We are down to the sectional semifinal round, as we get to find out who will play for a sectional trophy one week from tonight. We are now less than a month away from the football state finals being held at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Tonight, Classes 5A and 6A sectionals get underway throughout the state. Here are SuperSam’s Top 10 Area Games and Picks for tonight.
Class 2A 36: #14 Eastbrook (7-3) @ #8 Bluffton (8-2)
Series (1982): 9-3 Eastbrook
The Tiger Den will feature the strong tradition that is Jeff Adamson’s Panthers taking on defending sectional champion Bluffton under Head Coach Brent Kunkel. Last season, Bluffton defeated Eastbrook 42-35 to win their first sectional championship since 1988.
There is a reason why many people believe Bluffton can make history and repeat as sectional champs. That is due in part to a strong defense that stops the run, frustrates opposing quarterbacks, a deep senior class, and a strong run game.
If Tucker Jenkins and Khamel Moore continue to get a ton of yardage on the ground, limit the turnovers and bad penalties, and play good defense, they have a shot at winning this game.
However, I do not expect this game to not have less suspense than the previous meeting. That is because of Eastbrook’s Flexbone and the amount of confidence Adamson’s teams will always have in the postseason. Their offense hinges on how well their top two running backs play.
Senior Gage Engle has 3,321 career rushing yards as their power back that will take contact. Sophomore Bodie Howell is their quarterback of the offense, but he is their best athlete as he is a track star. Howell is the elusive, speedy back that if Bluffton struggles up front, Howell can break out with a quick score.
As good as this game can be, I still like Bluffton to advance to the sectional title game.
Players to Watch
Eastbrook: Bodie Howell Sophomore Quarterback/Running Back/Strong Safety
Bluffton: Hunter Wenger Senior Middle Linebacker
Bluffton by 6
Class 2A 35: Central Noble (4-6) @ Manchester (4-6)
This is CN’s first trip to North Manchester to play a football game in high school. The Cougars struggled to move the ball against ‘We the Heights’ last week in a 14-0 CN win. However, the rain greatly affected the playing field, and CN is one of these programs that relies on their ability to distribute the ball across their athletes.
The good news is that the weather *should* be nice down there, which will be to the advantage of the Cougars. However, Manchester has a big frontline led by Senior Captain Caden Miller, who is their starting tight end and outside linebacker. Harrison Sturtsman does everything for the Squires as their 6’3, 300-pound nose guard and tackle.
But their success will come down to how well Sophomore Running Back Reiss Gaerte plays. Against Whitko, he ran 31 times for 311 yards and 5 TD’s. If the Cougars D-Line can stop the run, I like their chances, especially if Quarterback Brody Morgan is able to throw the ball to his targets. Look for Drew Pliett and Tysen Deck to have better games. Brayden Kirchner had 15 tackles and 5 TFL’s vs Prairie Heights.
Players to Watch
CN: Brayden Kirchner Senior Linebacker/Tight End
Manchester: Reiss Gaerte Sophomore Running Back/Strong Safety
Hail to the Mighty Cougars! CN by 7
Class 2A 35: Eastside (7-3) @ #7 Bishop Luers (7-3)
Series (1990): 6-3 Luers
For the 5th straight meeting, Luers and Eastside will meet tonight, this time at Luers Field. Luers wants to extend drives and get their athletes involved in a balanced passing game. Eastside wants a balanced attack, but more so through the run game in their Power Spread. The Blazers will throw the ball but with quality over quantity.
Eastside success hinges on the greatness of their frontline led by seniors Dane Sebert and Joey Eck. But a young defense led by EJ Miler will be tested against an athletic Bishop Luers that has Senior Quarterback Cohen McKenzie and the great talents of Mickey Daring and Gio Jimenez. Isaac Zay will be a dangerous playmaker to watch for the Knights.
If Luers can stop Wyatt Davis (Eastside QB) and contain their talented running back Linkin Carter, Luers will be in great shape to advance. Carter, last week, ran for 130 yards on 16 carries with 4 TD’s in the 48-7 win over Wabash.
Players to Watch
Eastside: Dane Sebert Senior Guard/Defensive End
Luers: Isaac Zay Senior Wide Receiver/Defensive Back
Luers by 14
Class 3A 27: Garrett (5-5) @ Heritage (9-1)
Series (1994): 7-4 Heritage
For the first time since Garrett left the ACAC, these two square off on a football field as Heritage hopes that 2023 is the year that they snap an 11-year sectional title drought. But to do that, they cannot allow Garrett to hang around in this game.
This is a battle-tested Garrett team that plays great defense, with plenty of talent, and their offensive scheme allows the Big Train to pound the ball while milking a lot of clock. Garrett’s greatest challenge all season, aside from them being a very young team, is consistently getting first downs.
That will come down to a combination of Junior Cam Ruble pounding the rock as their fullback, Calder Hefty being able to throw the ball, and taking care of the football. Ruble ran 19 times for 211 yards and 2 TD’s in three quarters of work vs Bellmont.
While I am more optimistic about Garrett, Heritage is really, really good led by Quarterback Kobe Meyer. But other guys are really stepping up their games over the last few games led by Braden Walter.
I think the Patriots’ defense stops the Big Train in their tracks in a hard-nosed game.
Players to Watch
Garrett: Calder Hefty Junior Quarterback/Defensive Back
Heritage: Kobe Meyer Senior Quarterback
Heritage by 12
Class 3A 26: #11 West Noble (10-0) @ #9 Knox (10-0)
Series (2022): 1-0 Knox
They say to be the best, you have to beat the best. Last season, West Noble only trailed 8-0 in the 4th quarter of that Knox game before turnovers derailed them. Last week against Mishawaka Marian, Drew Yates had a career game at quarterback to complete a 14-point comeback and win 46-43.
