2A Sectional Mid Year Report

[Miner_Pride]

Yes.. it's gonna be long.  but I know some of you enjoy this stuff.  Get a drink..a snack... and please feel free to comment, correct and opine on all things 2A.  Prolly a good idea to not copy the whole thing to quote something though.. that makes for a lot of scrolling!!    I don't think I can get one of these as thorough for 1A this time... maybe next week... but I'll have something tomorrow for 1A!

Now.. read on fellow small school fans!

Sectional 40 Outlook

 

Going into week 6 you have four teams at 4-1, two of them ranked in the top 10, and another making their move into the polls for the first time in many years.  I think it’s safe to say the heavy favorite, and regardless of W-L will be Evansville Mater Dei. The Wildcats always have a high SOS doe to playing in the SIAC, and are 12^th in that regard in 2A, 142^nd in State.  They are currently ranked #4 AP/ #3 IFCA, with the only blemish a 10-3 loss to 4A Evansville Memorial (#4 in both polls).  They pounded 4-2 3A Indian Creek 49-14, 2-3 2A Whiting 56-12 and winless 4A Evan. Harrison 38-7 to start 3-0, and rebounded that first loss with a 45-27 win over 2-3 5A Evan.North.  They have 3 huge games in the coming 4 weeks, first off with Caslte (3-2 5A), the close with Central (5-4 4) and Reitz (3-3 4A)… and each of those teams with field talent the Wildcats will likely not face in 2A for at least several weeks.  This certainly puts them at an advantage coming into the postseason.   With Southridge having been bumped to 3A, the 2 time defending Sect 40 champ has no chance to defend. 

That leaves the Linton Miners as one of the challengers.  At 4-1, the Miners are ranked #8/#9 in polls coming off their 1^st losing season since 1996.  Their only loss was a 28-20 battle decided in the final minutes to those unbeaten Raiders of Southridge.  Linton has reeled off 4 straight wins- 35-0 over winless 2A Monrovia (odd just saying winless Monrovia);  35-12 over 2-3 3A Sullivan; 38-20 over 4-1 1A N.Vermillion, and last week’s 27-16 win over 2-3 4A Boonville.  The Miners upcoming games are local rivalries with 4-1 1A #9/#7 North Daviess , and on the road to surprising 4-1 2A North Knox.    The Warriors (#12 in AP) opened up with a loss to Sullivan 15-12, but have been on a tear outscoring opponents 197 to 20 in 4 wins over 0-5 1A Eastern Greene (65-0), 1-4 1A Tecumseh (44-0), 2-3 4A Boonville (34-20) and last week’s 54-0 win over 1-4 1A North Central.   For a team known for their defense (Allowing 7.00 per game), the offense has put up 41.8! 

The other team in the mix at 4-1 are the Marksmen from Tell City.  They haven’t won 4 games or had a winning season since 2013, but 2^nd year coach Aaron Clements is trying to change that statement. Their lone loss came in week 2 with a 42-6 setback of perennially ranked 3A unbeaten Heritage Hills.  Two wins over 2-3 1A teams, 12-6 over Perry Central and 41-6 over Springs Valley last week. throw in a couple more wins over 0-5 South Spencer 32-6 and winless 3A Pike Central 48-14.   The rest of Sectional 40 consists of 3-2 Forest Park, Crawford County and North Posey both at 1-4, and the winless Rebels of South Spencer.  The Rangers haven’t opened up 3-2 since 2011 (4-7 finish), and both losses have come to powerhouse programs (Gibson Southern and Southridge)

 

In the end… and at this point, it would hard to bet against Mater Dei.  With the competition level faced in the course of the year.  It does get pretty physical, particularly these upcoming games.  Can they stay healthy etc… but they could lose all their upcoming games and I’m sure still be the favorite out of 40.  Their current SAG sits #3 in 2A 63^rd in Indiana.  The Miners are at 55.18 #11/104, while the Warriors at 52.36 (13/116).   Tell City is further back at 36.25 (29/179).   A big game to get a feel on the dark horse comes in week 7’s Linton vs North Knox in Bicknell.  However the Warriors are focused on county rival 1-4 3A Vincennes Lincoln. They rebooted this series in 2015, with the Alices winning all four.  The series lied dormant since their last meeting in 1996.  Tell City will have 2 major tests to finish out 2019- this week with Southridge, and in week 8 with Gibson Southern.

