Prep notebook: Brunt, Dragash make IHSAA sectional picks
By CLIFF BRUNT
and CRAIG DRAGASH
ISL Staff
Here is our final look at The Associated Press’ Indiana prep football poll heading into sectionals.
In 6A, Penn holds onto the No. 1 spot, but it’s not as strong a grip as it once was after No. 2 Ben Davis rallied from 24-0 down last Friday night to beat Carmel 28-24 (Story here).
Penn closed the regular season by beating Mishawaka 28-7. The Kingsmen allowed 32 points during the entire regular season.
Carmel dropped from No. 4 to No. 6 after falling apart against Ben Davis. Center Grove is No. 3 and unbeaten Southport is No. 4. Fishers is No. 5 after winning eight straight.
Despite the loss to Ben Davis, the two-quarterback system is looking better for Carmel with the emergence of junior Isaac James after a rough start with his position change from wide receiver. Carmel could meet Center Grove or Ben Davis again at Lucas Oil Stadium with a chance to avenge either loss, though Penn might have something to say about the Greyhounds’ advancement.
In 5A, Westfield is No. 1 and got all 18 first-place votes. Indianapolis Cathedral lost 35-14 to Cincinnati Moeller and fell from No. 3 to No. 5. The Irish are 4-5, but are among the favorites to win a state title.
In 4A, Columbus East is unbeaten and ranked No. 1, but three unbeatens look to make a statement in the postseason — New Palestine at No. 2, New Prairie at No. 3 and Leo at No. 5. The most dangerous challenger might be No. 4 Indianapolis Chatard, which is coming off an impressive win over Indianapolis Arsenal Tech. Its three losses, by a combined 14 points, have come against Indianapolis Brebeuf, Cathedral and Cincinnati Elder. No. 7 Indianapolis Roncalli is another dangerous team in this class because of its large, experienced offensive line.
In 3A, four teams finished the season unbeaten– No. 1 Andrean, No. 2 Gibson Southern, No. 3 Batestown and No. 4 Brownstown. Watch No. 7 Brebeuf and No. 9 Fort Wayne Concordia in this class. Concordia beat Brebeuf in the regular-season finale. Brebeuf opened the season with a huge win against Chatard.
In 2A, No. 1 Evansville Mater Dei is the only unbeaten. Three traditional powers follow: No. 2 Lafayette Catholic, No. 3 Indianapolis Ritter and No. 4 Indianapolis Scecina.
In Class A, four unbeatens top the poll: No. 1 Linton, No. 2 North Vermillion, No. 3 Winamac and No. 4 Eastern (Hancock).
SECTIONAL GAMES TO WATCH
Here are some of Friday’s sectional matchups, with predictions by Brunt and Dragash:
6A — No. 5 Fishers at Noblesville
Noblesville opened the season with a 27-24 upset win over Fishers (story here), but the teams’ fortunes have changed since. Noblesville is a respectable 5-4, but Fishers hasn’t lost since that first meeting. It doesn’t look like a repeat is in store.
Brunt prediction: Fishers 35, Noblesville 21.
Dragash prediction: Fishers 28, Noblesville 23
6A — No. 6 Carmel at No. 10 Hamilton Southeastern
Hamilton Southeastern is a very good team riding a three-game win streak and playing at home. But Carmel is extremely battle tested, having nearly won one of the best conferences in the nation, the MIC. Carmel also is ticked after blowing that big lead against Ben Davis 28-24. Carmel WR Austin Roberts is a stud — only the Greyhounds’ coaching staff can stop him. I don’t think that happens on Friday.
Brunt prediction: Carmel 35, Hamilton Southeastern 17.
Dragash prediction: Carmel 31, Hamilton Southeastern 24
6A — Lawrence Central at No. 8 Warren Central
Lawrence Central’s new coach, Jed Richman, faces LC’s old coach, Jayson West. The teams just met two weeks ago, with Warren winning 28-7. Warren is coming off an extremely impressive 34-28 win over Cincinnati St. Xavier. That’s the kind of win that makes you think you can win a state title.
Brunt prediction: Warren Central 42, Lawrence Central 10.
Dragash prediction: Warren Central 28, Lawrence Central 14
6A — Perry Meridian at No. 4 Southport
The good news for Perry Meridian is that it averages 44.2 points a game. The bad news? The Falcons allow 42.1. That kind of defense won’t cut it against unbeaten Southport, which is dangerous both running and passing the ball. Southport won the first meeting 55-31 in Week 3. Perry Meridian quarterback Conner Smith has passed for ridiculous totals of 3,013 yards and 38 touchdowns. Southport’s Christian Perry has rushed for 1,906 yards and 20 scores, and quarterback Luke Johnston has passed for just over 2,000 yards. Scoreboard operator, get ready.
Brunt prediction: Southport 50, Perry Meridian 35.
Dragash prediction: Southport 45, Perry Meridian 28
6A — Franklin Central at Arsenal Tech
Arsenal Tech is one of the best-kept secrets in the state of Indiana. Brunt calls the Titans the fastest team he’s seen all year, and they are well-coached defensively. They struggle a bit because they are one dimensional on offense, but what a dimension it is. James Gilbert, just a sophomore, is one of the best backs in the state. Franklin Central has lost three of four. Arsenal Tech has lost two straight, but they were tough losses to Cathedral and Chatard.
Brunt prediction: Arsenal Tech 28, Franklin Central 14.
Dragash prediction: Arsenal Tech 35, Franklin Central 10
5A — Indianapolis Cathedral (5) at Decatur Central
Decatur Central lost its first three games, but followed by winning five of six. The Hawks have improved defensively this season after allowing 58, 83 and 50 in their first three games. Cathedral is 4-5 but has played one of the nation’s toughest schedules. Ohio State commit Terry McLaurin starts his quest for the Mr. Football award here.
Brunt prediction: Cathedral 45, Decatur Central 35.
Dragash prediction: Cathedral 49, Decatur Central 28
OTHER TOP GAMES
Here are some other games of interest in sectionals based on the state’s AP poll. Rankings in parentheses, ORV = others receiving votes.
5A — Terre Haute North (2) vs. Castle (ORV)
5A — Fort Wayne Wayne (ORV) at Fort Wayne Snider (4)
3A — Indian Creek (ORV) at Batesville (3)
3A — Delta (ORV) at West Lafayette (6)
2A — Indianapolis Lutheran (ORV) vs. Indianapolis Howe (ORV)
COACH OF THE WEEK
Mike Goebel of Evansville Mater Dei High School has been named the Colts/NFL Coach of the Week, a program presented by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield. Coach Goebel was nominated and selected for this award after his team defeated Evansville Reitz 16-14 to secure an undefeated regular season, the second of Goebel’s coaching career.
The Wildcats of Mater Dei hadn’t finished unbeaten since 2001. Goebel is 168-49 in his seventeenth season at Mater Dei.
The following coaches were recognized as honorable mentions for Week 9:
Region 1- Phil Mason – Andrean | Region 6- Chris Barrett –North (Terre Haute) |
Region 2- Cory Yeoman – Penn | Region 7- Bill Peebles – Southport |
Region 3 – Ryan Hall – North (Ft. Wayne) | Region 8- Kyle Ralph – New Palestine |
Region 4 – Tim Roth – Winamac | Region 9- Winner |
Region 5 – Nate Andrews – Western | Region 10- Eric Heppner – Batesville |