Carmel (8-3) at Homestead (11-0)
Prediction: Homestead wins 24-21
There’s a lot of playmakers on both sides of the ball for both teams. By now, you should be familiar with QB Luke Goode (2,642 yds, 62% comp, 26 TD) and how he’s among the best quarterbacks in the state. The receivers for the Spartans are just as effective as WR’s Jared Kistler (30 rec, 651 yds, 6 TD), Jake Archbold (37 rec, 625 yds, 12 TD), and Griffin Little (35 rec, 501 yds, 6 TD) have all been great options for Goode to throw to this season. They’ll have to deal with two solid running backs in RB Dylan Downing (784 yds, 6.4 yds/car, 8 TD) and RB John David Rogers (447 yds, 6.7 yds/car, 5 TD) who lead the Greyhounds offense. QB Christian Williams is also a vital part of this offense ever since he took over halfway through the season and has led them to 4 straight wins. This game could go either way and the little things, such as who has to ride on a bus for 2 hours, will make the difference. In this case, we’ll take the Spartans to get a huge victory at home.
Bishop Dwenger (10-1) at Harrison (9-2)
Prediction: Dwenger wins 27-24
Dwenger deserves some respect for this season. While Homestead dominated the conference, the Saints were quietly able to go 8-1 in conference play and gave the Spartans their only competitive game of the regular season. It has translated well to the postseason, with Dwenger getting wins over North Side and Northrop. Now they’ll face their first out of conference opponent. Harrison is no push-over, with the Raiders being led by QB Tyler Knoy (1,250 yds, 50% comp, 20 TD) and WR Jake Smith (30 rec, 426 yds, 8 TD). RB Omarion Dixon (1,563 yds, 7.6 yds/car, 17 TD) and RB Marcel Atisso (971 yds, 10.1 yds/car, 12 TD) are also very dangerous out of the backfield. Dwenger will need a great game from QB Brenden Lytle (1,671 yds, 61% comp, 15 TD) and RB Louie Tippmann (514 yds, 5.5 yds/car, 3 TD) to lead them to victory. Expect Dwenger to turn things up a notch as they snatch a win in West Lafayette.
Bishop Chatard (11-1) at Concordia (7-5)
Prediction: Chatard wins 42-6
There are a few things to note about Chatard. They are 11-1, coming in with an 8-game winning streak. They are ranked 2nd in the state of Indiana and 102nd nationally. They are the best team Concordia will have played thus far. QB Kyle Cheek (1,850 yds, 66% comp, 27 TD), RB Daylen Taylor (1,786 yds, 9.1 yds/car, 23 TD), WR Andrew Sowinski (51 rec, 868 yds, 20 TD) all lead their positions in various categories. They have helped the Trojans outscore opponents 515-141 this season. It will be a tall task for QB Brandon Davis (2,194 yds, 53% comp, 19 TD), RB Amir Drew (1,301 yds, 6.0 yds/car, 17 TD), and company. If all goes well, the Trojans should leave Zollner Stadium with another win.