 

Sectional 39 Outlook

 

When looking at the list of teams, one certainly stands out as a favorite.. and that would be the #14/#10 ranked Tigers of Triton Central.  Indianapolis Scecina has been the thorn in their side the last two years, dropping the Tigers in Sectional play.  At 3-2 they own wins over 1-4 2A Cascade (20-7) and 2-3 3A Greensburg (37-13), as well as winless 2A Monrovia (47-0). There were beaten 28-14 by 1A #1 Lutheran, and somewhat surprisingly feel 21-13 to unranked 3-2 3A Indian Creek last week.  two other quality program names pop up in 39- The Paoli Rams, and Providence Pioneers.  The Rams are 2 time defending champs, coming off a 12-1 year, but have dropped 2 of their first 5 this year. One of those a hard fought 34-30 loss last week to #8/#7 1A West Washington.  The other loss a 40-24 defeat to 2-3 3A Corydon Central in week 2.  They have wins over 2-3 1A’s Perry Central (28-6) and 42-18 over Springs Valley, as well as an opening 34-26 win over 1-4 4A Madison.  They have a solid test this week in traveling to 4-1 1A North Decatur.

Providence opened beating a solid 4-1 team from Kentucky (Bethlehem) 29-20, but managed only 7 combined points in losses to 4-1 5A Floyd Central (28-7) and to 5-0 4A Silver Creek (27-0).  They rebounded with a 35-6 win over 1-4 2A Clarksville… but again offense disappeared in a 13-7 loss to 3-2 3A Charleston. They host Holy Cross (Ky,) this week, another solid team at 4-1, and have two tough closing games with 3-2 1A Milan, and 4-1 2A Linton-Stockton.  They will be battle tested.  Of course the best record in Sect 39 belongs to the Pacers of Switzerland County at 4-1.  They suffered loss #1 to 3-1 1A Oldenburg Academy last week 20-14. However in terms of sectional talk… the Pacers have won against a combined 1-10 opponent. With North and South Decatur, as well as Milan on the horizon… we will learn more about how good or not good the Pacers are.   Rounding out 39-  Mitchell at 2-3, Clarksville and Union County at 1-4 and Eastern (Pekin) 0-5.  Two of Mitchell’s three losses have been to unbeaten teams- 3A Edgewood (44-30) and 1A W.Washington (50-6). They’ve won 2 in a row, but against 1-9 opponents. 

 

In the end--  Paoli doesn’t seem to be getting any love from pollsters, while Triton Central is.  The Tigers are rated 52.09 tops in 39, 14^th in 2A 117^th in state.  Closest behind is 46.56 from Providence, who also have the toughest schedule rank in this sectional and 81^st in the state.  Paoli sits at 36.37, and 268^th in schedule strength.

 

Sect 38 Outlook

 

38 is home to a lot of competition, two top-10 ranked teams, four of the highest SAG ratings in class 2.  The highest rated of the bunch is Scecina at 61.97 (8^th in 2A/82^nd overall), also the #4 ranked 2A team across the board in the polls. They also have the toughest schedule rank at the current time in 38.  The Crusaders have quality wins over 38-mate 3-2 Shenandoah 28-18, and 3-2 4A Beech Grove 55-35.  Their lone loss coming to a 1-4 team, but in 4A Roncalli 34-7.  A big one this week as they face off against 1A top dog Lutheran.  Scecina, as always, will be battle tested come sectional time as they also have #7 Triton Central, Ritter, and a regrouping Monrovia to close out 2019.   Heritage Christian is a t 56.20 in SAG (10/100) and ranked #7/#8.   The Eagles also separated themselves from the heap with a 48-7 slam of Shenandoah in week 2, and also own the lone win over another Co-38 with a 38-20 win over Eastern Hancock. The lone L for HC was a 23-5 loss to 4-1 #9/#7 3A Guerin Catholic in week 3.  They battle 3-2 2A Lapel this week at home. 

