The guys from Around the Fort were originally going to have a quiet, dare I say tranquil, podcast this week as we celebrate Thanksgiving Weekend and the accompanying state-title games. But with the Carroll Chargers making their first foray into state-finals territory, we had to go big. As in not one, but two, Tranquill men – former Carroll greats Drue and Justin! The Tranquill boys are arguably the two most famous Chargers in program history. Drue starred at Notre Dame and is currently playing linebacker for the LA Chargers of the NFL. Justin enjoyed a standout career at Western Michigan and, like his big brother, currently lives in Southern California. If you’re unable to tune in on Wednesday evening, be sure to stream it on YouTube (search Around the Fort) … How cool would it be if the only two teams statewide to finish unblemished were both from the 2-6-0? Yes, if Carroll (in 6A) and Adams Central (in 1A) both win this weekend, they will be the lone squads to run the gauntlet in 2022. Come on, men! We’re pulling for you! Win or lose, you’ve made GameNight and the Sideline Swami very proud this year.
THE SWAMI SCALE
- CARROLL (13-0): The Chargers broke through the 6A barrier and are playing plus-one for No. 13.
- SNIDER (11-2): Snider will have nightmares about the way last week ended in heartbreaking fashion.
- NORTH SIDE (8-3): The Legends stay in the three-hole, having only lost to the top two teams in ‘22.
- ADAMS CENTRAL (14-0): This is the highest a Class 1A squad has ever found itself on the S-Scale.
- COLUMBIA CITY (11-2): The Eagles drop a spot if, for no other reason, than I said so – dammit!
- NORWELL (10-2): The Knights are assuredly kicking themselves after letting a 21-0 lead slip away.
- BISHOP DWENGER (6-4): Dwenger’s losses this season came against the area’s top three teams.
- BISHOP LUERS (8-6): Had to drop the Knights just a spot after last week’s arse-kicking at Andrean.
- LEO (8-4): The Lions took NE8 champion Columbia City to OT three weeks ago; the future is bright.
- EASTSIDE (9-3): Two of the Beastsiders’ losses are against teams that won regional championships.
CLASS 6A
CARROLL (13-0) vs. CENTER GROVE (11-2): The Chargers are looking to go 14-and-oh, as in one more for Owen. Do it, men!
SWAMI SAYS: Center Grove by 7
SWAMI SAYS: Over/Under: 59
CLASS 5A
VALPARAISO (10-3) vs. WHITELAND (12-1): The Warriors feel like a team of destiny this season, but so does Valpo. Who knows?
SWAMI SAYS: Whiteland by 9
SWAMI SAYS: Over/Under: 46
CLASS 4A
NEW PRAIRIE (13-1) vs. EAST CENTRAL (12-2): EC is seeking its third state championship in program history; Trojans triumph!
SWAMI SAYS: East Central by 14
SWAMI SAYS: Over/Under: 50
CLASS 3A
INDY CHATARD (10-4) vs. LAWRENCEBURG (13-1): When in doubt, go with the Catlicks. I like these Trojans by a late field goal.
SWAMI SAYS: Chatard by 3
SWAMI SAYS: Over/Under: 49
CLASS 2A
ANDREAN (10-3) vs. EVANS. MATER DEI (11-3): If Drayk Bowen can gash Luers for 358, what will he do vs. the Mother of God?
SWAMI SAYS: Andrean by 4
SWAMI SAYS: Over/Under: 52
CLASS 1A
ADAMS CENTRAL (14-0) vs. INDY LUTHERAN 14-0): This is payback time for the Flying Jets. Let’s go, AC! Redemptive uprising!
SWAMI SAYS: Adams Central by 1
SWAMI SAYS: Over/Under: 63
