I’m back to preview the area sectionals for 4A to 6A. These sectionals are definitely the hardest to pick from our area and maybe in the state, so you know it’s going to be a lot of fun. Let’s see how i expect it to be this season.
4A 20
Titles
Delta 9 2016
New Haven 7 2016
Wayne 6 1996
Mississinewa 5 2017
Marion 4 defending sectional champs
South Side 2 2005
Jay County 1 2007
Huntington North 1 1993 (5A)
Combined Sectional Record: 30-42
Delta 7-2
Huntington North 2-7
Jay County 1-8
Marion 7-2
Mississinewa 8-1
New Haven 4-5
South Side 1-8
Wayne 0-9
My Pick: Marion
Runner Up: Ole Miss
My Third Pick: Delta
Spoiler Pick(s): New Haven/South Side
This is definitely a interesting sectional here in class 4A. What we have here are two very good teams from Grant County, a very good program from the Muncie area, and two sleeper programs from Allen County. There are definitely some very interesting first round games including the game @ Gas City between Delta and Ole Miss. What’s interesting about this matchup is that both of these teams are mostly similar to each other. Both teams have ran for a combined 4,850 yards. For Ole Miss, it’s the combo of Cade Campbell and Carson Campbell that are leading the way for the Indians. As for Delta, it’s the combo of Wesley Stitt and JaVaughn Whitfield that are leading the rushing attack, but what stands out is that they have a QB in Brady Hunt that throws for nearly 1,100 yards and 15 TD passes, but it’s only on 48.6% completion. Ole Miss does not like to throw the ball often. This matchup depends on the weather, as well as who’s offensive line is more efficient. Turnovers will be key here to, especially if they have to play in awful conditions and running the ball more often.
The winner of this game likely goes to the championship game, although it would be easy to ignore just how competitive South Side has been this season alone. Marion likely won’t have too much of a problem getting to the title game, but I wouldn’t overlook Wayne or New Haven and their improving defense either. and what do ya know Marion also likes to run the ball more as they have 2,189 yards to their record led by Khalid Stamps and his 952 rushing yards. I think this could be one of the most wide open sectional in 4A in my eyes.
1st Round
Huntington North 14 @ South Side 26
Delta 24 @ Ole Miss 30
New Haven 45 @ Jay County 0
Wayne 0 @ Marion 54
2nd Round
South Side 14 @ Ole Miss 33
Marion 45 @ New Haven 24
Championship Round
Ole Miss 27 @ Marion 34
4A 19
Titles
Northwood 18 2016
DeKalb 5 1995
Angola 4 2 time defending sectional champs
Leo 3 2011
East Noble 3 2003
Wawasee 2 2004
Northridge 1 2014
Columbia City 1 1993
Combined Sectional Record: 45-27
Angola 4-5
Columbia City 5-4
DeKalb 7-2
East Noble 9-0
Leo 8-1
Northridge 4-5
Northwood 6-3
Wawasee 2-7
My Pick: East Noble
Runner Up: Northwood
My Third Pick: Angola
Spoiler Pick(s): The Rest of the Field
To the surprise of no one.. this is the most difficult sectional in 4A…Angola made this look easy, but it wasn’t easy and it sure won’t be this year. Almost every 1st round game could have an upset, and honestly we could have two very interesting semifinal games. Of these games, Angola @ Leo is likely the most enticing of the first round games. Now, I don’t have stats for either team, but I did watch them play. While Angola lost a lot from graduation, Angola has still been able to do a lot of things they did for the past 3 seasons. Now, where the regression came was mainly from the defensive side of the ball.
From weeks 1-4, Angola’s defense allowed 38.8 points a game. Those 4 teams went 31-4 including a Michigan team in St. Mary’s that is in the top 10 in their state and will be in the playoffs. The defense has since allowed just 12.6 points on average. That is a drastic difference. Now if you want to debate that their schedule got easier, go right ahead, but that’s what I call improvement in progress. Look, their losses have come against really good teams and that should be enough to say ok don’t underestimate these stingy Hornets. They’re still their version of the Legion of Boom, and until someone beats them, no one is safe. Not even East Noble or Leo. Beware, beware, beware of the Stingy Hornets. I can care less about their win loss record at this point. Everyone’s 0-0
Yes, Leo is very talented and have a great defense, but I didn’t think Angola played their best brand of football that night either especially in the 1st half. So I expect them to play better this time around. Leo’s offensive attack will be led by Peyton Wall on the ground as he has been the MVP all season long. But, Angola is equally talented as well with Tucked Hasselman at QB, Lincoln Schreiber and Antonio Luevanos as the running backs, and a great defense led by Kyle Trick Chase Souliere and Purdue commit Ryan Brandt. Theres still a lot of depth there. Yes, Angola isn’t as dominant as the last two teams there were, but don’t give me this baloney sandwich that they can’t compete in this sectional this season. Remember, Northwood was 3-6 in 2005 and they ended up winning state.
