central lost a regular season game, so it’s time to stop being surprised that the ‘Cats are running away from their competition. Their 42.0 average margin of victory is 8^th in the state and that number may grow bigger in recent weeks. New kids on the block no more – this team is legit.

#2
VALPARAISO VIKINGS
Team Spotlight

3-0
LAST WEEK: #2
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The Vikings become the first time this year to hold on to the #2 spot in the rankings. With five fumbles forced against the Slicers last week, opposing offenses need to be thinking ball security at all times against Valpo.  The offense hasn’t been great this year, but with that defense there hasn’t been a need to put up a ton of points. Could that change this week with a high powered Michigan City coming to town?

#1
LOWELL RED DEVILS
Team Spotlight

3-0
LAST WEEK: #1
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The Week #3 win over Morton was anything but pretty but it was a win, and it was another dominating performance for the Red Devil defense, which is only giving up 6.7 points per game this year. Lowell won’t get any points for their game against Clark this week, but until someone knocks them off, or puts a real scare into them, they’re still the top team in the poll. And for what it’s worth, the Devils did everything they could to keep the rivalry with Griffith going, short of paying the Panthers in cash.