The Sideline Swami’s Week 15 State Championship Picks

Once again, The Sideline Swami delivered the goods. Last week, yours truly went 12-0 (his second unscathed effort in the past three weeks) with several games within four points or fewer. As forecasted, Valparaiso upset the Bishop Dwenger Saints, 10-7, as the Swami said it would be a 3-point decision for the Vikings. Pure filth! I also predicted that East Noble would win by 2 points, which nearly came to fruition when the Knights found themselves up by a 26-24 count late in the contest (after trailing by 17). Speaking of East Noble, kudos to coach Luke Amstutz and the boys from K-ville for winning their third semistate crown in program history. Now, go down to The Luc and bring home your second state title and the second straight Class 4A championship from Northeast Indiana (piggybacking BD’s victorious ride in 2018). Well done, Knights! You guys are the last team standing. Now, finish the job!

THE SWAMI SCALE

1. HOMESTEAD (11-1): I’m going to keep the Spartans right here, for at least another week.
2. EAST NOBLE (14-0): Knights move up one rung after last week’s comeback dub over Hobart.
3. BISHOP DWENGER (11-2): Tough loss at Valpo drops the Saints one spot on the Swami Scale.
4. CARROLL (7-4): Carroll stays put in the four-hole.
5. SNIDER (7-3): Snider stays put in the five-hole.
6. LEO (10-2): Leo stays put … you know the drill.
7. CONCORDIA (7-6): Cadets quietly slide to seventh; can’t climb any more than this.
8. SOUTH ADAMS (12-1): It may be counterintuitive, but I’m bumping SA past AC this week.
9. ADAMS CENTRAL (12-2): Flying Jets struggled down in Lafayette; gotta give ‘em the demotion.
10. EASTSIDE (10-3): Keeping the Blazers in the final spot, knowing 2020 could produce more.

2019 STATE FINALS

FRIDAY

Class 1A – Lafayette Central Catholic vs. Indy Lutheran: The undefeated Saints have steamrolled their last three opponents by a combined score of 154-27. As long as Indy Lutheran doesn’t have a colossal collapse with turnovers and penalties, the Saints will march away with their first-ever state championship. Swami says: Indy Lutheran by 17
Class 3A – Indy Chatard vs. Heritage Hills: Unbeaten Heritage Hills is allowing just 6.9 points per game, but the Patriots don’t play the schedule that Chatard does. Speaking of the Trojans, their lone loss is against Indy Cathedral (31-21) in Week 4. Since then, they have destroyed every team in their wake. I’m seeing HH sticking around for a half, but Chatard blows it open after intermission. Swami says: Chatard by 27
Class 5A – Valparaiso vs. New Palestine: Most pundits and experts are predicting a New Palestine massacre. But I’ve got a sneaky suspicion that the Vikings hang around for awhile. Look for probable Mr. Football Charlie Spegal to get his yards between the 20s, but Valpo’s “D” will stiffen in the Red Zone. But with man coverage on the perimeter, and eight guys in the box, New Pal will have some opportunities in the passing game. A key play in the special-teams department ultimately seals the deal for the Dragons as they win their third state championship, and second in a row. Swami says: New Palestine by 18

SATURDAY

Class 2A – Eastbrook vs. Western Boone: A rematch of last year’s state-title tilt (won by Western Boone, 34-20), Panthers vs. Stars should be a down-to-the-wire finish in 2019. If Eastbrook can sprinkle in a few play-action passes, especially on early downs, the Panthers will be primed to pull off the upset. Yet in the end, I’m going with WB to repeat as champs with a strong fourth quarter. Swami says: Western Boone by 11
Class 4A – East Noble vs. Evansville Memorial: The unbeaten Knights (14-0) have had the highest Sagarin rating in 4A for nearly two months, making them prohibitive favorites in this one. But something tells me the Tigers just may hang around for awhile. East Noble overcame a horrendous start last week at home against Hobart. In this afternoon matinee, a slow start will result in a loss to the Tigers. Look for Bailey Parker to break a few big runs early in the game to help kickstart the EN offense. In the second half, Memorial makes a run to close the gap. In the fourth, EN reassumes control and wins it by two scores. Hayden Jones has a monster game.  Swami says: East Noble by 10
Class 6A – Carmel vs. Center Grove: Just a few weeks ago I would have predicted the Greyhounds in a landslide. But I really like what the Trojans have done down the stretch, toppling powerhouses Warren Central (28-14) and Ben Davis (17-10) the past two weeks. Carmel, meanwhile, has pummeled its last three foes by scores of 35-7, 31-7 and 38-17. My crystal balls have been money in the playoffs, and that’s why I believe I’ve got one more Upset Special in me. Why not? The Upset Special. Swami says: Center Grove by 1

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