The aforementioned Royals suffer in terms opponent level, with a 270 schedule strength ranking, they did beat 1A 3-2 Knightstown 46-27 last week rebounding from the loss to Heritage Christian.  The other three wins are over a combined 1-14.  Shenandoah is ranked #14 in coaches poll, respect for their tough schedule (171^st in state).  Their losses were in weeks 1 (28-18 Scecina) and 2 (48-7 Heritage Christian), both top10 2a programs. The Raiders do have a 22-20 win over 3-2 2A Lapel, and a 20-6 win over 3-2 2A Centerville.  Shenandoah will continue a tough schedule as they have Northeastern, Eastern Hancock and Monroe Central down the line.  I’m sure they’d like another shot at both the Crusaders and the Eagles.  Northeastern?  Yes they are 5-0, and haven’t been 6-0 since an 11-0 start in 2011 (ended 11-1).  They were 4-0 last year then dropped 5 of their last 7.  They are in a tough fight in this sectional…I can say that I’ve seen they ever have won a sectional. While 5-0, their schedule strength rank in 303, and SAG at 32.17, 6^th in their own sectional.  They did beat co-38 Winchester (3-2) 27-14, and 3-2 1A Tri 20-7.  They have Shenandoah in a couple of weeks.  

As mentioned Winchester sits 3-2  and a couple of those losses to undefeated team (40-0 to 1 South Adams, and 27-14 to Northeastern). They very well could run the table and be 7-2 going to sectional play.   Centerville started 2-0, but has fallen three times in a row (Shenandoah, Winchester and Tri) with 5-0 Northeastern up next.   Indy Howe is 1-4, getting win #1 last week 31-0 over Indianapolis Washington.

 

In the end…  boy this could be a battle.  Scecina has to be the favorite.  They have the experience with 6 sectional titles in the last 8 years.  It would seem Heritage Christian the logical best challenger… but can’t discount the Raiders should they get rolling especially come sectional time. Their meeting with Northeastern in week 7 and Eastern Hancock in week 8 will be interesting.

 

Sectional 37 Outlook

 

On paper, there really isn’t any other team to look at other than Western Boone.  Typically you have another powerful team here in Monrovia, but that isn’t the case in 2019.  Now I realize that there is an undefeated team in this mix with North Putnam, and a team winning can’t be totally discounted. But let’s peruse the facts  WeBo has the 5^th best SAG (65.67) in class 2A, that’s 67^th in the state total.  They are ranked 3^rd  AP and 2^nd  in IFCA. They’ve been at the top in both polls, but a 1 point 42-41 loss to 4-1 4A Western in week 2 knocked them back.  Their SOS is 2^nd only to Cascade in this sectional at 46.26 and 126^th in the state. They’ve put the only loss on 1A #11/#10  Sheridan 41-6, beat 3-2 3A Tri West 27-13 and easily disposed of winless 3A Crawfordsville 49 zip and then 2-3 3A North Montgomery last week 28-14.  I would appear without a major hiccup, that they will roll onward to 8-1 by regular season’s end, altho week 8 against 3A Danville and a week 9 battle with current 2-3 4A Lebanon still looms.   The Cougars are at 41.47 SAG (22/122) have won three games by a total of thee points (21-20 over N.Montgomery, 28-26 over 3-2 2A Southmont, and 42-41 over 2-3 3A Sullivan).  They did handle 3-2 1A South Putnam 42-21 and last week a 33-6 win over winless 1A Cloverdale. They face 3-2 3A Northview this week.  Not counting the Cougars out….and everybody loves an underdog too. 