East Noble does have a easier road to get to the sectional finals, but it isn’t a gimmie either. Northridge is a scrappy ball club that can run the ball led by Caid Lacey and his 826 of his team’s 1,673 yards, and Oliver Eveler has passed for over 900 yards. As for East Noble, they love to throw the football as the highly thought of QB Bailey Parker has passed for 1,915 yards and a whopping 28 TD passes, while running for an additional 762. Justin Marcellus has been very good at the running back slot as he has ran for 745 yards. Hayden Jones, Gage Ernsberger, and Nick Munson have contributed for a combined 1,463 receiving yards and 20 TD’s. Also, EN’s defense has been very good as well with 15 sacks and 10 picks (3 from Parker of course it would be him).
DeKalb v Columbia City is likely another tight one, but I do like the Barons’ chances. Evan Eschbach has passed the ball for 970 yards on 56.9% completion, despite the average results with the TD-INT ratio. But, it’s the running game that’s done the damage with over 2,100 yards led by Landon Miller with 985 and Tanner Jack with 700. While the passing game isn’t as flashy, Easton Rhodes and Kyle Zacharias have contributed for 460 yards. We know the Barons will play hard and play good defense, but if they can do the things that’s made them good, they’re a formidable foe to face. If it’s them and EN again in the 2nd round, I’ll bet you it won’t be that one sided this time around.
But, watch out for Northwood as they continue to be a force to be reckoned with. Their running game continues to be extremely dangerous even with Bronson Yoder now at William & Mary with over 2,700 yards on the ground led by Nate Newcomer (982), Jaden Miller (668), and Ben Mestach (510). Plus, Northwood can still get the job done on defense even with graduation of some players.
This is so tough That I have to make difficult decisions in this one, and while I feel like this is East Noble’s opportunity to claim their first sectional in 16 years, I’m not handing them the trophy. This has to be earned for them to win it. Games still have to be played and I know how tough this sectional is and trust me I never gave Angola the trophy because I knew they had a tough road in both years. This is going to be an unpredictable sectional, and no one should be taken lightly at the very slightest because anyone can be beaten here, and every team in this field has at least a player or two that can change the outlook of each game.
1st Round
East Noble 24 @ Northridge 13
Columbia City 17 @ DeKalb 26
Wawasee 14 @ Northwood 32
Angola 27 @ Leo 24
2nd Round
DeKalb 22 @ East Noble 28 OT
Northwood 24 @ Angola 21?
Championship Round
East Noble 20 @ Northwood 17
Top 10 4A football teams in Northern Indiana
1. New Prairie
2. East Noble
3. Marion
4. Plymouth
5. Mississinewa
6. Delta
7. Hammond Morton
8. Northwood
9. Leo
10. Angola
Honorable mention: DeKalb
5A 11
Titles
Bishop Dwenger 25 2 time defending sectional champ
Goshen 7 2000
North Side 3 1990
Northrop 1 1999
Combined Sectional Record: 16-20
Bishop Dwenger 7-2
Goshen 1-8
North Side 4-5
Northrop 4-5
My Pick: Bishop Dwenger
Runner Up: Northrop
My Third Pick: N/A
There isn’t a whole lot to say here. It’s basically Dwenger vs Northrop and no one else. For Dwenger, they’re looking to try to repeat as state champs in a really tough 5A field, but will get a easier start to it. QB Brenden Lytle has shown tremendous growth with 1,445 passing yards and 12 TD passes. But, they’re still capable of running the ball with 1,738 yards led by Louie and Devon Tippmann and Patrick Finley. And of course Dwenger has a defense that’s tough as nails that’s for sure. Now, Northrop did show some fight especially in their first meeting with Dwenger just last week. I don’t think they’ll be able to repeat that performance, but they’re at least moving in the right direction. In the end, I can’t see any of the 3 teams beating Dwenger in sectionals.
1st Round
Dwenger 42 @ North Side 7
Northrop 38 @ Goshen 28
Championship Round
Dwenger 37 @ Northrop 14
5A 10
Titles
Mishawaka 12 defending sectional champs
Concord 10 3 time defending sectional champs
Elkhart Central 1 2014
Elkhart Memorial 1 1997 (4A)
Combined Sectional Record: 24-21
Concord 8-1
Elkhart Central 7-2
Elkhart Memorial 3-6
Mishawaka 6-3
South Bend Adams 0-9
My Pick: Elkhart Central
Runner Up: Concord
My Third Pick: Mishawaka
Spoiler Pick: Elkhart Memorial
Sectionals in 5A and 6A have a Bye this week. So, here we have ourselves a very unpredictable sectional filled with great teams. But, what will be the biggest headline is the two Elkhart schools. This is the very last high school football state tournament for Elkhart Central and Elkhart Memorial before they merge with each other prior to the 2020-21 school year. The Blazers have had the better season of the two by first winning the last Mangy Lion trophy and the rest is history.
