Throughout this week your trusty furry pal Blitz will delve deeper into each sectional in the area – from which teams look like legit contenders to players to watch.
Today we are checking out Sectional 34 in Class 2A.
FAVORITE
BREMEN (7-2)
The Lions enter the postseason on a two-game losing streak, but losses to 4A Jimtown and 3A Culver Academy are nothing to scoff at.
After a one-year hiccup that saw Bremen lose to Bluffton in the sectional opener and a 4-6 finish in 2017, the program is back to being a threat in the postseason.
The Lions are built upon a balanced offense, with senior Ryan Caldwell running the offense at quarterback. Caldwell has amassed over 1,400 yards of total offense, including 1,062 yards and 14 TDs through the air.
The running attack has a myriad of capable players, paced by Nathan Mullen (834 yards, 10 TDs).
Only one team has scored more than 17 points on Bremen this year.
CONTENDERS
WOODLAN (4-5)
The overall record leaves something to be desired, but Blitz isn’t counting out the Warriors when it comes to winning this sectional.
Woodlan has given up more points than it has scored this year, the first time that has happened since Coach Sherwood Haydock’s second season with the Warriors back in 2012. During the current three-game losing streak, the team has surrendered over 35 points a game.
The offense has enough firepower for the team to make a run, provided the defense shores up its deficiencies. But can that happen before the trip to Bremen on Friday?
BLUFFTON (5-4)
The Tigers are going to be playing for a sectional championship, book it.
On the lower portion of the bracket, Bluffton will take on a three-win Manchester team this week, then play the winner of Whitko and Prairie Heights.
Coach Brent Kunkel’s team has had trouble with the upper-echelon offenses on its schedule, such as Adams Central and Woodlan. But if the weather gets nasty and points are at a premium in the title game, Bluffton could have a shot.
THE REST
CENTRAL NOBLE (6-3)
The Cougars’ lone sectional title in program history came all the way back in 2002. Could they add a second crown this year?
Honestly, probably not, but Central Noble has displayed a solid defense through most of the season, even against good programs.
MANCHESTER (3-6)
Stud running back Delton Moore (1,576 yards rushing, 17 TDs) is going to impress some people this Friday, but a defense that allows over 35 points per game is going to prevent the Squires from doing much in this sectional.
WABASH (2-7)
The Apaches’ two victories came against Peru and Whitko, two teams a combined 1-17 on the season.
Sophomore linebacker Keegan O’Neill is a tackling machine and a joy to watch.
WHITKO (1-8)
Coach Josh Mohr’s team did not score a point until Week 4, being shut out by Churubusco, Columbia City and Maconaquah to open the season.
The Wildcats may win a game purely because of their draw.
PRAIRIE HEIGHTS (1-8)
The lone victory this year came against Tri-State HomeSchool, which may or may not be a real team, not entirely sure.
These opinions represent those of Blitz and Outside the Huddle. No opinions expressed on Outside the Huddle represent those of any of our advertisers. Follow Blitz on Twitter at Blitz_OTH
Be the first to comment