           Past those 2 teams, you have Seeger, South Vermillion and Southmont all at 3-2.  All sorta bunched together in terms of Sag and Schedule Strength.  The Patriots have won 2 in a row, both over 1-4 1A opponents- Riverton Parke 50-0 and Covington 33-21, but they’ve lost both games against +.500 teams (5-0 Parke Heritage 52-7 and 4-1 Attica 36-20). They have Sheridan in a couple weeks.  South Vermillion comes off a 26-0 loss to 2-3 3A Sullivan, and earlier lost 42-28 to 4-1 1A North Vermillion- these being the only .500 opponents the Wildcats have faced.  The Mounties of Southmont have also won their last 2, both 0-5 in 3A Crawfordsville (36-8) and 4A Franfort (33-12).  One of their losses was a hard fought tough 2 point loss to unbeaten 2A North Putnam in week 2 28 to 26.   Speedway (2-3) plays a lot of bigger schools, and lost to 4A 3-2 Beech Grove only 21-13, plus a 42-7 loss to #1 Scecina.  The Cadets at Cascade have the toughest SOS in Sect 37, and are 1-4.  Their lone win coming over winless 1A Cloverdale 51-6.  They unfortunately have faced, and lost to 3-2 2A Triton Central, 4-1 Scecina, and unbeaten 1A #1 Lutheran. The 2^nd half of the schedule looks a bit easier for them.  As for 0-5 Monrovia, times are tough… will losses to 5-0 3A Edgewood 14-7, 3-2 3A Ritter 14-6 to start things off; things might have been different with 2 W’s going into a loss to 4-1 2A Linton (35-0), and 3-2 2A Triton Central (47-0).  Last week ended a streak of 6 wins in a row over Speedway, losing 35-7. With both Lutheran and Scecina still to be faced, the Bulldogs schedule is tough.

 

In the End.  This has to be Western Boone’s to lose. 

 

Sectional 36 outlook:

 

Interesting here.  You have a 5-0 and a 4-1 team, yet neither are ranked. Four 3-2 teams also, and it’s two of them who get the attention in polls- Eastbrook #11/#7 and Tipton -/#15.  Eastbrook has the highest SAG Ranking in 36 at 66.21, which is 4^th in 2A 66^th overall, but even more telling is the SOS of 62.77, 55 overall.  The Panthers opened up with 2 losses, 35-19 to 4-1 4A Marion, then 44-7 to unbeaten 4A Delta.  After a blowout win over winless 1A Madison-Grant, Eastbrook put the first L on 4-1 4A Mississinewa 21-14.  Last week it was a 38-13 win over 1-4 3A Oak Hill.  The Blue Devils have always had football respect around the state, and started 3-0. However the first two wins came against dual winless opponents (Madison Grant and Elwood). They narrowly defeated 2-3 3A Twin Lakes 19-14, then ran into 2A  #2 unbeaten Lewis Cass falling 28-7.  Their 2^nd loss followed on the road to 2-3 1A Lafayette Central Catholic 24-14.  They should rebound with winless 3A Northwestern, and a big game will be in week 8 with 4-1 4A Western.  Back to the thoughts about the 5-0 and 4-1 teams-  Eastern (Greentown) is proving 2018’s 7-0 start wasn’t a fluke. Problem is they have the 273^Rd SOS, worst in Sectional 36.Their SAG of 48.32 puts them 2^nd behind Eastbrook, and 16^th in 2A.  The Comets have beaten a couple 3-2 teams- 28-14 over 2A Delphi, and 35-0 over 1A Carroll (Flora).  They also have wins over Oak Hill, Taylor and Madison-Grant- a combined 2-13.  They could very well be 7-0 again and face Sheridan come week 8 with a chance for redemption.  They need that step.

 Alexandria’s SOS of 22.2 is not any better, and falls at #271 in the state, and their SAG of 33.32 is actually 6^th in the sectional of 8.  They only beat 1-4 1A Wes-Del by two 18-16, and lost to 2-3 2A Wabash by two 36-34. But since those first two weeks, they have run off three wins- 42-14 over 1-4 2A Franton, 42-0 over winless Madison Grant, and a good 40-35 win last week over 3-2 2A Blackford.  They should get win 5 this well over winless Elwood, then face a couple big ones with Eastbrook then Mississinewa.  Lapel’s Bulldogs sit 3-2, but after a 3-0 start that included the only loss this year on 1A North Putnam 20-15, they have lost a couple close contests.  22-20 to 3-2 2A Shenandoah, then 21-13 to 3-2 3A Ritter.  I think Lapel is in the mix, but we will know more when they face 4-1 2A Heritage Christian in week 7.  Blackford is also 3-2, including an opening day 37 to 28 loss to 3-2 1A Monroe Central.  3 wins over a combined 3-13 opponent got the Bruins winning, but last week’s loss to Alexandria 40-35 in Hartford City was a battle.  They should recover in facing back to back winless Madison-Grant and Elwood before engaging Eastbrook and Mississinewa.  Frankton (1-4) and Elwood (0-5) bring up the bottom of the pack.  The Eagles beat the Panthers last week 41-12. Both with tough matchups this week in Eastbrook (Frankton) and Alexandria (Elwood)

