No, it’s not Russian disinformation. But the news this week that a pair of teams in local sectionals (Peru and Southwood) had their seasons ended without actually being defeated on the scoreboard, is downright disheartening. Both were having successful campaigns and, because of strict quarantine regulations, their postseasons are over before they even begin. But not so fast, my friend. The football gods gave undefeated Southwood a reprieve, which makes me smile. But I feel terrible for the Tigers of Peru. What a circus!
THE SWAMI SCALE
- HOMESTEAD (8-1): Sparty stays here until at least November. Congrats on winning the satchel!
- BISHOP DWENGER (8-1): BD gets a couple weeks to get healthy and hungry for a Class 5A run.
- LEO (8-1): The Lions have a intriguing matchup tonight in Middlebury, but are up to the challenge.
- NORWELL (8-1): As long as the Knights take care of the ball, they’ll be just fine tonight vs. Heritage.
- CARROLL (7-2): The Chargers can spend the week preparing for Warsaw; no look-ahead games.
- SNIDER (5-4): I’m keeping the Panthers in the Six Hole, knowing they’re hungry for redemption.
- SOUTH ADAMS (9-0): SA should coast to the regional, but take it one game at a time Starfires.
- EASTSIDE (8-1): This Eastside team is clicking on all cylinders; Blazers go to 8-1 B-town tonight.
- FAIRFIELD (7-1): Matt Thacker’s group would love to see how it stands up vs. tradition-rich Luers.
- EAST NOBLE (6-3): The Knights reenter The Swami Scale and seem eerily under the radar.
CLASS 4A (SECTIONAL 19)
COLUMBIA CITY (6-3) at EAST NOBLE (6-3): Without their coach, the Eagles have their wings clipped tonight in K-ville. The Knights are feeling it, folks. Feeling it, I say.
SWAMI SAYS: East Noble by 18
ANGOLA (5-2) at DEKALB (1-5): Coach Andy Thomas’ Hornets are flying (or maybe just buzzing around) below the radar in Sectional 19. They leave their stinger in tonight. Bury it deep!
SWAMI SAYS: Angola by 27
LEO (8-1) at NORTHRIDGE (6-2): I’m envisioning a low-scoring game with a heavy dose of Kaeden Miller. The Lions must stop Northridge RB Dominic Crowder; the Raiders are definitely louder with Crowder.
SWAMI SAYS: Leo by 12
CLASS 4A (SECTIONAL 20)
NEW HAVEN (5-4) at SOUTH SIDE (1-8): Don’t rule out a South Side upset here. Remember, the 2016 Archers were 1-8 and shocked then 7-2 Leo of the Northeast 8 in the sectional opener. NH QB Jakar Williams is the X-factor.
SWAMI SAYS: New Haven by 25
HUNTINGTON NORTH (3-6) at WAYNE (1-8): Both teams want to ground and pound, so this one might be over in 90 minutes. I took the Generals last week to win this one; can’t bail on them now. The Upset Special.
SWAMI SAYS: Wayne by 6
JAY COUNTY (0-8) at Delta (6-2): If JC has a shot tonight, Moses himself will need to part the Red Sea. Give me the Deltatonians at home in a beatdown of biblical proportions.
SWAMI SAYS: Delta by 48
CLASS 3A (SECTIONAL 26)
LAKELAND (2-7) at MISHAWAKA MARIAN (7-0): My Marian source tells me the Knights are on a collision course with the 3A state-title game. Marian defeated Penn for the first time in nearly 50 years this year, for cryin’ out loud. Lakers swim away quietly.
SWAMI SAYS: Marian by 55
JIMTOWN (5-3) at GARRETT (3-5): I would love to see the G-men rise up tonight at home, but something tells me the Jimmies put forth a spirited defensive effort. Still, I think the ‘Roaders keep it close. For a half.
SWAMI SAYS: Jimtown by 22
JOHN GLENN (4-5) at WEST NOBLE (1-8): The Chargers have played better in recent weeks, but good enough to knock off JG? I’m just not seeing it. Spacemen prevail.
SWAMI SAYS: John Glenn by 17
CLASS 3A (SECTIONAL 27)
OAK HILL (6-3) at BELLMONT (0-7): Bud Ozmun’s Golden Beagles will have too much defense for the Braves, who bow out quietly at 0-8. On a personal note, I love beagles.
SWAMI SAYS: Oak Hill by 28
HERITAGE (2-5) at NORWELL (8-1): These Knights appear to be on a mission from Gawd. As coach Gerber says, “Communication is key.”
SWAMI SAYS: Norwell by 37
CLASS 2A (SECTIONAL 35)
WOODLAN (1-8) at PRAIRIE HEIGHTS (0-9): Even without one of its top defensive players, I’m taking Woodlan on the road. Warriors’ SOS pays dividends tonight.
SWAMI SAYS: Woodlan by 21
EASTSIDE (8-1) at BLUFFTON (8-1): If the home-standing Tigers can win first down, they’ll have a shot at dethroning the favored Blazers. In the end, QB Laban Davis is the difference.
SWAMI SAYS: Eastside by 23
WHITKO (4-5) at BISHOP LUERS (3-6): Sagarin says Luers should win by half of a point. Half of a point? Come on, Sags! Playing in the satchel has to be worth more than half-a-point. Knights roll.
SWAMI SAYS: Luers by 38
CENTRAL NOBLE (4-5) at FAIRFIELD (8-0): I really like these Falcons. A lot. QB Cory Lantz set a school record for fewest INTs in a regular season (one, which only occurred when his teammate fell down).
SWAMI SAYS: Fairfield by 28
CLASS 1A (SECTIONAL 43)
UNION CITY (3-5) at SOUTH ADAMS (8-0): Mother Nature will keep this one closer than it should be, as the Starfires rest their regulars after intermission.
SWAMI SAYS: South Adams by 47
CLASS 1A (SECTIONAL 44)
CHURUBUSCO (4-3) at TRITON (3-5): The Eagles are one of the youngest teams in the area, so every postseason game will translate into success down the road. Triton’s Wing-T could pose a problem, however, with the Schuh boys and Hunter McIntyre.
SWAMI SAYS: Churubusco by 7
ADAMS CENTRAL (6-2) at FREMONT (3-3): Give me the Flying Jets’ methodical offense over the Fightin’ Hummers all day long. All night long, for that matter.
SWAMI SAYS: Adams Central by 27
