WEEK 12
CLASS 6A, SECTIONAL 3
Snider (8-2) at Homestead (7-3): The Panthers beat the Spartans 23-7 in Week 5, but that game was played at soggy Spuller Stadium. Since then, Homestead has won five straight games with its defense leading the way (Sparty has allowed less than nine points per game during that span). Tonight, Homestead hosts on its artificial surface, where it is 3-1 this year (the lone loss against SAC-champion Bishop Dwenger). Snider is just 3-2 on the road this season. SWAMI SAYS: Snider by 9
CLASS 4A, SECTIONAL 19
NorthWood (11-0) at Angola (11-0): Top-ranked NorthWood is averaging 45 points per outing, while defensive-minded Angola is yielding just 6.3 ppg (including five shutouts). Clearly, something has to give. When the two teams met in last year’s sectional opener in Nappanee, the Hornets stung the Panthers with a 28-21 overtime surprise. I’m giving No. 3 (IFCA poll) Angola a slight edge for playing this one at the friendly confines, but make no mistake: this will be an upset if the Hornets prevail. SWAMI SAYS: Angola by 1
CLASS 4A, SECTIONAL 20
Bishop Dwenger (10-1) at Wayne (9-2): The much anticipated rematch pairs the favored Saints against the upstart Generals. Dwenger pummeled Wayne 22-zip in a rain-soaked Week 1 slog at Zollner Stadium. BD lost to Snider (21-13); Wayne beat Snider (21-7). BD beat Homestead (23-10); Wayne lost to Homestead (21-13). If the Generals could have moved this one to an artificial surface, I may have picked them in an Upset Special. But with more precipitation expected, and temperatures in the low 40’s at kickoff, I believe this suits BD just fine. Without senior LB Tristan Pernell, the Generals’ “D” just isn’t the same. SWAMI SAYS: Dwenger by 14
CLASS 3A, SECTIONAL 28
Bishop Luers (7-4) at Bellmont (2-9): Luers waxed West Noble last week in Ligonier, while the Braves shocked the area scene with a huge upset of Concordia in Fort Wayne. Bellmont has, by far, the worst record of any team still playing statewide. The Braves’ “O” had its best effort a week ago, but can they slow down this high-powered attack from Luers? The Knights are at full strength and possess more weapons than a Fortnite Battle Royale Vault. For my money, I like Jordan Presley (Bladestorm), Norm Knapke (Bullet Storm), Justin Gaston (Fleetfoot), Will Derrick (Cobalt Commando) and Allen Jackson (Demolisher). If I can give Bellmont High one tip: don’t punt/kick to Presley or Gaston. Unlike Nike, just don’t do it! SWAMI SAYS: Luers by 28
CLASS 2A, SECTIONAL 34
Bremen (9-2) at Bluffton (7-4): Everett Johnson (1,946 rushing yards, 7.9 ypc) has made a strong push for GameNight’s postseason team (if not our Player of the Year Award), but will he have room to roam tonight against a stingy Bremen bunch? Maybe. For a half. Look for the Lions to make some halftime adjustments and run away from the Tigers in the second half. Lions, in general, may not be faster than Tigers, but I like ‘em in a street brawl. SWAMI SAYS: Bremen by 27
CLASS A, SECTIONAL 43
Southwood (11-0) at Adams Central (11-0): The Flying Jets have been waiting a full year for this game, after getting smacked at home by a 50-27 count one year ago this very weekend. Can you say revenge? If Logan Macklin can help AC move chains and finish a couple drives in the Red Zone, I like the Jets at home. But these Knights have proven that they can win in Monroe. Buckle up, folks; this could be a good, ol’ fashioned slobber-knocker. SWAMI SAYS: Adams Central by 6
