CLASS 6A
Carmel (11-2) vs. Warren Central (13-0): We could have predicted this matchup, though the favored Warriors have been tested the past two weeks and suddenly appear vulnerable. WC beat Carmel 41-17 in Week 8, but the Greyhounds appear to be vastly improved. Warren Central is a perfect 8-0 in eight state-title game appearances. Make that 9-0. Warriors, as expected, are your 6A state champions.
SWAMI SAYS: Warren Central by 20
CLASS 5A
New Palestine (13-0) vs. Decatur Central (12-1): I’ve got a sneaky suspicion that this one might be a lot tighter than many are predicting. DC’s “D” is pretty stout and the Dragons have appeared more human than dragon in recent weeks. This is New Pal’s third title-game appearance in the last five years, while Decatur Central is making its first state title-game showing.
SWAMI SAYS: New Palestine by 23
CLASS 4A
Bishop Dwenger (13-1) at Evansville Central (13-1): The Saints have been on a mission since they were toppled by Snider midway through the season. And, just as I predicted at the beginning of the year, they would be state-bound and favored to win the 4A crown. The sophomore one-two combo of QB Brenden Lytle and RB Devon Tippmann may be the top two candidates to claim GameNight’s Newcomer of the Year Award. Against an EC offense that is pretty vanilla, I’m seeing BD’s “D” with yet another dominant performance behind linebackers Hayden Ellinger, Charlie Howe, Jared Lee and T.J. McGarry. I’m also seeing an inspired showing by sophomore D-lineman Vinnie Fiacable, who will be playing with extra emotion this week. This is BD’s 11th state finals appearance; the Saints have four state crowns to their credit. Evansville Central is making its first state-finals appearance.
SWAMI SAYS: Dwenger by 18
CLASS 3A
West Lafayette (14-0) at Evansville Memorial (14-0): This may be the best matchup on the state-finals docket, as both teams come in undefeated and feeling good about themselves after beating a pair of tradition-rich programs a week ago in Bishop Luers (WL came back from a 14-0 deficit to post a 28-14 conquest) and Indy Chatard (EM humbled the Trojans 42-17). Memorial won it last season, which is good enough for me. Give me the Tigers in a high-scoring affair.
SWAMI SAYS: Evansville Memorial by 10
CLASS 2A
Eastbrook (13-1) at Western Boone (14-0): Eastbrook overcame a sluggish start to rally last week over Bremen, while Western Boone appears to be destined for a state crown this season. The Stars haven’t won a state championship in 30 years (a 14-7 win over South Spencer in 1988), while the Panthers are making their second title appearance in the last three seasons.
SWAMI SAYS: Western Boone by 14
CLASS A
Pioneer (14-0) at North Vermillion (13-1): Pioneer has been, for all practical purposes, the Class A state champion since the season began. The Panthers are averaging a state-most 62.6 ppg and are defending Class A state champs. North Vermillion is playing in its second title game in the last five years. Sorry, Vermin Nation, but this one is all Pioneer.
SWAMI SAYS: Pioneer by 42