 

In the End… This could be quite the battle.  Both Tipton and Eastbrook play a better schedule than Alexandria or Eastern (Greentown).  We will see how the Tigers fare against Eastbrook in week 7.  I don’t know that Tipton and Eastbrook have ever faced off.  It will be key on the blind draw in 36.  With Lapel out there… and not forgetting the Comets should they run the table and get over the hump with the Blackhawks.  

 

Sectional 35 Outlook:

 

35 is interesting in that you have Woodlan- the state runnerup in 2017; The Eastside Blazers-always a tough out, and now the Fort Wayne Luers Knights.   Luers, was in 3A Semi-State last year, and no stranger to post season success, and despite a 1-4 start, you know the Knights will be involved in any discussion.   This is a case where a SAG rating (11.94) is hard to really take serious when considering that Luers has faced 6A 3-2 Carroll (Fort Wayne) losing 42-0, 2-3 3A Concordia (Lost 49-21) and 2-3 5A Ft. Wayne North (losing just 19-14 last week).  The other loss came to #8/#10 5-0 6A Homestead (51-0).  Ahead are two 5A schools both +.500 including 4-1 Dwenger, a 4A and closing with 4-1 6A Snider.  Hard to find many 2A schools with that type of schedule.   The one Knight win this was in week 2’s 29-26 battle with winless 4A Ft. Wayne Wayne.  The Warriors of Woodlan had not scored a point in their opening 2 losses to 4-1 4A Leo (36-0) and to 3-1 Marion Local of Ohio (49-0).  Their two wins came however against a combined 1-9 opponent (Heritage and Southern Wells).  So perhaps this is a rebuilding year for Woodlan?   Perhaps a statement was made by the Bluffton Tigers in week 4 ending a 7 game losing streak to the Warriors with a 13-6 win at Woodburn.  Bluffton’s 7 win 2018 season was their best dating back beyond 1994, and at 4-1 they are on the right path.  They opened with wins over 1-4 1A Northfield 24-20 and 1-4 2A Manchester 43-20.  It didn’t help to get pounded 41-0 by unbeaten 1A South Adams…but then again the Starfires are very good.  Plus the response in beating Woodlan proves this club is mentally tough as well.  Things should roll forward after last week’s 43-19 win over 0-5 4a Jay County… as they face 1-4 1A Southern Wells, then 0-5 3A Heritage… but a stern test awaits in week 8 with unbeaten 1A #2/#3 Adams Central.  

Eastside’s 2 losses have come to 5-0 1A Adams Central in a dogfight 21-14, and to 5-0 3A West Noble 38-19.  They tagged 4-1 1 Churubusco with their only loss of the year 42-14, and handed 2-3 3A Garrett a 23-8 loss last week.   The remainder of their regular season looks light… three 1-4 teams, and a 3-2 1A Fremont tilt.  Could this be the year for the Blazers to get what looks like their first Sectional title?  Fairfield chimes in a 3-2 including a 38-6 loss to that 5-0 West Noble team last week. They had won 3 in a row before that with a 22-18 win over Osceola Grace, 8-0 over 1-4 2A Central Noble and 21-6 over 3-2 1A Fremont.  It’s hard to put the Falcons on the same level as the others mentioned above at this point. They close out with Churubusco.   Closing out the group is Central Noble and Prairie Heights at 1-4, with Whitko at 0-5. 