West Noble has not won more than one postseason game in a single season since 1990, and for that to happen, they must find a way to stop Knox’s motion-based triple option. Sophomore Myles McLaughlin is Knox’s career leader in rushing yards, and his team goes when he goes.
Showers and thunderstorms could unfortunately play a factor in the playing conditions at Knox as it will be played there, 1 Hour and 30 minutes West of Ligonier. However, something feels different about this game. If there is ever a year to do something special, this could be the game.
Players to Watch
WN: McKale Bottles Junior Outside Linebacker
Knox: Myles McLaughlin Sophomore Slotback/Strong Safety
I have West Noble in a SuperSam Upset Special! West Noble by 3!
Class 3A 26: Fairfield (6-4) @ John Glenn (6-4)
Series (1970): 10-6-1 Glenn
For the first time since they met in 2A Sectional 26 back in 2004, the Battle of the Falcons will take flight in Walkerton, IN. It’s the Wishbone of Fairfield versus the Wing-T attack from Glenn. Much like with last week, Fairfield will need a strong performance from their team defense and a good dose of Junior Fullback Brecken Maran.
The challenge is they will have to face John Barron’s Falcons’ attack that is led by their best athlete in Quarterback and Free Safety Chase Miller. As much as I want Fairfield to advance, Miller is just too much to handle as he is super explosive with his feet and sees the field extremely well.
Give me John Glenn! I am sure Jeff Mahoney will be pleased that I took them for once.
Players to Watch
Fairfield: Brecken Maran Junior Fullback
Glenn: Chase Miller Senior Quarterback/Free Safety
John Glenn by 4
Class 4A 20: #5 Mississinewa (10-0) @ Columbia City (6-4)
This is the first meeting between these two teams as the Eagles hope they can get another chance at defending regional champions, Kokomo in the sectional championship game. However, this Ole Miss team is not a pretender. They not only have athletes that can pound the rock, but their strength also lies within the spread offense.
Senior Quarterback Nolan Quaderer is having a remarkable season throwing for 2,048 yards on 73.2% completion and 27 TD’s to just 2 INT’s. His go-to target is senior Deakon Dilts, who has 34 catches for 845 yards (24.9 yards per catch) and 14 TD’s. Dilts also has 4 INT’s as a free safety.
Columbia City’s best hopes of beating Columbia City is if the defensive line can have a strong showing, containing the passing game, and frankly Stratton Fuller. While the numbers don’t like as impressive, Stratton is one of the best receivers and cornerbacks in the area without question. And a player of that talent can change the outcome of a game. Does anyone remember last year’s sectional championship game with him blocking a field goal??
Ok, that’s the only reason I think the Eagles truly have a chance because I do think CC is younger this season, and I am not sure how well they can contain Ole Miss’ athletes. If the Eagles’ defense is not able to create chaos and force some turnovers, I have Ole Miss moving on.
Players to Watch
Ole Miss: Nolan Quaderer Senior Quarterback
Columbia City: Gavin Smith Sophomore Free Safety
Mississinewa by 14
Class 4A 19: #6 East Noble (8-2) @ #9 Leo (8-2)
Series (2013): 8-6 Leo
Since 2019, these two NE8 rivals have met in the postseason and many of their games have resulted in classic finishes. Defense and running the ball are the main themes going into the matchup, even though both teams can throw the ball.
Two things will happen, 1. This game will be ugly or 2. This game will go bonkers. Fans, you may need to see a cardiologist if the latter happens. But anyway, I love this matchup because we are going to get two teams with a lot of talent, and we will get to see these two showcases why they are Co-NE8 champions.
The question becomes, can East Noble with their 3-headed monster continue their momentum on the ground against an elite run defense that Leo presents. For Leo, can the Lions establish the run against EN? Leo’s depth has been tested in the backfield. This should be a fascinating game,
But ultimately, I am leaning towards Leo in what is one of the hardest games to pick.
Players to Watch
East Noble: Dylan Krehl Junior Running Back/Wide Receiver/Middle Linebacker
Leo: Brock Schott Junior Tight End/Middle Linebacker
Leo by 1
Class 6A 3: #10 Fishers (6-3) @ Homestead (5-4)
If we were going to be super crazy, I would take Sparty just to be biased. However, SuperSam has seen some footage of Fishers, and these are some very strong Tigers on that team. Homestead has a strong defense to compete in this game, but they are young and Fishers is just way too talented.
Players to Watch
Fishers: Bennett Gorak Senior Quarterback/Strong Safety
Homestead: Brett Fuchs Senior Running Back/Slot Back
Fishers by 18
Class 6A 2: #9 Carroll (6-3) @ #11 Warsaw (8-1)
Series (2006): 6-3 Carroll
This is as simple as it gets. It will come down to the spread of Carroll’s passing game and the Wishbone offense for Bart Curtis’ Tigers. Last week against North Side, Jimmy Sullivan threw for 182 yards with 2 of his 4 TD passes going to Hansen Haffner. Defensively, look for Ashton Pesetski to lead the defensive line against maybe the best Wishbone offense in Northern Indiana.
Reed Zollinger is Warsaw’s go-to player in the run game, and I expect the Chargers to key in on that. As long as Carroll plays clean football and are not playing ketchup, I like Carroll to win this game.
Players to Watch
Carroll: Hansen Haffner Senior Wide Receiver
Warsaw: Reed Zollinger Senior Running Back
Carroll by 17
