Survive and advance. That’s all that matters now that the second season is upon us. Style points only matter for sexy Swami types like yours truly. Speaking of, I went 14-1 last week on winners and successfully delivered my Upset Special (Eastside over Bishop Luers) and the anti-Sagarin selection of Leo over NorthWood. Time to feast! … My one loss, however, was a Class 6A heavyweight bout: Carroll over Snider. I had predicted that the Panthers would win by 10 points. When they were driving late in the first quarter and ahead by a tuddy, it sure looked like my crystal balls were onto something. Instead, the Chargers took control of the game behind sophomore QB Jeff Becker. To be fair, I did say that the only way Carroll would win would be if Becker had a monster game. A Monster Mash game, indeed, on the day after Halloween. Treats for Carroll; tricks for Snider. I should’ve trusted my pumpkin tealeaves on that one. The Chargers received a giant stack of pizzas from B. Antonio’s on Wednesday night for their efforts. Congrats, guys! A well deserved feast for the boys in the 4-5. … Check out the Swami Scale below (there have been some changes), plus a ton of great matchups below that are sure to satiate your appetite. Bon appetit!
THE SWAMI SCALE
- HOMESTEAD (10-0): Scare in Noblesville doesn’t knock Sparty from the top spot.
- BISHOP DWENGER (9-1): Saints without one of their key performers tonight.
- EAST NOBLE (11-0): Knights are one of four “big” schools still undefeated.
- CARROLL (7-3): Chargers hoping that the B. Antonio’s blessing holds true.
- SNIDER (7-3): Snider falls short of the sectional final for the first time in 20 years.
- SOUTH ADAMS (11-0): These Starfires get another relative “bye” this week.
- LEO (10-1): Lions looking for their first sectional crown since the 2011 season.
- CONCORDIA (6-5): Concordia will remain a fave for at least another week.
- EASTSIDE (9-2): Eastside on the cusp of history; let’s go Blazer Nation!
- NORTHROP (5-5): Was the 9-7 loss to BD three weeks ago just an aberration?
FEATURED MATCHUPS
Class 6A – Carroll at Homestead: The rematch is much closer, though I’m seeing the Spartans with a huge third quarter and a key special-teams play to provide separation. Jake Archbold is the difference. Swami says: Homestead by 14
Class 5A – Northrop at Bishop Dwenger: As long as BD can connect on a few play-action passes, the Saints’ offense should have enough to move chains and clock. I’m seeing a big night from junior QB Brenden Lytle. But these Bruins will have a few tricks up their sleeve, too, and believe they belong. Northrop just needs to stay within striking distance. Swami says: Dwenger by 21
Class 4A – Leo at East Noble: The Knights thumped the Lions by 28 points in Week 5, but this Leo team appears to be much improved. If Peyton Wall gets loose on a few scampers between the hash marks, the Lions just might surprise. In the end, however, EN has Bailey Parker and that’s good enough for me. Swami says: East Noble by 17
Class 3A – Concordia at Peru: The Tigers will need the trapeze artists, the crazy drunken bicyclists and every elephant in the circus to pull off the upset in this one. Sorry, folks, but Peru just doesn’t play the competition that Concordia does. I’m sensing a big night from RB Amir Drew as the Cadets salt away the game after intermission. Swami says Concordia by 28
Class 2A – Fairfield at Eastside: Fairfield is much improved but common opponents suggest that the Blazers should blaze a trail to their first-ever sectional crown. Turnovers will dictate things in a decisive second stanza as Eastside turns a close one into a runaway. Swami says Eastside by 19
Class 1A – Adams Central at Northfield: These Flying Jets are surging in recent weeks, setting themselves up for a huge matchup next week vs. South Adams. Tonight sure feels like a trap game, doesn’t it? If Northfield can beat Southwood, the Men of Norse certainly can defeat AC. Right? Not on my watch. Swami says Adams Central by 16
THE UNDERCARD
1A – Madison-Grant at South Adams: SA has sputtered in recent weeks. Swami says: South Adams by 34
1A – Lafayette CC at Traders Point Christian: Stronger SOS for the Knights. Swami says LCC by 20
2A – Eastbrook at Eastern: The host Comets are unbeaten for a reason. Swami says Eastbrook by 11
2A – Indy Scecina at Heritage Christian: HC Eagles aren’t fazed by parochial powers. Swami says HC by 4
3A – Jimtown at Mish. Marian: MM beat J-town by 14 in Week 5. More of the same. Swami says Marian by 21
3A – West Lafayette at Indy Chatard: Chatard isn’t merely a Trojan Horse. Swami says Chatard by 15
4A – Mississinewa at Marion: Indians’ run game prevails in the Upset Special. Swami says Ole Miss by 1
4A – Lowell at Hobart: Brickies bombarded the Devils by 31 three weeks ago. Swami says Hobart by 23
5A – Valparaiso at LaPorte: A rematch from Week 3; Vikes vanquish once again. Swami says Valpo by 33
5A – McCutcheon at Harrison: These Raiders are awaiting their shot at BD. Swami says Harrison by 28
6A – Westfield at Carmel: Sagarin says it’s tight; Swami says otherwise. Swami says Carmel by 14
6A – Penn at Warsaw: These aren’t your daddy’s Kingsmen. U.S. Part II. Swami says Warsaw by 2