 

In the End- Eastside has the highest SAG at 51.34, 15^th in Class 2A 119 overall, and SOS is technically also an Eastside win at 43.12.   Woodlan closes out extremely tough with two current undefeated 1A teams in South Adams and Adams Central.  Luers has a schedule loaded with bigger faster stronger teams including 4-1 Dwenger and 4-1 Snider.  Could this be Bluffton’s time?  Their SAG at 40.11 is in the range of Eastside, but at this point they’ve only played one +.500 opponent (South Adams), and at the moment their remaining schedule has only 1 +.500 opponent (Adams Central).  That matchup with the Flying Jets will tell us watching from the wings a lot. 

 

Sectional 34 Outlook:

 

The home of the new #1 ranked 2A team in unbeaten Lewis Cass.  But also the 5^th ranked Pioneer Panthers…freshly bumped up from and defending 2 time champs of 1A.  Then there is #8/#12 Laville in the mix.  Pioneer has  the #1 SAG in 2A at 70.32, 55^th in state, but the Kings are 59^th in state, #2 in 2A with 68.44.  Cass has been in the Sectional champ game multiple times but you have to go back to 2012 for their last crown.  They have not started 6-0 since the 10-1 2006 campaign.  Pioneer and Cass have met to start the season as they for years…with Pioneer winning the last 5.  It was the Kings who narrowly took the W 28-22, and as well a 28-7 week 3 win over Tipton.  To stay unbeaten though Lewis Cass has to take on 4-1 4A Western, and 4-1 3A West Lafayette.

 Pioneer took out LaVille head to head 36-14 in week 3, and has blow out wins Winamac, Caston and Attucks.  They will have a week 7 clash with unbeaten 3A Knox.   LaVille opened up 2-0 with wins over 2-3 2A Bremen (27-7) and 2-3 1A Triton (59-14) before the Pioneer loss.  They also had blow out wins over Winamac and Caston, and face Knox this week in a telling game.   34 also has a couple of 3-2 teams-Delphi and Rochester.  The Oracles started 2-0, then fell to 5-0 Eastern (Greentown) and 4-1 Sheridan.  They did rebound with a 28-0 win over 2-3 1A Tri-Central.  The Zebras have dropped games to unbeaten Knox 34-27, and 4-1 3A Tippecanoe Valley 34-14. Their 3 wins are  against a combined 3-12 opponent.   Bremen and Wabash both sit 2-3, while Manchester is 1-4. 

 

In the End… it would seem the perfect draw would be Pioneer and Lewis Cass in opposite brackets with a rematch in the end.  I’m sure Laville would like  to be in that mix, and they will be especially is Pioneer and Cass are in the same bracket.  Cass appears to have the overall more difficult schedule, and will be well tested come sectional time.

 

Sectional 33 Outlook:

 

Here you have the new kid on the block, Boone Grove at 5-0, and a respected football power in Rensselaer Central at 4-1.  I say new kid only because the Wolves 1^st full season was in 2011 but by 2012 they were 7-4, and have been in back to back sectional championship games the last two years.  The Bombers won the state title in 2014, and in several semi states through the years, however they’ve not got past their sectional since then.  Boone Grove ranked #10 in AP/ #11 IFCA doesn’t have Schedule Strength on their side. In fact at 29.11 they are 7^th of the 8 Sect 33 teams, and 235^th in state.  They’ve just faced one +.500 opponent, and won 37-0 over 3-2 4A East Chicago Central. They will face 3-2 3A Hanover Central this week, as well as a season finale with 2-3 2a Whiting…also a sectional 33 foe.  The Bombers own the highest SAG at 65.04, slightly above the Wolves at 62.34.  RC is 6^th in 2A SAG, 69^th in state overall.   The Bombers have put the only Loss on 4-1 4A Western with a 2814 in week 3, and have a 13-9 win over 2-3 4A Kankakee Valley, and a 35-0 win over 2-3 3A Twin Lakes.  However they were mauled by 3A #1 4-1 West Lafayette last week 44-6.  They meet 2-3 1A LCC this week in Rensselaer. 

