It’s regional’s week in Indiana High School Football. Teams are coming off a sectional championship and looking to get one step closer.
One thing’s for certain. After tonight, the remaining teams will be HALFWAY THERE to hoisting a state championship at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Here’s a look at SuperSam’s predictions at the four area regional matchups.
Class 1A: #2 Adams Central (12-0) @ #3 Carroll (Flora) (12-0)
Series: 2-0 Adams Central
The Jets look to get one step closer to the inevitable rematch with Indianapolis Lutheran for the 3rd year in a row. But can the Cougars’ defense who has had 6 shutouts and holding all but two teams to sub-100 yard rushing performances??
I think the first quarter of the MG game was a wake up call for AC to make sure they don’t let these games slip away. The Cougars make it close early, but AC pulls away.
SuperSam also projects Indianapolis Lutheran to win as well.
Players to Watch
AC: Keegan Bluhm Senior Running Back/Outside Linebacker
Carroll (Flora): Keegan Ellis Running Back/Defensive End
J-E-T-S JETS by 24
2A: #8 Bluffton (10-2) @ #7 Bishop Luers (9-3)
Series: 2-0 Luers
The last time the Bluffton Tigers won a regional championship, the NEIAC was in its last season, Bluffton was in that conference, and they went on a Cinderella run following a 3-6 regular season.
Bishop Luers looks to bring home their 22nd regional championship, which extends an IHSAA record for football. It’ll come down to which team plays with less mistakes, more focus, and which team’s defense can contain one’s strength.
SuperSam sees the winner of this game going to Lucas Oil Stadium in 2 weeks. This is going to sound like a bias pick…but you cannot underestimate the Eye of the Tiger!
Players to Watch
Bluffton: Hunter and Fletcher Wenger Senior Middle Linebackers
Luers: Gio Jimenez Senior Running Back/Strong Safety
Shocker of the night!! The Tigers Do Not Need Cinderella’s slipper this time!
Bluffton by 1 in a SuperSam Upset Special!
4A: #10 Leo (10-2) @ #5 Mississinewa (12-0)
First meeting
While Ole Miss comes in with the better record, Leo comes in with a slightly better resume. The Lions lost their only 2 games by a combined 3 points, and honestly should have won the Kokomo game in Week 1. Ole Miss is really, really good. But if they’re going to win this regional, the defense has to force turnovers, and Nolan Quaderer will have to be able to throw the ball effectively against Brock Schott.
SuperSam has trust in these purple lions. There’s something super, duper special about the 2023 Leo Lions.
Players to Watch
Leo: Landin Hoeppner Senior Cornerback/Wide Receiver
Ole Miss: Nolan Quaderer: Senior Quarterback
Leo by 7
5A: Snider (10-1) @ Mishawaka (9-2)
Series: 3-0 Snider
One year ago, Snider needed an unbelievable 2nd half comeback to knock off the Cavemen and erase a 21-7 deficit. I don’t know if they can do that again this season, considering the dangers of playing a team that pounds the ball effectively and milks clock.
This game has the makings to be an absolute classic. For SuperSam, he will be watching the early portions of this game to see which team can grasp the early lead, and the play up front because the fun game will decide this game.
SuperSam sees a path to a Snider victory!
Players to Watch
Snider: Uriah Buchanan Senior Running Back
Mishawka: Brady Fisher Senior Quarterback
Snider by 10
BONUS PICKS
Class 1A: Lutheran by 18 over Providence
Class 2A: Triton Central by 6 over North Posey
Class 3A: Batesville by 3 over Heritage Hills
Class 4A: New Prairie by 1 over Northwood
Class 5A: Merrillville by 3 over Valparaiso
Class 6A: Hamilton Southeastern by 7 over Westfield