The Blazers are a versatile team with Isiah Chandler at QB passing for over 1,100 yards on nearly 60% completion. Meanwhile, the rushing attack has ran for over 2,400 yards led by Mark Brownee and his whopping 1,578 yards. But, don’t overlook the Crimson Chargers as they’re capable of doing the same led by Tyler Lehner at QB with over 1,100 passing yards on 58% completion. Their rushing attack is not as effective as Central’s, but their Mr. (almost) Everything Derrick Woods has 714 rushing and 342 receiving yards to lead the offensive surge. If the Chargers can get stops on defense, they have the talent to pull off an upset. This is the last time both of these teams will have an opportunity to make history before their new chapter begins.
Concord will await the winner of Central and Adams as they typically are a powerhouse in Elkhart. But, will have to travel to either Rice Field or to South Bend for their next game. They have the weapons and the defense to make a deep run. And we know how good Mishawaka and their powerful rushing attack can be.
1st Round
Elkhart Central 38 @ John Adams 10
Elkhart Memorial 16 @ Mishawaka 28
2nd Round
Concord 28 @ Elkhart Central 31
Championship Round
Mishawaka 18 @ Elkhart Central 21
Top 10 5A teams in Northern Indiana
1. Valparaiso
2. Bishop Dwenger
3. Mishawaka
4. Concord
5. Harrison WL
6. Elkhart Central
7. Michigan City
8. McCutcheon
9. Northrop
10. North Side
6A 3
Titles
Snider 27 12 time defending sectional champs
Homestead 5 2016
Carroll 5 2014
Noblesville 3 2000 (5A)
Combined Sectional Record: 24-13
Carroll 6-4
Homestead 9-0
Noblesville 1-8
Snider 8-1
My Pick: Homestead
Runner Up: Carroll
My Third Pick: Snider
Lots of great matchups in this sectional and we won’t get to see them until next week. Carroll has a great opportunity to seek revenge after their heartbreaking 21-20 loss on a missed PAT. Jeff Becker has been the stud at QB with 1,349 passing yards and 452 rushing. Layton Mitchell has been Becker’s favorite target at 576 receiving yards. Their defense has also shown improvement, But, Snider is still themselves even with a rushing attack that’s not as effective as usual and a regression on defense than their usual selves. Snider has not lost in a sectional game since losing to Homestead on Nov. 3, 2006. Plus, Snider hasn’t had a season where they failed to win at least 8 in a season since 1993.
Homestead is obviously the favorite at this point led by Luke Goode and his 2,164 passing yards, Braeden Hardwick (957 rushing yards), and the receiving combo of Jake Archbold, Jared Kistler, Griffin Little, and Cam Rogers with a combined 1,752 receiving yards. Yes, they get a rough trip to Noblesville, but it’s pretty unlikely to see Homestead not make it to at least the title game.
Round 1
Carroll 34 @ Snider 27
Homestead 46 @ Noblesville 23
Championship Round
Carroll 30 @ Homestead 46
6A 2
Titles
Penn 24 2017
Portage 8 2003
Combined Sectional Record: 19-17
Chesterton 6-3
Penn 5-4
Portage 1-8
Warsaw 7-2
My Pick: Warsaw
Runner Up: Penn
My Third Pick: Chesterton
So, this feels a little strange that we’re talking about a sectional where Penn isn’t dominating the regular season. Penn enters the postseason with their worst regular season since 2010 when they also went 5-4. I believe they’ve been without their top quarterback Rob Powlus to an ankle injury suffered after I believe it was week 2. Now, since going 1-3, Penn has went 4-1 since. In the first 4 games, they averaged just 15.3 points. They’ve since been averaging 31 points.
Meanwhile, the Warsaw Tigers are having their best season since they went 10-1 back in 2001. Much like with Mishawaka, Warsaw’s offense has been relied heavily on the running game since Bart Curtis took over prior to last season, and they’ve been building a reputation for playing old school, in your face football which doesn’t surprise me for a second. They’re going to be a gritty team because that’s the DNA of a typical Bart Curtis-ran team. Plus, it’s nice to have a D1 commit as your kicker. But, don’t let Chesterton fool ya as they’ve won 3 of their last 4 with great defense. If it’s Warsaw vs Penn in the sectional title game, Warsaw will have history going against them. They have never beaten Penn in their history (0-12) and lost 16-7 in the sectional title game. But, Bart Curtis does have a history of beating them as his ex team Mishawaka defeated Penn 4 times during his 9-year stint there. Oh and on top of that, Warsaw has never won a sectional title. Can you imagine if they finally did this season? It would change the culture there forever!
1st Round
Portage 10 @ Penn 31
Warsaw 35 @ Chesterton 20
Championship Round
Penn 30 @ Warsaw 31
Top 6A football teams in Northern Indiana
1. Lafayette Jeff
2. Homestead
3. Merrillville
4. Warsaw
5. Carmel
6. Fishers
7. Snider
8. Westfield
9. Hamilton Southeastern
10. Zionsville
Honorable Mention: Carroll, Penn
Around the NorthEast Corner 