The Aforementioned Oilers of Whiting sit 2-3 but have a solid pedigree in post season with a regional appearance last year, and a state final trip in ’15.  Two of their three losses were against solid opponents, week 2’s trip to Evansville and a 52-12 loss to Mater Dei (#2/#3) and a 36-0 loss to 4-1 3A Calumet.  However, the 40-14 loss last week to 2-3 3A River Forest was surprising to see. They did hand Hammond Clark their lone loss of 2019 in week 1 27-20, and have a huge week 9 meeting with Boone Grove heading into sectional play.  The toughest SOS in this sectional belongs to Andrean.  The 59ers move into 2A from 3A, and have a schedule loaded with 4 and 5A competition.  They opened with a 48-20 loss to unbeaten #9/#12 6A Merrillville, and also fell 33-10 for unbeaten #3/#1 4A New Prairie. Their loss last week was to 3-2 4A Hobart 33-20, but face 0-5 5A Munster this week.  Their 2 wins have come to 3-2 3A Hanover Central 33-23 and over winless 3A Hammond 33-10.  North Newton also sit as 3-2 with quality wins over 3-2 1A North Judson 48-20 and 3-2 1A West Central 55-8, however they were well handled by Rensselaer Central 50-14 in week 2.  Bowman Academy (2-3) Hammond Noll, and Wheeler (2-3) fill out the Sectional List.  The Bearcats lost 40-0 to Boone Grove last week,  

                                                                                                                                                                                     

In the end you have to wonder if Boone Grove lack of competition gives them a shot at a team of Rensselaer’s experience in big games.  You also have to consider Andrean also plays a schedule that certainly prepares them for sectional time.  Plus the Fighting 59ers have an illustrious football post season history, winning the state title in 2013, runner up in 2014 and a 10-2 2018. They aren’t getting much poll attention (tied at #15 in coaches poll this week).  The Oilers seem to be in a funk with back to back losses to the tune of 76-14.   My head goes with the Bombers at this time…and wonder if Andrean can stay healthy against such bigger teams. 

 

 

 

[1st and Goal]

Great Write up

[miner_35]

8 hours ago, Miner_Pride said:

In the end… and at this point, it would hard to bet against Mater Dei.  With the competition level faced in the course of the year.  It does get pretty physical, particularly these upcoming games.  Can they stay healthy etc… but they could lose all their upcoming games and I’m sure still be the favorite out of 40.  Their current SAG sits #3 in 2A 63^rd in Indiana.  The Miners are at 55.18 #11/104, while the Warriors at 52.36 (13/116).   Tell City is further back at 36.25 (29/179).   A big game to get a feel on the dark horse comes in week 7’s Linton vs North Knox in Bicknell.  However the Warriors are focused on county rival 1-4 3A Vincennes Lincoln. They rebooted this series in 2015, with the Alices winning all four.  The series lied dormant since their last meeting in 1996.  Tell City will have 2 major tests to finish out 2019- this week with Southridge, and in week 8 with Gibson Southern.

 

 

Just to be picky Big D, North Knox did beat Vincennes Lincoln in 2016, 20-18. 😉 Love the write up as always!

[FWfootball10]

Nice write up. Hey Miner Pride if you want to see my thoughts on Luers chances I wrote about them in the "Your state champions are" thread. This coming from someone in Fort Wayne, but I have not watched them play live yet. I will in a couple weeks when they come to Dwenger.

[Coach Nowlin]

Do not be fooled by Andrean's record.   They will be a very tough out come week 10/11/12.    

[Miner_Pride]

1 hour ago, miner_35 said:

Just to be picky Big D, North Knox did beat Vincennes Lincoln in 2016, 20-18. 😉 Love the write up as always!

i just knew that NK had beaten VL more recently... I just blew over it!  Thanks!!

14 minutes ago, Coach Nowlin said:

Do not be fooled by Andrean's record.   They will be a very tough out come week 10/11/12.    

My thoughts exactly....

[Coach Nowlin]

https://www.ihsaatv.org/watch/hobart-andrean-2019-football-wjob-network

 

Andrean had some uncharacteristic snap issues on O and Punt that led to some real short fields

There is game last week vs Hobart.  A slobber knocker hard physical game 

[Miner_Pride]

judging by the poll responses... several games are tossups!