The Sideline Swami’s Week 15 State Picks

And then there were two. Again. Both Bishop Luers and South Adams were victorious a week ago, with the Knights registering an amazing come-from-behind win at Luersfield and the Starfires lighting up the sky in Berne. Friday morning in the Class 2A title tilt, Luers looks to add to its already-stuffed trophy case in an intriguing game vs. two-time defending state-champion Western Boone. Saturday morning, it’s South Adams’ turn to win its first-ever state championship against a talented bunch from Covenant Christian. Let’s go, boys! You’ve got this.

THE “FINAL” SWAMI SCALE for 2020

1. HOMESTEAD (10-1): Sparty’s 10-game win streak was snapped two weeks ago, but the top spot still belongs to Homestead. At least until next year.
2. BISHOP DWENGER (10-2): Dwenger fans will be scratching their heads for awhile after the Saints squandered a 21-6 lead late in the regional vs. Zionsville.
3. EAST NOBLE (9-4): The Knights had an amazing turnaround this season after starting 3-3, but the final memory (a loss to Marion two weeks ago) will sting for awhile.
4. CONCORDIA (6-6): The Cadets played Indy Chatard. Tough. Very tough. But tough doesn’t go very far when it comes to winning a blue ring.
5. LEO (10-2): The Lions’ one-dimensionality finally caught up with them in the sectional championship game. Youthful Leo will be back in ’21.
6. *BISHOP LUERS (8-6): The Knights recorded a comeback for the ages last Friday after falling behind 28-7 at the break, only to storm back for a 42-34 conquest over Pioneer.
7. *SOUTH ADAMS (13-0): The Starfires are on a collision course with immortality and just might be the lone unbeaten team statewide left standing after this week.
8. CARROLL (7-3): My beloved Chargers are back in my good graces, despite getting bounced three weeks ago. They should be even better next season.
9. SNIDER (5-5): The Panthers didn’t have the kind of season that they envisioned, but they’ve got lots of returnees for a strong push in 2021. Super strong push.
10. EASTSIDE (10-2): The Blazers got boned by a couple tough calls in the sectional title tilt, but the boys from Butler never buckled. Graduation will take its toll next year.

*denotes still alive in state playoffs

CLASS 2A STATE CHAMPIONSHIPBISHOP LUERS (8-6) VS. WESTERN BOONE (10-4): The Knights appear destined for another blue ring, but the boys from WeBo have other plans. The Stars have won the last two Class 2A state crowns and are coming off of a 42-7 shellacking over The Mother of God (Evansville Mater Dei). Luers, meanwhile, needed a little late Luersfield magic to come from behind to beat Pioneer, 42-34. Coach Justin Pelley’s defense has been much improved in the postseason, but this will clearly be the toughest challenge to date for a WB “D” that is giving up 16.2 ppg. The Knights, conversely, are averaging 47.8 ppg in five postseason wins. Luers may need to score in the 40s again to pull off the victory, but I’m seeing some big-time plays from Carson Clark, Brody Glenn and Ramon Anderson. Give me the Knights in another come-from-behind thriller.SWAMI SAYS: Luers by 3

CLASS 1A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP SOUTH ADAMS (13-0) VS. COVENANT CHRISTIAN (14-0): Covenant Christian has been crucifying everybody on its schedule this season, winning by an average score of 53-10 in 2020. The Warriors’ closest contest was a 46-38 win over Indy Lutheran in the sectional championship. South Adams, meanwhile, had a tight one at the regional round vs. previously unbeaten Southwood, 48-35. The Starfires are beating teams by an average score of 48-9. This is a matchup of two high-powered offenses and two underrated defenses. I’ve been riding the Starfires dirty and dry all season long; there’s no reason to stop now. Give me South Adams in a shootout! Starfires get that elusive crown.SWAMI SAYS: South Adams by 2

BONUS TREATS

6A — Westfield (12-1) vs. Center Grove (13-0): SWAMI SAYS: Center Grove by 24

5A — Zionsville (7-5) vs. Indy Cathedral (12-1): SWAMI SAYS: Cathedral by 31

4A — Hobart (11-2) vs. Indy Roncalli (12-1): SWAMI SAYS: Roncalli by 22

3A — Indy Chatard (12-1) vs. Danville (11-0): SWAMI SAYS: Chatard by 17

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