Football
Semi-State Game Predictions: Dwenger Looks to Go Back to Indy
Bishop Dwenger (11-1) at Valparaiso (12-0)
Prediction: Valparaiso wins 28-27
This a hard game to pick a winner in, but ultimately we chose the 12-0 Vikings. Dwenger hasn’t faced an opponent this talented since Homestead, a game that they lost on their home field. This game feels similar to that game, where we could see the Saints play competitively for 4 quarters, but come up short. Valparaiso is loaded with offensive playmakers like their QB CJ Opperman (1,352 yds, 61% comp, 13 TD) and star RB Tommy Burbee (1,536 yds, 8.1 yds/car, 21 TD), who have carried the load on that side of the ball. Their defense has also forced 17 interceptions and only allowed 110 points all year. Dwenger will need a big game out of QB Brenden Lytle (1,840 yds, 61% comp, 17 TD) and RB Patrick Finley (494 yds, 8.1 yds/car, 6 TD) in order to keep up with the Vikings. It will be a tight game in which one small mistake could make the difference. We’ll have to wait for Friday to see if Dwenger’s season comes to an end, or if the Saints are able to make it back to the state title game for a shot at back-to-back championships.
