Football
The Sideline Swami’s Week 14 Semistate Picks
WEEK 14 (Semistate)
CLASS 4A
Bishop Dwenger (12-1) at Mishawaka (12-1): The Cavemen shouldn’t provide many problems for a BD “D” that has been dominating this season. With junior playmaker Patrick Finley back in the mix, the Saints have too much weaponry for Mishawaka to handle. Saints salt things away in the final stanza.
SWAMI SAYS: Dwenger by 13
CLASS 3A
West Lafayette (13-0) at Bishop Luers (9-4): The Luers dads have Luersfield in tip-top shape tonight, but I sure wish this game was being played on artificial turf. If the Knights have an edge, it’s in the speed department. WL is big and physical, especially along the D-line. The big question? Can Luers’ improved “D” stop the Red Devils on third down? My heart is with Jordan Presley and the Knights, but I’m envisioning these Devils getting their fifth semistate crown with a late score. One of those big DI D-linemen seals the deal for the Devils.
SWAMI SAYS: West Lafayette by 7
CLASS A
Adams Central (13-0) at Pioneer (13-0): Sagarin says this one should be relatively close, and my old crystal ball agrees with him. But my newest, tech-savvy crystal balls are way more advanced, and they seem to be more accurate these days. The Flying Jets get grounded tonight in a big, big way against a Panthers pack that has outscored its four playoff foes by a combined score of 296-7. That’s just plain filthy.
SWAMI SAYS: Pioneer by 18
THE UNDERCARD
CLASS 6A
Carmel (10-2) at Valparaiso (9-2): Snider saw firsthand how good third-ranked Carmel is up-front on defense, so you know these Vikings are going to get the ball out to their playmakers in space. Sorry to say it, Valpo faithful; it ain’t going to matter.
SWAMI SAYS: Carmel by 19
Center Grove (9-3) at Warren Central (12-0): If this game were being played in Greenwood, I’d be giving the Trojans a shot. Heck, I may even pick them in an Upset Special on CG soil. But top-ranked WC has loads of talent and last week’s scare will serve as the Warriors’ wakeup call.
SWAMI SAYS: Warren Central by 21
CLASS 5A
Decatur Central (11-1) at Columbus East (11-2): Second-ranked Central’s defense is nasty with two DI players and guys that fly to the ball, but stupid penalties have plagued this team and will do so again tonight. I like the Olympians in a nail-biter.
SWAMI SAYS: Columbus East by 1
Michigan City (10-2) at New Palestine (11-2): Few have been able to slay the dragons during coach Kyle Ralph’s time at NP, and while third-ranked MC is much improved, the Wolves don’t have the talent to pull off the feat. Not even Winston Wolf would make a difference.
SWAMI SAYS: New Palestine by 22
CLASS 4A
Marion (13-0) at Evansville Central (12-1): Two balanced teams with good speed and athleticism, Marion vs. EC should be tight throughout. In the end, coach Craig Chambers’ Giants prevail on a field goal.
SWAMI SAYS: Marion by 3
CLASS 3A
Indy Chatard (11-2) at Evansville Memorial (13-0): Though Memorial is unblemished and should be a slight favorite here, my Swami senses tell me that Chatard has the goods to wear down the Tigers in their home den. Nothing quite like “power” football in November.
SWAMI SAYS: Chatard by 2
CLASS 2A
Bremen (11-2) at Eastbrook (12-1): This one will come down to the fourth quarter. Give the Panthers the edge for playing it at home.
SWAMI SAYS: Eastbrook by 9
Southridge (10-3) at Western Boone (13-0): I’m seeing Western Boone lowering the boom on those pesky Raiders from Southridge. Boom! Right in the kisser!
SWAMI SAYS: Western Boone by 17
CLASS A
North Vermillion (12-1) at Indy Lutheran (10-3): No way this one gets out of hand either way. Just no way, people. Hate to break it to ‘ya, but this one’s for second place.
SWAMI SAYS: North Vermillion by 1
